The 10 Best Florida Air Shows Happening This Year

Sep 24, 2024

The 10 Best Florida Air Shows Happening This Year
By Westgate Resorts

The 10 Best Florida Air Shows Happening This Year

From the roaring engines of military jets to majestic vintage airplanes, Florida is home to some of the most exciting air shows in the world! While there are plenty of things to do in Orlando, air shows are one of the hidden gems everyone should see at least once.

Each event can showcase anything about various aircraft ranging from the history of each plane to amazing aerial performances above some of the best beaches in Orlando!

The Best Air Shows in Florida

  1. SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo

  2. NAS Jacksonville Air Show

  3. Cocoa Beach Air Show

  4. Wings Over Homestead Air Show

  5. Melbourne Air & Space Show

  6. Tampa Bay AirFest

  7. Vero Beach Air Show

  8. Wings Over Miami Air Show

  9. Pensacola Beach Air Show

  10. Tico Warbird Air Show

Florida Air Shows Happening This Year

Florida is a haven for aviation enthusiasts, offering a variety of air shows that showcase everything from vintage warbirds to the latest jets used in the military.

Whether you’re a seasoned air show veteran or someone looking for a fun day out, here are the 10 best Florida air shows happening this year!

1 | SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo | Located in Lakeland, the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo is one of the most famous aviation events in the United States. The expo lasts for an entire week and features a variety of fun activities and shows.

These events include daily airshows, its own airstrip, aerobatic performances, warbird flyovers, and displays of modern and vintage aircraft for you to enjoy!

Additionally, this expo also serves as a fundraiser for the Aerospace Center for Excellence, which helps support youth aviation educational programs.

Pro Tip: Looking to attend the entire event? Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo is located near the expo, making it a comfortable place to stay with an easy commute.

WHERE: Lakeland, FL 33811 | WHO: (863) 644-2431

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2 | NAS Jacksonville Air Show | If you’re looking for fun things to do in Orlando for grown-ups, the NAS Jacksonville Air Show is a one-of-a-kind spectacle. It’s hosted by none other than the Jacksonville Naval Air Station and serves as a special tribute to the U.S. Navy.

This particular air show features not only civilian planes but also those used by the military, including the iconic Blue Angels! You can enjoy a variety of food, explore breathtaking displays, and watch aerial performances that dazzle the crowd.

WHERE: 6801 Roosevelt Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32210 | WHO: (904) 542-2338

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3 | Cocoa Beach Air Show | If you’re looking for some adrenaline-pumping entertainment on the beach, then head on over to the Cocoa Beach Air Show! This extraordinary air show is held annually and features jaw-dropping performances from both military and civilian aircraft.

In addition to one-of-a-kind performances by some of the best pilots in the U.S., you’ll also be able to enjoy various amenities, such as food vendors and merchandise stalls. The show also has static displays of the planes used, so you can learn their history.

Want to feel like you’re personally flying one of these legendary planes? The Cocoa Beach Air Show even has interactive simulators for people of all ages.

WHERE: 1500 N Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 | WHO: (888) 612-4195

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4 | Wings Over Homestead Air Show | At the Homestead Air Reserve Base, guests can enjoy a free air show that features some of the most amazing military and civilian aerial performances around. The air show is best known for its top-notch demonstrations by the Air Force F-16 Viper Demo team.

Families can bring their children to enjoy the sights, while also gazing at historic aircraft displays and participating in interactive exhibits.

WHERE: 12720 Tuskegee Ave, Bldg 160, Homestead, FL | WHO: (334) 245-0727

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5 | Melbourne Air & Space Show | Looking for a mix of modern and vintage airplanes? The Orlando Melbourne International Airport invites you and your family to the Melbourne Air & Space Show!

This show features both the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds as they perform aerobatic tricks and adrenaline-pumping parachute jumps.

Once the performance ends, you can unwind as you take in the sights of the static aircraft displays, enjoy space-themed exhibits, and meet some of the pilots who participated in the show.

WHERE: 1401 General Aviation Drive Melbourne, FL 32901 | WHO: (321) 613-3990

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6 | Tampa Bay AirFest | Tampa Bay AirFest is an air show that happens every other year, but it’s one you don’t want to miss!

This particular aviation event features some of the best from military aviation. Guests can enjoy demonstrations of air refueling missions, aerial dogfights, and exhilarating performances from the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels!

In addition, the Tampa Bay AirFest also gives visitors a chance to get up close and personal with both military and civilian aircraft.

WHERE: 6901 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33621 | WHO: (813) 828-2351

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7 | Vero Beach Air Show | Hosted by the Vero Beach Regional Airport, the Vero Beach Air Show provides guests with an incredible lineup of aerial-based events, including aerobatics, formation flying, and even military demonstrations.

This particular air show is a celebration of both aviation history and modern-day flight. As you watch these historic planes in action, you can also enjoy food and refreshments at one of the many vendors.

WHERE: #302, Vero Beach, FL 32960 | WHO: (772) 410-4831

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8 | Wings Over Miami Air Show | Are you interested in vintage aircraft? Then, the Wings Over Miami Air Show is the perfect place to go!

This smaller, yet spectacular event focuses on preserving the history of vintage-style planes. Most of the historic planes will be on display with a few actually taking to the sky.

WHERE: 14710 SW 128th Street, Miami, FL 33186 | WHO: (305) 233-5197

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9 | Pensacola Beach Air Show | The Pensacola Beach Air Show is the highlight of summer as both locals and visitors can enjoy an amazing performance by the iconic Blue Angels.

Blue skies and crystal clear water make for the perfect backdrop for aerobatic performances and aircraft tours.

Guests can also enjoy a wealth of food vendors and get personal autographs from some of the talented pilots!

WHERE: 7 Casino Beach Boardwalk, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 | WHO: (850) 932-1500

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10 | Tico Warbird Air Show | Hosted by the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum, the Tico Warbird Air Show is a glorious tribute to the history of military aviation.

This one-of-a-kind event features a wide array of vintage military warbirds with most taking to the skies for a live demonstration.

For aviation history enthusiasts, you’ll particularly enjoy the reenactments of historical air battles and explore what the museum has to offer!

WHERE: Titusville, FL 32780 | WHO: (321) 268-1941

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Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Air Shows

Many Florida airshows are great for families, but Cocoa Beach Air Show, Pensacola Beach Air Show, and SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo are top choices for their beachside locations and variety of kid-friendly activities. These shows often have dedicated zones for kids and families, offering interactive exhibits and opportunities to meet pilots.

The best air shows are spread across the state. Some notable locations include Lakeland (SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo), Jacksonville (NAS Jacksonville Air Show), Cocoa Beach (Cocoa Beach Air Show), and Miami (Wings Over Miami Air Show). Each show has a unique atmosphere, from beachside experiences to large-scale military displays.

Yes, most Florida airshows are affordable, with many offering free admission or reasonably priced tickets. For example, the NAS Jacksonville Air Show and Pensacola Beach Air Show are free to attend, making them great budget-friendly options for families. Other shows may charge for premium seating but still offer affordable general admission.

Florida's airshows are unique because many take place in scenic locations, like beaches and waterfronts, such as the Cocoa Beach Air Show and Pensacola Beach Air Show. Additionally, events like SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo are known for their large variety of aircraft, from military jets to vintage warbirds, and feature immersive experiences like airshow camping and fly-ins.

Florida airshows feature a wide range of aircraft, from cutting-edge military jets to vintage planes. You can expect to see everything from F-22 Raptors and Thunderbirds to historical aircraft like WWII bombers at shows like the Tico Warbird Air Show and Wings Over Homestead Air Show. Some events even include performances from parachute teams and aerobatic stunt pilots.

For fans of military jets, shows like the NAS Jacksonville Air Show and Melbourne Air & Space Show are must-sees. These events feature performances by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, F-35 Lightning II, and other state-of-the-art military aircraft. The Tampa Bay AirFest also frequently hosts impressive military displays.

The SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland is one of the largest airshows in Florida and offers something for everyone, from aerobatic performances to vintage warbirds. Visitors can explore aircraft exhibits, enjoy daily airshows, and even camp on-site for a full weekend of aviation fun. It?s also a great event for aviation buffs interested in experimental aircraft and airshows.

Yes! The Cocoa Beach Air Show and Pensacola Beach Air Show both take place right on the beach, making them perfect for combining a day at the shore with thrilling aviation performances. These shows feature a mix of civilian aerobatics and military jets, all with the ocean as a scenic backdrop.

Policies vary by event, but many airshows allow guests to bring their own food and drinks, particularly those taking place on public beaches like the Pensacola Beach Air Show. However, it?s always a good idea to check the event's official website for specific rules and recommendations.

The Tico Warbird Air Show in Titusville is famous for its impressive collection of vintage warbirds. Attendees can see classic aircraft from World War II and beyond, with many of them participating in thrilling aerial reenactments and flyovers. The Wings Over Miami Air Show also offers a great showcase of historical planes.

Experience the Thrill of Florida’s Top Air Shows

Florida’s top air shows offer guests an unforgettable time filled with rich history, high-flying excitement, and family-friendly entertainment.

From the one-of-a-kind performances of the Blue Angels on Pensacola Beach to the interactive displays at the Melbourne Air & Space Show, these top 10 Florida air shows capture the spirit of aviation and the essence of the Sunshine State!

From magical theme parks to majestic national parks, find more unique, family-friendly things to do around Florida on our Westgate Resorts Travel Blog.


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* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.

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