Red, White and Blues Week on the Gulf Coast
Tips to help you enjoy the Blue Angels Pensacola Beach Air Show
Pensacola Beach, Fla. – (OBA) – The Pensacola Beach Air Show, a summer tradition for many, is ready to dazzle locals and visitors with its aerial performances, featuring the world-famous Blue Angels. This event highlights the skill and precision of the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration squadron over the stunning backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico. Spectators can enjoy multiple practice sessions and civilian aerobatic displays throughout the week, culminating in the main event on Saturday. Attendees are encouraged to plan ahead and stay weather-aware to fully enjoy this exhilarating experience.
The annual Pensacola Beach Air Show takes place from Wednesday, July 10th to Saturday, July 13th. This event showcases the U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron, as well as several civilian performers.
The Blue Angels will conduct several practice sessions leading up to the main event on Saturday, July 13th. Below are some highlights of this year’s show along with detailed events that are scheduled to take place during Red, White and Blues Week. As always, these events are subject to the weather.
Highlights
- Blue Angels Performances: Featuring our hometown heroes, the Blue Angels.
- Multiple Practice Sessions: Opportunities to see the Blue Angels in action before the main show.
- Civilian Aerobatic Performances: Additional aerial displays by civilian performers.
Calendar of Events
- Wednesday, July 10th
- Breakfast with the Blues: Red, White and Blues Week starts with Breakfast with the Blues on Wednesday morning at Casino Beach. Around 8 a.m., the Blue Angels arrive over Pensacola Beach and perform maneuvers. This is called Circle and Arrival, where the pilots get familiar with the airspace and landmarks. During the morning flight, they will also perform some exciting high-speed tricks for the crowd.
- Thursday, July 11th
- Full Practice Show: 2:00 pm. The Blue Angels perform a practice session over Pensacola Beach. The show will last about one hour, weather permitting.
- Friday, July 12th
- Civilian Aerobatic Performances: Starting at noon.
- Pensacola Beach Air Show Dress Rehearsal: Blue Angels perform at 2:00 p.m.
- Saturday, July 13th
- Official Pensacola Beach Air Show: Follows the same schedule as Friday’s dress rehearsal.
- Civilian acts begin at noon.
- Blue Angels perform at 2:00 pm.
Parking Tips:
Plan on arriving as early as possible, before 6am is best. Casino Beach parking lot is the best place to park. If the parking lot is full when you arrive, park legally anywhere you can find and take a trolley to the pier area. Free trolleys will be running before and after the shows on Friday and Saturday.
Going to the Pensacola Beach Air Show by Boat
Watching the Blue Angels Air Show from a boat is a unique and thrilling experience for visitors. There are a lot of boaters from Orange Beach that go to the shows. Boaters can anchor in the waters near Pensacola Beach to get an unobstructed view of the aerial performances. Many local charter companies offer special cruises during the air show, providing a relaxed and scenic way to enjoy the event without the hassle of beach crowds. On the water, spectators can lounge on the deck, take a dip to cool off, and have a perfect vantage point as the Blue Angels soar overhead, performing their precision maneuvers against the stunning backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico. As always, be aware of the weather.
Pensacola Beach Pier:
The Pier will be closed for fishing and observing through the following dates and times. There will be no access beyond the water line (shore line) during these times.
- Wednesday, July 10, 2024 7:30am-11:30am
- Thursday, July 11, 2024 1:00pm-3:30pm
- Friday, July 12, 2024 11:00am-5:00pm
- Saturday, July 13, 2024 11:00am-5:00pm
Beach Rules:
Tents are allowed on Pensacola Beach during the air show, but please be courteous to your neighbors. If you don’t have a tent, bring shade, plenty of water, and sunscreen to get you through the day.
Be Weather Aware:
Last year, the Friday practice show was cut short by a few minutes due to lightning. Safety is a top priority, and visitors are encouraged to be aware of weather conditions. Do take chances, if lightning is detected, seek shelter immediately. Note that the air show schedule may be adjusted for safety reasons.
In addition to the above information, here’s a list of things to know and to keep in mind to make your day the best it can be…
Things to Know for the Blue Angels Pensacola Beach Air Show:
- The main viewing area is along the beachfront at Casino Beach and the Pier.
- Event Timing: The main show usually starts around noon and runs until approximately 4 PM.
- The Blue Angels are scheduled to fly at 2:00pm on practice days and on the main show on Saturday.
- Parking: Arrive early to secure parking. Public lots and shuttle services are available, but they fill up quickly.
- Traffic: Expect heavy traffic, especially on the day of the show. Consider carpooling or using public transport.
- Weather: Check the weather forecast and be prepared. Bring sunscreen, hats, umbrellas, and stay hydrated. Be prepared for sudden weather changes. Cool off in the Gulf before the show, as they close the Gulf waters during the show.
- Security: Bags and coolers are subject to search. Follow security guidelines to ensure a smooth entry.
- Prohibited Items: No glass containers, drones, or pets allowed on the beach.
- Seating: Bring your own chairs or blankets.
- Food and Drink: Food vendors will be on-site, but you can bring your own snacks and beverages.
- Hydration Stations: Water stations are available; bring a refillable water bottle.
- Restrooms: Portable restrooms and public restrooms are available near the viewing area.
- First Aid: First aid stations are set up for medical emergencies. Make note of their location when you arrive, just in case.
- Shade: Limited shaded areas. Consider bringing umbrellas, beach tents, or other forms of shade.
- Accessibility: ADA-compliant viewing areas and restrooms are available.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed at the event.
- Photography: Photography is encouraged.
- Noise Levels: The show can be very loud. Ear protection is recommended, especially for babies and young children.
- Environmental Respect: Dispose of trash properly and respect the beach environment.
- Emergency Contacts: Know the locations of lifeguard stations and emergency services.
- Departure: Plan your departure strategy to avoid traffic congestion. Be patient as many people will be leaving right after the show. If you can hang out for a while after the show you won’t have to deal with the extremely heavy traffic.
- Local Rules: Abide by all local beach and park rules to ensure everyone's safety.
- Event Map: Obtain an event map showing key locations such as food vendors, restrooms, and first aid stations.
- Event Schedule: Familiarize yourself ahead of time with the schedule of events to catch all the performances.
- VIP Areas: If you have VIP tickets, know the location of VIP areas and the amenities they offer before arriving.
- Local Businesses: Please support local businesses and eateries while attending the event.
- Photography and Video: Respect any restrictions on photography and video recording.
- Safety Measures: Follow instructions from event staff and public safety officials at all times.
- Lost and Found: Check the location of the lost and found in case you misplace any items.
- Public Announcements: Pay attention to public announcements for important information and updates.
- Weather Cancellations: Be aware that the event could be postponed or canceled due to weather.
After the conclusion of the air show, visitors are reminded to leave only footprints behind to preserve the beauty of Pensacola Beach and the waterways. The Santa Rosa Island Authority encourages everyone to take all of their belongings, including trash, and help keep the beach clean for all to enjoy.
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