Pensacola Beach, Fla. — (OBA) —  Pensacola Beach will host its 2026 air show this summer, with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels at the center of the four-day event. The schedule includes practice flights, aerobatic acts, and the official show day. Organizers will highlight both the Blue Angels’ 80th anniversary and America’s 250th anniversary of independence. The show, hosted by the Santa Rosa Island Authority, will take place near Casino Beach.

The event runs from July 15 to 18, 2026. Wednesday’s “Breakfast with the Blues” kicks off the schedule, followed by a Thursday practice flight at 2 p.m. Friday features a full-dress rehearsal beginning around 10:30 a.m., with the Blue Angels flying at 2 p.m. The official show on Saturday follows the same general timeline.

The air show will feature a mix of military and civilian performers, with several days of aerial demonstrations. The lineup includes helicopter aerobatics, wingwalking, skydiving, warbirds, formation teams, and military jets. Scheduled performers include Aaron Fitzgerald and Kevin Coleman of the Red Bull Air Force; Carol Pilon and Third Strike Wingwalking; Frank Kimmel; The Pink Jet; the Red Bull Air Force Jump Team; Redline Airshows; RJ Gritter; Skip Stewart; the Titan Aerobatic Team; and Veterans Flight. Military aircraft include the F-35A Lightning II, F-15C Eagle, and B-1B Lancer. The Blue Angels will headline the final day.

Attendance is free, and the event is one of Pensacola Beach’s largest annual draws. The three-mile stretch of beach can draw tens of thousands of visitors during the event, with Saturday bringing the heaviest crowds. Parking fills quickly on both sides of the Bob Sikes Bridge, and traffic along U.S. 98 and Gulf Breeze Parkway can back up for miles.

Visitors planning to attend are strongly advised to arrive early — ideally by mid-morning on show days — and to use off-site parking with a shuttle when available. Carpooling and ride-sharing drop-offs can help reduce congestion near the beach. Bringing chairs, sunscreen, water, and snacks can help avoid long vendor lines as the day progresses. For those staying on the island, walking or biking to the show is often the easiest option.

For those looking to avoid peak crowds, Friday’s full-dress rehearsal offers nearly the same aerial experience as Saturday, with a noticeably lighter turnout. The Blue Angels fly the same profile both days, giving attendees more space along the shoreline to enjoy the show.

For more information, visit Santa Rosa Island Authority | Blue Angels 2026.