In the mood for some sky-high thrills? Prepare to be dazzled during the weekend of June 10-11 as legions of high-speed military and aerobatic aircrafts rocket through the clouds at Ocean City’s 16th annual OC Air Show.
With the hazy, smoky skies followed by Thursday’s inclement weather, Ocean City would like to remind residents and visitors alike that the upcoming event will go on as planned.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2023 OC Air Show, a jaw-dropping spectacle to behold.
Who is performing?
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, a six-jet demonstration team that performs aerobatic maneuvers at more than 1,000 mph, will be headlining the event. Over the years, the Thunderbirds have become a fan favorite.
Also returning to the skies is the UH-72A Lakota, a light utility helicopter used for search and rescue operations, reconnaissance and surveillance, and medevac missions. It is only used in non-combat, non-hostile environments.
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The A-10 Thunderbolt II, better known as the “warthog,” will also be making a reappearance. It is a single-pilot attack jet that’s designed to operate anywhere in the world and provide close air support to troops on the ground.
The 2023 lineup will also include the F-18 Rhino Demo Team, F-35 Lightning II Demo Team, L-39 Cold War Era Jet, Red Bull Air Force, Air Force Heritage Flight and Navy Legacy Flight.
Where can I watch the air show?
Whether you’re lounging in a boat on the bay, swimming in the Atlantic or tanning on the sand, you will have a great view of the 2023 OC Air Show.
The event is viewable from 6th to 26th streets along the Boardwalk, where spectators can gather for free. Front row seats can also be purchased between 13th and 17th streets in the designated ticketed beach area, where the show is largely centered.
Those who choose to stroll along the Boardwalk during the show will have the option to do so, as the Boardwalk will be open to pedestrians during the entirety of the event. Security personnel will be present to keep foot traffic flowing.
In addition, a United States Coast Guard Safety Zone will be in effect for those who choose to view the air show from a boat or watercraft.
To ensure all guidelines and regulations are being met, U.S. Coast Guard and Fish and Wildlife Commission vessels will be patrolling the perimeter of the zone. An interactive Google Map and more information can be found on the Air Show’s website.
How much are tickets?
A variety of viewing experiences are being offered to spectators, including the VIP Skybox, VIP Flight Line Club, Drop Zone Beach and Sand Boxes. All paying guests will receive wristbands and may come and go from the ticketed beach areas as they please.
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Tickets can be purchased on the air show’s website, with prices starting as low as $35 for Drop Zone Beach and reaching as high as $279 for VIP Skybox seating.
Narration of the event will be available via speakers in the Drop Zone Beach and VIP areas. For more detailed information regarding tickets or ticketing issues, call 410-450-4197.
Will there be traffic?
The event has drawn thousands of spectators and aviation enthusiasts to the resort town throughout the years. A similar turnout is expected this year, raising concerns about traffic. Heavy traffic is expected in the downtown area from the Route 50 bridge to the north of 33rd Street each day from about 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The displays, ground exhibits and reserved parking will start to be set up on Friday, June 9, from 12th Street to 20th Street. All, or portions of these streets, will be closed and barricaded from Friday through Sunday, except for 15th Street to 17th Street which will remain closed until approximately noon on Monday, June 12.
Starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, the City Hall parking lot located at 301 Baltimore Ave will be closed to the public. Only authorized personnel and vehicles will be permitted into the parking lot.
Aircraft will be performing practice runs during the week leading up to the event, especially on Friday. Times are subject to change. The official air show will kick off at 11:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, with the aerial portion of the show running from noon until about 3 p.m. each day.
Additionally, the Drop Zone Beach will open to the public at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Flight Line Club beach area will open at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Foot traffic may become congested along the Boardwalk at this time.
During these scheduled times, Ocean City will be bustling with crowds. Spectators are advised to leave with plenty of time to spare before the show begins, as traffic in and out of the resort town tends to back up during the main portion of the event. Backups may last for up to one to two hours, or more.
Will public transportation be available?
Public transportation will be available by means of Ocean City’s municipal buses that travel along Coastal Highway.
A $4 Ride-All-Day pass allows travelers to ride from 6:00 a.m. until 3:00 a.m. the next morning. With a $4 pass, travelers can transfer to one of the town’s Park & Ride buses at no additional cost, as well as go to the town’s West Ocean City Park & Ride facility.
On Saturday, June 10, and Sunday, June 11, the Express Beach Bus Shuttle for Special Events will be operating. The Express shuttle will transport guests to and from the following two locations:
• West Ocean City Park N Ride to/from 17th Street and Baltimore Ave. The Express Shuttle will run approximately every 20 mins from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.• 40th Street- South Convention Center parking to/from 18th Street and Baltimore Ave. The Express Shuttle will run approximately every 20 mins from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Following the conclusion of the air show, bus riders should anticipate heavy vehicular congestion which may delay bus services.
Where can I park?
The Ocean City Police Department, Maryland State Troopers and parking attendants will be on site to guide guests. Those who purchase VIP Flight Line Club, VIP Skybox and VIP Penthouse tickets will be given one parking pass per purchaser. Parking passes may be printed or shown on your phone.
Guests with Drop Zone or Sand Box tickets and all other spectators must use regular paid public parking. Parking can be found at the West Ocean City Park and Ride, with busing available every 20 minutes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and around the ticketed areas of 13th to 17th streets.
Many private lots will be offering parking at a demand-based rate if public parking is hard to find. The Town of Ocean City offers paid parking at the Inlet Lot and the following municipal lots:
• Worcester St., between Baltimore Ave. & Philadelphia Ave.
• Somerset St. & Baltimore Ave.
• Dorchester St. & Baltimore Ave.
• N. Division St. & Baltimore Ave.
• N. Division St. & St. Louis Ave. (small lot)
• 4th St. & Baltimore Ave.
• 61st St. & Coastal Hwy., (Bayside)
On-street parking is expected to be limited due to the road closures near the event site. To learn more about parking in Ocean City, visit the resort town’s website.
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If you go:
What: OC Air Show
When: June 10-11 from noon to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 13th to 17th streets, Ocean City
Cost: Free, but separate ticket packages for special experiences are available; prices range from $35-$279.
Info: https://ocairshow.com/
Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com.
