Huntington Beach is set to see planes and jets soaring over its skies this weekend.
The approaching Pacific Airshow, currently in its sixth year, is among the region’s jam-packed events, where world class military and civilian fliers come together to put up a show in the sky that spans three days.
Following are some things you should know if you plan on attending.
When Is It Happening?
The event goes on for three days, starting Friday, September 30. The action begins around 10:30 a.m. on each day, and finishes around 4:30 p.m. Gates are opened at 9 in the morning where ticketed areas are concerned, which means you’d need to arrive early to be able to secure a good vantage. Friday has smaller crowds because it’s practice day.
Who Will Be Flying?
The U.S.A.F Thunderbirds are celebrating their 75th anniversary, and will be headlining the event. All three days you’ll see a full performer lineup which includes the Navy’s Leap Frogs as well as the Army’s Golden Knights. There will also be civilian aircraft like the BlackFly fixed-wing all-electric, Red Bull Air Force, and modern and vintage jet and prop planes. The USAF is set to fly the T6-A within a four-ship formation, and the Navy will demo the Super Hornet demo. Also, the Lyon Air Museum will be showing off their B-25 Mitchell Bomber.
The Pacific Airshow app can help you with a full list of schedules and performers.
What Should You Bring?
One must-pack is sunscreen, as are water and hats. The Weekend is expected to be toasty, and being at the beach won’t change that. If you happen to be outside a ticketed area, bring a chair or at least a towel to sit on. To enjoy the show better, bring a binocular or camera.
What Not To Bring
The things you shouldn’t be carrying are booze and drugs, weapons, and other stuff that you can’t legally keep at home. They’re going to check any bags and containers before letting you enter the show or event center area. Drones are a strict no-no, as are tents and umbrellas.
How Does Parking Work?
There are going to be spectators in the hundreds of thousands, so show up early if you want a good spot. For reference, imagine a Fourth of July crowd. If you’re against the certain parking and traffic headaches, use Lyft, Uber, buses, shuttles, or bikes. Friday should be easier for you if you decide to drive there. The city also hikes parking prices when the event is on, so you’d need to bring extra money if you want a spot.
Will There Be Food?
It’s best to pack some food, but if you decide to grab something, there will be food vendors and trucks in the area. Also, you can try out one of the several restaurants at Pacific City or on Main Street.
Will It Be Very Noisy?
Some planes and jets on the lineup are known to pack a solid boom, so if there’s someone in your group that has a hearing sensitivity, they’d do well wearing earplugs.
The Best Way To Watch The Event
You’ll find plenty of free spots right on the sand from which to enjoy the show, or if you’re willing to dish out somewhere close to the water, that’ll cost $25. The latter comes with one benefit—you’ll get to hear commentary with highlights, as well as access to cash bars and added restrooms.
The Waterfront Beach Resort has the best vantage point right across from it. The aerial performances are slated to stretch over a mile towards the south or north of this location.
Pier seating is available for $60, or you can try something nicer like the “premiere club” seating for $299, which is inside a tented pavilion. The latter gets you all-day hosted beer. In case you need assistance for a disabled person, there’s additional ADA seating on the pier, for which you’d have to get there early.
Hulu will air the show live on October 1.
Will Spectators Be Able To Watch The Water?
Boats will be available aplenty if you want to watch from the ocean, but it’s important to know that between 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., they’ll enforce a “safety zone” in the water, with the Coast Guard as well as jet-ski-straddling lifeguards patrolling the area.
That means if you’re a swimmer, boogie boarder, or surfer, there’s only going to be waist-deep water to swim in without getting in trouble.
Will This Year Have A Music Festival?
Last year there was a concert following the airshow, but this year won’t have anything similar, owing to delays in obtaining the needed approvals.