The Pacific Air Show comes to Orange County every year – where airborne performers skim the shore, soaring over the Huntington Beach Pier. Thousands of spectators pack the sand and street during the exciting three-day airshow.
The Pacific Airshow’s inaugural event was in 2016, and in 2018 the airshow drew more than 2 million visitors. While certain sections surrounding the pier are closed to water traffic, one of the best and most unforgettable ways to experience this event is from your boat.
During the week prior to the event, locals will see the performers running through practice routines with Friday being the official rehearsal day. The main event runs Saturday and Sunday. Performances will be nearly identical all three days.
Pacific AirShow Details
September 30, 2022 – October 2, 2022
10:30AM to 4:30PM daily
Beach and Street Festival open all day
Huntington Beach, CA
Free to the public or purchase tickets for upgraded seating
The show center is located on the sand in front of the Waterfront Hilton with the one-mile aerial performance box extending north and south of this location. Stay within this one mile radius for the best viewing.
Premium Seating Ticket Options
- General Admission – $25 – Located in front of show center along the shoreline, this is the prime viewing destination. Includes access to restrooms and food trucks and beverage stands. Seating is on the sand (spots are not reserved) – beach chairs or blankets are recommended. Coolers and EX Ups are not allowed in the Drop Zone.
- Pier Seating – $40 – Access to unreserved first come, first served seating on the Huntington Beach Pier. Ear and sun protection recommended. Gates open at 11:00 am.
- Premier Club Seating/Reserved Tables – Includes premium views of the airshow located at show center, and hosted food and beverage options. Located in a shady, tented pavilion with tables, chairs, and private restrooms. Seating is unreserved, unless you purchase a reserved table for 10. Club opens at 9 am with food and drink service at 11 am.
- $149 per person and $1,490 per table on Friday
- $199 per person and $1,990 per table on Saturday & Sunday
2021 Pacific AirShow Performances
- U.S. Navy Growler Legacy Flight Demonstration Team
- U.S. Navy Blue Angels
- U.S. Army Golden Knights
- U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
- Canadian Forces Snowbirds
- U.S. Air Force ACC F-35 Demo team
- U.S. Marine Corps V-22 Osprey Demo Team
- US Navy Leap Frogs
- JetPack Men
- Red Bull Air Force
- Mike Wiskus and the Super Stinker S-1-11B stunt plane
- Orbis – Flying Eye Hospital
- Jeff Boerboon and the Yak110
- FedEx 757
- More performers announced soon!
Pacific AirShow Parking
All parking is first come, first served. City and State Beach parking lots are available along Pacific Coast Highway for a fee. Hourly parking is available near the pier at Pier Plaza and the Main Promenade Parking Structure. Street parking is available in surrounding areas. Consider walking, riding bikes, using public transit, or using Uber and Lyft. A bike valet will be available at PCH and Main Street for those who wish to check their bicycles while the enjoy the event.
Afterburner Music Festival
After the Air Show on October 1 & 2 from 4 -10PM, Afterburner Music Festival will bring live music back to the sands of Huntington City Beach. Here’s the lineup:
Friday:
- Sammy Hagar & The Circle
- Umphrey’s McGee
- 90’s Rockshow
Saturday:
- Sam Hunt
- Cassadee Pope
- X Ambassadors
*These are early bird prices and will increase as show gets closer.
Friday, October 1: $59 for general admission and $159 for VIP
Saturday, October 2: $79 for general admission and $179 for VIP
Additional Details
The Pacific Air Show and the accompanying festival occupies a full one-mile stretch of beach and surrounding sidewalk area in Huntington Beach. Festival areas will include booths and displays from vendors and exhibitors, plus there will be designated areas for food trucks, beverage service, activities, entertainment, and more.
The airshow will be broadcast on KFI AM 640 via iHeart Media. Download the app to hear pilot interviews, airshow details, festival information and more.
On event days during the hours of 12 pm to 4 pm, swimmers, surfers, and boogie boarders should only enter the water to the waist.
What to bring: sun protection, an easy to carry chair and/or bag with blankets or towels for sitting in the sand, water bottles, light snacks, earplugs or earmuffs, camera/binoculars.
Prohibited items include tents and large umbrellas, weapons of any kind, noisemakers, balloons, kites, drones, laser pointers, drugs or drug paraphernalia, alcohol, loose batteries, fireworks, and anything considered a threat to public safety.
Food and drinks will be available at various locations throughout the festival grounds including at Show Center. There are also many dining options downtown, at Pacific City, and at the hotels along PCH.
RV Camping Packages are available at Sunset Vista RV Park. Additional RV camping is available nearby at Bolsa Chica State Beach. **2021 RV packages are sold out**
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Heidi Deal is the author of the Newcomers Handbook to Living In Los Angeles & Orange County, and a children’s book author specializing in history and human rights.
