Our community is in for a thrilling Memorial Day weekend as Atlantic City hosts its second annual Soar and Shore Airshow, bringing world-class aerial performances to the beachfront this Friday through Sunday.
The three-day event runs May 29-31, with performances scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. each day. This year's show has been moved up from its July 2025 debut to capture the first wave of summer visitors and kick off the season with a bang.
"By moving the Soar and Shore Airshow to May, visitors and locals can kick off the summer in Atlantic City, while experiencing a diverse lineup of entertainment, alongside everything that makes our destination special from our beaches and Boardwalk to local businesses, restaurants and casino resorts," said Visit Atlantic City President Gary Musich.
Where to Watch
The airshow will unfold directly in front of Bally's Atlantic City Hotel & Casino, positioned between Michigan Avenue and Park Place. This prime location means spectators can enjoy the show from anywhere along the Atlantic City beach and boardwalk—and general admission is completely free.
For those seeking an enhanced experience, premium tickets are available through the show's website, providing access to catered tents and beachside seating with optimal viewing angles.
Star-Studded Lineup
The airshow features an impressive roster of military and civilian performers that showcase both cutting-edge technology and aviation history:
The USAF F-22 Raptor Demo Team will demonstrate maneuvers that appear impossible, pushing the boundaries of what modern fighter jets can achieve. Meanwhile, the USMC F-35B Lightning II Demo Team will showcase America's newest stealth fighter, capable of supersonic speeds of Mach 1.6 and vertical takeoff capabilities that allow deployment without full-length runways.
The USAF F-16C Fighting Falcons from 177th Fighter Wing represent America's workhorse single-engine supersonic multi-role fighter aircraft, while the Soviet-made MiG 17F offers a glimpse into Cold War-era aviation history as a formidable adversary from that tense period.
Civilian performers add their own brand of excitement to the lineup. Wolf Pitts Pro featuring Paul Bennet promises a high-energy, engine-screaming display of precision aerobatics. Warbird Thunder will showcase the SNJ Texan, a former World War II Navy Advanced Training Aircraft, in a tribute to aviation's golden age.
Perhaps most daring of all, Wingwalker Sam—Samantha Tryggvason—will perform her spectacular smoke-on aerobatic performance, executing the ultimate "trust walk" across aircraft wings high above the Atlantic.
A Perfect Weekend Getaway
The timing couldn't be better for families and aviation enthusiasts looking to make a weekend of it. With the airshow running through Memorial Day weekend and Atlantic City's full array of attractions at your fingertips, this event offers the perfect excuse to experience everything our coastal destination has to offer.
Whether you're a local looking for weekend plans or considering a quick getaway, the Soar and Shore Airshow promises three days of unforgettable aerial entertainment against the backdrop of our beautiful Atlantic coastline.
