UPDATED SEPTEMBER 15, 2023

The skies above Huntington Beach on Friday, September 29, through Sunday, October 1, will once again welcome Pacific Airshow, a dazzling display of aerobatics over the Surf City USA® coastline. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your viewing of this popular aviation spectacular.

Flying Hours

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Flying will take place from approximately 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. The event is open to the public all three days. The Pier Plaza Festival area is open all day Friday through Sunday until 8 p.m. each night. 

2023 Performers

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Pacific Airshow. Airplane flying over the Huntington Beach Pier

  • U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
  • Canadian Forces Snowbirds
  • U.S. Army Golden Knights
  • U.S. Navy Parachute Team
  • U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo
  • U.S. Navy F-35C Demo
  • U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler Demo
  • U.S. Navy F/-18 Super Hornet Demo
  • U.S. Air Force F-35A Demo
  • U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight - P-51D Mustang - Steve Hinton Jr. 
  • U.S. Air Force KC-135
  • U.S. Air Force F-15 x 4 159th FW Louisiana
  • U.S. Air Force B-52 Flybys
  • FedEx B757 Flybys
  • Lyon Air Museum C-47 "Willa Dean"
  • Ace Maker T-33 2-ship
  • Matt Hall & Emma McDonald MX and Extra 300
  • Mike Goulian - Extra 300
  • Sammy Mason - Edge 540
  • Tom Larkin - SubSonex Mini Jet
  • Red Bull - Bo-105 Helicopter - Aaron Fitzgerald
  • Jet Waco - Jerrod Lindemann
  • Opener Blackfly
  • OC Fire Authority water drops 2 Bell 212s plus CH-47 

Gate Opening Times

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General Admission
  • Gates open: from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day
  • Enter through Gate A (fully ADA accessible) or Gate E
Pier Seating
  • Gates open: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day
  • Enter through the Huntington Beach Pier entrance (fully ADA accessible)
Premiere Club Seating
  • Gates open: from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day
  • Enter through Gate D (fully ADA accessible)
Cabanas
  • Gates open: from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day
  • Enter through Gate B (fully ADA accessible)
Chalets
  • Gates open: from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day
  • Enter through Gate C (fully ADA accessible)

Where to Park

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Parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis around the city. Given its popularity, parking close to Show Center will be difficult to find on Saturday and Sunday. If you live nearby, we highly recommend walking, biking, or using public transit. 

Hourly parking is available at the Pier Plaza parking lot and Main Promenade parking structure. Yearly and monthly pass holders will not be charged, however, parking is not guaranteed. Delays and queues are expected throughout the city due to the sheer volume of traffic anticipated. For more information about parking, see our Airshow Parking Guide HERE.

Guests are advised to leave early and expect frequent delays or to seek alternative transportation to the show. Uber and Lyft rides will be available. 

If you are flying to Southern California, the easiest access is through John Wayne/Orange County/Santa Ana Airport (SNA) or Long Beach Airport (LGB). Both are a reasonable taxi/Uber/Lyft ride to Huntington Beach.

What are my Viewing Options?

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Tickets range from General Admission at show center on the beach to Pier seating and Premiere Club Seating. There are also numerous viewing opportunities along the beach outside of the event footprint and throughout Downtown Huntington Beach.

2023 Pacific Airshow Seating

ADA Viewing Options

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HB Airshow

Huntington Beach is one of the most accessible beaches in Southern California. All of the Airshow's ticket options are ADA accessible. Purchase tickets with confidence knowing ADA guests will be properly accommodated. 

Complimentary ADA accessible seating is available on the Huntington Beach Pier on a first-come, first-serve basis. Guests requiring assistance will be admitted to the ticketed Pier Seating area accompanied by 1 caretaker only. Additional guests will be required to purchase tickets. Once ADA spots on the Huntington Beach Pier are filled, they're gone, so please plan ahead.

Please note: Transportation from your vehicle to/around the Airshow site will not be provided. It's often quite hot in September/October and attending the Airshow can be physically demanding. Everyone should make sure they are prepared to safely attend an all-day show at the beach. 

If you're sitting outside of the ticketed areas, it's strongly recommended all attendees bring their own seating or be prepared to sit on the sand. Keep in mind, you may have to carry these items with you throughout the day, so consider bringing chairs with carrying straps or a bag to hold your towels/blankets.

If you purchased a ticket within one of the ticketed areas, most include seating options for you and your guests. If you purchased a General Admission ticket, however, seating is not included. It's recommended that you bring your own chairs, towels, blankets, and umbrellas in this section. 

Food & Drinks

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  • Bring snacks! The beach will be full of food vendors, but lines will be long. Make sure you have snacks for kids and other items that'll keep everyone happy and healthy. 
  • Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! A day in the sun is fun but be sure to drink plenty of water.

What to Bring

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  • Cameras and binoculars are a great way to capture the excitement.
  • September/October can be hot! Protect yourself with sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and umbrellas.
  • Bring earplugs/muffs, especially for kids. Part of the Airshow thrill is the sound, but ear protection is highly encouraged, especially for young children.

Other Things to Know Before You Go

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  • Please note that all bags and containers will be inspected upon entering the Event or Show Center area.
  • Children 3 years old & under are free in all ticketed areas.
  • The Airshow is a NO DRONE ZONE. No aircraft, including any drone or unmanned aerial systems (UAS), may be operated within five nautical miles of the Airshow site. Local pilots are encouraged to check NOTAMS for the latest temporary flight restrictions (TFR) and airspace requirements.
  • Plan your arrival strategy. Be prepared for traffic delays. Utilize Uber, Lyft, carpooling, take the shuttle busses, walk or bike if possible.
  • If you drive, please obey all posted parking signs. The last thing you want after a fun day at Pacific Airshow is a parking ticket or a towed vehicle.