The Sea and Sky Air Show is still on for this weekend in Jacksonville Beach, but the U.S. Navy Blue Angels won’t be performing unless there is a last-minute end to the U.S. government shutdown.
“The City of Jacksonville, Office of Sports and Entertainment, will host the Sea & Sky Airshow at Jacksonville Beach on October 25-26,” reads an official release from the city, which is sponsoring the show. “In the event that something changes with any of the planned military performers, we have an elite lineup of civilian acts scheduled to perform.”
The Blue Angels were scheduled to fly over Jacksonville Beach on Oct. 25-26, but the team canceled two scheduled appearances in California and one in Georgia this month due to the shutdown.
The Blues are also scheduled to appear Nov. 1-2 in Punta Gorda before wrapping up the season Nov. 7-8 at Pensacola NAS.
Here’s what you need to know about this year’s air show.
When is Jacksonville’s air show in 2025?
The Sea and Sky Air Show is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 25, and Sunday, Oct. 26, at Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach. The event opens at 11 a.m. each day, and air performances start at 1 p.m.
Will the Blue Angels perform at Jacksonville’s air show in 2025?
Barring a last-minute deal in D.C., probably not. Blue Angels crews are U.S. Navy personnel and, as such, are subject to the U.S. government shutdown. The U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper Demonstration Team out of Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina was also scheduled to perform a U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight of classic aircraft.
Who else will perform at Jacksonville’s air show in 2025?
What else is happening at the Jacksonville air show?
There will be military recruiters on hand, plus a Kids’ Zone, food trucks, live entertainment and an information tent.
Will there be a practice show on Friday?
Yes, some of the performers will run a practice show on Friday, but it is not publicized, and viewing sites will not be open.
How much are tickets for Jacksonville’s air show in 2025?
The show is free, but VIP seating is available for $65.
What can I bring to Jacksonville’s air show?
Lawn chairs and blankets and ear protection are a good idea. Also bring a credit or debit card; the event is cashless.
What can I do at Jacksonville’s air show?
Watch the aircraft, of course. Things you can NOT do at the air show include disruptive behavior, use foul or abusive language, smoke, unreasonably obstruct pathways or views, wear offensive clothing, be drunk or intoxicated or bring outside alcohol.
Where is the best place to watch the Jacksonville air show?
Anywhere along the beach will do just fine. The show will be centered around Seawalk Pavilion.
Where can I park for the Jacksonville air show?
There is no public parking for the air show at the Beaches. Officials recommend using one of the shuttle parking lots at UNF or FSCJ South Campus. Shuttles will run between the show and Hicks Hall at UNF and the FSCJ South Campus.
Will there be shuttles at the Jacksonville air show?
Shuttles will run between Ocean Beach Rescue Headquarters near the air show site and parking lots at UNF and the FSCJ South Campus. People using the shuttles will be able to purchase a $10 round-trip ticket at either of the parking lots. Kids under 5 ride for free. The Blue Line shuttle will run to UNF, the Red Line to FSCJ.
Should I expect traffic delays?
The Beaches are always busy on a weekend, and it will be worse for the air show. Look for road closures on Pablo Avenue, 4th Street North, 1st Street North and 1st Avenue North Friday through Sunday.
Can I watch the air show from a boat?
Yes, but there will be restricted areas. Boaters should tune their marine band radios to VHF-FM Channel22A for instruction.
Will the beach be open for swimming during the air show?
Yes, but swimmers must stay within 300 feet of shore, and parasails are prohibited.
What about the weather?
The show is weather-dependent and performers cannot fly in adverse conditions.
Will the Blue Angels return to Jacksonville in 2026?
Yes, the Blue Angels are scheduled to perform at the NAS Jacksonville Air Show on Oct. 17-18, 2026.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Will the Blue Angels fly over Jacksonville this weekend? Not likely, but the show goes on
Reporting by Tom Szaroleta, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
