The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, practice for the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Air Show, April 26. MCAS Beaufort hosts the air show in order to bring the community together and demonstrate U.S. Marine Corps Aviation Combat Element and Marine Air-Ground Task Force capabilities.
Bobby Yarbrough
U.S. Marine Corps
This year’s show promises to be a can’t-miss event as it is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps.
With over 10 different aircraft performing, skydivers, a kids zone, monster trucks, helicopters and more, this event is perfect for the whole family. The entire schedule of events can be found here.
The show stretches over two days, April 12 and 13, at the MCAS Beaufort on Geiger Boulevard. If you plan to attend in person, tickets are required for entry due to safety protocols, but free general admission tickets are available.
If you’re planning to attend in person, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:
Gates open at 8:30 a.m. and the show is set to start at 9 a.m. on both dates.
Parking is available on a first come, first served basis & handicapped parking will be available for those who have an official handicap placard or license plate.
Attendees should be prepared for ID checks and bag inspections.
Crowds attend the first day of the MCAS Beaufort Air Show on Saturday, April 22, 2023 admiring a C-17 Globemaster transport. Today is the last day to attend the airshow with gates opening at 9:30 a.m. and opening ceremonies beginning at 11:30 a.m. Along with a wide variety of static military and civilian helicopters and airplanes, visitors will be entertained with a variety of demonstrations including the F-35B with its Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) system. Weather dependant, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels are expected to start their show at 3 p.m. Curt Jennings for The Island Packet
Where to watch if you can’t make it to the MCAS
But if you can’t score a ticket or can’t make it to the air station this weekend, here are some nearby spots where you can watch the action unfold.
Parks and open spaces
Sit back and relax by watching the show from these public parks and open spaces.
Pigeon Point Park: 1521 Pigeon Point Road, Beaufort
Pigeon Point Boat Launch: 2427 Pigeon Point Road, Beaufort
Pickney Park: Located on Pigeon Point Road near the boat ramp
Driftwood RV Park: 2558 Trask Parkway, Beaufort
Restaurants
Here are a few nearby dining locations where you may be able to spot the planes high in the sky; just make sure to try and sit outside.
