Fort Lauderdale Beach is once again turning into one of the most exciting outdoor arenas in America as the 2026 Air & Sea Show roars over the Atlantic this weekend. Thousands of spectators are expected to line A1A and the beach between Sunrise Boulevard and Las Olas to watch military jets, aerobatic pilots, parachute teams, and helicopter demonstrations perform just offshore. The event runs Saturday and Sunday, May 9–10, with aerial performances beginning around 11:45 a.m. and continuing until approximately 3:00 p.m. each day. (Visit Lauderdale)
The biggest conversation online this week has centered around the return of the legendary U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, flying their iconic F-16 Fighting Falcons in tight formations at breathtaking speeds. Videos of practice flights over Fort Lauderdale have already flooded social media, especially the team’s signature opposing passes and low beach flyovers. (wplg)
Click on the video below to watch the Thunderbirds flyover the Pompano Beach Pier
Another crowd favorite expected to draw huge reactions is the F-22 Raptor Demo Team. The F-22 Raptor remains one of the most advanced fighter jets ever built, combining stealth technology with thrust-vectoring engines that allow it to perform dramatic vertical climbs and seemingly impossible turns. Aviation fans online have been especially excited for the “tail slide” and high-alpha maneuvers that make the aircraft appear to hover in the sky. (Blue Strawberry by the Sea)
The show also features the United States Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet demonstration. The Super Hornet is the backbone of modern naval aviation and is known for its raw power and aggressive high-speed passes. Expect loud afterburners and sharp banking turns that shake the beach below. (Air•Show)
Fans are also buzzing about the civilian performers this year, especially the Red Bull Air Force and the Red Bull helicopter demonstrations. These performances add a different energy to the weekend with aerobatic helicopters, skydivers, and freestyle stunts that contrast with the precision of the military teams. (Air•Show)
Featured Aircraft and Demonstrations
F-16 Fighting Falcon – Thunderbirds
The F-16 is a lightweight multirole fighter capable of exceeding Mach 2. During the Thunderbirds performance, six aircraft fly within feet of one another while performing synchronized loops, rolls, and high-speed crossing maneuvers.
F-22 Raptor
Widely considered the world’s premier air superiority fighter, the F-22 combines stealth technology with unmatched agility. Its thrust-vectoring nozzles allow dramatic pitch changes and vertical climbs rarely seen in other aircraft.
F/A-18 Super Hornet
The Navy’s carrier-based fighter jet is built for speed, power, and versatility. The demonstration showcases combat maneuvers, vapor cones during tight turns, and thunderous afterburner passes.
F-15 Eagle
The F-15 remains one of the most successful fighter aircraft ever built, known for its incredible acceleration and combat record. Expect powerful climbs and fast shoreline flybys.
SOCOM Para-Commandos
These military parachutists perform precision jumps directly onto the beach carrying giant American flags while battling coastal winds and ocean conditions.
Tentative Weekend Flight Schedule
(Times may shift slightly depending on weather and operational conditions.)
| Time | Performance |
|---|---|
| 11:15 a.m. | Opening Ceremony & National Anthem |
| 11:45 a.m. | SOCOM Para-Commandos Jump |
| 12:00 p.m. | Red Bull Helicopter Demo |
| 12:20 p.m. | Red Bull Air Force |
| 12:45 p.m. | Racers Jet Team L-39 Performance |
| 1:10 p.m. | F-15 Eagle Demonstration |
| 1:35 p.m. | Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet Demo |
| 2:00 p.m. | F-22 Raptor Demo Team |
| 2:30 p.m. | U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Finale |
| Around 3:00 p.m. | Event concludes |
One of the best parts of the Fort Lauderdale Air & Sea Show is the setting itself. Unlike traditional airport airshows, these aircraft perform directly over the ocean with the Fort Lauderdale skyline and beach serving as the backdrop. That combination of military aviation, oceanfront scenery, and South Florida energy is why many fans call it the “Super Bowl of Air Shows.” (Wikipedia)
If you plan to attend, organizers recommend arriving early because A1A closures and heavy crowds are expected throughout the weekend. Public beach viewing remains free, though VIP viewing sections and beachfront hospitality packages are also available. (Hoodline)