Central Coast AirFest to feature military aircraft, warbirds, STEM focus in September

The air show is taking place about a month earlier than its traditional October time slot, and Jim Bray, development and sponsorship coordinator for Planes of Fame Air Museum, said the change was driven largely by the availability of performers and the desire to avoid competing with other major California air shows.

“The mainline act this year is the F-35, and that's what I would call a premium jet fighter in the inventory. So we're very, very excited to have that,†Bray said.

The U.S. Air Force F-35 Demonstration Team is scheduled to headline a lineup that includes an Osprey demonstration, static displays such as F-15s and a collection of historic warbirds. Aircraft expected at the event include the P-51 Mustang, F4U Corsair, TBM Avenger, P-40 Warhawk, SBD Dauntless, P-47 Thunderbolt, B-25 Mitchell, B-17 Flying Fortress, P-38 Lightning and F6F Hellcat.

Aerobatic performers, STOL drag races and an RC air show are also scheduled throughout the weekend.

Beyond the flight demonstrations, AirFest will feature opportunities for visitors to see historic aircraft up close, along with food and beverage vendors, merchandise, a kids zone and static displays. Grandstand seating will be available as an upgrade.

Bray said the event is intended to make aviation accessible to families.

“It's a very different type of event. I mean, you just won't see something like this in Santa Maria except at the air show,†he said.

General admission starts at $35 online, while admission at the gate is $40, before applicable taxes and fees. Children 11 and younger are free, though a ticket still must be reserved. Organizers do not charge for parking.

Education will have a larger presence this year with a new STEM pavilion featuring a robotics team from a local high school. The addition reflects the Planes of Fame museum focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.

Another educational component, Skyward Bound, will take place the Wednesday before the air show and is geared toward high school students in the Santa Maria Valley. Last year, about 300 students participated in classroom instruction before heading to the airport to meet pilots and maintenance crews and explore aircraft, including some warbirds.

The event will include military vehicle displays, adding historic ground vehicles to the aircraft exhibits.

Organizers expect attendance somewhere between 15,000 and 20,000 people over the two-day weekend. About 15,000 people attended last year, a decrease from previous years that Bray attributed in part to the government shutdown, which occurred during the air show and resulted in the loss of military performers.

Bray said visitors have traveled from across the country for the event, with photographers among those drawn to the opportunity to capture military and vintage aircraft in flight and on the ground.

AirFest also relies heavily on community support. More than 50 sponsors are supporting this year's event, with the Santa Maria Airport serving as a major sponsor.

“We could not do this without the strong support of the community,†Bray said. “And without these sponsors, one we couldn't do the event, two, we couldn't keep ticket prices down as well.â€

With aircraft demonstrations, historic displays and educational programs filling the weekend, Bray said the event has continued to grow since its debut.

“It gets a little better each year that we do this. And to bring an event like this with this many aircraft and professional performers and military to Santa Maria, it's just become a really, really fun event.â€

Attendees should plan for sun exposure and loud aircraft, with organizers encouraging ear protection, particularly for children. AirFest organizers also recommend reviewing the event's website for current safety information and restrictions on items that may be brought through the gates.

More information, including tickets, the event schedule and safety requirements, is available through the official Central Coast AirFest website.