The Fort Lauderdale Air Show Returns to the Beach in 2026

Get ready to look up…way up!

On May 9 and 10, the Fort Lauderdale Air Show roars back over Fort Lauderdale Beach, delivering a thrilling weekend of high-performance aircraft, precision flying, and unforgettable views set against our iconic oceanfront backdrop. Whether you’re a lifelong aviation fan or simply looking for an exciting reason to plan a beach getaway, the Fort Lauderdale Air Show is one of the most anticipated events of the year—and one that turns the sky into the main stage.

A Front-Row Seat to World-Class Aviation

Fort Lauderdale Beach offers a truly unmatched vantage point for an air show. With miles of open shoreline, crystal-blue water, and wide skies, spectators can enjoy breathtaking aerobatic performances with nothing but ocean and horizon behind them. The show kicks off each day with opening ceremonies at 11:45 a.m., followed by flight performances from Noon to approximately 3:00 p.m. both days., and will be headlined by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Expect heart-pounding flyovers, tight formations, and jaw-dropping maneuvers from elite military and civilian pilots, many performing at speeds and distances that have to be seen to be believed.

Other performers:

  • Air Force Heritage Flight:

  • Red Bull Air Force

  • Kirby Chambliss

  • Kevin Coleman

  • A-10 Thunderbolt II Demo Team

  • U.S. Navy F-35C Lightning II

  • SOCOM Para-Commandos

  • U.S. Navy Blue Angels

  • F-22 Raptor Demo Team

Ticketed Viewing Options

While much of the beach offers free viewing, several premium options are available for those seeking an enhanced experience:

  • Drop Zone Beach: Enjoy a hassle-free day with amenities like restrooms, hand sanitizing stations, and food and beverage stands. Professional narration and music enhance your viewing experience. Advance price: $35

  • Sand Boxes™: Reserve your own 10′ x 12′ private viewing area in the sand, complete with dedicated restrooms and exclusive food and beverage stands. Advance price: $70

  • Flight Line Club VIP: Elevate your beach day with shaded tents, a catered lunch, and an all-day beverage bar. New this year, reserve a private box for four people, complete with an umbrella and chairs. VIP parking on A1A is included. Advance price: $189

  • VIP Penthouse: Touch the sky from the Pelican Grand VIP Penthouse, ten floors up! Watch the jets roar by at eye level from a rooftop balcony with a panoramic oceanfront view. Enjoy upscale catered cuisine, an open bar, and luxury amenities in an exclusive setting. Preferred parking is included. Advance price: $575

A Sky-High Weekend, Beachside Style

The Fort Lauderdale Air Show isn’t just about what happens in the sky, it’s about the full beachside experience on the ground. Make a weekend of it by pairing the show with everything Fort Lauderdale Beach has to offer:

  • Discover waterfront parks and scenic viewing spots.
  • Stay steps from the sand at oceanfront hotels.
  • Dine at beachside restaurants with views of the action.
  • Play before and after the show with water sports, boating, and nightlife.

From sunrise strolls to sunset cocktails, the air show fits seamlessly into a classic Fort Lauderdale Beach escape.

Perfect for Families, Friends, and Aviation Fans

This is a can’t-miss event for all ages. Kids will be amazed by the speed and sound of the jets overhead, while adults appreciate the skill, precision, and history behind each performance. Bring a blanket or beach chair, find your favorite stretch of sand, and enjoy a show that’s as visually stunning as it is exhilarating.

Clear skies, warm sand, and unforgettable moments, see you on the beach!