JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Saturday update: The air show is at full capacity and is not admitting any more cars Saturday, NAS JAX stated on social media.
This weekend, many will come in droves to Naval Air Station Jacksonville over the spectacular sight to see in the U.S. Navy Blue Angels performing for the 2024 "NAS Jax Air Show."
The military base says it expects 300,000 visitors for the event, as it will feature a collection of aircraft on display, virtual games and other attractions/displays at vendor booths, food booths, souvenir booths and a kids zone with a STEM area. First Coast News, On Your Side is one of the sponsors of this year's air show.
The following is a guide with everything you need to know to enjoy the event.
What: NAS Jax Air Show 2024
When: Oct. 19-20, 2024 at 11 a.m. (Gates open at 9 a.m.)
Where: Naval Air Station Jacksonville, 6801 Roosevelt Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32212
What to know before you go
What is the admission fee?
- There is no admission or parking fee for the NAS Jax Air Show. There is a $20 fee for reserved seating, which can be purchased as available on the day of the show. There is also a $5 admittance fee to the kids zone.
Do I need to bring an ID?
- Yes, a government issued ID is required for admittance into the show.
Can boaters watch the show from their boats?
- Yes, boaters can watch the show from their boats, but be aware that officials will be monitoring the restricted water zone, which "will be clearly marked," the navy base says. From previous shows, NAS Jax says it expects over 100 boats in the St. Johns River adjacent to the base.
Here's a map from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, showing the safety zone that boaters are required to stay within during the show:
Is smoking allowed?
- No, smoking cigarettes or e-cigarettes is not allowed anywhere on the flight line in the vicinity of aircraft, vendor tents, food booths, the kids zone or seating areas. Jet fuel is very flammable and as planes are on the tarmac during regular hours and brought in for the show, there is often fuel that has seeped into the cement.
Are lawn chairs and blankets allowed?
- Yes, however, if your chair has a bag carrier, it will not be permitted.
Are pop-up tents allowed?
- No, due to safety concerns, pop-up tents are not allowed.
Are roller skates, skateboards, bikes, or personal golf carts allowed?
- No, none of these items are allowed due to security and safety restrictions. Handicap scooters and electric wheelchairs are allowed.
Are coolers allowed?
- No, no coolers of any kind are permitted. Additionally, there is no outside food or beverages allowed into the air show, other than baby bottles that are not glass and small snacks for infants.
Will the vendors accept credit/debit card transactions?
- It varies from vendor to vendor whether or not they accept credit/debit card transactions. However, an ATM will be available that will be located near the show center; it is recommended to bring cash with you.
What happens if it rains?
- Weather is continuously monitored for the event. Currently, there is a 44% chance of precipitation on Oct. 19. For Oct. 20, there is a 48% chance of rain, as the forecast for both days' shows showers ending by midday. NAS Jacksonville Air Show will make an announcement on their Facebook page here if inclement weather affects the event. Keep up with the forecast here.
Are cameras allowed into the show?
- Yes, but camera bags will be checked upon entry. Camera bags larger than 6" x 6" will not be permitted.
Parking
- Parking at the NAS Jax Air Show is free and open to the public. Upon arrival at the navy base, security will direct you to the next available parking spot.
- For those that require handicap parking, please have your handicap parking pass clearly visible so security can direct you to the appropriate parking spots.
*Editor's note: Please be advised that parking is not permitted in the Target parking lot, located at 6331 Roosevelt Blvd., during the air show. Vehicles parked for any reason other than to shop will be towed at the owner's expense.*
Air Show Schedule of Events
Performers
- Opening ceremonies
- 3/20 Para Commandos
- Kyle Fowler: Long EZ
- Precision Exotics
- P-8 Demo
- Aarron Deliu: Extra 330sc
- F-35A Lightning II Demo Team
- Skip Stewart
- Precision Exotics
- Randy Ball: MiG-17
- MH-60 Flyover
- Rob Holland: MXS-RH
- Skip Stewart: Prometheus
- U.S. Navy Blue Angels
*Editor's note: For the first time ever, the Blue Angels will be performing 30 minutes earlier than normal at 2:30 p.m., NAS Jax Public Affairs Officer Kaylee LaRocque told First Coast News.*
Practice Show
The practice 2024 NAS Jax Air Show will be held on Friday, Oct. 18, and is only open to those with base access, their guests and local school students that have coordinated with the NAS Jacksonville Public Affairs Office. The gates will open at 9 a.m. and the show will begin at 11 a.m. with the same lineup of performers as the regular show days.
