SAN DIEGO — A popular military tradition in San Diego is returning this weekend.
The MCAS Miramar Air Show, presented by the United States Marine Corps, kicks off Friday at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. The three-day event will feature the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the U.S. Air Force’s F-22 Raptor Demo, civilian acts and more.
Here's what to know about the largest military air show in the country.
What is the address for the air show?
The air show is taking place at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, located on Miramar Road.
You can find an event map and other key information of the Miramar Air Show's help page.
What time should I get there?
Gates open at 8 a.m. If you already have a ticket, you can check in beginning at 9 a.m.
There is no public transportation to and from the air show. However, there is a designated area for rideshare pick-up and drop-off in the McDonald's parking lot on Mitscher Way & Elrod Avenue.
If you're driving, you will be directed to a parking lot upon entrance to the station gates. Shuttles will take you to and from the parking lot.
You cannot drop people off at the flight line entrance gates before parking.
What do I need to bring?
The airshow suggests you bring ear protection such as noise-canceling headphones or earplugs. This is especially important for younger attendees and those with sensitive hearing, the air show says. Ear plugs will also be available for purchase on site.
If you're not a U.S. Citizen, you'll need to show a passport to get in.
The air show recommends you bring plenty of sunscreen and a reusable water bottle — there are water stations throughout the site, as well as food vendors.
Note that the event has a clear bag policy.
What is the schedule of events?
The types of aircraft featured in the show varies each year. For the 2024 show, you can expect to see:
- USN Angels and Fat Albert
- USMC F-35B Demo
- F-22 Raptor Demo with the P-51D Heritage Flight
- U.S. Navy Leap Frogs
- USMC MV-22 Osprey Demo
- Marine Air-Ground Task Force Demo
- Vicky Benzing Aerosports
- Ed Hamill - Folds of Honor
- Red Bull Air Force
- Ace Maker T-33
- Aarron Deliu
You can see a detailed schedule of performances here.
In addition, the Monster Energy FMX team will perform stunts every day of the show at 9 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Precision Exotics will showcase high speed driving.
For the third year, the air show will also include a Military and Tech Expo highlighting technologies currently in use at MCAS Miramar and how they contribute to a greener footprint, according to the air show. The expo also shows how the Department of Defense can transfer these technologies onto the battlefield.
How do I purchase tickets?
General Admission and parking for the air show are free. Tickets are not required.
If you'd like a better view, you can purchase a ticket for preferred seating. A full list of all the seating options can be found on the air show's website here.
Special military pricing is available for all attendees on Friday.
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