Southern California’s skies are about to come alive. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the 2026 Pacific Airshow returns to Huntington Beach from October 2–4, 2026, bringing three unforgettable days of military demonstrations, precision flying, aerobatic performances, and family-friendly entertainment to the Orange County coast.

Visiting Southern California for the airshow? Make your weekend even more memorable by heading just down the coast to Davey’s Locker in Newport Beach. From year-round whale watching cruises to deep sea fishing trips and private charters, there are plenty of ways to continue the adventure on the Pacific Ocean.

When Is the Pacific Airshow 2026?

• Dates: Friday, October 2 through Sunday, October 4, 2026
• Daily showtimes: Generally from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Location: Huntington Beach, California
• Main viewing area: The beach across from The Waterfront Beach Resort along Pacific Coast Highway

The aerial performances can be seen from many public areas along the Huntington Beach shoreline. Visitors who purchase admission to the official ticketed area can enjoy enhanced viewing, live announcer audio, food and merchandise vendors, exhibits, and additional ground entertainment.

Who Is Performing at the 2026 Pacific Airshow?

The Pacific Airshow’s 10th-anniversary celebration features an exciting roster of military demonstration teams, advanced aircraft, parachute teams, and internationally recognized civilian aerobatic performers.

Featured 2026 Performers

• U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
• U.S. Navy F/A-18 West Coast Rhino Demo
• U.S. Navy F-35C Demo Team
• U.S. Air Force F-35A Demo Team
• Canadian Forces Snowbirds
• The Goodyear Blimp
• Mike Goulian Airshows
• Mike Daniel Aerobatics
• Military and civilian parachute demonstrations
• Additional aircraft and aerobatic performances

From high-speed fighter jet demonstrations to precision formation flying and gravity-defying aerobatics, the Pacific Airshow delivers nonstop excitement above the Southern California coastline.

Performers, aircraft, showtimes, and schedules may change because of weather, operational requirements, or other event considerations. Check the official Pacific Airshow schedule before attending.

Turn the Pacific Airshow Into an Orange County Weekend

The Pacific Airshow is only one of the unforgettable experiences waiting along the Orange County coast. Located south of Huntington Beach, Newport Beach is known for its scenic harbor, beautiful beaches, waterfront restaurants, marine wildlife, and exciting ocean excursions.

After watching world-class pilots soar above Huntington Beach, continue your coastal getaway with a day on the water. Davey’s Locker offers convenient access to whale watching, deep sea fishing, and private charters departing from Newport Beach.

Go Whale Watching During Pacific Airshow Weekend

A Newport Beach whale watching cruise is the perfect complement to an action-packed airshow weekend. Davey’s Locker offers year-round whale watching excursions from Newport Harbor, giving visitors the opportunity to search for whales, dolphins, sea lions, and other marine life along the Southern California coast.

Wildlife sightings vary by season and ocean conditions, but marine life that may be encountered during an October cruise includes:

• Blue whales
• Humpback whales
• Fin whales
• Minke whales
• Common dolphins
• Bottlenose dolphins
• Sea lions
• Pelicans and other coastal seabirds

Every cruise offers a different experience. One trip may feature a large pod of dolphins racing beside the boat, while another may include the unforgettable sight of a whale surfacing against the California coastline.

Imagine watching fighter jets roar over Huntington Beach one day, then seeing dolphins leap and whales surface from the Pacific Ocean the next.

Find More Adventures in Newport Beach

Davey’s Locker offers coastal experiences for families, couples, groups, and visitors planning a complete Southern California getaway.

• Year-round whale watching cruises
• Deep sea fishing trips
• Half-day fishing excursions
• Twilight fishing trips
• Private boat charters
• Seasonal cruises and special events

Whether you want to spend a relaxing morning on the ocean or add another exciting activity to your Pacific Airshow itinerary, Newport Beach has an adventure for nearly every kind of traveler.

Why Visit Newport Beach During the Pacific Airshow?

Many Pacific Airshow visitors add Newport Beach to their Orange County itinerary because it offers convenient access to a wide variety of coastal attractions and activities.

• Year-round whale watching
• Deep sea fishing and private charters
• Newport Harbor and Balboa Peninsula
• Waterfront and beachfront dining
• Fresh seafood restaurants
• Shopping at Fashion Island
• Kayaking and paddleboarding
• Beautiful beaches and coastal views
• Convenient access from Huntington Beach

It is the perfect way to experience two sides of coastal Southern California: the excitement of world-class aviation above the beach and the natural beauty of the Pacific Ocean beyond the harbor.

Pacific Airshow 2026 Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Pacific Airshow held?

The Pacific Airshow takes place along the beach in Huntington Beach, California. The main event viewing area is located near Pacific Coast Highway across from The Waterfront Beach Resort.

When is the Pacific Airshow 2026?

The 2026 Pacific Airshow is scheduled for Friday, October 2 through Sunday, October 4, 2026. Aerial performances are generally expected to take place from approximately 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day.

Is the Pacific Airshow free?

Many of the aerial performances can be viewed from public areas along the Huntington Beach shoreline. Official ticketed areas provide enhanced viewing, announcer audio, vendors, exhibits, and additional event entertainment.

How far is Newport Beach from the Pacific Airshow?

Newport Beach is located just south of Huntington Beach. Travel time depends on traffic, and Pacific Coast Highway may be especially busy during airshow weekend. Visitors should plan ahead and allow extra travel time.

What are the best things to do near the Pacific Airshow?

Popular things to do near the Pacific Airshow include Newport Beach whale watching, deep sea fishing, private boat charters, visiting Balboa Peninsula, exploring Newport Harbor, enjoying waterfront dining, and spending time at Orange County beaches.

Can you go whale watching in Newport Beach in October?

Yes. Davey’s Locker offers year-round whale watching cruises departing from Newport Beach. October cruises may encounter whales, dolphins, sea lions, and coastal seabirds, although specific wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Plan the Ultimate Pacific Airshow Weekend

Whether you are visiting to see the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, advanced fighter jet demonstrations, or world-class civilian aerobatics, the 2026 Pacific Airshow promises an unforgettable weekend along the Southern California coast.

After looking up at the skies all day, head to Newport Beach and experience the Pacific Ocean from a whole new perspective.

Book a whale watching cruise, fishing trip, or private charter with Davey’s Locker and make your Pacific Airshow weekend one you will never forget.