Sunset over the Huntington Beach Pier — the perfect California backdrop for Pacific Airshow weekend. Photo by Hung Quang Nguyen.
The roar of the jets is returning to Orange County! The 2026 Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach takes over the skies October 2–4, 2026, bringing three days of aerial performances to the Southern California coast.
If you’ve never experienced the Pacific Airshow before, planning ahead can make a big difference. Huntington Beach gets extremely busy during airshow weekend, and everything from finding a good viewing spot to parking and booking a nearby hotel can take some preparation.
I’ve attended the Pacific Airshow before, and in this guide, I’ll share what I’ve learned along with practical information for 2026 tickets, where to stay, what to bring, and how to prepare for a full day at the beach.
Whether this is your first Pacific Airshow or you’re coming back for another year, here’s what you need to know before heading to Huntington Beach.
Huntington Beach and its iconic palm-lined coastline set the stage for Pacific Airshow weekend. Photo by Hung Quang Nguyen.
Pacific Airshow 2026 Event Overview
Dates: Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 4, 2026
Location: Huntington Beach, California, centered around the Huntington Beach Pier
Schedule: Gates open daily at 9:00 AM. Flying schedules and performer times may vary, so check the official Pacific Airshow schedule closer to the event.
2026 Headliners: U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and Canadian Forces Snowbirds
Military aircraft flying in formation over Huntington Beach during the 2023 Pacific Airshow. Photo by Marvin Chau.
Here’s a quick look at the action I captured during the 2023 Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach:
Which Day Should You Attend?
Friday can feel a little different from Saturday and Sunday. While all three days feature airshow activities, the performer lineup, flight times, and demonstrations may vary by day. Saturday and Sunday are typically the main weekend days and may also draw larger crowds, while Friday can be a good option if you prefer starting your airshow weekend earlier.
Before buying tickets or choosing which day to visit, check the official Pacific Airshow schedule, especially as the event gets closer. Performance times and participating aircraft can change due to operational requirements, weather, or other factors.
Do You Need Tickets?
You can see and hear the aircraft from different areas along the Huntington Beach coastline, but the official ticketed viewing area offers a more direct view of the show and puts you closer to the center of the action.
General Admission and premium seating options are available through the official Pacific Airshow ticket site. Popular seating areas can sell out as the event gets closer, so if you already know which day you want to attend, it’s worth checking availability in advance.
🎟️ Get Pacific Airshow 2026 Tickets:
Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach – Official Tickets
Where to Stay: Best Hotels for the Pacific Airshow
Huntington Beach gets especially busy during Pacific Airshow weekend, so staying close to the beach can make the experience much easier. Booking an oceanfront resort or a hotel within walking distance can help you avoid some of the traffic and parking challenges that come with a major beachfront event.
Huntington Beach Pier at dusk — staying near the beach can make it easier to enjoy the full airshow weekend. Photo by Hung Quang Nguyen.
If you want to stay close to the action and enjoy easy access to the beach, these three oceanfront properties are worth considering:
Paséa Hotel & Spa: Located near the Huntington Beach Pier and Pacific City, Paséa offers a convenient location for enjoying both the airshow and the surrounding restaurants and shops.
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa: Located across Pacific Coast Highway from the beach, with pedestrian bridge access and plenty of resort amenities for families.
The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel: An oceanfront resort near the main Huntington Beach attractions, with ocean-view room options and easy access to the beach.
Note: An ocean-view room does not guarantee an unobstructed view of the airshow. Check directly with the hotel about room location, viewing areas, and any special Pacific Airshow packages before booking.
Budget-Friendly & Nearby Alternatives
If you prefer a quieter stay or want to avoid premium beachfront prices, consider looking a few miles inland or in nearby areas such as Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, or Fountain Valley. You may find more choices while still staying within a reasonable drive of Huntington Beach.
If you’re planning to stay overnight, it’s a good idea to compare rates and availability early:
The Huntington Beach waterfront comes alive in the evening, with restaurants and the beach just steps apart. Photo by Hung Quang Nguyen.
Pacific Airshow Survival Guide: What to Pack
Spending several hours on the sand under the Southern California sun while aircraft perform overhead means a little preparation goes a long way. Here are some useful items to consider bringing for a more comfortable day at the Pacific Airshow.
1. Hearing Protection
The Pacific Airshow can get extremely loud, and event organizers recommend hearing protection during performances, particularly for young children.
For Kids: Consider a comfortable pair of Baby & Kids Noise-Reduction Earmuffs to help protect little ears during louder performances.
For Adults: Foam earplugs are an inexpensive option, while High-Fidelity Hearing Protection Earplugs can reduce sound levels while still allowing you to hear what's happening around you.
2. Optics & Eye Protection
Some aircraft move incredibly fast or perform farther from shore, so having the right gear can make them easier to follow.
Binoculars: A compact pair of 10x42 Waterproof Binoculars can give you a closer look at aircraft and formations from the beach.
Sunglasses: Spending hours looking toward a bright Southern California sky can be tiring on your eyes. Bring Polarized UV-Protection Sunglasses for added comfort and UV protection.
3. All-Day Beach Comfort
If you have a General Admission or Show Center Zone ticket, you can bring your own small chair, towel or blanket and a small umbrella.
Seating: A lightweight Backpack Beach Chair is a convenient option because you'll need to carry it to and from the beach.
Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Small personal umbrellas under 2 meters are permitted in GA and Show Center Zone areas, but tents and large shade structures are not allowed.
Power: Taking photos and videos throughout the day can drain your phone quickly. A Portable Power Bank can keep your phone charged for photos, messages, maps and event updates.
Water: Bring a sealed plastic water bottle or reusable water bottle with water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Important: Premium GA, Pier and Hospitality areas have different rules. Personal chairs and umbrellas are not permitted in those sections, so always check the latest official Pacific Airshow guidelines for your specific ticket type before packing.
Parking, Logistics, and Insider Tips
Arrive Early: Pacific Airshow weekend brings heavy traffic to Huntington Beach, especially around Pacific Coast Highway and the beachfront. Give yourself plenty of extra time for traffic, parking, and walking to your viewing area.
Plan Your Parking: Beach and downtown parking can be in high demand during major events. Check the latest Pacific Airshow parking and transportation information before you leave, and consider alternative transportation if you're staying nearby.
Using Rideshare: Uber or Lyft can save you from searching for parking, but road closures and heavy traffic may affect pickup and drop-off locations. Check the official event information for designated rideshare areas or transportation updates closer to the event.
Pack Light: Remember that you'll likely be walking and spending several hours at the beach. Bring only what you need and check the permitted-items rules for your ticket area before heading out.
Whether you're coming for the Thunderbirds, the Snowbirds, or simply a great weekend by the ocean, I hope this guide helps make your Pacific Airshow experience a little easier to plan.
Enjoy the show, keep your eyes on the skies, and have a fantastic weekend in Huntington Beach!
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links in this article are affiliate links. If you book or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me continue sharing travel stories, tips, and guides through Wayfare Journal and GoGoCali. Thank you for supporting my journey!
Not every journey needs to be far. Every journey should be memorable.
— Marvin
Wayfare Journal | GoGoCali – Travel California & Beyond