Don’t take your eyes off the sky during the weekend of June 11-12. Legions of high-speed military and aerobatic aircrafts will rocket through the clouds at Ocean City’s 15th annual OC Air Show, a jaw-dropping spectacle.
As you ready your binoculars, here’s everything you need to know about the highly anticipated 2022 OC Air Show.
Who is performing?
The United States Airforce 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.
The lineup will also include the F-18 Rhino Demo Team, A-10 Thunderbolt II, Boeing C-17 Globemaster, L-39 Cold War Era Jet, UH-72A Lakota, B-25 Bomber “Panchito,”a U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue demonstration, and more.
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 2022 Air Show.
The event is viewable from 6th to 26th Street along the Boardwalk, where spectators will gather for free. However, front row seats can also be purchased between 13th and 17th Street in the designated ticketed beach area, where the show is largely centered.
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For those who choose to view the Air Show from a boat or watercraft, a United States Coast Guard Safety Zone will be in effect.
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.
A variety of viewing experiences are currently being offered to spectators, including the VIP Skybox, VIP Flight Line Club, Drop Zone Beach, and Sand Boxes. Tickets to the VIP Penthouse are currently sold out.
Tickets can be purchased on the Air Show’s website, with prices starting as low at $35 for Drop Zone Beach, and reaching as high as $299 for VIP Penthouse seating.
All guests will receive wristbands and may come and go from the ticketed beach areas as they please. Also, narration of the event will be available via speakers in the Drop Zone Beach and VIP areas.
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For more detailed information regarding tickets or ticketing issues, call 410-450-4197.
Those who prefer to stroll along the Boardwalk rather than sit in the sand 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.
What will the traffic look like?
In years past, the event has drawn thousands of spectators and aviation enthusiasts to the resort. A similar turnout is expected this year, raising concerns about traffic.
Aircrafts will be performing practice runs during the week leading up to the event, especially on Friday, June 10. Times are subject to change. The official Air Show will kick off at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, with the aerial portion of the show running from noon until about 3 p.m. each day.
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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, as well. 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.
Where can I park?
Ocean City Police, 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 and around the ticketed areas of 13th to 17th Street.
If you go:
OC Air Show
When: June 11-12 from noon to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 13th to 17th Street, Ocean City
Cost: Free, but separate ticket packages for special experiences are available; prices range from $35-$299.
Info: https://ocairshow.com/
Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com.
