The Pacific Airshow at Huntington Beach, California, could have been canceled final yr because of the COVID-19 pandemic but it surely’s again this yr — and because the occasion organizer says, it will likely be “better than ever.”
Here’s why: For solely the second time in U.S. historical past, the three North American jet groups — the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds — will carry out collectively at one airshow. The Thunderbirds had been scheduled to seem in one other airshow that was canceled, in order that they had been added to the lineup this week.
“To say it’s an honor to have the Thunderbirds join us again would be an understatement,” Kevin Elliott, occasion director, said. “The lineup of the 2021 Pacific Airshow will become a thing of legend, with kids growing up to say, ‘I remember when all three North American Jet Teams flew together in Huntington Beach.’”
An Airshow Lover’s Dream
The Pacific Airshow will happen at Huntington Beach on Friday, October 1; Saturday, October 2; and Sunday, October 3. The aerial dynamics will happen all three days from about 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Thunderbirds, flying Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcons, will debut their new routine which options “formations that tell a story of patriotism, American ingenuity, teamwork, and inspiration,” the airshow explains. Part of the routine additionally features a new maneuver referred to as the “Rapid Recovery.”
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels are celebrating their seventy fifth anniversary this yr. Aviation followers can search for the squadron to debut their new F/A-18 Super Hornet plane.
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds aerobatic group is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this yr. Fans can anticipate to see the nine-jet squadron fly formations with solely 4 toes between jets’ wingtips.
The U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey Demo Team may even make a uncommon look, flying the Boeing-built twin-tilt rotor plane. What’s noteworthy is that the plane combines the agility of a helicopter with the high-speed efficiency of a turboprop plane.
Finally, no airshow is full with out precision parachute groups. As you would possibly anticipate, The Golden Knights, the U.S. Army’s aerial parachute demonstration group, and The Leap Frogs, the U.S. Navy’s parachute group, will each additionally carry out.
While the airshow is free, tickets for particular seating on the sand or on the pier begin at $25. You can be taught extra about ticket data here.
Wait, There’s More
The airshow’s occasions truly begin on the water, with the “Ocean Cup” boat race. Participants will go away the Sunset Aquatic Marina in Huntington Harbor at 7:30 a.m., race to Catalina Island, after which return to the harbor. After that, the boats shall be displayed on Main Street on Saturday and Sunday.
Then, the “Afterburner Music Festival” will happen Friday and Saturday evening after the airshow.
The headliners on Friday evening shall be vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Sammy Hagar and his band Sammy Hagar & The Circle. The band’s members embrace Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, guitarist Vic Johnson, and Jason Bonham, drummer and son of Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham.
“I’m a beach guy, and it just doesn’t get any better than playing music on the beach,” Sammy Hagar said. “Afterburner Music Festival is going to be one hell of a show — following the Blue Angels’ performance at Pacific Airshow will be epic. And to play ‘Dreams’ as a tribute to Van Halen during Blue Angels’ 75th anniversary year will be surreal.”
The headliner for Saturday’s present is award-winning nation music artist Sam Hunt. He shall be accompanied by performances from X Ambassadors, and the Grammy award-nominated Cassadee Pope — the primary feminine winner of The Voice.
If you’re going to be within the space, you could find ticket data here and parking data here.
Know Before You Go
The Pacific Airshow is an open-air out of doors occasion on the seashore. Proof of vaccination won’t be required, and whereas face masks won’t be required, they’re really helpful. The State of California strongly recommends that visitors be absolutely vaccinated or receive a unfavourable COVID-19 take a look at previous to attending an outside occasion.
You can be taught extra about COVID-19 pointers on the Pacific Airshow here. You can be taught extra in regards to the present California Department of Public Health pointers here.
Be certain to additionally try our California protection and our festivals and special events protection.
