These U.S. Air Shows Will Make Your Heart Race
Last Updated on March 24, 2025 by Boatsetter Team
There’s nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of an air show—the roar of jet engines, precision aerobatics, and breathtaking aerial maneuvers. But what if you could escape the crowded shores and experience the spectacle from the best vantage point possible? A private boat rental offers front-row seats to the most thrilling air shows of the year. In this guide, we’ll take you through must-see air shows across the U.S., share expert tips for making the most of your experience, and which performances to look out for.
For the best air show experience
- What to bring: Pack essentials like binoculars, sunscreen, a camera, and plenty of snacks and water.
- Avoid the crowds: Boat rentals allow you to escape the packed beaches and enjoy a private viewing experience with unobstructed views.
- Family-friendly amenities: If bringing kids, filter for Amenities to find boat rental with children’s life jackets.
- Book a Captained trip: Captain’s are local experts that know the best anchoring spots. Lock-in a Captained boat rental and focus on the fun.
Photo Courtesy: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin Tang
1. Hyundai Air & Sea Show | Miami Beach | May 24-25, 2025
- Top performances: Military jet demonstrations, parachute teams, water sports demonstrations
- Best time to arrive: Early morning to secure an anchor spot before the crowds
- Admission fee: Free viewing
Known as “The Greatest Show Above the Earth,” this event combines state-of-the-art air power with thrilling water-based performances. For the best viewing, anchor near South Beach to witness the Leap Frogs, the parachute team of the U.S. Navy freefalling from 6,000, ft altitude or views of the iconic Northrop B-2 Spirit aircraft zipping over your head (1).
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2. Chicago Air and Water Show | August 16-17, 2025
- Top performances: U.S. Navy Blue Angels, U.S. Army Parachute Team, incredible watercraft performances
- Best time to arrive: Arrive by mid-morning to get the best anchoring position
- Admission fee: Free
A Chicago summer tradition that dates back to 1959, the Chicago Air and Water Show is one of the longest-running air and water shows in the U.S., this event has become a tradition for many locals and a popular attraction for those traveling to Chicago in August. For the best viewing, anchor near North Avenue Beach along the Lake Michigan shoreline between Fullerton and Oak Street, or consider the area near the log boom (2).
3. Air Dot Show | Fort Lauderdale | May 3-4, 2025
- Top performances: Fighter jets, aerobatic pilots, and military aircraft showcases
- Best time to visit: Midday for the main performances
- Admission fee:Ticketed event with designated viewing areas
Offers a mix of historic and modern aircraft performances along the stunning Fort Lauderdale coastline. Anchor just offshore from Fort Lauderdale Beach for unobstructed aerial views of the Thunderbirds signature diamond formation or the aerodynamic design of the F-22 over the gold-sand coast and turquoise waters (3).
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4. Seattle Seafair Air Show | August 1-3, 2025
- Top performances: Hydroplane races, Blue Angels performances, wakeboarding exhibitions
- Best time to visit: Late morning to claim a spot near the action
- Admission Fee: Free with VIP packages available
A mix of aerial and maritime excitement with the beautiful Seattle skyline as a backdrop. Anchor near the log boom on Lake Washington for views of highly trained Coast Guard professionals operate rescue helicopters and the PBY-5A Catalina 9767, a historic flying boat known for being one of the most widely used seaplanes in World War II (4).
5. Air Dot Show | New York City | August 24-25, 2025
- Top performances: The Blue Angels soaring over the Hudson River, precision flying demonstrations
- Best time to visit: Arrive early for a prime anchoring spot
- Admission fee: Ticketed event
Anchor between the Statue of Liberty and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum for the best views of the F-22 jet fighter—the fastest and most maneuverable fighter jet in the world today—and the iconic Manhattan skyline (5).
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6. Pacific Air Show | Huntington Beach | October 3-5, 2025
- Top performances: Civilian and military jet teams, parachute teams, aerial stunts
- Best time to visit: Midday for peak performances
- Admission fee: Free viewing from the beach; VIP tickets available
An incredible family event and one of the most exciting beachside air shows, featuring high-energy performances over the Pacific. Just offshore from Huntington Beach Pier for a front-row aerial showcase (6).
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7. Fleet Week San Francisco | October 10-12, 2025
- Top performances: Blue Angels performances, parade of ships, U.S. Navy and Coast Guard demonstrations
- Best time to visit: Midday for prime viewing
- Admission fee: Free with ticketed premium seating options
San Francisco’s military performance is the only air show in the U.S. with a commercial airliner, the United 777, to perform a fully choreographed act, making it a bucket list experience. Anchor between Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge for unmatched sights of the performance against the backdrop of the city (7).
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8. NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show | November 7-8, 2025
- Top performances: The legendary Blue Angels wrap up their season with a jaw-dropping finale
- Best time to visit: Late morning to get the best viewing angle
- Admission fee: Free
With 150,000-180,000 spectators annually, the Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming has put the Forgotten Coast on the map again. Experience the homecoming performance of one of the most elite flight demonstration teams in the world. Anchor down in the Pensacola Bay or Santa Rosa Sound for stellar views (8).
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Citations
The information found in this event guide derives from the air show page below:
2. https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_air_and_watershow.html
3. https://fortlauderdaleairshow.com/
4. https://www.seafair.org/seafairairshow
6. https://pacificairshowusa.com/
7. https://fleetweeksf.org/air-show/
8. https://www.naspensacolaairshow.org/
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