The jets are almost here. The Pacific Airshow comes back to Huntington Beach Friday through Sunday, Oct. 2–4, 2026, and this year is its 10th anniversary. If you’ve already read our 2026 preview, this is the other half: the practical, day-of stuff that makes the difference between a great beach day and three hours stuck in traffic on PCH.
The daily schedule
Here’s what’s confirmed. Gates open at 9 a.m. daily, according to the official FAQ. Flying starts at roughly 10 to 10:30 a.m. and wraps up somewhere around 4 to 4:30 p.m. The organizer’s own pages give slightly different estimates, and all of them are labeled “subject to change.”
The minute-by-minute performer schedule doesn’t come out ahead of time. Organizers email it to newsletter subscribers each morning of the show, so sign up before Friday. The City of Huntington Beach says flying generally runs from about 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Who’s flying: As of Sep 27, the official performers page lists the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the USAF F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, the U.S. Navy F-35C Demo, the Navy F/A-18 West Coast Rhino Demo Team, the USAF Heritage Flight P-38, the Royal Air Force Falcons Parachute Team, the USAF Wings of Blue parachute team, a Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, the Goodyear Blimp, a NASA flyover, Edwards AFB’s KC-135 and KC-46, the Red Bull Skydivers and Red Bull BO-105 helicopter, the Lyon Air Museum’s B-25, and civilian aerobatic pilots including Mike Goulian, Jeff Boerboon, and Emma McDonald. A few acts are marked “withdrawn,” including the Navy EA-18G Growler and the USAF F-35A Demo. Organizers say the plan is the full lineup all three days, but military and performer availability can change, so check the performers page the morning you go.
Getting there: roads, parking, bikes, and rideshare
Roads and PCH: As of Sep 27 we couldn’t find an official 2026 list of PCH road closures. The city says to expect heavy traffic and limited parking throughout downtown and along Pacific Coast Highway all weekend, especially when the show lets out. Before you leave, check the City of Huntington Beach and the Pacific Airshow FAQ for any closure notices.
Parking: There’s no dedicated airshow parking. Everything is first-come, first-served, per the official Getting There page. The city’s airshow announcement lists these options:
- Huntington City Beach Lot: south of the pier, entering off Beach Boulevard
- Pier Plaza Parking Lot: north of the pier
- Main Promenade Parking Structure: on Main Street between Walnut and Olive (some downtown merchants validate)
- 6th & PCH Structure and a few smaller downtown structures, which fill fast
The Airshow FAQ notes that annual and monthly beach pass holders are not exempt from charges during the airshow weekend, and a spot isn’t guaranteed. We’re not listing event-day prices. Check the city’s parking rates page for current rates.
Shuttles and bus: As of Sep 27 we couldn’t find an official 2026 airshow shuttle announcement. OCTA’s Rider Alerts page hadn’t posted any airshow-specific detours yet either. Check both before you go.
Bikes: This is the local move. Visit Huntington Beach says the free Surf City USA Bike Valet will run Oct. 2–4 at The Strand, across the street from the airshow. If you park your bike somewhere else, bring a lock. The organizer says other bike parking areas aren’t guarded.
Rideshare: The city names Pacific Coast Highway and Huntington Street as the designated Uber/Lyft drop-off point. Plan on a slow pickup after the show.
Free viewing vs. ticketed seating
Free: The show happens over the ocean, and the city confirms it’s free to watch from public beach areas. Show Center sits south of the pier near The Waterfront Beach Resort, and the flying is centered there. In general, the closer you are to Show Center, the better your angle. Official sources describe its location in slightly different ways, so see the event map. Visit Huntington Beach says two public-access tunnels will run through the ticketed areas down to the water. You can also watch from a boat, but boaters should follow the U.S. Coast Guard’s notice to mariners.
Ticketed: Tickets get you into the fenced area on the sand, which organizers call the best view. Options include General Admission, Show Center Zone, Premium GA, Pier seating, and several hospitality areas. Inside the fence you get live commentary from announcer Matt Jolley (you can’t hear it outside), the Kids Zone, the NXTGN STEM Lab, and performer signing sessions. The FAQ says tickets are sold only through the official site and the resale partner Tixel, and gate availability isn’t guaranteed. Prices vary by area, so check the official tickets page.
What to bring and the beach rules
- Pack: sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, towels or blankets, and a beach chair if you’re in GA or Show Center Zone. Bring a small water bottle (no glass) and ear protection, especially for kids. Organizers say they can’t promise earplugs will be for sale on site.
- Cashless inside: vendors in the ticketed area take cards only.
- No drones. The show is an enforced no-drone zone, and airspace restrictions apply around the site.
- Umbrellas and tents: In GA and Show Center Zone, small personal umbrellas are allowed. The event-day info page says under 6 feet. Tents, EZ-Ups, and large shade structures aren’t allowed inside the venue. Umbrellas and personal chairs aren’t allowed in the Pier, Premium GA, or hospitality areas.
- Alcohol: You can’t bring outside alcohol into the venue. Adults 21+ can buy drinks inside with a valid ID. On the public beach, the city’s beach rules prohibit alcohol and smoking.
- Leave at home: glass, knives (even butter knives), BBQs, kites, helium balloons, laser pointers, oversized coolers, and pets. Service animals are allowed.
Timing, heat, restrooms, and kids
- Go early. Beach lots fill up quickly. Wagons, strollers, and coolers get a full bag check in their own entry lane, so leave extra time if you’re bringing gear.
- Heat: The official FAQ warns it’s often hot in early October and there’s little to no shade in GA. Drink water all day. Bring a light layer too, because the show goes on rain or shine.
- Restrooms: We couldn’t confirm restroom locations for 2026. Check the event map closer to showtime.
- Kids: Kids 3 and under get in free with a ticketed adult (one per adult). Child tickets cover ages 4–17. Bring ear protection, snacks from home (small amounts of grocery or homemade food are OK in general areas), and a plan for where to meet if you get separated. Lost & Found and first aid are at the first aid tents outside Gate B and Gate C.
- Leaving: Expect PCH and downtown to back up after the finale. Some people stay a little longer and let the traffic ease.
If you’re making a weekend of it
Once the last jet heads home, walk up to Main Street and the Pier Plaza area for dinner on a patio or a coffee while the crowd clears. Across PCH, Pacific City has more places to eat and shop. Visit Huntington Beach’s airshow itinerary also suggests a self-guided historic downtown walking tour, a paddle in Huntington Harbour, and a sunset bonfire to finish the weekend. Very Surf City. Very chill.
See you on the sand.
Sources
- Pacific Airshow – FAQ: https://pacificairshowusa.com/faq
- Pacific Airshow – About the Airshow: https://pacificairshowusa.com/the-airshow
- Pacific Airshow – Performers: https://pacificairshowusa.com/performers
- Pacific Airshow – Event Map: https://pacificairshowusa.com/map
- Pacific Airshow – Event Day Info: https://pacificairshowusa.com/event-day-info
- Pacific Airshow – Getting There: https://pacificairshowusa.com/getting-there
- Pacific Airshow – Tickets: https://pacificairshowusa.com/tickets
- Pacific Airshow – Newsletter: https://pacificairshowusa.com/newsletter
- City of Huntington Beach – “Pacific Airshow Returns to Huntington Beach for a 10th Anniversary Celebration”: https://www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/news_detail_T4_R674.php
- City of Huntington Beach – Beach Information & Rules: https://www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/departments/parks_recreation/beach_information/index.php
- City of Huntington Beach – Beach Parking Rates and Fees: https://www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/services/parking/rates_and_fees.php
- Visit Huntington Beach (Surf City USA) – Pacific Airshow event page: https://www.surfcityusa.com/events/annual-events-festivals/pacific-airshow/
- Visit Huntington Beach – Pacific Airshow 3-Day Itinerary: https://www.surfcityusa.com/plan-your-visit/itineraries/pacific-airshow/
- OCTA – Rider Alerts: https://octa.net/rideralerts
- Internal: Beach Street News preview: https://www.beachstreetnews.com/pacific-airshow-huntington-beach-2026-preview/