The skies over Indian River County are set to roar once again as the world-renowned U.S. Navy Blue Angels make their highly anticipated return to Vero Beach. Scheduled for mid-May 2026, this premier aviation event promises a full-throttle weekend of precision flight, spectacular pyrotechnics, and immersive community activities perfect for the whole family.
The 2026 Vero Beach Air Show will feature a spectacular Friday night Afterburner Party on May 15, followed by the main daytime events on May 16 and 17, headlined by the legendary U.S. Navy Blue Angels.
Friday Night: The Afterburner Party
Kicking off the weekend is the spectacular Afterburner Party on Friday, May 15, with gates opening at 6:00 p.m. As the Florida sun dips below the horizon, the flight line will ignite with a sensory overload of night-fliers, neon-lit aerobatics, and heavy pyrotechnics. While the Blue Angels will be resting ahead of their weekend debut, the Friday night-ops lineup boasts an incredible array of aviation talent, including:
- Pyro & Power: Performances by the Tom Larkin Mini Jet, Ghost Writer Air Shows, Explosive Touch Enterprises, and McCart Jet Motorsports Homewrecker.
- Aerobatic Legends: Stunning maneuvers from Aarron Deliu, Next Gen Eagles, and Franklin’s Flying Circus.
- The Jets: High-speed action from Vampire Airshows and the Tony Remudo MiG-17.
- Warbird Soul: Classic flights featuring the Scooter P-51 and Jive T-28.
The Main Event: Power Over Vero
The main showcase takes over the skies on Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17, with gates opening bright and early at 9:00 a.m. This full-throttle experience is headlined both days by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, delivering a signature performance that defies physics and thrills audiences of all ages. The legendary squadron will be joined by a roster of featured performers from Friday night’s lineup.
Arriving early is highly recommended to explore the extensive ground features before the aerial acrobatics begin. Visitors can get up close to static aircraft displays and test their skills in military flight simulators. For aspiring future pilots, the STEAM Education Pavilion and the Military Experience Zone offer engaging, hands-on learning opportunities. Parking is fully included with the price of a ticket. Guests are encouraged to bring a favorite lawn chair or blanket—or grab a convenient on-site rental—to claim the perfect viewing spot on the flight line.
Inaugural Air Show Run
For active locals looking for a completely unique perspective, Sunday morning introduces the very first Vero Beach Air Show Run. Taking place on May 17 at 7:30 a.m., this two-mile race offers zero limits as participants run directly down one of the active runways. Pre-registration is required with a $40 entry fee. Due to capacity constraints, the run is strictly limited to only 350 participants and is expected to sell out quickly. Runners will have the exclusive chance to pass by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels aircraft on static display, though the demonstration team will not be in attendance during the morning race.
Whether you are a lifelong aviation enthusiast or looking for an unforgettable weekend out on the Treasure Coast, the 2026 Vero Beach Air Show is gearing up to be a landmark local event. Secure your admission and race registration early to ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action.
