Central Coast AirFest 2024 in California

One of the most popular annual festivals in Santa Maria

Dates: September 21-22, 2024

Central Coast AirFest is a popular air show taking place at Santa Maria Airport every October. The weekend event features spectacular aerobatics, military demonstrations, vintage warbirds, civilian stunt performers, modern jets, skydivers, military and vintage displays, and fun for the whole family. This wonderful community celebration also offers an Octoberfest-themed beer garden, food trucks, and entertainment for any taste.

Central Coast AirFest boasts a diverse lineup of performers soaring in the skies over Santa Maria Valley. Past participants included the Canadian Snowbirds, the Red Bull Air Force, Navy VFA-122 F-18 Demo Team, Sammy Mason, High Alpha, Hickam AFB C-17, Kevin Coleman, Aaron Fitzgerald, Kyle Fowler GO EZ Aerobatics, Coulson Air Tanker C-130 H2O Drop, Swamp Fox P-51 Demo, and many others.

Visitors can also explore ground aircraft displays. Nothing compares to climbing onboard a C-130J aircraft! The public can observe military demonstrations, like USAF A-10 Demo Team, USAF Heritage Flight w/ P-51 Mustang, US Navy F-18 Demo Team, USN Legacy Flight w/ F8F Bearcat, C-17 Demo. There also will be Planes of Fame Warbirds, including the P-51D Mustang, P-51A Mustang, P-40 Warhawk, B-25 Bomber, SBD Dauntless, P-38 Lightning, F8F Bearcat, F4U Corsair, BT-13 Valiant, and TBM Avenger.

Opening Hours

The show runs on both Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. Friday Practice Show and Afterburner takes place from 12 pm to 6 pm.

Tickets and Parking

Each day of the festival has a different ticket price. Friday general admission costs $15, including free parking in general parking areas. Youth and kids (15 and under) have free admission on Friday. Saturday and Sunday general admission costs $30 in advance, including free parking in general parking areas. Youth admission (ages 5-15) is $10, and kids 4 years and under have free entrance. Additionally, guests can purchase Preferred Parking by advance reservation only. The Preferred Parking area is located at the front of the General Public Parking Area, near the main event entrance gate.