After last year's will-they-or-won't-they-fly kerfuffle, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels will once again fly over the city where they were founded.
The Blues are the headliners for the NAS Jax Air Show, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18. The Air Force Thunderbirds are also scheduled to appear.
The air show is free, but everyone over the age of 18 will have to show a valid government-issued ID to get through the gates.
When the Blue Angels released their performance schedule in July 2025, Jacksonville wasn't on it. The air show alternates between NAS Jacksonville and the Beaches, and the Blues booked a show in Lake Charles, La., for the date of the Sea and Sky Spectacular at the Beaches. The Louisiana show was canceled and the Blues agreed
to perform at the Jacksonville show, but ended up being pulled from the lineup due to a government shutdown. The show went on without them.
The Blue Angels were founded in Jacksonville in 1946 and are now based in the Pensacola area.
Where is this year's air show in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville traditionally alternates sites for the annual air show, between Naval Air Station Jacksonville and the Beaches. This year's show takes place at NAS Jax. The air station is at 6801 Roosevelt Blvd.
When is this year's NAS Jax Air Show?
The show is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, and Sunday, Oct. 18. Gates open at 9 a.m. each day, performances start at 11 a.m. and the Blue Angels are scheduled for 3 p.m.
Can I attend Friday's practice session?
Not without special permission. A practice session of the entire show begins at 10 a.m. Friday, but access is restricted to those with base access, their guests and school groups.
Will the Blue Angels perform?
Yes, the U.S. Navy's aerial team is scheduled to perform at 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Angels were scheduled to appear at last year's show at the Beaches but were pulled from the lineup due to a government shutdown. They are schedule to return to the Beaches for the fall 2027 show.
What other acts will perform?
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, C-17 East Coast Demonstration Team, Para-Commandos U.S. Special Operations Command Parachute Team, P-8 Demonstration Team, Redline Airshows, Go EZ Aerobatics, Adam Baker Airshows, Skip Stewart Airshows, Younkin Airshows andJeff Shetterly are scheduled to perform over the air show. Wayne Boggs will be air boss for the show and Matt Jolley will be the announcer.
Will the same show be presented both days?
Yes, Saturday and Sunday's shows are the same.
What ground-based activities will be at the air show?
There will be more than a dozen military aircraft on static display along the flightline at NAS Jax, plus food and beverage booths and a kids' zone, which is separately ticketed.
How much are tickets?
The air show is free. Paid seatingis available for $25 (first come, first served; cash only), a Biergarten ($83, cash only) and a Premium Chalet ($70, Sunday only).
Do I need an ID to enter?
Yes, because the air show is on an active U.S. military base, all adults will be required to show a government-issued Real ID such as a driver's license. Foreign nationals may present a passport.
Where do I park?
Not at the Target store next to the base; they'll tow anyone who isn't there to shop. Free parking is provided on the base, but be prepared for heavy traffic. The air show draws about 300,000 people over two days, in about 75,000 vehicles. The base is working with Jacksonville Sherriff's Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Orange Park Police Department and the Department of Transportation to assist with traffic congestion. It may take two hours or more to clear the lots at day's end. Special areas have been set aside for handicap parking.
Can I ride my bicycle to the air show?
Yes, you can, but there is no designated parking area for cyclists.
What can I bring with me?
A folding chair (you'll need to remove it from its carrying bag between the parking lot and the security entrance) and ear-protection are must-have items. You can also bring a camera, an opaque bag no larger than 4.5-by-6.5 inches or a clear plastic bag no larger than 12-by-6-by-12 inches, and a refillable water bottle.
What can I not bring with me?
Prohibited items include drones, pets, roller skates, bicycles, skateboards, golf carts, pop-up tents, sun umbrellas, grills, firearms (regardless of permit), knives, medical marijuana, outside food and drink and coolers.
Can I watch the air show from a boat in the St. Johns River?
Yes, but certain areas of the river are restricted during the show. Typically, about 100 boats are in the river every year for the air show. The show will be aired over the radio on 87.9 FM for those who want to listen in.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: NAS Jax Air Show brings Blue Angels, Thunderbirds to Jacksonville
