News Summary
Huntington Beach will host the Pacific Airshow from October 3 to October 5, showcasing military and civilian aviation performances. Ticket prices start at $40, featuring headliners like the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. New this year is the NXTGN STEM LAB offering interactive exhibits for students. A long-term agreement for the event has been approved, promising substantial economic benefits for the city amidst mixed community reactions. The airshow also plans to monitor environmental impacts while continuing to engage local students through complimentary tickets and STEM-based activities.
Huntington Beach, California is set to host the Pacific Airshow from October 3 to October 5. This popular event will feature incredible military and civilian aviation performances, promising to attract hundreds of thousands of attendees to the southern California coastline. The show runs from 10 a.m. to approximately 4:30 p.m. each day, with gates opening at 9 a.m. The venue is located south of the Huntington Beach Pier, specifically between 1st Street and Huntington Street.
Ticket prices for the Pacific Airshow start at $40, with various premium seating options available along the pier. The event boasts headlining acts from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, along with exciting debuts from the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), Germany’s Air Force A400M, and the UK’s Royal Air Force Falcons.
Attendees can look forward to a dynamic mix of aerial demonstrations, showcasing an array of military jets and civilian aircraft, including vintage military planes and microjets. The iconic Goodyear Blimp is also expected to make a special appearance during the show.
The executive director of the Pacific Airshow aims to foster a vibrant community celebration through this event. In an effort to engage local students, the airshow will offer complimentary tickets to over 5,500 students from 85 schools in Southern California for the first time. These students will have access to STEM-based activities, supported by Edwards Air Force Base and other exhibitors, creating valuable learning experiences.
A fresh addition to this year’s event is the NXTGN STEM LAB, which will feature interactive exhibits focusing on drone racing, robotic cars, and other engineering technologies, enhancing the educational components of the airshow.
The Huntington Beach City Council recently approved a long-term agreement granting exclusive rights for the Pacific Airshow for up to 25 years. This contract serves as a settlement following the cancelled final day of the 2021 edition due to an oil spill. According to a 2022 economic impact study, the Pacific Airshow generates an estimated $120 million annually in economic benefits for the city.
Community reactions to the long-term contract have been mixed, with Councilmember Chad Williams casting the only dissenting vote. Williams emphasized the need for an independent audit to assess the financial benefits of the airshow before finalizing the contract.
Moreover, the event received a five-year permit from the California Coastal Commission, which is contingent upon meeting 21 environmental conditions. The Pacific Airshow has encountered various challenges in recent years, including adverse weather, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the aforementioned oil spill, yet it continues to exhibit success year after year.
The operator of the Pacific Airshow stated that the event significantly boosts the local economy, particularly over its weekend duration. As part of ongoing monitoring efforts, there will be provisions in place to assess noise levels throughout the duration of the airshow, addressing any potential environmental impacts.
Historically, the Pacific Airshow attracts a substantial number of visitors each year, which has a positive effect on local businesses and enhances tourism in the area. Besides, plans for the future include potential expansions, with additional editions expected to take place in Gold Coast, Australia, in 2023.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Pacific Airshow Prepares for Takeoff
- LA Times: Huntington Beach Deal Locks Up Pacific Airshow
- Patch: Noise and Fighter Jets Over OC
- LAist: Huntington Beach Airshow and Coastal Commission
- National World: RAF Falcons to Debut at Pacific Airshow
- Wikipedia: Pacific Airshow
- Google Search: Pacific Airshow
- Google Scholar: Pacific Airshow
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pacific Airshow
- Google News: Pacific Airshow
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
