Every November, the Blue Angels close out their season at home. The 2026 NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show takes place Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7, and for guests staying on the sound side of Navarre Beach it makes a memorable day trip. Here is what the official air show site says, along with a few ideas for turning it into an easy, unhurried weekend.
The Basics
The show is held at Naval Air Station Pensacola on both days. According to the official air show site, gates open at 8:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and the show begins at 9:30 a.m. The Blue Angels fly at around 2:00 p.m. each day, so the headline performance comes in the afternoon.
General admission, parking, and blanket seating are free. Paid seating is available for those who want a reserved spot, and those tickets are sold through the Tickets tab on the official site. We have left the box seating price out here because the site did not list one when we checked. Look there for current pricing before you plan around it.
Plan Your Day Around the 2:00 p.m. Flight
Because the Blue Angels fly in the afternoon, you do not need to rush out the door at sunrise. Consider treating the morning as a slow start: coffee on the deck, a walk along the sound, and a leisurely breakfast before you head west. If you would like to see the earlier performances, gates open at 8:00 a.m. and the show starts at 9:30 a.m., so you can choose how much of the day to spend on the flight line.
The official site notes that once the nearest parking fills, security directs vehicles to lots with shuttle service to and from the show, and accessible shuttles run from designated lots. Arriving earlier gives you more choice, but it is helpful to know a shuttle is part of the plan.
Choosing Your Day
With shows on both Friday and Saturday, you can choose the day that suits your group. A Friday visit may fit travelers who arrive early in the week, while Saturday may suit those who would rather spend the weekend. Both days follow the same published schedule, with gates at 8:00 a.m., the show at 9:30 a.m., and the Blue Angels at around 2:00 p.m. You could also plan to attend both days and keep the hours in between open for rest.
What to Leave at Home
The air show is on a working naval air station, and the rules are specific. The official FAQ lists the following as prohibited:
- Most bags, including backpacks and camera bags. Small purses and diaper bags are allowed and are subject to search.
- Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives and multi-tools.
- Pets, other than service animals.
- Pop-up tents.
- Bikes, skateboards, roller skates, and personal golf carts. Handicap scooters and electric wheelchairs are permitted.
- Outside food and beverages on the flight line, with the exception of non-glass baby bottles and small snacks for young children.
The full list is on the official FAQ page. Review it before you go, since the rules can change from year to year.
Make It a Weekend on the Sound
The air show is a daytime outing, and the evening is where a Navarre Beach stay does its best work. After the Blue Angels land, the drive back leads to a quiet evening at home: a long dinner at the table, a soak in the community hot tub, or a slow walk to watch the light fade over Santa Rosa Sound. Navarre Beach’s official tagline is Florida’s Most Relaxing Place, and a quiet evening after a busy day out is a good way to see why.
If you are building a longer trip around the show, a few of our earlier guides may help. Our Blue Angels day trip guide covers the basics of heading to Pensacola from Navarre Beach. Our Fort Pickens day trip is a good second outing for the same visit. And when you want a relaxed meal in the area, the Pensacola Seafood Festival guide shows how easily a Pensacola day fits into a Navarre Beach stay.
Before You Go
A few simple habits make an air show day easier. Check the official NAS Pensacola Air Show site for the latest schedule, the performer lineup, and any updates to seating or parking. Bring a blanket for free seating, keep your bag small, and plan for a day mostly outdoors. Dress in layers and check the forecast the night before, since conditions can change over the course of a day outdoors.
Stay at Stella Maris
Stella Maris sits on the sound side of Navarre Beach. The home has five bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom, five full and two half baths, and sleeps up to 14 guests, which makes it a comfortable base for a group heading to the air show together. Sunrise and sunset are both visible from the property, and the Gulf side beach is an easy walk away. If you would like to plan around next year’s show, you can check availability and book here.
Be still, and enjoy the show.