On Saturday and Sunday the gates open to the public at 8 a.m. Flying starts at about 10:20 a.m. and runs until around 4 p.m. or later. Additional information and exact schedule times will be released closer to the event date.

Yes. The Saturday and Sunday shows are identical.

A detailed schedule and sequence of events is available on the website at https://www.oceanaairshow.com/schedule-performers. As a general rule of thumb, flying will start around 10 a.m. Between 11 a.m. and noon, the National Anthem and several military demonstrations will be performed. After noon, the pace of action will begin to increase, with the Blue Angels performance beginning at 3 p.m.

Yes, all spectators over the age of 18 must present a physical photo ID to gain access to this year's air show.

During the Friday DoD/Dependents/Special Needs Air Show on Friday, the paid seating area is reserved for the entire 5th grade class of Virginia Beach City Public Schools (5,500 kids!) who are attending the show for a STEM field trip. Guests are encouraged to bring folding chairs on Friday (and on the weekend as well).

The NAS Oceana flight line is a very large area so we definitely recommend comfortable footwear. September temperatures are generally mild but be prepared to protect yourself from the sun with a hat, long-sleeved light shirt and sunscreen. There are paid seating areas if you desire to upgrade your experience but you’re more than welcome to bring your own chairs (folding or bagged) to find a spot to set up and watch the show. There are a large number of food/beverage vendors as well that accept cash or charge. And please keep in mind that your safety is our primary concern.

Remember the following important safety tips:

- Uniformed Security personnel are there to help. Follow all instructions from uniformed Security personnel.
- Very few things on our flight line are soft to the touch; most things are made of metal and have lots of edges on them. Keep your eyes focused in the direction you’re walking and be aware of low-hanging (and flying!) Aircraft components.
- Medical personnel are on call to render assistance to anyone that requires it. Notify any uniformed Security personnel or air show worker if you or any member of your group requires medical attention.

On Saturday and Sunday, the gates open to the public at 8 a.m., flying starts around 10 a.m. and the Blue Angels performance starts between 3 and 4 p.m. Early arrival is best to avoid traffic. You may leave at any time during the show. Some depart before the Blue Angels perform to “beat the traffic” and other stays through the Blue Angels performance and a little later to enjoy the displays and let the existing traffic dissipate. We do ask that all guest departs the flight line by 5 p.m.

There will be a large number of food vendors on the flight line during the show ranging from full meals (pizza, gyros, hamburgers, hotdogs, etc.) to specialty foods (ice cream, desserts, etc.) as well as beverages. A good number of the vendors take credit cards or cash. If you need cash while at the show, two Navy Federal Credit Union ATMs will be available on the flight line for your use.

While we’re still designing the flight line layout, the ATMs are historically located on the back of the line (by the hangars) near show center at Hangar 200 and just inside the entrance at Post 5 by the Air Field Tower.

On Saturday and Sunday, the gates open to the public at 8 a.m., flying starts around 10 a.m. and the Blue Angels performance will likely begin between 3 and 4 p.m. Early arrival is best to avoid traffic. You may leave at any time and re-enter after you leave, but bear in mind traffic only gets heavier as the day goes along and you’ll need to exit the base and re-enter with incoming vehicles.

Newborns don’t possess the ability to regulate their body temperature very well in hot or cold environments. While they don’t produce much heat internally, they absorb it very well. The conditions on the flight line during mid-September can sometimes be relatively mild but can also get rather warm, depending on forecast temperatures. Also, there is a significant amount of jet noise associated with tactical aircraft and Blue Angels performances. You would definitely want to consult with your pediatrician prior to bringing your newborn to the air show.

We will have seven porta-potties with baby changing stations on the flight line.

The entire flight line and displays are designed for a very family-friendly, kid-safe environment. All ages will find something they’re interested in. We do not have a specific area set aside for breastfeeding but there are a number of shady areas for use. Please remember that the flight line at this time of year tends to be very hot and without shade, and plan accordingly if you do bring our youngest air show fans.

In general, the flight line is designed to be a family-friendly environment. Accordingly, our security procedures allow baby bags and strollers. While all bags will be screened, our staff understands that baby bags will contain water or formula. We also recommend hearing protection for smaller children. For kids under 10, hearing protection in the form of ear muffs (like you’d see at a shooting range or loud workplace) seems to work best as they don’t generally like the foam earplugs that adults are used to.

There are three primary entry points onto the flight line and all are equipped with TSA-style screening upon arrival.

While there are no specific medical restrictions, the air show environment can be challenging for some, especially if it is warmer than normal. Attending an air show can involve lots of walking and sometimes high temperatures. We have a very robust medical presence on the flight line in the event of a medical emergency, but guests should use sound judgment based on pre-existing medical conditions or medications.

The Executive Squadron Chalet (ESC) is a fully catered experience with the best seats in the house! The menu is yet to be determined, but we will update as soon as the contract is complete.

We look forward to welcoming a variety of STEM exhibits this year – over 150 touch points and over 60 organizations will be represented, from NASA to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal community.

- Unattended bags and packages will be removed from the premises.
- Neither strollers nor wheelchairs will be available for rent at the air show.
- Sun protection, including hat, long-sleeved shirts and long pants and sunscreen are recommended.
- Water buffalos containing potable water will be available throughout the air show area for guests to access.
- Wear comfortable footwear; the flight line is paved and you may walk long distances.
- Can I bring drinks? Food? No outside food or beverage may be brought to the air show.

Admission and parking at the show are free. You can purchase upgraded seating online via the website (https://www.oceanaairshow.com/tickets/) or at the show itself.

The paid seating area at the air show on Friday is reserved for Virginia Beach City Public School students. The entire 5th grade (5,500 kids!) is coming to the show on Friday to participate in the STEM event that occurs annually.

The Executive Squadron Chalet (ESC) offers a premium viewing experience located directly next to show center. The ESC features a catered buffet by a yet to be determined caterer, accessible from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. as well as non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, offered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Exclusive restroom facilities are also available.

The Executive Squadron Chalet is $150 for adults, Kids 10 & Under are free.

There are two primary ways onto the base via the Main Gate (Tomcat Blvd off of Oceana Blvd) and the Back Gate (Hornet Drive off of Dam Neck Rd.). Each of those routes take you to different parking areas. The traffic pattern and parking lot routing is determined real-time in response to amount of vehicles and status of the respective parking lots. Upon exit, three gates are opened and we do our best to get everyone off the base as fast as we can. We encourage patrons to use the restroom before exiting the flight line and to leave a cooler in the vehicle for cold beverages as you drive off of the installation.

All parking is free and we utilize large areas of the flight line, Main Gate park and lots throughout the base. Upon arrival, please follow the direction of our Security team and they will guide you to parking. If you require Handicap or Special Needs parking, please display your Handicap Placard prominently and you’ll be directed to the appropriate parking lot.