The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels flight demonstration team concludes its 2024 season with its annual Homecoming Air Show this weekend in Pensacola. Here’s what you need to know to get a view of the aerial action.

The air show is billed as one of Pensacola’s largest events, with organizers saying it attracts up to 180,000 spectators over the course of two days. This year’s theme, “Celebrating one small step,” highlights the 55th anniversary of the first manned lunar landing on July 20, 1969. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flight demonstration team also will participate.

The schedule and other key details follow.

The public is welcome to view the show from Naval Air Station Pensacola. Gates open at 8 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1-2, and admission is free. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own seating, though paid seating is available.

According to the event’s website, “All visitors to NAS Pensacola must present a valid/current photo identification issued by the United States government or a state government as part of the screening process. This excludes minors under the age of 18, if accompanied by an adult with valid identification. Foreign nationals visitors must provide valid photo identification, such as a passport, issued by their country of origin. Foreign national visitors are advised to expect an additional screening process and to plan accordingly. Navy Security personnel reserve the right to deny access to any person on a case by case basis without explanation.”

Additionally, “At the entry points to the Air Show, all bags will be inspected and subject to search by NAS Pensacola Navy Security Forces (NSF). It is recommended that Air Show guests minimize the number and size of permitted items to reduce inspection time prior to accessing the Air Show area. All vehicles are subject to search prior to entering the base.”

Prohibited items include pets (other than service animals), coolers, outside food and drink, pop-up canopies, golf carts, roller skates, skateboards, bicycles, most bags including backpacks and camera bags, and all weapons. Permitted items include lawn chairs, blankets, camera equipment (must be hand-carried) and radio receivers (but not transmitters).

The show is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. both days, with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds appearing at noon and the Blue Angels giving the concluding performance at about 2 p.m. Weather and other factors can affect the timing of the demonstrations.

Other participating acts and units include: the U.S. Air force F-35A Lightning II Demo Team, U.S. Special Operations Command’s Para-Commandos parachute demonstration team, the U.S. Navy F-35C Demo Team, Adam Baker Airshows, RAD Aerosports, Matheny Airshows, Redline Air Shows, Ghostwriter Air Shows, retired Air Force combat pilot and instructor Rusty “Crash” Miller, Skip Stewart Airshows, Rob Holland Aerosports, Jeff Shetterly with “Radial Rumble,” and Kyle Fowler of Go EZ Aerobatics.

Organizers recommend that spectators use hearing protection, and earplugs are available for purchase on the site.

Additional attractions include a kids’ zone and static displays of aircraft throughout the weekend.

For more information, visit www.naspensacolaairshow.org. For updates, visit www.facebook.com/naspensacolaairshow.