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


Share this article w/ Friends...

Orange Beach Makos 2026 Softball Team
By John Mullen May 15, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Sometime during last year’s championship run, Orange Beach softball Coach Shane Alexander began to notice pitcher MK McMullan. She was an up-and-coming freshman who helped the Lady Makos to a fifth straight state championship. This year, McMullan is not up-and-coming. She’s here. She’s defi
Hurricane Preparedness Workshop Set For Tomorrow in Gulf Shores
By R. Ken Cooper May 15, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Alabama Extension Service is offering a hands-on workshop to help Gulf Coast residents prepare for hurricane season. The event is designed for homeowners and property managers seeking to better protect their property. Organizers say the workshop will focus on practical, easy-to-follow
Orange Beach Marine Police Boat
By R. Ken Cooper May 15, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — A boating safety course is being offered in Orange Beach to help residents and visitors stay safe on the water. The class is organized by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla in partnership with the City of Orange Beach. It aims to provide practical instruction for boaters of all experie
Officer E. Mullinax named Officer of the Month for April 2026
By R. Ken Cooper May 15, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — A Gulf Shores police officer has been recognized for her work during a busy spring season. Officer E. Mullinax was named Officer of the Month for April 2026 following what leaders described as an exceptional performance. Supervisors cited her strong work ethic and consistent professionalism
Alabama Voters Face a New Primary Schedule
By OBA Staff May 14, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — South Baldwin voters will head to the polls on Tuesday for Alabama’s 2026 primary election. The ballot will look familiar in some ways and very different in others. A late court decision on redistricting has changed the timeline for several congressional races. Local officials say voters s
Foley area teachers of the year and local principals were recognized at the Foley
City Council meeti
By Guy Busby May 14, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley highlights the hard work of local teachers and school supporters who are helping improve education across the city and Baldwin County. City leaders recently honored area public school educators named Teachers of the Year at their schools. The event also shone a light on the partnership amon
Foley School's Participation
By R. Ken Cooper May 14, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — A longtime sea turtle education effort along Alabama’s Gulf Coast is inspiring a new generation of environmental stewards. Hundreds of young students are learning how to protect wildlife and care for beaches. The program is reaching more schools each year, and support from volunteers and donors c
Long-Time Coral Reefer Band Member Set To Perform At Alabama Beach Event
By R. Ken Cooper May 14, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Meeting of the Minds just announced that Peter Mayer will join the 2026 event in Gulf Shores. The long-time Coral Reefer Band member and singer-songwriter brings his musical talents to this year's gathering. Organizers are encouraging attendees to register now so they can begin planning the
Gated Waterfront Luxury Home Development Announced For ICW
By R. Peevy May 13, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Long Bayou Preserve will be situated in Orange Beach at the convergence of the Intracoastal Waterway and Long Bayou (Portage Creek), spanning 36 acres of waterfront land. The property is directly East of the new Margaritaville development.
Community Support Sought As Stray Population Reaches Critical Levels
By R. Ken Cooper May 13, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Safe Harbor Animal Coalition warns that the growing number of stray animals has reached a crisis point in the community. Leaders say the problem is no longer confined to rescue groups or shelters. Instead, it is affecting neighborhoods, families, and local resources. They urge residents to
Show More