Blue Angels Schedule 2022 (& the Best Mostly-Free Places to Watch)

Since 1946, the Blue Angels have been wowing crowds with their flight demonstrations, so people keep an eye out for the Blue Angels schedule to see them in action.

Sixteen officer pilots between the Navy and the Marines serve with the Blue Angels. Also, over a hundred enlisted service members between the two branches support the pilots.

The concept of the Blue Angels is to demonstrate the professionalism and collaboration between the Navy and the Marine Corps.

Also, the performances are a way to bring communities together.

Related Article – Navy Pilot Vs. Air Force Pilot

Blue Angels 2021 Schedule

We compiled the 2021 schedule for the Blue Angels and show you alternative (and mostly free) places to view the show.

• April 17^th and 18^th, Lakeland, FL (Sun N’ Fun Aerospace Expo)
• May 1^st and 2^nd, Corpus Christi, TX (Wings Over South Texas)
• May 15^th and 16^th, Melbourne, FL (Great Florida Air Show)
• May 26^th, Annapolis, MD (USNA Air Show)
• May 28^th, Annapolis, (USNA Commissioning Flyover)
• May 29th and 30^th, Latrobe, PA (Westmoreland County Air Show)
• June 5^th and 6^th, Lake Charles, LA (Chennault International Air Show)
• June 12^th and 13^th, Lacrosse, WI (Deke Slayton Airfest)
• June 19^th and 20th Niagara Falls, NY (Thunder on the Buffalo Waterfront)
• June 26^th and 27^th, Duluth, MN (Duluth Air and Aviation Expo)
• July 3^rd and 4^th, New Century, KS (KS Air Show)
• July 10^th, Pensacola Beach, FL (Pensacola Beach Air Show)
• July 24^th and 25^th, Fargo, ND (Fargo AirSho)
• July 31st, Eielson AFB, AK (Arctic Lightening Air Show)
• August 1^st, Eielson AFB, AK (Artic Lightening Air Show)
• August 7^th and 8^th, Seattle, WA (Boeing Seafair Air Show)
• August 14^th and 15^th, Owensboro, KY (Owensboro Air Show)
• August 21^st and 22^nd, Chicago, IL (Chicago Air and Water Show)
• August 28^th and 29^th, London, Ontario, Canada (Air Show London)
• September 18^th and 19^th, NAS Oceana, VA (NAS Oceana Air Show)
• October 2^nd and 3^rd, Huntington Beach, CA (The Great Pacific Air Show)
• October 9^th and 10^th, San Francisco, CA, (San Francisco Fleet Week)
• October 16^th and 17^th, Loveland, CO (The Great Colorado Air Show)
• October 23^rd and 24^th, Fort Worth, TX (Bell Fort Worth Alliance Air Show
• October 30^th and 31^st, Rome GA (Wings Over North Georgia)
• November 6^th and 7^th, NAS Pensacola, FL (NAS Pensacola Homecoming Air Show)

Best Places to Watch Blue Angels Shows & Practices

The Blue Angels travel the country, but they also practice in between shows.

In either case, there are alternative spaces you can watch the show.

Blue Angels Schedule: Practice

The Blue Angels’ home base is in Pensacola, and you can see the pilots practice from various local areas during their prominently 55-minute practice sessions.

If you have a Department of Defense Identification Card, you can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum and watch for free.

Also, if you spend some time downtown Pensacola on practice days, you are sure to catch the show.

Another option is to book a cruise during practice time. Pensacola Bay Cruise is one option to consider. However, expect a fee.

Lastly, you could take a trip to Fort Pickens and time the visit with the Blue Angels schedule. Also, the cruise we mentioned above goes to Fort Pickens if you want to make a day of it.

Blue Angels Schedule: April 2021

17^th and 18^th, Lakeland, FL (Sun N’Fun Aerospace Expo)

The Sun N’Fun campus is over 1,000 acres with tons to do. However, if you only wish to see the air show, several areas will provide that opportunity.

First, Sun N’Fun is next to Lakeland Linder International Airport, and several roads are leading up to the airport to pull over and watch the show.

Also, a Walmart Supercenter is seven miles away, and with ample parking, you are sure to have a view.

Furthermore, nearby is the Publix Super Market at Imperial Lakes Plaza if you prefer to be a little closer to the action.

Blue Angels Schedule: May 2021

Below you will find the May events of the Blue Angels schedule for 2021.

May 1^st and 2^nd, Corpus Christi, TX (Wings Over South Texas)

If you are in Corpus Christi or close by, and you want to see the Blue Angels perform, you are in luck.

Instead of being centered at a military base, the show is over the Corpus Christi Bayfront.

What this means is anyone in the area can see the show. Although, if you are a military member and have identification, you have access to a military family area.

However, if you can make your way to Heritage Park near the bay, you will have a little space and a great view.

May 15^th and 16^th, Melbourne, FL (Great Florida Air Show)

The Great Florida Air Show is at the Melbourne Airport, and if you wish to see the event on-site, plan to get there early due to parking.

However, there are other options to watch the performance.

You could consider a cruise or boat ride to observe the Blue Angels. If that is your style, consider getting a hold of the East Coast Sailing Association.

Also, the airport that hosts the event is very close to the water, so if you can find a nice spot to pull over, you will catch the show there, too.

Lastly, there is a Target within four miles from the airport, and you can camp out in the spacious parking lot to watch the Blue Angels perform, as well.  

May 26^th and 28th, Annapolis, MD (USNA Air Show – USNA Commissioning Flyover)

If you want to catch the May 26^th show, you might consider checking into the Watermark cruises for the best viewing. Also, while the show is on the 26^th, the Blue Angels will practice the day before, and you can buy cruise tours for the practice.

For the actual demonstration on the 26^th, there are three hourlong boat tours available, as well.

Also, Watermark is not the only option for tours. You can head down to the commercial water area and look for one of many boat tours heading out.

The Annapolis Air Show performance happens over the Severn River, and two highways go over the river, including Highway 50 and 450. If you can snag a spot near those areas, you are likely to have a great view.

Also, if you can get over to Severn Beach, you can easily get a good view of the Blue Angels.

May 29th and 30^th, Latrobe, PA (Westmoreland County Air Show)

The Arnold Palmer Regional Airport hosts the Westmoreland County Air Show, and due to the local landscape, you will find plenty of areas to see the show.

Very close to the airport is a Walmart Supercenter and a Lowes with plenty of available parking.

Walmart

Lowes

Also, the Giant Eagle Supermarket is close by, as well.

If you prefer to stay out of parking lots, Hwy 30 has a good run of the road on which to pull over and take in the sight of the Blue Angels.

Related Article – Navy Pilot Requirements

Blue Angels Schedule: June 2021

Here are the events scheduled for June 2021.

June 5^th and 6^th, Lake Charles, LA (Chennault International Air Show)

The Chennault International Air Show in Lake Charles, Louisiana, happens very near the Chennault airport.

Also, Lake Charles is relatively flat, so you will have several options to view the Blue Angels.

Highway 210 runs alongside the air show location, and Broad Street is just north of the show. There are plenty of smaller areas and parking lots to pull over close by to see the event.

Also, there is a Walmart Supercenter relatively close as well as a Home Depot.

Walmart Supercenter

Home Depot

Both of these locations have large parking lots are close to the International Air Show.

Lastly, Huber Park is less than three miles away from the Air Show.

The park has some trees, but the area around the baseball diamond is open.

June 12^th and 13^th, La Crosse, WI (Deke Slayton Airfest)

The Blue Angels perform in Lacrosse, Wisconsin, at the La Crosse Regional Airport, which is located on French Island.

This location gives viewers several opportunities to see the show without having to be at the show itself.

Interstate 90 runs on the west side of the Mississippi River and Lake Onalaska, which is technically in Minnesota.

Also, Interstate 90 goes over the river and French Island into Wisconsin. You won’t be able to stop on the bridge itself, but if you can find a safe spot to pull over, you will have a good view.

Also, the University of Wisconsin in La Crosse is very close to French Island.

If you have the university parking stickers, you can park in one of the lots. However, you will have to use visitors parking otherwise.

Another option is Rowe Park, which is about four miles from the airport.

The park has trees, but if you position yourself, you will have a view.

June 19^th and 20^th Niagara Falls, NY (Thunder on the Buffalo Waterfront)

The Thunder on the Buffalo Waterfront in Niagra Falls has a few viewing options if you did not buy tickets.

You could consider watching from the Buffalo Harbor State Park.

However, keep in mind there is a $20 service fee to park and watch the show.

Also, there is no way to buy a parking pass in advance. Therefore, plan to arrive early.

However, you can walk in and watch at the park to avoid the parking fee.

New York plans to close the boat launches during the shows, as well.

Also, there are several opportunities to see the show both canalside and on the harbourside.

However, viewing the show from local businesses will often include needing food and drink vouchers.

Another option is Lakeside Bike Park, which is on the Harbourside of Niagra Falls.

June 26^th and 27^th, Duluth, MN (Duluth Air and Aviation Expo)

You can see the Blue Angels in June in Duluth, Minnesota, as well. Duluth was built on a hill, but the Air Show is at the Duluth International Airport, located on the top of the hilltop.

While this area is flat, there are a tremendous amount of trees in the area. This is one of the stops on the Blue Angels schedule where you need to be pretty close for a great view.

Also, the road leading to the air show area does not lend itself as a safe place to pull over, and the traffic tends to back up on the road during entrance and exit to the event.

Highway 53 is close enough, but it might be challenging to have a good view because the treeline is so close to the highway.

However, there is a substantial parking lot at the nearby Menards, which is reasonably close to the Duluth airport.

Blue Angels Schedule: July 2021

Below are the July showings for the Blue Angels schedule for 2021.

July 3^rd and 4^th, New Century, KS (KS Air Show)

The KS Air Show takes place this July at the New Century Aircenter.

While this area in Kansas is relatively flat, it is somewhat isolated. However, there are several nearby roads to consider pulling over and catching the Blue Angels in flight.

For instance, 159^th street at South Clare Road is nearby if you wish to pull over.

Also, there is a Walmart Supercenter close by, and with the generous parking lot, you are sure to find a spot with a good view.

July 10^th, Pensacola Beach, FL (Pensacola Beach Air Show)

As previously mentioned, the Blue Angels home base is in Pensacola, so it makes sense the Blue Angels schedule includes a Pensacola Beach Air Show.

Leading up to the show on July 10^th, there are a couple of dress rehearsals. Therefore, keep your eye on the skies from the 7^th through the 9^th of July.

Fortunately, admission to the Pensacola Beach Air Show is free, so it all comes down to getting a good spot.

When you drive in off of highway 399, find a spot on the beach to claim for the day.

Also, if you are traveling in for the event, consider the hotels along the beach. For instance, the Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach has a great view of the event.

July 24^th and 25^th, Fargo, ND (Fargo AirSho)

This July is not the first time the Blue Angels included Fargo, North Dakota, on their schedule. The last event brought in over 30,000 people. If you wish to see the show without the crowds, you have a couple of options.

The air show is at the Hector International Airport.

If you wish to pull over and catch the view, you can try Old Highway 81.

The road does not have much of a shoulder, though, so be cautious if you pull over.

Also, North Dakota State University is relatively close to the airport and air show area, so you might check the visitor parking.

Lastly, there is a Walmart Supercenter about six miles away.

Some of the maneuvers made by the Blue Angels are low, but you are likely to catch some of the show from the parking lot.

July 31^st and August 1^st Eielson AFB, AK (Arctic Lightening Air Show)

It has been a long decade since the Blue Angels schedule included Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska.

The show is free to the public, and the eight-hour event includes live music, food trucks, kid-friendly entertainment, and more.

Also, Eielson Air Force Base is 26 miles from Fairbanks and is considered remote.

Therefore, your best bet for viewing the Blue Angels is to attend the free event on base.

Related Article – 3 Military Flight Aptitude Tests Explained

Blue Angels Schedule: August 2021

There are five events on the Blue Angels schedule for the month of August.

August 7^th and 8^th, Seattle, WA (Boeing Seafair Air Show)

The Blue Angels schedule for 2021 includes Seattle, Washington. The 2021 show is at Genessee Park and Lake Washington.

You could drive into Genessee Park but expect there to be some traffic.

However, you have alternatives to see the show if you wish to avoid some traffic.

Consider either driving early or taking public transportation to Mount Baker Park, which is only a couple of miles away from the action.

This park is on the beach, and while it is small, it is a fantastic option to chill and see the show.

You might also consider Mercer Island, where you can head to Aubrey Davis Park or Groveland Beach Park to catch the Blue Angels.

You need to plan ahead for these locations because you will want to take a ferry to get to the island to save considerable time.

Furthermore, you have Coleman Park, Pritchard Island Beach, and Medina Beach Park.

August 14^th and 15^th, Owensboro, KY (Owensboro Air Show)

The Owensboro Air Show will occur over the Owensboro riverfront area, which is downtown.

Admission for the event is free, and there are several areas to catch the Blue Angels.

One option to consider is Smothers Park on Veterans Boulevard, which is right on the water.

Also, the city of Owensboro typically closes the Glover Cary Blue Bridge to vehicles during the Air Shows.

Therefore, take the time to walk up and over the bridge to catch the show, but plan ahead to get there early.

There are other areas downtown Owensboro to catch the show, including English Park and the countless businesses ready for customers.

For instance, the Holiday Inn Owensboro Riverfront has a fantastic view of the Glover Cary Bridge.

August 21^st and 22^nd, Chicago, IL (Chicago Air and Water Show)

The Chicago Air and Water Show is a free event, and you can view the show all along the lakefront from Oak Street down to Fullerton. The center of the event is North Avenue Beach.

Also, there are many options for viewing the Blue Angels when they stop in Chicago in August.

For instance, you could pay for admission to the Shore Club, which is right on North Avenue Beach.

You can upgrade your VIP access, as well.

Another great option is paying for admission to the Theater on the Lake, which has three acres of open green space right on the water.

If you really want a great view, consider buying a ticket to the Skydeck on the Willis Tower for a catered picnic.

There are plenty of places along the public beaches to catch the show for free, but consider public transportation to avoid the parking charge.

Finally, it is worth checking into one of the many Lake Michigan Cruise lines for their Blue Angels 2021 tours. 

August 28^th and 29^th, London, Ontario, Canada (Air Show London)

The Air Show London in Ontario, Canada, happens near the London International Airport.

You can buy tickets for on-site viewing for three different zones. In all three cases, the zones offer fantastic views, and the tickets are affordable. The event is a ‘drive-up’ park-only, and you can have up to six people in your vehicle.

If you prefer to avoid the actual event, there are a couple of other options.

First, you can park on Highway 2 (Dundas Street) to the west of town.

However, a lot of other people tend to pull over, as well. Also, traffic is still happening in the lanes, and there is no police protection. It is vital to be cautious when you exit your car.

Another option is parking at the Argyle Mall off Dundas.

You won’t have to worry about traffic as much in a parking lot.

Blue Angels Schedule: September 2021

The Bue Angels make several stops to perform in the month of September.

September 18^th and 19^th, NAS Oceana, VA (NAS Oceana Air Show)

The Naval Air Station Oceana has its NAS Oceana Air Show in September.

Last year the show performed virtually, and the Naval Air Station Oceana is still working out the details to ensure they can open to the public later this September.

If the event is on base, you can either buy tickets and view the show on base.

However, there are other options, as well.

Because jets regularly take off at the Naval Air Station, there are several public viewing options off Oceana Boulevard. You will not have access to public amenities such as bathrooms at these viewing areas, but you are sure to catch part of the show.

One area recommended by locals is to enter the address 156 Oceana Boulevard into your GPS.

It will take you to a lot on the edge of one of the runways where you can view the jets take off.

Also, there is a NAS Oceana Jet Viewing Area to consider, as well.

Remember, the Naval Air Station is still deciding if the show will be live or virtual later this year. Therefore, keep checking their event page. 

Blue Angels Schedule: October 2021

The Blue Angels season winds down after October, but there are five opportunities to see them this month. 

October 2^nd and 3^rd, Huntington Beach, CA (The Great Pacific Air Show)

The Great Pacific Air Show has the largest audience in the United States, with millions in attendance.

The event sells general admission tickets for beach seating right on the edge of the water at the Pacific Air Show Center. It is standing room only, and you cannot reserve a spot.

If you want to be on the pier during the show, you can buy tickets through the event for pier seating.

Even with the upgraded seating options, you can still easily see the show for free.

The show’s center is right on the Pacific Coast Highway, where it intersects with Huntington Street.

For further reference, this is at Tower 9 on Huntington Beach.

Therefore, the entire beach on either side of this location is a prime spot.

Boats are allowed on the water during the event, so if you have a boat, try to catch the show from your boat.

No matter how you chose to take in the Blue Angels, be sure to plan ahead for time to park. If you are local, consider taking public transportation.

October 9^th and 10^th, San Francisco, CA, (San Francisco Fleet Week)

There are plenty of places to view the Blue Angels perform during San Francisco’s Fleet Week.

The main area to view the show is Marina Green Park.

The park is vast and grassy with fantastic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Blue Angels performance.

Also, anywhere in the Fisherman’s Wharf will have exceptional views, as well.  

San Francisco has many public spaces along the shores of the San Francisco Bay, so as you visit and wander around, you are likely to have a great view.

Also, since San Francisco is on a steep hill, you have several vantage points.

For instance, you can walk to the Coit Tower and climb the steps to the top for an overall stellar view of the city and see the Blue Angels.

The West Bluff is a great place to have a picnic any day of the week.

You can also catch a bit of the show, as well. You are not super close to the action, but it is a part of the backdrop.

If you plan in advance and get there early, go to the Aquatic Park and grab a spot on the bleachers right on the water.

Also, if you have the means to get there, go to Angel Island to watch the show.

October 16^th and 17^th, Loveland, CO (The Great Colorado Air Show)

The Great Colorado Air Show is at the Northern Colorado Regional Airport in Loveland, Colorado.

The last time the Blue Angels were in Loveland, Colorado, traffic off Interstate 25 was bad enough that vehicles came to a standstill. This year, local officials have a plan to prevent traffic issues.

However, it may not be your best option to pull over to see the Blue Angels perform.

There is a sports event center nearby with parking from which you are likely to catch some of the Blue Angels show.

Also, there is a Harley-Davidson shop with a good parking lot right off Interstate 25 you might consider, as well.

It is close to the airport.

The area around the airport is flat and is surrounded by mountains. If you can snag a spot close to the airport but off the interstate, you will have a view of the performance.

October 23^rd and 24^th, Fort Worth, TX (Bell Fort Worth Alliance Air Show)

The specific details surrounding the Bell Fort Worth Alliance Air Show are still in the works, but the event is on the schedule for October 23^rd and 24^th.

The event’s location is at the Fort Worth Alliance Airport, and there are a couple of optional viewing areas if you do not wish to be around the crowds for the whole event.

There is a strip mall and a group of businesses near the airport with a decent-size parking lot you might use to catch the Blue Angels show. One business in the area is Garden’s Bar and Grill.

Also, a little further away is a Bass Pro Shop, which is well-known for massive parking lots.

October 30^th and 31^st, Rome GA (Wings Over North Georgia)

The Wings Over North Georgia show is one of the last couple performances of the season. Therefore, if you could not catch any of the previous events, you need to get to Georgia.

The event has drive-in tickets where spectators stay in their cars. Also, you can buy premium seating tickets with the Hilltop Patio Club, as well.

Another option for viewing the show is at Armuchee Park, which is relatively close to the airport.

Also, the grocery store Food Lion is about three miles from the airport, and the parking lot is an option to catch some of the Blue Angels in action.

If you want to try to pull over alongside the road for some views, consider Jones Mill Road or McGrady Road NE.

Blue Angels Schedule: November 2021

The Blue Angels wrap up their tour in November, but before they sign off for the season, they have one more stop.

November 6^th and 7^th, NAS Pensacola, FL (NAS Pensacola Homecoming Air Show)

The Homecoming Air Show happens when the Blue Angels close out their 2021 schedule for the year.

For this event, admission and parking are free. Also, you do have the option to purchase paid seating.

This event happens on November 5^th and 6^th at the Pensacola Naval Air Station.

Also, you can review the locations mentioned above regarding the Blue Angels practice events in Pensacola for viewing the Blue Angels during their homecoming tour.

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