The Wildwoods, NJ –September 10, 2026 – The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority (GWTIDA) is proud to host the highly-anticipated return of the Wildwoods Air Show Saturday, September 12 & Sunday, September 13. This year, the Wildwoods Air Show includes the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team plus thrilling aerial performers, high-speed jets, propeller planes, and military aircraft, with the United States Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City SAR (Search & Rescue) Demonstration joining the impressive lineup.
This weekend in the Wildwoods is also packed with events across the five-mile island, offering delicious eats, family-friendly experiences, live music, and more, as the Wildwoods say goodbye to summer and hello to its fall ‘Second Season’.
The Wildwoods Air Show is FREE, and will be visible from across the Wildwoods, including on the Wildwoods award-winning beaches and boardwalk with show center on the Spicer Avenue beach between Morey’s Mariner’s Landing Pier and Adventure Pier, with general admission and premium seating options available. While the Air Show is free to attend, there is still limited availability for prime VIP viewing areas available for purchase. For the ultimate in viewing comfort, the Shore Club tier provides a full-service premium experience with the best views, catered lunch, VIP parking, a tented seating area and more. Guests are also encouraged to explore the Beach Box seating tier, which provides great views of the show, chairs and umbrellas provided, dedicated concessions and more. Visit WildwoodsAirshow.com/tickets for all VIP seating options, Upgraded viewing options are available for those looking for a premium beach experience.
As the Wildwoods ring in the cooler fall months, the island comes alive with events festivals and tens of thousands of visitors enjoying the weekend in the Wildwoods. Over 130,000 people attended last year’s Air Show, making it one of the Wildwoods’ largest events to date, and the return of the family-favorite event is expected to hold even more excitement than last year.
Simulcast on the 98.7 The Coast App
The Airshow will be streamed LIVE on the 98.7 The Coast (WCZT) APP available for free on the App Store and Google Play. Listen to the live broadcast from anywhere on the five mile island.
2026 Wildwoods Air Show Performer Lineup
U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team: The show’s headline act, delivering the signature high-energy demonstration of America’s most advanced fighter jet.
The F-22 Raptor is the world’s first operational fifth-generation fighter jet, combining stealth, supercruise, thrust-vectoring, and advanced sensors into one unmatched aircraft. Powered by twin engines producing over 35,000 pounds of thrust each, the Raptor exceeds Mach 2 while demonstrating breathtaking high-alpha maneuvers, pedal turns, and rapid pitch changes that showcase its unrivaled agility and air dominance.
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City: Aircraft include the MH-65E Dolphin, the latest and most advanced version of the Coast Guard’s short-range recovery helicopter. Its typical four-person crew consists of two pilots, a flight mechanic, and a rescue swimmer who is also trained as an emergency medical technician. Equipped with a rescue hoist, basket, medical litter, advanced search equipment, weather radar, and enhanced navigation systems, the MH-65E can conduct ocean rescues, evacuate injured patients, and deliver emergency pumps to vessels in distress.
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 famous fighter jets of the Cold War, known for its agility and combat service during the Vietnam War. Today, Randy Ball’s beautifully restored MiG-17F brings the sights and sounds of this historic adversary back to life, showcasing the speed, maneuverability, and raw power that made it a formidable opponent in the skies.
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.
RJ Gritter: RJ Gritter is an accomplished aerobatic pilot who brings energy and precision to the skies in his patriotic Decathlon. With hundreds of air show performances under his belt, RJ showcases the art of aerobatic flight through a crowd-pleasing routine of loops, rolls, spins, and graceful precision maneuvers.
RE/MAX Skydiving Team: The nationally recognized RE/MAX Skydiving Team brings precision, professionalism, and excitement to airshows and major events across the country. At The Wildwoods
Airshow, the team will open the weekend with a dramatic jump during the National Anthem, descending in formation to kick off the flying program. Their performance highlights the teamwork, timing, and skill that make skydiving one of the most thrilling traditions in air show aviation.
P-51 Mustang: One of the most iconic aircraft in aviation history, the P-51 Mustang is renowned for its speed, agility, and legendary role in WWII air combat. A fan favorite for its unmistakable roar and sleek, powerful lines, this warbird will be put through its paces in a high-energy demonstration showcasing the performance that made it one of the greatest fighter aircraft ever built
9/11 Memorial Events
In addition to the Air Show and the weekend events celebrating the return of the flagship event, there will also be several 9/11 memorial ceremonies across the island, on Friday, September 11, the day before the Air Show begins to commemorate and honor the 25th anniversary of those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
9/11 remembrance ceremonies taking place on Friday, September 11 in the Wildwoods preceding the Airshow include:
- Downtown Wildwood 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at 10 a.m. in Byrne Plaza
- North Wildwood September 11th Commemoration at 8:40 a.m. at the 15th Street Fire Station, 15th Street & Central Avenue.
- Wildwood Crest 9/11 Memorial Service at 5:30 p.m. at Alameno Park, New Jersey and Miami Avenues.
Weekend Events in the Wildwoods
North Wildwood Recreation Surf Fishing Competition
Friday, September 11 – Sunday, September 13
56th Annual Competition held September 11 to 13. Registration is held at the Gazebo at 3rd & JFK Blvd. in North Wildwood. $15 participation fee. Tournament takes place on Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 7 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Prizes will be awarded at the closing of the tournament on Sunday for adult and youth divisions. For more information, call 609.522.2955 or visit NorthWildwood.com.
New Year’s in North Wildwood
Friday, September 11 – Saturday, September 12
The Mummers return to the Wildwoods on September 11 to 12, to celebrate New Year’s in North Wildwood! Over a dozen String Bands including the top bands from the 2026 New Year’s Day Parade in Philadelphia, PA will be featured as the Mummers Parade steps off at 5 p.m. at Olde New Jersey Ave, beginning at 2nd Street and concluding at Spruce Ave. Best of all, the parade is FREE to attend, so come on out and strut your stuff at the New Year’s in North Wildwood event with entertainment the whole family will enjoy. For additional information about New Year’s in North Wildwood, call 609.522.2955 or visit NorthWildwood.com.
Wildwoods Food and Music Festival
Saturday, September 12
Get ready for a day of delicious eats, live music, and family fun at the 18th Annual Wildwoods Food and Music Festival on Saturday, September 12, at Byrne Plaza, 3400 Pacific Avenue in Wildwood. This free, outdoor community tradition promises a day overflowing with indulgent eats, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Enjoy an impressive lineup of live musical performances, browse craft vendors, taste a variety of culinary offerings from savory dishes to sweet treats, and bring the kids for fun games and activities. For more information, visit the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce at gwcoc.org or call 609-729-4000.
PigDog Puppa Palooza
Sunday, September 13
Morey’s Piers’ Puppa Palooza on September 13, is a tail-wagging celebration designed especially for dogs and their humans, offering a unique chance for pups to enjoy the iconic Wildwoods boardwalk and piers. The event features pet-friendly activities, contests, photo opportunities, and plenty of fun in a festive seaside setting. PUPPA Palooza brings the community together to celebrate furry friends while supporting animal-related causes, making it a joyful experience for visitors of all ages—especially those with four legs. Registration required. For questions, email [email protected] with the subject “Doggie Pool Party” or visit moreyspiers.com/event/puppapalooza.
Greg DiAntonio Memorial Reggae Fest
Sunday, September 13
The Greg DiAntonio Reggae Fest will be held on Sunday, September 13, from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Uries Waterfront Restaurant, 588 Rio Grande Avenue in Wildwood. Includes music, seafood & American buffet, house wines & domestic beers, special pricing for other drinks, Chinese auction, no give back 50/50, live auction, and continuous music. All proceeds stay in the local community and benefit Wildwood Catholic Academy and individuals struggling with Substance Use Disorder. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit gregdiantoniomemorial.com or call 609-425-6628.
For additional information about the Wildwoods Airshow, visit WildwoodsAirshow.com.
For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.
