Huntington Beach annual air show is set to return with `biggest lineup' yet
When people start gathering around the Huntington Beach Pier on Friday for the city's annual air show, they won't be waiting long for the thunderous roar of jet engines to kick off the festivities.
“The first thing they're gonna see is four F-15 Strike Eagles at 10:30 a.m. coming in to rip up the sky and wake everybody up,” Pacific Airshow Director Kevin Elliott said. “So, it's just going to be absolutely everything brought to the next level.”
The popular three- day air show will feature new fighter jet demos, aerobatics and parachutists performing right off the coast in Huntington Beach.
This year's event runs from Friday to Sunday, with performances each day starting at 10:30 a.m. and flying until 4:30 p.m. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to gather to watch the aircraft. Some highlights to see this year include an F-22 Raptor demonstration, the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds.
“For many years, the most common comment that we receive on our social media and through all of our social networks is ` Where's the F-22?' ” Elliott said. “That is the pinnacle asset as far as single-ship demos. It's the most advanced fighter airplane on the planet, and we're gonna see it run through all of its paces in Huntington Beach for the very first time.”
Beginning today, residents should expect to hear jet noise throughout the week. Work is already underway to build the expanded ticketed areas on the beach, which extends from the pier to Beach Boulevard.
Huntington Beach leaders throughout the summer said repeatedly that this year's air show wouldn't happen without the city paying the air show organizer almost $5 million to settle a lawsuit. Pacific Airshow sued Huntington Beach after the city canceled the final day of the 2021 air show when an oil spill was reported offshore.
That settlement led to a litigious summer, from a legal challenge after City
Attorney Michael Gates refused to release the complete settlement agreement, to a failed attempt to prevent the settlement days before the city sent the first check.
Elliott, who was born and raised in Huntington Beach and owns a marketing agency, said the air show's legal saga has been distracting for him personally, and he's glad to be able to focus more time now on putting on the event.
“I never wanted to be in a situation where we had anything legal to deal with,” Elliott said. “I spent an inordinate amount of my time dealing with it. I'm remaining singularly focused on trying to deliver a great event from my community.”
Other aircraft at this year's air show include F-35 jets from the Air Force and Navy, the B- 52 Stratofortress and a P-51D Mustang.
Parking will be at a premium throughout the city, so consider alternative ways to get to the beach this weekend. Event organizers are recommending people bring sunscreen, hats and umbrellas for protection from the sun. Current forecasts show that high temperatures throughout the weekend will be in the low 70s.
While in the past a concert followed the air show (in 2021 Sammy Hagar & the Circle performed), there won't be one this year, but Elliott said he hopes to bring it back next year.
General admission tickets can be purchased online for $25 in advance, while walk-up tickets will be $30. Tickets will get you access to the part of the beach where performances are centered, but you'll need to plan to bring your own chairs and umbrellas. Food trucks and bars will be nearby, as well as restrooms.
Elliott said this year is a big step toward making the Pacific Airshow an outdoor lifestyle festival.
“It's going to be a really great year,” Elliott said. “I think this is going to be our biggest lineup we've ever had, especially in terms of military jets. It's absolutely mega.”