Blue Angels – Courtesy: Fort Lauderdale Air Show website
This weekend the Fort Lauderdale Air Show is making its long-awaited return to Broward County’s most popular tourist beach destination along Las Olas Boulevard.
After being sidelined due to the pandemic in spring 2020, the Fort Lauderdale beachside spectacle will return to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park between the Intracoastal Waterway and state road A1A to showcase some of the most innovative, high-octane, and speedy planes and jets the U.S. has to offer.
This year’s show will feature Flag Jump Paratroopers, F-16 Viper Demos, Red Bull Air Force and Helicopter, Mike Wiskus Aerobatics, U.S. Navy Blue Angels, and much more.
In this quick and convenient guide, Florida Insider has constructed a need-to-know guide with answers to some of the most popular questions showgoers should know before attending this weekend:
What dates will the Fort Lauderdale Air Show take place?
- Saturday Show: May 8, 2021
- Sunday Show: May 9, 2021
What time does the show begin on Saturday and Sunday?
- The show will begin promptly at 11:30 a.m. on both days and will run until roughly 3:00 p.m. (Allow a 30-minute buffer depending on the timing between flights)
- The Drop Zone Beach (general admission) opens at 9 a.m., and The Flight Line Club beach area (reserved seating) opens at 10 a.m.
Where is the best seat in the house?
- The show center spans roughly two miles along Birch State Park between NE 19th Court to Las Olas Boulevard. Any spot within this aerial box is a prime spot.
Do I have to bring my own chair?
- If you do not have a ticket for the Flight Line Club, it is highly recommended you BYOC (bring your own chair). Don’t forget the sunscreen and an umbrella too!
Can I watch from the road?
- While there is no specific rule stating you can’t, safety personnel will be on scene controlling the flow of pedestrian traffic. Therefore, seats will not be allowed on the sidewalk or street. If you were to stand in the middle of the sidewalk, you will likely be asked to leave and watch from an alternative spot. To avoid that, you are encouraged to purchase a ticket for the Drop Zone.
Are masks required?
- Despite a recent emergency order that suspended all COVID-19 related local orders and mandates from Gov. Ron DeSantis, patrons are expected to wear masks in public areas, except when seated and viewing the show.
Are Cameras and Video Recorders allowed in the show area?
- Yes! Bring your cameras and take lots of pictures.
Is the event free? Where can I get tickets?
- The event is not free. Tickets can be purchased online on the event website.
- Tickets are available for purchase on the show’s website, or you can click here. Tickets start at $24 for children or $39 for adults.
Extra Tips
- If you or your child are startled or bothered by extremely high noises and crowd sounds, it is suggested that you bring ear protection, although it is not provided. Ear protection is not offered at the event.
- Coolers with food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed in the Drop Zone and Sand Box ticket sections of the show. However, food and drinks (including alcoholic beverages) will be available for purchase at the show. VIP guests with tickets in the Flight Line Club will have access to complimentary food and drinks.
- Pets such as dogs/cats are not allowed at the event
- Public parking will be available at the Galleria Mall on Sunrise Boulevard. VIP Flight Line Club ticket holders will be sent complimentary parking tickets to their email addresses.
The Fort Lauderdale Air Show will be the first major Air Show of the year in South Florida and will be followed by the Hyundai Air & Sea Show in Miami Beach on Memorial Day Weekend.
All information is courtesy of the Fort Lauderdale Air Show website.
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