The Wildwoods, N.J. (June 30, 2026) – The 2026 Wildwoods Air Show is shaping up to be one of the Jersey Shore’s premier 2026 events, with the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team confirmed as the headline act and an initial performer lineup announced for September 12-13 over the Wildwoods’ award-winning beaches.
The Wildwoods Air Show is a flagship event for the Wildwoods, bringing hundreds of thousands of spectators, talented aerial performers, sponsors, and the local community together for an unforgettable weekend filled with thrilling performances and family-friendly events.
The F-22 Raptor, the fastest and most maneuverable fighter jet in the world today, will highlight the show with an incredible demonstration of its maneuverability and capabilities. The F-22’s twin engines produce more thrust than any other fighter. Combined with its sleek aerodynamic design, this allows the F-22 to “Supercruise” at 1.5 times the speed of sound without using fuel consuming afterburner. Its unique thrust vectoring and advanced flight controls allow it to outmaneuver any other aircraft.
The F-22 Raptor demo puts thrust vectoring on full display during its demonstration defying imagination as it climbs straight up, stops in mid-air, then reverses towards the ground before flipping the nose around in a summersault at near zero forward speed. It makes sharp, sudden turns displacing and compress air into vapor and you often see the Raptor creating its own weather system with massive clouds that engulf the jet.
The following performers have also been announced for the 2026 Wildwoods Air Show, with additional acts to be revealed throughout the summer:
U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team: The show’s headline act, delivering the signature high-energy demonstration of America’s premier air superiority fighter.
177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard: New Jersey’s own Air National Guard unit, based in Atlantic City, will perform an F-16 flyby over the Wildwoods beaches, offering a powerful tribute to the Garden State’s military heritage.
MiG-17: The legendary MiG-17F is one of the most iconic fighter jets of the Cold War era, famed for its agility and its combat service during the Vietnam War. Seeing one fly is a rare and thrilling piece of aviation history.
Jersey Jerks: The Jersey Jerks fly the legendary North American SNJ/T-6 Texan, the iconic World War II trainer known as the “Pilot Maker.” Their precision formation routine honors the generation of military pilots who trained in the aircraft while celebrating the history, skill, and teamwork of vintage aviation.
Patrick McAlee: Patrick McAlee thrills audiences nationwide in his custom Pitts S1S “Blue Demon,” delivering an action-packed aerobatic performance filled with precision, power, and crowd-pleasing maneuvers at speeds reaching 235 mph.
David Windmiller: Flying his high-performance Edge 540, David thrills audiences with a fast-paced routine featuring precision maneuvers, tumbles, torque rolls, and breathtaking vertical climbs.
RJ Gritter: An acclaimed aerobatic pilot who brings energy and precision to the skies in his patriotic Decathlon.
Additional performers will be announced throughout the summer. For the latest updates, visit WildwoodsAirShow.com.
Tickets & Viewing Options
General Admission to the Wildwoods Air Show is free. Spectators will be able to enjoy the show across the entire island, with the beach and Boardwalk areas showcasing optimal viewing. The center of the event at the Lincoln Avenue beach will take place above the ocean between Morey’s Mariner’s Pier and Adventure Pier.
Flying runs noon to approximately 3:30 PM each day. For those looking to elevate their experience, two premium viewing packages are available:
The Shore Club (Premium Hospitality) The show’s premier VIP experience, featuring catered lunch service, an open bar, a shaded tented dining area, reserved chairs on the show line, air-conditioned restrooms, and dedicated parking. Space is limited.
Beach Boxes (Reserved Viewing) Reserve a 12′ × 12′ space directly on the show line for your group. Chairs are included, along with admission for four guests, dedicated concessions and restrooms exclusively for box holders, and a parking pass. No gear to haul, your spot is waiting.
Tickets and full experience details are on sale now and are available at WildwoodsAirShow.com.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Sponsorship opportunities are available for the 2026 Wildwoods Air Show, offering brands prominent recognition across event signage, collateral, media releases, and digital platforms — alongside access to the show’s exclusive Sponsor Chalets, private branded hospitality spaces on the show line complete with catering and VIP parking. Custom packages are available.
For sponsorship inquiries, contact [email protected].
For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.
