Ocean City Air Show 2024 Guide

Ocean City Air Show 2024: What You Need to Know

Planning an air show trip has gotten complicated with all the ticket tiers, viewing areas, and accommodation scrambles flying around. As someone who’s been going to the Ocean City Air Show for years, I learned everything there is to know about making the most of this beach-town aviation event. Today, I will share it all with you.

The Event Date and Location

The 2024 show is set for the weekend of June 15-16. Spectators spread out along the beach and boardwalk to watch aircraft perform over the Atlantic Ocean — and honestly, the beach setting is what makes this show unique. The event headquarters are near the mid-60s streets on Ocean City Beach, which gives you prime viewing if you stake out a spot early enough.

What to Expect from the Performances

The lineup for 2024 is seriously impressive. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels are headlining, and if you’ve never seen them fly over open ocean, it’s a different experience from watching them over a runway. Other military acts include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the F-22 Raptor Demo Team — jets that demonstrate speed and agility that honestly don’t seem real when you see them up close.

The civilian performers bring a completely different energy. The GEICO Skytypers fly vintage WWII aircraft in tight formations that’ll give you goosebumps, and aerobatic legends like Patty Wagstaff push the boundaries of what a single pilot can do in an airplane. The dives, rolls, and loops are crowd favorites for good reason — the skill level is just staggering.

Family-Friendly Activities

That’s what makes the OC Air Show endearing to us regulars who bring our families — it’s not just a flying demonstration. The STEM Zone introduces kids to the science behind flight through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that actually hold their attention. Several military branches set up tents where you can talk to service members, which adds a personal dimension you don’t get from just watching planes fly overhead.

Ticketing and Viewing Options

Here’s the great news: general admission is free. You just show up at the beach and watch. But if you want a more comfortable setup, premium viewing areas are available with beachside seating that gives you an unobstructed view. VIP areas include catered food, drinks, and shaded seating — which sounds like a luxury until you’re standing in the June sun for six hours. Those premium tickets sell through the website, and they go fast, so don’t wait too long to decide.

Transportation and Parking Tips

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. Ocean City traffic during air show weekend is… intense. Public transit through the Ocean City Transit system is your best bet, and park-and-ride options exist for people driving in. If you’re determined to drive, get there early. Really early. The difference between arriving at 7 AM and 9 AM is the difference between a good parking spot and a long walk.

Accommodations and Nearby Attractions

The air show makes a great excuse for a full Ocean City weekend. Beachfront hotels and motels are the popular choice, but vacation rentals work well for families or groups who want more space. Book way in advance — demand during show weekend is high, and prices reflect that.

While you’re in town, the Boardwalk is a must. Shops, entertainment, and food — it’s got the classic beach-town atmosphere that pairs perfectly with an air show weekend. Assateague Island is a short drive away if you want to see wild horses and beautiful, quieter beaches. Mini-golf and amusement parks round out the family entertainment options.

Safety and Comfort

The organizers handle crowd management well, and safety measures are solid. But the practical stuff is on you: stay hydrated, wear sunscreen (June in OC can be brutal), bring a hat and sunglasses, and set up a comfortable spot with a beach chair or blanket. A good pair of binoculars is worth bringing — they’ll let you see details in the aerial maneuvers that you’d miss with the naked eye.

Bottom Line

The Ocean City Air Show 2024 is going to be an outstanding event. The performer lineup is top-tier, the beach setting is unique among major air shows, and the surrounding attractions make it easy to turn the trip into a full weekend getaway. Whether you’re a local who walks down to the beach every year or a first-timer making the drive, this show delivers. I’ll be there — probably the one with binoculars in one hand and a funnel cake in the other.