Huntington Beach Airshow 2026: Dates, Times, Parking & Everything You Need to Know

Written By Nik Hennessee

There are a few weekends each year that feel distinctly Huntington Beach, and Pacific Airshow weekend is one of them.

For three days, the coastline becomes the backdrop for one of the biggest annual events in Surf City USA, with military aircraft, civilian aerobatics, parachute teams, flyovers and other aviation demonstrations taking place over the Pacific Ocean.

The 2026 Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach takes place Friday, October 2 through Sunday, October 4, 2026, and this year's event marks the airshow's 10th year in Huntington Beach. The official event describes Pacific Airshow as a three-day festival featuring aerial demonstrations, high-speed flyovers, performer signing sessions, family activities, STEM programming, food and beverages, and more.

Whether you live in Huntington Beach and want to know what to expect around town, or you're visiting for the weekend, here is a detailed guide to the 2026 Huntington Beach Airshow.

When Is the Huntington Beach Airshow?

Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach 2026

Dates: Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 4, 2026
Location: Huntington Beach, California
Official event address: 21101 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Entry gates: 9:00 AM daily
Airshow: Approximately 10:00 AM through the afternoon
Expected finish: Approximately 4:30 PM

Pacific Airshow's current Event Day Information lists the gates opening at 9:00 AM, the airshow beginning at approximately 10:00 AM, and concluding at approximately 4:30 PM. The event map gives a slightly broader planning window, listing the show as approximately 10:00 AM to between 3:00 and 4:00 PM.

Because the organizers note that airshow times can change, the exact start and finish should be treated as estimates. Pacific Airshow releases its official daily performer schedule on the morning of each event day.

A simple schedule to plan around

TimeWhat to expect 9:00 AM Entry gates open Around 10:00 AM Airshow begins Late morning–afternoon Aerial performances, flyovers and demonstrations Afternoon Final performances and event programming Around 4:30 PM Airshow concludes

The exact performer order and timing is not published in advance.

Where Is the Huntington Beach Airshow?

Pacific Airshow takes place along the Huntington Beach coastline, with the aerial performances taking place over the Pacific Ocean.

The official Pacific Airshow address is:

21101 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92648

The public entry gates are located on the sand south of the Huntington Beach Pier, between 1st Street and Huntington Street, off Pacific Coast Highway. Visitors with Pier tickets use a separate entrance on the Huntington Beach Pier.

The event map and venue layout can change, so anyone attending should check the official Pacific Airshow map before heading down.

Is the Huntington Beach Airshow Free?

This is an important distinction for anyone planning to attend.

The official Pacific Airshow viewing experience is ticketed. General Admission provides access to the official ticketed precinct on the beach, while additional ticket options include Show Center Zone, Pier Seating, Premium GA and hospitality experiences.

General Admission includes access to the designated GA area along with:

  • Live airshow commentary

  • Aviation Alley

  • NXTGN STEM Lab

  • Pacific Airshow Kids Zone

  • On-ground entertainment

  • Performer signing sessions

  • Food and beverage offerings for purchase

  • Official merchandise

The organizers describe the ticketed precinct as the best place to experience the airshow.

Aircraft may be visible from other areas around Huntington Beach, but seeing aircraft in the sky from elsewhere should not be confused with having access to the official Pacific Airshow event precinct.

If you want the full organized airshow experience, you should purchase an official ticket.

2026 Huntington Beach Airshow Performers

The 2026 lineup includes a mix of military demonstration teams, historic aircraft, civilian aerobatic pilots, parachute teams and specialty aviation acts.

The current official performer list includes:

Military & Demonstration Teams

United States Air Force Thunderbirds

  • United States Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team

  • United States Navy F-35C Demo

  • United States Navy F/A-18 West Coast Rhino Demo Team

  • Canadian Forces Snowbirds

  • Royal Air Force Falcons Parachute Team

  • United States Air Force Wings of Blue

  • United States Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey

  • NASA F-15

  • NASA F/A-18

  • NASA Freedom 250

  • Edwards Air Force Base KC-135

  • Edwards Air Force Base KC-46

Civilian & Specialty Performers

  • MiG-29 – Jared Isaacman

  • United States Air Force Heritage Flight P-38

  • Greg Colyer – Ace Maker T-33

  • Jeff Boerboon – Extra 330SC

  • Emma McDonald – Edge 540

  • Mike Goulian – Extra 330SC

  • Bob Carlton – FoxJet Sailplane

  • Torrey Ward – SubSonex Microjet

  • Jason Somes – MiG-17

  • Luke Czepiela – STOL Carbon Cub

  • B-25 – Lyon Air Museum

  • Aaron Fitzgerald – Red Bull BO-105

  • Red Bull Skydivers

  • TBM Avenger – Greg Colyer

  • Issa Kalfon – Red Bull Air Force Jet Suit

  • Dawn Patrol Airshows

  • NASA Flyover

The official performer page also identifies several performers or acts as withdrawn, so those are not included in the active lineup above.

Will all of the performers appear every day?

Not necessarily.

Pacific Airshow says the plan is for all three days to contain the full lineup, but performer and military participation is subject to availability and the nature of the performers' work. Individual performers may not participate on all three days.

The event also reserves the right to add, withdraw, reschedule or substitute performers.

For that reason, if there is one specific aircraft or performer you want to see, check the official schedule on the morning you attend.

When Does Each Performer Fly?

This is one of the most common questions about Pacific Airshow, but there is an important catch.

The complete daily performer schedule is not released ahead of time.

Pacific Airshow intentionally keeps the detailed schedule for event day and emails the daily performer schedule to its newsletter subscribers each morning of the show.

So while you can plan around the overall event hours, you should not expect to find a reliable public list several days ahead showing exactly when the Thunderbirds, F-22, F-35C, Snowbirds or other performers will fly.

If seeing a specific performer is important to you, check the official Pacific Airshow schedule the morning of your visit.

Huntington Beach Airshow Parking

Parking is one of the biggest things Huntington Beach residents and visitors should plan for before Pacific Airshow weekend.

According to the official Pacific Airshow event map, parking in Huntington Beach will be very busy throughout the weekend.

There are self-parking options around Huntington Beach, but they are first-come, first-served, and Pacific Airshow does not have on-site parking available.

The organizers recommend that people who live nearby consider:

  • Walking

  • Biking

  • Rideshare services

If you're close enough to Downtown Huntington Beach to walk or bike, that can eliminate one of the biggest logistical challenges of the weekend.

For visitors driving into Huntington Beach, give yourself extra time. Finding a parking space, walking to the event, and getting through security can all take longer than they would on a normal beach day.

The official event map also directs visitors to City of Huntington Beach parking information for current city parking details and rates.

What Can You Bring to the Huntington Beach Airshow?

Because Pacific Airshow takes place on the beach, it is tempting to approach the day like a normal beach outing.

There are, however, specific entry rules.

The official event-day information says attendees may bring items including:

  • Small backpacks

  • Small coolers

  • Beach bags

  • Beach towels

  • Beach chairs

  • Picnic blankets

  • Small personal water bottles

  • Reusable water bottles

All bags and permitted items are subject to security screening.

What should you leave at home?

Pacific Airshow specifically lists the following as prohibited:

  • Oversized coolers

  • Tents and EZ-Ups

  • Large umbrellas over 6 feet

  • Outside alcohol

  • Commercial food and drinks

  • BBQs

  • Portable cooking equipment

  • Glass containers or bottles

  • Knives

  • Drones

  • Weapons

  • Items that may be considered unsafe

The event map also confirms that drones are not permitted in or around the Pacific Airshow venue.

If you're bringing a wagon, beach cart, large cooler or larger bag, expect additional security screening and allow extra time to get through the gates.

Don't Forget Sunscreen and Hearing Protection

Pacific Airshow takes place directly on the beach, and the event organizers note that the venue is highly exposed to the elements, with sunshine, heat and limited shade.

That means sunscreen, sunglasses, water and appropriate clothing are worth planning for before you arrive.

And then there is the noise.

Airshows are loud.

Pacific Airshow specifically recommends hearing protection for children and anyone who is sensitive to loud noises, and advises attendees to bring hearing protection from home.

If you're bringing young children, this is one of those small things that can make a big difference.

What Is There to Do Besides Watch the Planes?

Pacific Airshow is more than an aerial demonstration.

The official General Admission experience includes several activities on the beach, including Aviation Alley, the NXTGN STEM Lab, the Pacific Airshow Kids Zone, on-ground entertainment, performer signing sessions, food and beverage options, and official merchandise.

The Kids Zone includes activities designed for younger visitors, while the STEM programming gives kids an opportunity to learn more about aviation and technology.

There is also a Drone Zone featuring FPV flight technology and drone racing, along with exhibitors, merchandise locations and live entertainment.

For families, that means the day doesn't have to revolve entirely around sitting on the sand and watching the sky.

What Are the Different Ticket Options?

Pacific Airshow offers several ways to experience the event.

General Admission

General Admission provides access to the official ticketed precinct on the beach.

GA includes:

  • Airshow viewing

  • Live commentary

  • Aviation Alley

  • NXTGN STEM Lab

  • Kids Zone

  • On-ground entertainment

  • Performer signing sessions

  • Food and beverage options

  • Merchandise

Guests can also bring their own chair, towel or small umbrella into the GA area, subject to the event rules.

Show Center Zone

The Show Center Zone is positioned around the parachute landing area, also referred to as the Drop Zone.

It provides a more central viewing position and includes live commentary and access to the General Admission areas. Guests in this section can bring a chair, towel or small umbrella.

Pier Seating

Pier Seating provides a designated seating area on the Huntington Beach Pier.

It includes unreserved seating, dedicated food and beverage offerings, live airshow commentary and access to the General Admission area.

Premium GA & Hospitality

Pacific Airshow also offers premium experiences, including Premium GA and hospitality areas such as the Garden Bar, Beach Club, Oasis, Cabana and Chalet options.

Availability and pricing vary by ticket type.

What Time Should You Arrive?

If you are attending Pacific Airshow, don't plan on arriving five minutes before the first aircraft takes off.

Gates open at 9:00 AM, and the airshow begins at approximately 10:00 AM. Security screening takes place at the entrances, and larger bags, coolers and beach carts require additional screening.

Arriving earlier gives you time to:

  • Park or get dropped off

  • Walk to the venue

  • Go through security

  • Find your viewing area

  • Set up your chair or towel

  • Get food or drinks

  • Explore the event before the main flying begins

This is particularly important on Saturday and Sunday, when Huntington Beach is expected to be very busy.

A Few Huntington Beach Airshow Tips

1. Plan transportation before you leave.

Parking will be busy, and the official event recommends walking, biking or rideshare when possible.

2. Arrive early.

Gates open at 9:00 AM, and the airshow begins around 10:00 AM.

3. Check the schedule that morning.

The detailed daily performer schedule is released on the morning of each show day.

4. Bring sunscreen and water.

You'll be spending a significant portion of the day outside on the beach.

5. Bring hearing protection.

Especially if you're bringing young children.

6. Pack light.

Small bags move through security more quickly. Larger bags, coolers and beach carts receive additional screening.

7. Don't bring a drone.

Drones are specifically prohibited in and around the Pacific Airshow venue.

8. Have a plan for getting home.

The event may finish in the afternoon, but that doesn't mean the surrounding streets will immediately return to normal. If you have dinner reservations, appointments or other plans, allow additional time for traffic.

Huntington Beach Airshow 2026: Quick Facts

DetailInformationEventPacific Airshow Huntington BeachDatesOctober 2–4, 2026DaysFriday, Saturday & SundayGates Open9:00 AM dailyAirshow StartsApproximately 10:00 AMAirshow EndsApproximately 4:30 PMLocationHuntington Beach, CaliforniaOfficial Address21101 Pacific Coast HighwayPublic EntryBeach south of Huntington Beach Pier, between 1st Street & Huntington StreetParkingSelf-parking around Huntington Beach, first-come, first-servedOn-Site ParkingNot availableRecommended TransportationWalking, biking or rideshare when possibleMain Ticket OptionsGeneral Admission, Show Center Zone, Pier Seating, Premium GA & HospitalityMajor PerformersThunderbirds, F-22 Raptor Demo Team, Snowbirds, F-35C Demo and moreDaily Performer ScheduleReleased the morning of each event day2026 Milestone10th year in Huntington Beach

Times are estimates and may change on the day of the event. Performer participation is also subject to change.

Pacific Airshow and Huntington Beach

For people who live in Huntington Beach, Pacific Airshow is one of those events that changes the feel of the city for an entire weekend.

The beach gets busier, Downtown sees more visitors, and the sound of aircraft becomes part of the normal background of the city.

For visitors, it is also a chance to experience Huntington Beach in a way that goes beyond a typical beach day. The event combines the coastline, the Huntington Beach Pier, aviation, family activities, food and entertainment into one large weekend experience.

And for locals, there is something uniquely Huntington Beach about looking up from the beach, Main Street or somewhere around Downtown and seeing a formation of aircraft flying over the Pacific.

If you are planning to attend Pacific Airshow this year, the biggest things to remember are simple: buy your tickets from the official event website, plan your transportation ahead of time, arrive early, bring sunscreen and water, and check the official performer schedule the morning of the show.

Pacific Airshow 2026

October 2–4, 2026
Huntington Beach, California

For the latest information on tickets, performers, event maps, entry requirements and the daily schedule, visit the official Pacific Airshow website before heading to the beach.

Event information can change, including performer participation, schedules, venue layouts, ticket availability and pricing. This guide was updated October 1, 2026, using current information published by Pacific Airshow. Readers should check the official Pacific Airshow website for final event-day information.

Nik Hennessee
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