The impressive display of aerobatics and patriotism takes place at this thriving Jersey Shore tourism hub
The Wildwoods, NJ – August 20, 2025 – The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority (GWTIDA) and David Schultz Airshows proudly presents the ‘Thunder Over the Waves’ Airshow, a one-of-a-kind event to take place September 5 (practice day) and September 6 (main event). The event promises a unique experience along the Wildwoods’ award-winning beaches, with an impressive lineup of featured performances, special event offerings, and an unofficial after party joining the island’s impressive host of regular attractions. The Airshow will be the centerpiece event to the start of the second season in the Wildwoods, adding an extra dose of excitement to the Jersey Shore’s premiere tourism hub.
While the Airshow is free to attend, there are prime VIP viewing areas at the event available for purchase, creating a special experience for individuals and groups. For the ultimate in viewing comfort there are a limited number of exclusive Airshow Chalets available. The Chalets are 20’ x 30’ high ceiling tents with tables and chairs, unlimited soda, water, and ice and 60 viewing chairs outside the tent at show center. These chalets are perfect for large groups, corporate outings, and private parties and celebrations. Looking to enjoy the Airshow in comfort and privacy The Chalets hold up to 60 people, and provide the ultimate experience of comfort and excitement, offering a luxury experience and the best possible views of the thrilling performances. The chalets provide shaded seating and the best views on the beach, located at the “show center,” surrounding the parachute drop zone for an unforgettable view of the action.
Also available at show center are Show Center VIP seating and Beach Club seating, providing some of the best views of the show, access to food vendors, a community tent for shade, and a close-up view of the parachute drop zone. Visit WildwoodsAirshow.com or call 609-846-2659 for all VIP seating options.
VIP viewers are also invited to attend the VIP Pilot’s Dinner on Friday, September 5 at 6 p.m. at the Wildwoods Convention Center. The Pilot’s dinner offers a chance to meet and dine with some of the most talented pilots and aerial performers in the country while imbibing in craft cocktails at the open bar cocktail hour with a curated menu of hors d’Oeuvres, entrees, and dessert. While enjoying the delicious menu, musical entertainment by the Kenny i Orchestra will underscore the dinner, as the anticipation builds for the Main Event on Saturday. Learn more about the Pilot’s Dinner at WildwoodsAirshow.com
After the excitement of the Airshow, visitors are welcome to join the unofficial afterparty, The Wildwoods Food and Music Festival, at Byrne Plaza in Downtown Wildwood from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Food and Music Festival will feature food vendors serving up delectable food, sweets, classic boardwalk eats and more, in addition to craft vendors, a beer garden, and live bands providing excitement following the epic performances at the Airshow. For more information on the Wildwoods Food and Music Festival, click here.
The ‘Thunder Over the Waves’ Airshow is a dazzling spectacle that will complement the offerings of the island, that keep visitors returning for generations of family memories. Alongside the Airshow and its companion events, the Wildwoods’ boardwalk, beaches, and businesses are open to the public as they celebrate the start of the second season on the island. As the cooler season ramps up, the world-class vacation hub is ready to combine this one-of-a-kind event with its usual, award winning offerings for an unforgettable weekend.
From the iconic Wildwoods Boardwalk and Beaches, which were recently named the ‘Best Boardwalk,’ nationwide and ‘Best Beaches’ in New Jersey in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, to the unique collection of Doo-Wop architecture, diverse dining and accommodation options, and the Wildwoods’ full calendar of year-round events that draw visitors by the thousands, including the ‘Thunder Over the Waves’ Airshow, the island has become the ultimate tourism hub on the shore. Everything you could ever want in a much-needed vacation getaway is in the Wildwoods, ready to be explored while watching the incredible spectacle of the Airshow.
Airshow Schedule
Spectators can witness the incredible performances in action during their respective timeslots, as well as the show’s other headlining acts. Below is the schedule of current acts in the lineup for the Airshow (subject to change):
11:30 Airspace Closes. TFR in effect. Radio Remote Broadcast Starts
11:50 Opening Ceremonies
12:00 National Anthem with Army Golden Knights Flag Jump
12:06 Army Golden Knights Mass Exit Show
12:14 Military Flyovers Window
12:24 Mark Meredith DHC-1 Chipmunk Aerobatics
12:34 Scott Francis MXS Aerobatics
12:49 Jerry Conley DH-115 Vampire Jet Aerobatics
1:04 USCG MH-65E Search & Rescue Demo
1:14 Jersey Jerks 4-ship SNJ Formation Demonstration
1:24 Kevin Russo SNJ-6 Aerobatics
1:39 Patrick McAlee Pitts Aerobatics
1:54 Full Throttle Formation Team
2:10 Army Golden Knights Mass Exit Show
2:30 ACEMAKER T-33 Jet Aerobatics
2:45 P-5D Mustang Demonstration
2:58 Fighter Jets MiG-17 Jet Aerobatics
4:00 Airspace Re-Opens, Airshow Ends
Funding for the Wildwoods ‘Thunder Over the Waves’ Airshow comes from a combination of sources, including Title Sponsor: The Greater Wildwoods Tourism, Improvement, and Development Authority (GWTIDA); Surf Level Sponsors: South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA), Forge Apollo, Aloysius Butler & Clark, and support from the Cape May County Department of Tourism. Shore Level Sponsors: Greater Wildwood Hotel & Motel Association, Morey Resorts, 98.7 The Coast Radio, and J. Byrne Insurance; Beach Level Sponsors: Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA), Braven Health, New Jersey Lottery, Daytona Inn & Suites, and MudHen Brewing Company. Lifeguard Level Sponsors: Adventurer Oceanfront Inn, Madison Resort Wildwood Crest, Mahalo Diamond Beach, VIP Family Motel, Bolero Resort & Conference Center, Seaport Pier, and Compass Family Resort. The Airshow will be a free event for the public to attend. Sponsorship packages are available by contacting GWTIDA at 609-846-2657 or email at [email protected].
###
