WILDWOOD — Some of the most advanced military aircraft in the world will roar over the Jersey Shore this weekend as the Wildwoods Air Show returns for two days of aerial performances headlined by the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team.
The free air show is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, and Sunday, Sept. 13, over the beaches of the Wildwoods, with military jets, vintage warbirds, aerobatic performers and skydivers scheduled to take part.
The show also has a strong Atlantic County connection.
The 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard, based at Atlantic City International Airport in Egg Harbor Township, is scheduled to participate with an F-16 Viper flyby.
But the marquee attraction will be the F-22 Raptor.
The Air Force's fifth-generation stealth fighter is capable of combining extreme maneuverability with advanced avionics and supersonic performance. The F-22 Demonstration Team showcases capabilities rarely seen by the public outside military installations and major air shows.
Organizers announced the F-22 team as the headline act for the second annual Wildwoods Air Show earlier this summer.
The current lineup also includes a MiG-17F, a P-51 Mustang, the Jersey Jerks formation team flying SNJ/T-6 Texans, Patrick McAlee in the Pitts S1S "Blue Demon," David Windmiller in an Edge 540 and RJ Gritter flying a Decathlon.
The RE/MAX Skydiving Team is also scheduled to participate, with skydivers descending toward the beach during the National Anthem.
Additional performers could be announced or the lineup could change because of weather, mechanical issues or other operational considerations.
Two Days of Free Shows
Unlike the original plans for the 2026 event, which called for a Friday practice day followed by a Saturday show, organizers subsequently expanded the event to two public air-show days.
The current official schedule calls for performances on both Saturday and Sunday.
Gates open at 9 a.m., with aerial performances expected to run approximately noon to 3 p.m. each day.
There is no admission charge to watch from the beach or Boardwalk.
The center of the performance area will be over the ocean between Morey's Mariner's Pier and Adventure Pier, near the Spicer Avenue beach. Spectators can watch from locations throughout the Wildwoods, although the central show area will provide the closest view and access to the event's narration and music.
Premium reserved viewing areas are available for a fee, but tickets are not required for general beach or Boardwalk viewing.
Air Show Weekend to Include 9/11 Tribute
This year's event will carry additional significance because it immediately follows the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The Wildwoods have scheduled several remembrance ceremonies Friday, Sept. 11, before the air show begins the following day.
North Wildwood will hold its Sept. 11 commemoration at 8:40 a.m. at the 15th Street Fire Station at 15th Street and Central Avenue.
A downtown Wildwood remembrance ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. at Byrne Plaza.
Wildwood Crest will hold a memorial service at 5:30 p.m. at Alameno Park at New Jersey and Miami avenues.
Air show organizers also say the weekend will include an aerial salute honoring those killed in the attacks as well as military members, veterans and first responders.
The timing makes the air show part of a larger patriotic weekend in the Wildwoods and comes during the yearlong celebration of America's 250th anniversary.
Wildwoods Looking to Extend Summer Season
The air show has also become part of the Wildwoods' effort to draw large crowds after the traditional Labor Day end of the summer tourism season.
Tourism officials are promoting the air show as a flagship event for the resort's fall "Second Season," with several other events scheduled throughout the island during the weekend.
The Wildwoods Food and Music Festival will be held Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Byrne Plaza, while North Wildwood's annual Mummers celebration is also scheduled for the weekend. The Roots Classic Volkswagen Car Show and North Wildwood Recreation Surf Fishing Competition are among the other events planned.
Tourism officials have said they expect the air show weekend to draw a major influx of spectators to the island.
What Spectators Need to Know
People attending the air show can bring lawn chairs, blankets, small umbrellas, cameras and beach wagons into the general viewing areas.
Outside food is permitted in general-admission areas, but glass containers and outside alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Drones are strictly prohibited because of the controlled airspace required for the air show.
Street parking will be available throughout the Wildwoods, including metered spaces and private parking lots. Visitors should expect heavier-than-normal traffic and parking demand near the center of the performance area.
The designated rideshare drop-off location is on Atlantic Avenue between Schellenger and Oak avenues.
The event is scheduled to take place rain or shine, although weather conditions can affect individual aircraft performances and the flying schedule.
With an F-22 Raptor overhead, locally based F-16s joining the show and the weekend coinciding with the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the second annual event is shaping up to be one of the Wildwoods' largest attractions of the post-Labor Day season.
The Wildwoods Air Show is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12-13. Gates open at 9 a.m. and flying is expected from approximately noon to 3 p.m. General admission from the beach and Boardwalk is free.
About the Author
Peter Killeen
A 25-year radio news veteran, Peter covers South Jersey for NewsTalk 1400 & 92.3 WOND radio. Known for his concise and impactful delivery, he ensures listeners and readers stay informed without unnecessary filler.
