Pacific Air Show Returns To OC, Expect Engines To Roar Skyward

SEAL BEACH, CA —Expect more thunder in the sky over the coming days as planes head to Orange County for the 2021 Pacific Airshow. This year’s show is set to be one of the best in the world and will feature the U.S. Navy Blue Angels celebrating their 75th anniversary season and flying new F/A-18 Super Hornets, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds celebrating their 50th anniversary, Major Kristin “BEO” Wolfe leading the U.S. Air Force ACC F-35 Lightning II Demo squad, the U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey Demo Team, and the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute demonstration team among countless others.

Huntington Beach police reminded residents that starting Sept. 27, the skies will be filled with the roar of jet engines once again.

But please, don't call 911. A special phone number has been established to handle noise complaints from the air show.

This year’s show is set to be one of the best in the world and will feature the U.S. Navy Blue Angels celebrating their 75th anniversary season and flying new F/A-18 Super Hornets, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds celebrating their 50th anniversary, Major Kristin “BEO” Wolfe leading the U.S. Air Force ACC F-35 Lightning II Demo squad, the U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey Demo Team, and the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute demonstration team among countless others.

The need for speed will start early at this year’s Pacific Airshow with a World Speed Record Ocean Cup Race on Friday morning, October 1. This powerboat race will start at 7 a.m. and feature world-class offshore race boats and experienced drivers on a 112.5-mile course that starts at the Huntington Beach Pier and heads to the north side of Catalina, circling the island’s backside before coming back to the pier.

Sanctioned and approved by Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), American Power Boat Association (APBA), and Powerboat P1 USA (P1), the racers will compete for the Ocean Cup Rum Run trophy to be presented by Erik Nordson, grandson of legendary racer Bob Nordson who won the race nine times.

This daring and skilled group of competitive boat drivers includes world-record holders Nigel Hook, Jay Johnson and Chris Reindl who reset the current word in 2020 as well as other drivers.

Spectators are invited to come watch the race from the beach or the pier (before it closes for the Airshow at 8am). For those who want an up-close look at these incredible boats, all of the race boats will be on display on Main Street on Saturday, Oct. 1 and Sunday, Oct. 2.

Pacific Airshow follows the Ocean Cup race with an OC Fire Authority demo of their new night-flying Coulson Ch -47D Chinook helitanker that can carry and drop up to 3,000 gallons of fire-retardant or water. Airshow fans will be treated to six more hours of world-class aerobatics and supersonic military jets at the family-friendly, patriotic Pacific Airshow.

Pacific Airshow fans can use the new mobile app to learn about this year’s Airshow performers, discover major points of interest using an interactive map, purchase event tickets, and stay up to date with important event updates and announcements. Fans can download the mobile app through their provider’s app store.

Fans have five options for premium Airshow viewing this year, which can be purchased on the new mobile app and at the Pacific Airshow website.

Following the Airshow will be the inaugural two-night Afterburner Music Festival. Headlining the Friday, Oct. 1 show will be Rock & Roll Hall of Fame vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Sammy Hagar and his band Sammy Hagar & The Circle whose members include Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, guitarist Vic Johnson and drummer and son of Led Zeppelin, Jason Bonham. Also performing on Friday are jam band sensation Umphrey’s McGee and opening act 90’s Rock Show.

Headlining the Saturday, Oct. 2 show will be chart-topping, award-winning country music artist Sam Hunt with accompanying performances by X Ambassadors and the Grammy award-nominated Cassadee Pope, the first female winner of The Voice.

Afterburner Music Festival tickets are available online or through the Pacific Airshow app.