The Pensacola Beach Blue Angels Air Show is an event that many look forward to each year, including myself and my family. The acts in the show are exciting and it is a thrill to watch the Blue Angels maneuver through the skies. If you are planning on attending the show, there are some things that you will want to consider.
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Preparing to go to the Pensacola Beach Blue Angels Air Show
Going to the event requires preparation. There are 4 days of events, so first you have to decide which day or day(s) you plan on attending. If you are traveling to the beach from somewhere else in the area, you most likely will not attend each day. If you live or are staying on the beach, then enjoying each day becomes much easier. You also need to consider what you are going to pack. There are only so many restaurants and convenient stores at the beach and everyone will be visiting the same locations.
Deciding Which Day(s) You Will Attend the Air Blue Angels Air Show
The full schedule of the Blue Angels Air Show has been released.
Wednesday
Wednesday is the day the air show kicks off. The Blue Angels fly around the beach, find their center point for the show and mark their coordination points. This day is called “Breakfast with the Blues” since it starts at 8AM. This is the least crowded day of the entire event. You will not get to see the Blue Angels’ full routine, but you will not miss out on tricks and flyovers. If you are trying to avoid a crowd, but still see the Blue Angels at the beach, this is a great time to go.
This is my favorite day, and really the only day that I go during the Pensacola Beach Airshow. Not because I don’t want to see the other acts, but because I don’t appreciate large crowds. I try to get to the beach on Wednesday between 7-7:30, and I bring my coffee and breakfast. I have time to each, take a morning stroll along the beach and occasionally the Blue Angels will begin flying a little early.
Thursday
Thursday the Blue Angels conduct a full practice over Pensacola Beach for the show. This takes place in the afternoon at 2. On this day, you will see the Blue Angel routine, but will miss out on all of the other acts in the show. If you are only wanting to see the Blue Angels act, this is the perfect day to go.
Friday
Friday is a full dress rehearsal for all acts in the air show, including the Blue Angels. The rehearsal begins around 11AM and the Blue Angels fly around 2 and fly for about 45 minutes. Expect high crowds on this day!
Saturday
Saturday is the official Pensacola Beach Air Show. The event begins around noon and the Blue Angels fly around 2 and fly for about 45 minutes. On this day, people arrive very early. Casino Beach parking lot generally fills up to capacity by 6-7AM. There are other parking lots available and trollies to transport people to Casino Beach for the Air Show.
What To Bring to the Pensacola Beach Blue Angels Air Show
Starting with the basics, you should bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to the Air Show. Next bring something to sit on, that could be a towel, a blanket or chair. You may also want to bring an umbrella. Tents are allowed, but you should be considerate of those people who are around you that would like to see the show. You will want shade, believe me. If you are spending all day at the beach, you need to have some relief from the sun. Bring a bag that you can store your phone, money and keys in.
If you are attending on Friday or Saturday, a cooler is going to be a necessity. Pack plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
I also recommend you take some empty bags – old grocery bags or garbage bags. These are perfect for storing your trash until you walk up to one of the provided garbage cans at the beach. You want to leave the beach the way you found it.
