The Santa Rosa Island Authority has released an updated performance schedule for the 2026 Pensacola Beach Air Show, with an expanded lineup of military aircraft, historic warbirds, aerobatic performers, and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.

The updated schedule applies to both Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18 over Pensacola Beach, with several differences between the two days.

This year’s air show carries extra significance as Pensacola celebrates both America’s 250th anniversary and the 80th anniversary of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.

Because of the expanded lineup, flight demonstrations will begin earlier than usual.

Earlier Start Time for 2026

Spectators and boaters should be aware that Gulf waters inside the marked aerobatic box will be cleared earlier this year.

Lifeguards and public safety personnel will begin clearing spectators and vessels from the Gulf at 10:35 AM on both Friday and Saturday.

The opening act is scheduled to begin at 10:46 AM.

A short water break is scheduled from 1:30 PM to 1:50 PM before the Gulf is cleared again ahead of the Blue Angels’ 2 PM performance.

Updated Friday and Saturday Air Show Schedule

Performance times are scheduled for both Friday and Saturday unless otherwise noted. All times are subject to change because of weather, safety conditions, aircraft availability, or other operational needs.

10:46 AM to 10:56 AM

Show opener with Red Bull Air Force flag jump, National Anthem, and teaser

The show opens with a Red Bull Air Force flag jump set to the National Anthem, followed by a high-energy teaser featuring Red Bull Air Force helicopter aerobatic pilot Aaron Fitzgerald, aerobatic champion Kevin Coleman in the Extra 300, and precision jumpers.

10:58 AM to 11:02 AM Friday

Shannon Elliott in the SNJ-5

On Friday, Shannon Elliott will perform in the historic SNJ-5, showcasing the classic military trainer.

10:58 AM to 11:08 AM Saturday

Shannon Elliott in the SNJ-5

On Saturday, Shannon Elliott’s SNJ-5 performance is scheduled for a longer 10-minute window.

11:04 AM to 11:08 AM Friday Only

U.S. Air Force T-6 Texan IIs

A four-plane formation of U.S. Air Force T-6 Texan IIs will fly over Pensacola Beach on Friday, highlighting precision formation flying in the modern military trainer.

11:10 AM to 11:20 AM

The Pink Jet

The Pink Jet, a pink Aero Vodochody L-39 Albatros flown by Stephanie Goetz and Olga Sannikova, will combine aerial performance with a message of breast cancer awareness and community outreach.

11:22 AM to 11:32 AM

Frank Kimmel in the F4U-5 Corsair

Frank Kimmel will fly his rare 1949 F4U-5 Corsair, one of fewer than 24 airworthy examples remaining worldwide. The Corsair remains one of World War II’s most iconic aircraft.

11:34 AM to 11:44 AM

187th Fighter Wing F-35s

F-35A Lightning IIs from the 187th Fighter Wing based at Dannelly Field in Montgomery, Alabama, will showcase the aircraft’s stealth, sensor fusion, and combat capability.

Known as the Red Tails, the wing carries forward the legacy of the World War II Tuskegee Airmen.

11:46 AM to 11:58 AM

Third Strike Wingwalking

Carol Pilon with Third Strike Wingwalking will perform atop a vintage Stearman biplane, bringing classic barnstorming-style aerobatics to Pensacola Beach.

Noon to 12:10 PM

RJ Gritter

RJ Gritter will fly his Bellanca Decathlon through loops, rolls, hammerheads, and smoke-trailing maneuvers.

12:12 PM to 12:24 PM

Redline Airshows

Father-and-son duo Ken and Austin Rieder with Redline Airshows will perform in matched RV-8 aircraft with opposing passes, tight formation flying, and synchronized aerobatics.

12:26 PM to 12:39 PM

Titan Aerobatic Team

The Titan Aerobatic Team will fly three World War II-era AT-6 Texan aircraft in tight formation maneuvers honoring the legacy of the military trainer.

12:41 PM to 12:51 PM

Skip Stewart

Skip Stewart returns to Pensacola Beach in his highly modified biplane, Prometheus, with snap rolls, vertical climbs, and his signature inverted low-level pass along the beach.

12:53 PM to 1:18 PM

Red Bull Air Force

The Red Bull Air Force returns for a featured performance combining helicopter aerobatics, Kevin Coleman’s Extra 300SHP, and precision skydiving from the Red Bull Air Force Jump Team led by Luke Aikins.

1:20 PM to 1:30 PM Friday Only

B-1B Lancers

On Friday only, the 28th Bomb Squadron will bring two B-1B Lancers back to Pensacola Beach.

Known for their powerful sound, sweeping wings, and unmistakable presence, the B-1B Lancers are expected to be one of the loudest moments of the Friday show.

1:20 PM to 1:24 PM Saturday Only

U.S. Air Force T-6 Texan IIs

On Saturday, a four-plane formation of U.S. Air Force T-6 Texan IIs will fly over Pensacola Beach, showcasing the precision and teamwork of the Air Force’s pilot training aircraft.

1:26 PM to 1:30 PM Saturday Only

Veterans Flight

The Veterans Flight, organized by Pensacola attorney and pilot Roy Kinsey, will serve as an aerial tribute honoring 101-year-old Korean War Medal of Honor recipient and legendary U.S. Navy fighter pilot Capt. Royce Williams, along with all World War II and Korean War veterans.

1:30 PM to 1:50 PM

Short Water Break

Starting at 1:30 PM, spectators will have a short 20-minute window to cool off in the Gulf.

At 1:50 PM, lifeguards and public safety personnel will begin clearing the water again before the Blue Angels performance.

Spectators are urged to cooperate immediately when asked to exit the Gulf so the show can continue safely and on schedule.

2 PM to 2:45 PM

U.S. Navy Blue Angels

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will close out the show Friday and Saturday in their F/A-18 Super Hornets.

The performance will include signature maneuvers such as the Diamond Dirty Loop, Double Farvel, Vertical Pitch, Fleur de Lis, Opposing Knife Edge Pass, and the crowd-favorite Sneak Pass.

The 2026 show marks the 80th anniversary of the Blue Angels, making this year’s Pensacola Beach Air Show one of the most significant in recent years.

No Drones or Kites Allowed

Drones and kites are strictly prohibited during the Pensacola Beach Air Show.

Once aircraft demonstrations begin, all drones and kites must be grounded and remain grounded until the Blue Angels have completed their performance.

Any drone detected within a five-mile radius of the restricted flight zone will result in an immediate halt of the air show. Anyone caught flying a drone in the restricted airspace during the show could face arrest.

Important Beach and Boater Reminders

Because the air show takes place over Pensacola Beach and the Gulf, spectators should plan ahead.

Gulf waters inside the marked aerobatic box will be cleared beginning at 10:35 AM.

The show begins at 10:46 AM.

A short water break is scheduled from 1:30 PM to 1:50 PM.

The Gulf will be cleared again before the Blue Angels fly at 2 PM.

Boaters must remain outside restricted areas and follow all directions from law enforcement, lifeguards, and public safety personnel.

Beachgoers should bring water, sunscreen, shade, and everything needed for a long day outside.

Pensacola Beach Air Show Weekend

The Pensacola Beach Air Show is one of the biggest summer events on the Gulf Coast, drawing thousands of locals and visitors to the beach each July.

With an expanded lineup, earlier start time, the Blue Angels’ 80th anniversary, and America’s 250th birthday, the 2026 show is expected to be one of the busiest and most memorable air show weekends in recent years.

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Updated Pensacola Beach Air Show Schedule Released for Friday and Saturday