When is the Fort Lauderdale Air Show?
The 2025 Fort Lauderdale Air Show will be held May 3–4, 2025.
It takes place over two days every spring, though the exact weekend changes each year. For locals, it’s a beloved tradition to spend the day on the beach watching the jets roar overhead, feeling the energy in the air, and soaking up the sun.
What time does the Fort Lauderdale Air Show start?
The Fort Lauderdale Air Show typically starts around 11:45am and runs until about 3:00pm.
Times may vary slightly depending on the flight schedule and time between performances. While the aerial program doesn’t kick off until late morning, crowds start pouring in much earlier. In past years, traffic has been heavy as early as 9:00am, and by 11:00am, the beach area is packed. If you want a good spot, and a little breathing room, plan to arrive early
Where is the Fort Lauderdale Air Show?
The Fort Lauderdale Air Show takes place over Fort Lauderdale Beach, with Show Center located near Hugh Taylor Birch State Park.
The aerial performance area stretches about two miles wide along the coast. While some say you can catch views as far south as 17th Street and as far north as Commercial Boulevard, the best viewing area is between Las Olas Boulevard and Oakland Park Boulevard. VIP and Premium Viewing zones are located between Sunrise Boulevard and NE 18th Street, directly in front of Birch State Park.
Fort Lauderdale Air Show Tickets
If you’re looking for the most comfortable and convenient way to enjoy the show, grabbing a ticket to one of the official viewing areas is a smart move. All ticketed zones are located right on Fort Lauderdale Beach and right in the middle of the action, giving you front-row access to the aerial performances. You’ll also get perks like restrooms, food and drink stands, and a less crowded stretch of sand. And yes, you can come and go throughout the day. You’ll get a wristband (and for VIPs, a lanyard too) for easy reentry, plus dedicated access to the water. Keep in mind that seating and shade vary depending on your ticket level, so plan ahead.
Here’s a quick look at the 2025 ticket options:
Drop Zone Beach – $37.50 per person
The most budget-friendly option for a more comfortable beach day. You’ll get access to bathrooms with hand sanitizer, food and drink stands (including alcohol), and live narration of the show. Seating isn’t provided, so bring a beach chair or blanket. Small coolers with food and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed. Kids 5 and under get in free.
Sand Box – $74.75 per person
Perfect for families or small groups, the Sand Box option gives you a private patch of beach for up to four people. You’ll have access to dedicated bathrooms and food & drink vendors. Bring your own chairs, and note that every person (including babies!) counts toward the 4-person limit. You can add a 5th child (age 12 and under) with a special ticket.
Flight Line Club – $199 per person
This VIP experience includes shaded tents, a catered lunch, and an all-day beverage bar. New this year: you can reserve a private box for up to four people, complete with seating and an umbrella. VIP parking on A1A is also included. Children under 3 are free as lap infants, any older and they’ll need their own ticket.
VIP Penthouse – $599 per person
Watch the show from one of the most exclusive vantage points in the city. The VIP Penthouse is located 10 floors up on the oceanfront rooftop of the Pelican Grand Hotel, offering panoramic views of the airspace and jets soaring by at eye level. Guests enjoy upscale catered cuisine, an open bar inside the luxury ballroom, and preferred parking.
Best Viewing Spots
If you don’t want to pay for one of the premium viewing areas, there are still plenty of ways to catch the action. Just keep in mind: for safety and security reasons, spectators aren’t allowed to stop or set up chairs along A1A, even though the road is closed to vehicles. Pedestrian traffic has to keep moving.
Instead, here are some other great options for watching the show:
On the Beach
If you’re looking for a free option, your best option is to find a public stretch of beach north or south of the ticketed viewing zones. The premium areas run along Fort Lauderdale Beach in front of Birch State Park (from roughly Sunrise Blvd to 18th Street), so aim just outside of that zone. Plan to arrive early if you want a good spot.
Las Olas Beach is a popular spot to throw down a towel, feel the rumble of the jets overhead, and enjoy the day.
On a Boat
If you’ve got a boat, this is one of the best ways to experience the show. Locals love heading out on the water with a cooler, a solid playlist, and a Pub Sub to enjoy the jets from just offshore.
The U.S. Coast Guard sets up a designated Safety Zone to protect the aerial performance area and the coral reefs below, so be sure to anchor in approved areas and follow all posted guidelines.
No boat of your own? You can book a boat or yacht charter, or even a local fishing charter, to get a front-row view from the ocean.
From a Hotel
Another great option? Booking a hotel room with an oceanfront view. Balcony views gives you a front-row experience, and many people reserve rooms along Fort Lauderdale Beach just for air show weekend. Hotels near the intersection of Sunrise Blvd and A1A offer some of the best views.
If you’re thinking about staying on the beach, book early, these rooms go fast.
From a Restaurant or Bar
Want to sip a drink while the jets fly by? You’ve got options.
For that classic beach bar vibe, Blondies and the iconic Elbo Room are located right by Las Olas Beach. They’re lively, fun, and right in the action. If you’re looking for something more elevated (literally), Nube Rooftop is a great choice for cocktails with a view. You might also find great spots at Beach Place, which has several open-air dining and bar options along A1A.
These places will fill up fast, so arrive early. You may even want to check ahead to see if you’ll need a reservation.
Best Places to Park
Parking on Fort Lauderdale Beach during the air show can be overwhelming if you don’t plan ahead. State Road A1A will be closed from just north of Sunrise Boulevard to NE 19th Street between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM on both Saturday and Sunday, which limits access and adds to congestion. While the Sunrise & A1A intersection remains open, it’s a major traffic pinch point and best avoided if possible.
Trying to park close to the beach may sound tempting, but street parking on A1A is extremely limited, and getting off the beach after the show can mean gridlock for up to two hours. You’ll probably find that it’s better to just walk the extra distance to your car than sit in traffic forever.
Your best bet? Skip the beachside parking altogether and park on the mainland. Here’s how to do it:
Galleria Mall
The Galleria Mall on Sunrise Boulevard is by far the most recommended option if you don’t have VIP tickets for the viewing area. It gets busy, but there are spots to be found. From the mall, it’s about a 15–20 minute walk over the Sunrise Boulevard bridge to the beach. Once you cross, you can go left toward the vendor area or right to find a more relaxed beach spot south of the ticketed premium seating area.
Plan to arrive at least 45–60 minutes early to allow for parking, walking, and beach setup time. There are no shuttles offered for this year’s event, so wear comfortable shoes and expect to walk a bit.
Parking for Premium Ticket Holders
If you’ve purchased a premium viewing ticket, here’s what to expect:
- Drop Zone Beach & Sand Box guests: Parking is not included with your ticket, so you probably want to use the public parking at The Galleria Mall.
- Flight Line Club VIP guests: Parking is included with your ticket and details will be sent via email before the show. This includes VIP parking right on A1A.
- VIP Penthouse guests: Valet parking is included at the Pelican Grand Beach Resort, located directly at the venue.
Performer Schedule
Here’s a look at the high-flying lineup for this year’s Fort Lauderdale Air Show. All performers are scheduled to appear on both Saturday and Sunday, but the exact timing and order may change. For the most up-to-date schedule, be sure to check the official air show website before you go.
From high-speed military jets to vintage warbirds and skydiving teams, here are the acts lighting up the sky in 2025:
U.S. Navy Blue Angels
The stars of the show, the Blue Angels fly F/A-18 Super Hornets with jaw-dropping precision. Their famous diamond formation brings jets within just feet of each other, while solo pilots tear across the sky in high-speed passes and close crossovers. The grand finale brings all six jets together in a thundering delta formation that fills the sky with sound, speed, and smoke.
F-22 Demo Team
Watch one of the world’s most advanced fighter jets do things you didn’t think were physically possible. The F-22 Raptor demo showcases extreme thrust vectoring, sudden stalls, vertical climbs, and dramatic flips that seem to defy gravity. You might even see it whip up its own vapor clouds as it slices through the air.
NORAD F-15 Intercept Demo
This demo puts you in the middle of a real-life airspace security scenario. Two F-15 Eagles respond to a simulated airspace violation, showcasing NORAD’s rapid response tactics. Expect tight turns, fast formations, and a serious show of force that highlights how national airspace is protected in real time.
SOCOM Para-Commandos
Jumping from the skies with precision and pride, the U.S. Special Operations Command Para-Commandos represent elite members of every branch of the military. Their parachute demonstration is not only skilled and daring, it’s a tribute to teamwork, service, and sacrifice.
P-51 Mustang Demo
Scott “Scooter” Yoak flies a beautifully restored WWII P-51 Mustang in a performance that blends power, grace, and patriotism. With its polished black-and-silver design and powerful presence, this aircraft honors U.S. service members past and present while putting on an unforgettable aerial display.
John Black
John Black pushes his over-the-wing Super Decathlon to its absolute limit in a fast, fun aerobatic performance. A retired Air Force pilot with decades of flying experience, John’s routine is full of loops, rolls, dives, and stunts that show just how agile this little aircraft can be.
Viewing Tips & What to Bring
A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to enjoying the Fort Lauderdale Air Show. Whether you’re on the sand, at a bar, or in a ticketed area, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Arrive Early
Getting an early start is the best way to avoid stress and claim a great spot. Aim to arrive at least an hour before showtime, more if you want a front-row view, so you have plenty of time to park, walk in, and get settled.
Protect Yourself from the Sun
Bring sunscreen, reapply often, and don’t forget sunglasses and a hat. An umbrella or a small personal shade tent is a smart move if you’re watching from the beach. In the Drop Zone and Sand Box areas, beach chairs and umbrellas aren’t provided, so be sure to bring your own.
Stay Hydrated
It gets hot fast in South Florida, especially on the sand. Pack plenty of water, especially if you’re in a non-ticketed area. Coolers are allowed in some viewing zones, so check your ticket details before packing drinks or snacks.
Ear Protection for Kids
The jets get loud. While ear protection isn’t required, it’s strongly recommended for kids under 5 or anyone sensitive to noise. A good pair of earmuffs or foam earplugs can make the experience more comfortable.
Catch the Practice Runs
Want to see the planes without the weekend crowds? Head to the beach on Friday to see if you can catch some unofficial practice flights. While there’s no posted schedule (practices can change last-minute) you’ll often see aircraft in the sky throughout the week.
What to Bring
- Binoculars (great for spotting distant planes or skydivers)
- Blanket or lightweight chairs
- Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Camera or phone for photos
- Water (lots of it!)
- Snacks or a small cooler (if allowed in your area)
