When the Blue Angels perform

Every October, people in Jacksonville can expect to look up one weekend to see the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels drawing lines in the sky. The Angels will be back in action in the skies of Northeast Florida this month, the stars of the NAS Jacksonville Air Show, but it will be their last visit for a while.

The Jacksonville air show has alternated between the airfield and the beaches for years, and this year it's the airfield's turn. The 2025 show was canceled when the US Navy Blue Angels announced they would not be performing.

Here's what you should know about this year's show.

When is the Jacksonville air show in 2024?

This year's show will take place October 19-20 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville.

Will the Blue Angels perform at the Jacksonville air show in 2024?

Yes, the Blue Angels are scheduled to perform at NAS Jax in 2024.

Who else will perform at the Jacksonville air show in 2024?

Planned are aerobatic pilots Rob Holland, Kyle Fowler, Aaron Deliu and Skip Stewart. Patty Wagstaff of St. Augustine, a member of the National Aviation Hall of Fame, is also on the program, as are the U.S. Air Force's F-35A Lightning II demonstration team, jet demonstration pilot Randy Ball and a formal flight of a P-8A Poseidons. Wayne Boggs will be the show's air boss and Rob Reider will be the announcer.

What else is happening at the Jacksonville air show in 2024?

Historic aircraft are parked on the air station's aprons, including a C-130 VR-62, a T6 trainer, an F5, an F15, a Poseidon and several helicopters. There will also be a children's area ($5 per day entry) and cash-only food and drink vendors.

When do the Blue Angels fly to Jacksonville?

Gates are scheduled to open at 9 a.m., performances begin at 11 a.m. and the Blue Angels are scheduled to fly at 2:30 p.m. each day. The schedule is the same for both days of the show.

Will there be a practice show on Friday?

Yes, but it is only accessible to those who have access to the base, their guests and local students.

How much are tickets to the Jacksonville air show in 2024?

Entry is free. Paid seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $20 but cannot be purchased online or in advance. There's also a beer garden that includes VIP seating, beer, food and a commemorative mug for $80; and premium seating with grill and soda for $60.

No tickets? So I don't have to bring anything with me?

That's wrong. Adults must present government-issued ID to access the base.

How many people will be at the Jacksonville air show in 2024?

Grassroots historian Ron Williamson estimated that 350,000 people attended the show over two days in 2022.

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What can I bring to the Jacksonville air show?

Cameras, binoculars, small bags, strollers, handcarts and portable chairs are permitted, but the chairs cannot be stored in a bag. Prohibited items include outdoor food and beverages, alcohol, coolers, pop-up tents and umbrellas, pets, bicycles, skateboards, kites, balloons, drones, fireworks, medical cannabis, firearms, knives and camouflage costumes.

Where do you park for the Jacksonville air show?

Parking is on base. The Allegheny and Yorktown gates to the base will be open to air show traffic. Birmingham Gate will not be open to the public during the show. Vehicles are inspected before being allowed onto the base, and visitors pass through metal detectors and security checkpoints before entering the viewing area. Parking is prohibited at the Target shopping center next door and non-shoppers' vehicles will be towed.

Do I have to expect traffic delays?

Approximately 75,000 vehicles will all be trying to get to the same location at the same time, and they will all have to travel along US 17 to get in and out, so traffic will be a problem before and after the show.

Can I watch the air show from a boat?

Sure, but note that some areas of the St. Johns River will be closed. For those who want to listen from the water, the show will be simulcast on 87.9 FM.

Can I bring my dog?

No, unless it is a service animal.

Can visitors explore the base during the air show?

That would be a bad idea. It is an active military base and air show visitors are limited to areas north of Yorktown Avenue.

What about the weather?

Cast members will not fly in the event of inclement weather and no make-up days are planned. So keep your fingers crossed for clear skies. Since there is very little shade on the base and umbrellas are prohibited, sunscreen is a good idea.