Informal beachgoers would possibly see extra than simply seagulls and pelicans hovering by means of the sky this weekend. The Cocoa Seaside Air Present is bringing a unique type of wings to Florida’s House Coast on Saturday and Sunday.
The U.S. Air Drive F-22 Raptor Demo Workforce will headline the present, which returns for the primary time since 2023 and coincides with Cocoa Seaside’s a hundredth anniversary celebration. Aviation followers also can see the E/A-18 Growler Workforce, the 920th Rescue Wing, a KC-135 Stratotanker Demo, the C-17 Globemaster III Demo Workforce, the REMAX Parachute Workforce and aerobatics from a neighborhood pilot.
“Lots of the performers, each army and civilian alike, love performing out over the ocean and for the beachgoers. It makes it particular,” stated Chris Dirato, the present’s director of public relations. “Air reveals are family-friendly, and they’re much more so when you’ll be able to come to the seashore, spend the day there and pack a lunch. You’ll be able to watch of us who’re defending your freedom on daily basis.”
The present features a show of fight search and rescue capabilities from the 920th Rescue Wing — which hails from Patrick House Drive Base in Melbourne — mid-air refueling demonstrations, skydiving and stunt flying from Cocoa Seaside-based pilot John Black.
John McCall/South Florida Solar Sentinel
The F-22 Raptor performs on the Fort Lauderdale Air Present in 2020. The demo staff returns to the Cocoa Seaside Air Present July 12-13. (John McCall/South Florida Solar Sentinel)
Whereas the entire acts are certain to placed on an excellent spectacle, the F-22 Raptor Demo Workforce will showcase the skills of the “most maneuverable fighter jet on the planet.”
“You’ll be able to see it climb straight up and cease in midair, then reverse towards the bottom earlier than flipping its nostril round in a somersault at a near-zero ahead velocity,” Dirato stated. “It makes sudden sharp turns, displacing and compressing air into vapor.”
Though the F-22 is certain to captivate widespread consideration and intrigue, Dirato stated to not sleep on the Navy’s E/A-18 Growler Workforce.
“The Growlers have one of the vital superior airborne digital assault platforms. They go in and supply tactical jamming and digital safety to army forces and our allies around the globe,” he stated. “They’re loud. They placed on a fairly good present in their very own proper. You all the time know they’re coming.”
Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel
The U.S. Air Drive F-22 Raptor flies in follow forward of the House Coast Worldwide Air Present in Titusville in 2022. The present returns to Cocoa Seaside on July 12-13. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Individuals from miles round will have the ability to see and listen to the plane as they current high-flying performances, however Dirato stated patrons who purchase tickets can entry restrooms, foods and drinks distributors and listen to narration describing every act.
Whereas basic admission tickets grant entry to a non-public seashore space close to Lori Wilson Park and close-up viewing, different ticket tiers grant attendees a non-public 10-by-12-foot viewing space within the sand or “Flight Line Membership” VIP perks as the highest possibility.
Boat viewing is an alternative choice in a restricted space on the east aspect of the Coast Guard Security Zone, which extends 12,000 toes parallel with the flight path of the performing plane.
Wherever individuals select to view the present, Dirato inspired aviation fans to hitch within the family-friendly festivities.
“Come out and spend the day on the seashore. You’ll be able to watch some nice, gifted aviators within the sky and watch how these planes are thrown round on an enormous stage,” he stated. “You’ll be able to deliver your youngsters out to the present and possibly get them fascinated by a profession in aviation or a profession within the army.”
The Cocoa Seaside present represents the fifth of eight stops on the Air Dot Present 2025 tour. The occasion beforehand stopped in Augusta, Georgia, Fort Lauderdale, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Ocean Metropolis, Maryland. Following upcoming stops in New York and Atlanta, the tour makes its approach again to Florida for the Orlando Air Present in October.
The Blue Angels are confirmed for subsequent 12 months’s Cocoa Seaside Air Present, which returns in April 2026.
As for this weekend’s present, Dirato and his staff are hoping that the climate cooperates.
“We’re hoping that Mom Nature attended the planning conferences so the climate will cooperate Saturday and Sunday,” he stated.
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Should you go
The Cocoa Seaside Air Present opens its gates at 9 a.m. with the Flight Line Membership seashore space opening at 10 a.m. on July 12-13 close to Lori Wilson Park, 1500 N. Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Seaside. The aerial portion of the present runs from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. every day. Beachgoers might even see performers practising on the times main as much as the present. Coolers with meals and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed into the present in addition to chairs and seashore umbrellas, however pets are prohibited. For extra details about parking, what to deliver and tickets, go to air.present.