Pensacola, Florida · November 2026
Blue Angels Homecoming 2026: Your Guide to an Unforgettable Weekend
The Blue Angels return home to Pensacola for two days of incredible aerial performances. Here's everything you need to know before you go.
Every November, Pensacola hosts one of the most anticipated air shows in the country. The Blue Angels return to their home base at Naval Air Station Pensacola for two full days of precision flying, static aircraft displays, and the kind of crowd energy that's hard to find anywhere else. Whether it's your first time or your tenth, here's what you need to know to make the most of it.
In This Guide
Event at a Glance
Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show 2026
Make a Weekend of It.
Coming to Pensacola for the Blue Angels? Explore thoughtfully managed coastal stays with LunaSol.
What Is the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show?
The Blue Angels have called Pensacola home since 1946. NAS Pensacola is where the team trains, where new pilots earn their wings, and where the squadron returns each fall for its final performance of the season. That homecoming quality gives the show a different feel from a typical air show stop: the crowd is local, the energy is personal, and the pilots are flying over the base they know best.
The two-day event draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Pensacola waterfront each year. Beyond the Blue Angels' headline performance, the show features a full lineup of civilian and military aerobatic acts, a static aircraft display where you can walk up to jets and military equipment, and food vendors spread across the flight line. It's a genuinely full day out, and most people find themselves staying from gates-open to the final pass.
Families do well here. Kids tend to be transfixed by the static displays long before the jets take off, and the Blue Angels' low-altitude formation flying is the kind of thing that's hard to explain until you've felt the sound of six F/A-18s in tight formation pass directly overhead. Plan for a long, loud, memorable day.
Back to top ↑Blue Angels Homecoming 2026 Schedule
Both days follow the same general structure. Gates open at 8:00 AM, supporting acts begin at 9:30 AM, and the Blue Angels take the sky at approximately 2:00 PM. The full performance typically runs 45 minutes to an hour.
Friday, November 6
- 8:00 AMGates open
- 9:30 AMAir show begins — supporting aerobatic performers and military demonstrations
- ~2:00 PMBlue Angels performance
Saturday, November 7
- 8:00 AMGates open
- 9:30 AMAir show begins — supporting aerobatic performers and military demonstrations
- ~2:00 PMBlue Angels performance
Schedules and performance times are subject to change. Always confirm the latest details before you go.
View the Official 2026 Schedule →
Back to top ↑Admission, Parking & Getting There
General admission and parking are both free, which makes this one of the more accessible large-scale air shows in the country. If you'd prefer reserved seating with a better sightline and shade, paid reserved seating options are available through the official site.
Arrive early. The show draws very large crowds, and traffic on the roads leading to NAS Pensacola builds quickly after 7:00 AM. Budget extra time for parking, the walk to the flight line, and the base security process. Arriving by 7:30 AM gives you a comfortable buffer and time to explore the static displays before the first acts take off.
NAS Pensacola is an active military installation. All visitors must present a valid, government-issued photo ID at the gate. A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or other federally accepted document satisfies this requirement. Standard (non-REAL ID) driver's licenses from states that have not yet met federal compliance may not be accepted. If you're unsure whether your ID qualifies, bring a passport as a backup. Non-U.S. citizens and visitors with questions about base access should review the official FAQ before arriving, as requirements can change. Follow official event signage for parking directions once you're in the area.
Back to top ↑What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)
The flight line is open and exposed. November in Pensacola is mild but can be breezy, and you'll be on your feet most of the day. Pack accordingly.
Bring
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Hearing protection (especially for kids)
- Weather-appropriate layers
- Permitted lawn chairs or blankets
- Water and snacks in a small, clear bag
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Cash and cards (vendors vary)
Leave Behind
- Large backpacks and camera bags
- Hard-sided coolers
- Outside food and beverages
- Pets (service animals excepted)
- Drones or remote-controlled aircraft
- Weapons or prohibited items
Restrictions can change year to year. Check the official FAQ page for the most current list before you pack.
Back to top ↑Where to Stay for Blue Angels Weekend
The air show is a natural anchor for a longer Gulf Coast trip. Pensacola, Perdido Key, and Pensacola Beach are all within easy driving distance of NAS Pensacola, and November is one of the quieter months on the coast, so you'll find more availability and a slower pace than summer.
A quick note on location: the Homecoming Air Show takes place at NAS Pensacola, not on Pensacola Beach. You may catch glimpses of the jets from the beach or the bay, but the full performance is only visible from the base. Plan your accommodations around the drive to the show, not around a view from your rental.
Staying in a vacation rental gives you more room to spread out after a long day on the flight line. A full kitchen means you can eat on your own schedule, a comfortable living area beats a hotel lobby, and properties that sleep six or more make the weekend easy for families and groups traveling together.
Make a Weekend of It.
From waterfront escapes to thoughtfully appointed coastal homes, explore a more comfortable way to experience the Gulf Coast with LunaSol.
Explore LunaSol Stays →Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show in 2026?
The 2026 Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show takes place on Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7, 2026 at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.
What time do the Blue Angels fly?
The Blue Angels are scheduled to perform at approximately 2:00 PM each day. Supporting acts begin at 9:30 AM. Times are subject to change, so check the official schedule before you go.
Is admission free?
Yes. General admission to the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show is free. Optional paid reserved seating is available for those who want a premium viewing area. Parking is also free.
Where does the air show take place?
The show is held at Naval Air Station Pensacola (NAS Pensacola) in Pensacola, Florida. It is an active military base, and all visitors must present valid government-issued photo ID at the gate.
Can I watch from Pensacola Beach?
You may see the jets in the distance from Pensacola Beach or the bay, but the full performance is only visible from inside NAS Pensacola. To see the Blue Angels properly, plan to attend the show at the base.
What should I bring?
Sunscreen, sunglasses, hearing protection, weather-appropriate layers, and a permitted lawn chair or blanket. Leave large bags, coolers, outside food, and pets at home. See the official FAQ for the current full list of restrictions.
Where should I stay for Blue Angels weekend?
Pensacola, Perdido Key, and Pensacola Beach all offer easy access to NAS Pensacola. A vacation rental gives you more space, a full kitchen, and a comfortable base for the weekend. Browse LunaSol's Gulf Coast homes to find something that fits your group.
Back to top ↑
The air show is two days, but Pensacola is worth more than that. The beaches here are some of the whitest on the Gulf, the local dining scene has grown considerably in recent years, and November brings the kind of weather that makes long walks and open-air dinners genuinely pleasant. Come for the Blue Angels and stay a few extra days. The coast is quieter this time of year, and that's not a bad thing.
For more on what to do in the area, the Visit Pensacola visitor guide is a good starting point.
Your Gulf Coast Getaway Awaits.
Comfortable homes, more space, and a quieter stretch of coast waiting after the show.
Discover Our Vacation Rentals →Blog
Latest Posts
Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show 2026: Your Complete Pensacola Guide
Planning to see the Blue Angels in Pensacola? Discover the November 6–7, 2026 air show schedule, free admission, parking, visitor tips, and where to stay.
Airbnb's New 2026 Policies: Finding the Balance Between Guest Experience and Property Management
A boutique vacation rental operator's perspective on Airbnb's 2026 policy changes — checkout tasks, rental agreements, cleaning fees, and what they mean for hosts and guests.
Pensacola & Perdido Key Vacation Rental Performance: 2026 Portfolio Data
See LunaSol's 2026 Pensacola and Perdido Key vacation rental performance, including revenue, ADR, occupancy, RevPAR and guest experience.
When the Storm Approaches: How LunaSol Prepared for a Gulf Coast Hurricane
See how LunaSol Vacations prepared Pensacola and Perdido Key vacation rentals for a Gulf Coast hurricane while protecting owners, guests, and rental revenue.
The Short-Term Rental Tax Loophole: How Investors Are Using Vacation Rentals to Build Wealth and Potentially Reduce Taxes in 2026
Learn how short-term rental investors use cost segregation, bonus depreciation, and IRS rules to explore tax savings in Pensacola and Charleston.
Coming Soon to Charleston: 10 New Restaurants & Local Spots to Watch in 2026–2027
10 new restaurants and local spots opening in Charleston, SC in 2026 and 2027, plus what the city’s growing hospitality scene means for vacation rental owners.
Charleston Short-Term Rental Management: Regulations, Revenue & Protecting Your Investment
Explore Charleston STR regulations, Park Circle rental potential, seasonal demand, guest screening, and attentive vacation rental management.
Beach Warning Flags Explained: A Complete Guide to Staying Safe at the Beach
Learn what each beach warning flag color means, how to spot rip currents, and how to check current conditions at Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key before you swim.
Local Favorites in Pensacola & Perdido Key
Discover the local side of Pensacola and Perdido Key: Palafox Street boutiques, live music, the Saturday farmers market, Bands on the Beach, and the neighborhood spots worth knowing.
Golf & Recreation in Pensacola & Perdido Key
Golf courses near Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key, including Lost Key and Perdido Bay Golf Club. Plus indoor simulators at Bogey's and Gulf Coast recreation tips.
Outdoor Adventures in Pensacola & Perdido Key
Kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, snorkeling, and more. Discover the best outdoor adventures near Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key with verified local outfitters and practical tips.
Family Fun in Pensacola Beach & Perdido Key
Discover the best family-friendly activities in Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key. Dolphin cruises, Gulf Islands National Seashore, the National Naval Aviation Museum, beach days, and more.
Fishing & Boating on the Gulf Coast
Plan your Gulf Coast fishing or boating trip from Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key. Offshore charters, inshore fishing, pontoon rentals, dolphin cruises, and everything you need to know before you go.
Where to Eat & Drink in Pensacola Beach & Perdido Key
Where to eat on Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key: waterfront oyster bars, Fisherman's Corner, The Jellyfish, the Flora-Bama, and more. Verified by LunaSol.
Hurricane Isaias Update: Pensacola, Perdido Key & Pensacola Beach
Hurricane Isaias updates for Pensacola, Perdido Key & Pensacola Beach: official emergency resources, LunaSol operations, and furnished housing for recovery crews.
October on the Gulf Coast: Pensacola & Perdido Key Events and Where to Stay
Plan a fall getaway to Pensacola & Perdido Key: October 2026 events, Blue Angels practices, the Interstate Fair and open vacation rental dates with LunaSol.
Best Florida Snowbird Hidden Gems
Escape the cold with monthly snowbird rentals in Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach. Explore furnished winter stays and special monthly rates with LunaSol Vacations.
LunaSol's 2 Night Free Giveaway: Your Chance to Stay at Serenity Reef A!
Enter the LunaSol Vacations giveaway for a chance to win a free 2-night stay at Serenity Reef Unit A in Perdido Key. See eligibility, prize details and how to enter.
July on the Gulf Coast: Events, Fireworks, and Where to Stay
July 4th fireworks, live music and beach events in Pensacola and Perdido Key, plus waterfront vacation homes you can book direct with LunaSol Vacations.
July is Around the Corner, Here's How to Plan the Perfect Beach Getaway
Plan your July beach vacation in Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach: July 4th fireworks, live music and vacation homes you can book direct with LunaSol.
June at LunaSol: Gulf Coast Summer Begins
Discover June events on Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key—Bands on the Beach, Gallery Night, and Foodees Festival. Plan your Gulf Coast summer getaway.
Last-Minute August Beach Getaways
Book family-friendly August beach rentals in Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach, with pools, water access and more. Plan your last-minute Gulf Coast getaway.
How Much Can an Airbnb Make in Pensacola Beach in 2026?
Realistic 2026 Airbnb income ranges for Pensacola Beach by property size, plus seasonal trends and proven ways to maximize your vacation rental revenue.
Rainy Day in Pensacola
Discover indoor activities for rainy days in Pensacola & Perdido Key—coffee shops, museums, spas & cozy vacation rentals. Plan your beach getaway today.
LunaSol's Summer Giveaway: Your Chance to Stay at Dune Dreams
Enter LunaSol's summer giveaway for a chance to win a free 2-night stay at Dune Dreams on Perdido Key. Complete Instagram tasks to enter—no purchase necessary.