2025 Pensacola Beach Air Show Returns With the Blue Angels and More

R. Ken Cooper • June 28, 2025

Blue Angels celebrate 79 years of precision flying

U.S. Navy Blue Angels - Photo by R. Ken Cooper

Pensacola Beach, Fla. — (OBA) — We are less than two weeks away from the skies over Pensacola Beach coming alive with roaring jets and dazzling aerobatics as the 2025 Pensacola Beach Air Show returns. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will once again headline the four-day event. Crowds will also enjoy military aircraft, historic planes, and world-class stunt pilots. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and follow safety guidelines.


The air show runs from Wednesday, July 9 through Saturday, July 12. The Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA) hosts the annual event. Each day offers exciting activities, with the main show taking place on Saturday.


Related:
Blue Angels 2025 Roster Ready for Spectacular Air Performances 


Air Show Week Schedule

  • Wednesday, July 9 – Breakfast with the Blues
    At approximately 7:30 a.m., the Blue Angels fly in and mark their flight paths.
  • Thursday, July 10 – Practice Flight
    At 2 p.m., the Blue Angels conduct an over-water practice session.
  • Friday, July 11 – Full Dress Rehearsal
    A full day of demonstrations begins at 10:30 a.m. The Blue Angels fly at 2 p.m.
  • Saturday, July 12 – Official Air Show
    Events begin around 10:30 a.m. and follow Friday’s rehearsal schedule.

Luke Carrico will make his debut as the voice of the air show. Paul Entrekin returns as Air Boss for the 32nd year. Visitors can expect thrilling performances before the Blue Angels take flight.


Pre-Show Performances Begin at 10:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday

  • The Black Ducks flying WWII-era aircraft
  • Sheldon Heatherington in a Zenith 75 STOL named Redbird
  • Gene Valentino in an Icon A-5
  • Tanner Matheny in a 1946 Navion named Olivia
  • Veteran's Flight team flying Stearman biplanes to honor veterans
  • HT-18 helicopters from NAS Whiting Field
  • VT-10 T-6 Texans from NAS Pensacola
  • U.S. Coast Guard MH-65E Dolphin Search & Rescue demo

At about 11:40 a.m., the official airspace closes, and lifeguards clear the water. The main show then begins.


Official Performers Schedule:

  • USAF B-1B Lancer performs twice, showcasing its power and speed
  • Red Bull Air Force presents the American Flag in a skydiving display
  • Helicopter pilot Aaron Fitzgerald and pilot Kevin Coleman in an Extra 330 SC
  • RJ Gritter performs in a red, white, and blue Decathlon
  • Redline Airshows features Ken and Austin Rieder in RV-8s
  • Titan Aerobatic Team flies synchronized loops in AT-6 Texans
    Fitzgerald and Coleman return for a joint high-speed routine
  • Red Bull Air Force wraps up their segment before a short break

Blue Angels Fly at 2 p.m. on Friday and Saturday

Closing out the show will be the Blue Angels, joined by their C-130J “Fat Albert” support aircraft. The team’s six F/A-18 Super Hornets fly together in tight formation across Pensacola’s Gulf waters.


The 45-minute routine includes:

  • Diamond Dirty Loop
  • Vertical Pitch
  • Fleur-de-Lis
  • Opposing Knife-Edge Pass
  • Sneak Pass
  • Double Farvel
  • And more precision flying

The Blue Angels have performed for more than 79 years and continue to inspire crowds of all ages.


Know Before You Go

  • Drones are not allowed during waiver hours
  • Glass containers are banned on the beach
  • Dogs are allowed only on designated dog beaches, and must be on a leash
    Visitors are urged to "Leave Only Your Footprints"

The Pensacola Beach Air Show is free to attend. It draws tens of thousands each year to celebrate American aviation and the U.S. military. Plan ahead, get there early, and enjoy one of the Gulf Coast’s most exciting summer traditions.


Related Articles:
Blue Angels Coverage By OBA News


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