If you are wondering when the Blue Angels Practice, we have the answer for you, along with the best places to watch them practice, the 2025 show schedule, things to bring with you, and what we have learned from going to practices.
2025 Blue Angels Practice Schedule
The 2025 Blue Angels Practice Schedule (estimated may change! These are the designated practice days at NAS Pensacola.
- Apri 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 29, 30
- May 6, 7, 13, 14, 27, 28
- June 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25
- July 8, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29
- August 20, 26, 27
- September 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 23
- October 15, 21, 22, 28, 29
Dates with * indicate an autograph day in the National Naval Aviation Museum following the Blue Angels Practice (to be determined for the 2025 season).
Most autograph days are on Wednesdays. Members of the Blue Angels will sign autographs and answer questions on these days.
Tuesday and Wednesday Practices may be canceled depending on weather and conditions.
Mid-November through December, the Blue Angels team practices with their new pilots over the Gulf near Fort Morgan, Alabama. These practices are not announced.
There is a chance you might see them flying at high elevation over Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on their way back to NAS Pensacola.
Where do the Blue Angels Practice?
The Blue Angels Practice at NAS Pensacola on specific days of the week. They are stationed at NAS Pensacola from mid-March until early January every year.
In January, the entire Blue Angels team moves to El Centro Naval Air Facility in California through mid-March for winter training.
What time do the Blue Angles Practice?
NAS Pensacola Flight Demonstration Practice are scheduled between 10:30 - 11:30 am
Best Places to Watch the Blue Angels Practice
There are a few places to watch the Blue Angels Practice and have a great view of them flying overhead.
One thing to know is for practice sessions, the Blue Angels have an FAA Airspace reservation for each flight demonstration session that covers 5 nautical miles from NAS Pensacola. This is 5.75 land miles from the flight line of NAS Pensacola.
Some of the best places to view the Blue Angels Practice include the National Naval Air Museum, Fort Pickens, Pensacola Lighthouse, boat tours on Pensacola Bay, and various points in downtown Pensacola and the surrounding area.
National Naval Air Museum
You can view the Blue Angels Practice flight demonstrations from the museum flight line north of the museum on designated practice days.
You cannot bring backpacks or bags onto the flight line, so make sure to plan accordingly. Visitors can carry diaper or medical bags.
Visitors can bring their own lawn or bag chairs or rent a folding chair for $6. There are also first come, first serve metal bleachers.
To view the practice, civilians must enter through the West Gate ONLY onto Naval Air Station Pensacola.
The gates are open for public access from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. There is no place to form a line, so don't arrive early, or you will be turned around.
All vehicle occupants 18 and over must have a state-issued photo ID. This can be passports, valid driver's licenses, or single government-issued identification cards.
A U.S. Citizen must escort foreign nationals.
Accessibility - There are accessible parking spaces near the museum AND closer to the viewing area. Look for the large white helicopter in the parking lot and drive towards it. There is a designated accessible parking space much closer than parking at the museum. Once you walk through the gate they have golf carts that will drive you closer to the viewing area.
There are accessible designated seats on the lower level of the bleachers to the right of the viewing area. You can also bring chairs or rent them onsite if you want to sit close the flight line.
Plus Size Seating - We suggest bringing a camp chair or chair you are comfortable sitting in. They rent folding chairs, but I don't know their weight limit. They are plastic seats, and I always worry about how comfortable they will be. There is also open bleacher seating on metal bleachers.
Parking - Parking is available at the National Naval Air Museum. It is about a 200-yard walk from the front of the museum to the airfield entrance.
Cost - $0.00. It is FREE to watch the Blue Angels practice at the Naval Air Museum
Concessions - The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation has a gift store and food/water concessions available on the flight line.
Credit/Debit card only for payment.
Water, Gatorade, Chips, Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, ICEES (Cherry & Blue Raspberry), Crystal Lite packets, and earplugs are for sale at the concession area.
Keep an eye out for the special t-shirts that are only sold during practice sessions. There are great Blue Angels gifts available including a super cute kids flight suit perfect for family photos.
Proceeds from concession sales support the museum and foundation programs.
Chair Rental - There are folding chairs available to rent for $6. There are a limited quantity of chairs so we suggest arriving early if you plan to get a chair. You will need to carry it from the chair service area to the flight line.
Credit and Debit cards only for payment.
After the show, they have you leave the chairs in place, and they take care of cleaning them up.
Address - 1750 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL
GPS Address for the West Gate is 1878 S Blue Angel Parkway, Pensacola, FL 32507
What to bring with you - Bags are not allowed onto the flight line, so we suggest you put LOTS of sunscreen on before you walk out to watch practice.
Don't forget the back of your neck and shoulders like I did during our 1st practice! The hot pink shoulder look isn't the souvenir you want to bring home with you.
Hats, sunglasses, ear protection, and your best camera are always a good idea. We bring our professional camera and cell phones and had so much fun taking photos.
During the Blue Angels practice flight demonstrations, they may do maneuvers from any of their three shows.
They have specific shows based on weather, cloud clearance, and visibility they may encounter during the air show season.
High show - 10,000-foot ceiling, three nautical mile visibility
Low show - 4500-foot ceiling, three nautical mile visibility
Flat Show/C-130 - 1,000-foot ceiling, three nautical mile visibility
An announcer at the outside viewing area will guide you through what is happening during practice.
At times, they will play the pilots talking through maneuvers. The precision that these pilots can accomplish is amazing.
The practice may start a few minutes early with Fat Albert the Blue Angels C-130 taking off. We highly suggest arriving early and being comfortable before Fat Albert takes off.
Fat Albert's take-off is unbelievable. It's hard to imagine a plane of this size executing a low transition takeoff.
Fat Albert may do a few maneuvers depending on the practice, including a Remote Entry, Parade Pass, Flat Pass, Head Pass, Remote Pass, and Assault Landing.
At the front of each section, you should see a volunteer holding flags. Keep an eye on where they are pointing to know which direction the Blue Angels will be flying from.
One thing to know is they may have a sneak pass, so always keep your ears and eyes open for the jets. They truly come from all directions, and it is fantastic.
Many of the maneuvers are conducted at the center point of the spectator area.
You can get a great view from most locations on the flight line. If you are sitting in the bleachers, the higher rows have a view over most of the people sitting in chairs, which is helpful if you want to see the runway.
The lower bleacher seats are still fantastic if that is all that is available when you arrive.
Fort Pickens
Practices can be viewed from Fort Pickens in Gulf Islands National Seashore. We suggest finding an open space so you can see the sky easily.
We have seen people climb to the top of the fort where it is open to see a clear view.
Accessibility - It depends on where you choose to watch the practices. Some areas have boardwalks and paved walkways, making it easier to view from an open area.
Plus Size Seating - We suggest bringing a camp chair that you are comfortable sitting in.
Parking - Go early! Parking can fill up quickly and they will close areas once the parking is full.
Cost - $15-25 for a park entrance pass. You can also use a National Park Pass for entrance.
Address - 1400 Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach, Fl
Boat Tours
You can take a boat tour to view the Blue Angels practice from the water. There are both private and group trips available.
Cost - Varies depending on the tour.
Private Blue Angels and Sightseeing cruises are available from Orange Beach, Alabama.
Frisky Mermaid offers a Blue Angels Practice and Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise out of Pensacola Beach.
Lil' Toot Boat Tours offers a Blue Angels Cruise out of Pensacola Beach, Florida.
You can book a private Blue Angels Show Boat Cruise from Fort Walton Beach-Okaloosa Island.
Pensacola Lighthouse
You can reserve a spot at the top of the lighthouse to get an unbelievable view of practice.
The cost is $30, and you must book through the lighthouse.
Children must be at least 7 years old or 44" tall to participate. Children under 44” tall cannot climb the tower.
Tickets go quickly, so make sure to check often!
Target near NAS Pensacola
If you visit Target, please park in the large Target lot and not in front of ALDI. We like to shop at Target and Aldi to thank them for the parking space.
We have also heard that the Walmart parking lot across the street offers an excellent view for spectators.
Accessibility - They have accessible parking spaces near the entrance to the store if you plan to shop.
Plus Size Seating - We suggest bringing a camp chair that you are comfortable sitting in. The parking lot becomes a fun tailgate environment with everyone relaxing behind their cars.
Parking - Make sure to park in the large open area and not clog up the entrance to the store.
Cost - Free!
Address - 2950 S Blue Angel Pkwy, Pensacola, FL 32506
Where can you not see the Blue Angels Practice?
One thing to know is you cannot see the Blue Angels practice from Perdido Key, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Pensacola Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Fort Morgan, or Navarre Beach.
They have a designated air space for practice that does not extend to these cities. You may see them randomly doing a Beach Buzz during a return flight from an airshow in these locations.
What is a Beach Buzz?
Beach Buzz's happen when the Blue Angels are returning from an airshow.
There is a chance the Blue Angels will fly past Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Perdido Key, and down towards Navarre Beach and Pensacola Beach.
The highest chance of seeing them includes the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier, the spot where you see many social videos posted from.
When do Beach Buzz's Happen?
The beach buzz is never guaranteed, but it is always amazing to see.
For 2025, here are the possible dates for a Beach Buzz
- Monday, March 24
- Sunday, March 30
- Sunday, April 6
- Sunday, April 13
- Sunday, April 27
- Sunday, May 4
- Sunday, May 11
- Sunday, May 25
- Sunday, June 8
- Sunday, June 15
- Sunday, June 22
- Sunday, June 29
- Sunday, July 6
- Sunday, July 20
- Monday, August 18
- Sunday, August 31
- Sunday, September 7
- Sunday, September 21
- Sunday, October 13
- Sunday, October 19
- Sunday, October 26
- Sunday, November 2
These are estimates based on the current air show schedule.
Pensacola Blue Angels Air Shows
Blue Angels Pensacola Beach Air Show 2025
Date - July 9-12 2025
The 2025 Pensacola Beach Airshow features the Blue Angels and many other flight acts.
Estimated 2025 schedule:
July 9 - Breakfast with the Blue Angels
July 10 - Practice Show with the Blue Angels
July 11 - Blue Angels
July 12 - Blue Angels
Where to stay for the Pensacola Beach Air Show
The Pensacola Beach Air Show takes place along Pensacola Beach, including Casino Beach. There are hotels lining the beach along with vacation rentals in the area.
Enter the dates you wish to stay in town to see the best options for lodging.
Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show on NAS Pensacola 2025
Date - November 7 & 8, 2025
Cost - Free, except for VIP seating
The air show features dozens of performers, attractions, static displays, food vendors, and merchandise booths on site – even a kids zone!
The Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show is held on Naval Air Station Pensacola. You will not be able to see the airshow from the beach.
The west entrance to NAS Pensacola is where they normally have visitors enter. They may also open the main gate entrance but that will be determined closer to the show.
Where to stay for the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show
When looking for lodging for the Blue Angels Homecoming Show you will want to look in Pensacola or Perdido Key depending on if you want to stay on the beach.
The map below shows hotels and vacation rentals close to NAS Pensacola. You can change the dates on the map to your preferred travel dates to see current availability.
2026 Blue Angels Air Shows - Pensacola
To be announced
2025 Blue Angels Show Schedule
The 2025 air show schedule announced is:
March
15 NAF El Centro, CA - NAF El Centro Festival of Flight
22-23 Sacramento, CA - California Capital Air Show
29-30 NAS Key West, FL - NAS Key West Southernmost Air Spectacular
April
5-6 Lakeland, FL - Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Exp
12-13 MCAS Beaufort, SC - MCAS Beaufort Air Show
19-20 OFF WEEKEND
26-27 Augusta, GA - Augusta Air Show
May
3-4 Fort Lauderdale Beach, FL - Fort Lauderdale Air Show
10-11 NAS Corpus Christi, TX - NAS Corpus Christi Air Show
17-18 Martinsburg, WV - West Virginia's Greatest Air Show
21 USNA Annapolis, MD - US Naval Acadamy Air Show
23 Annapolis, MD - US Naval Academy Graduation Flyover
24-25 Harrisburg, PA - Middletown Air Show
31 OFF WEEKEND
June
1 OFF WEEKEND
7-8 Smyrna, TN - The Great Tennessee Air Show
14-15 Ocean City, MD - O.C. Air Show
21-22 Belleville, MI - Belleville Air Show
28-29 Eau Claire, WI - Chippewa Valley Air Show
July
5-6 Duluth, MN - Duluth Air and Aviation Exp
12 Pensacola Beach, FL - Pensacola Beach Air Show
19-20 Milwaukee, WI - Milwaukee Air and Water Show
26-27 OFF WEEKEND
August
2-3 Seattle, WA - Boeing Seafair Air Show
9-10 Kaneohe Bay, HI - Kaneohe Bay Air Show
16-17 Twin Falls, ID - Twin Falls Air Show
23-24 Columbus, OH - Columbus Air Show
30-31 Branson, MO - Branson Wings of Pride Air Show
September
6-7 Portsmouth, NH - Thunder over New Hampshire Air Show
13-14 OFF WEEKEND
20-21 NAS Oceana, VA - NAS Oceana Air Show
27-28 MCAS Miramar, CA - MCAS Miramar Air Show
October
4-5 Salinas, CA - California International Air Show
11-12 San Francisco, CA - San Francisco Fleet Week
18-19 Rome, GA - Wings Over North Georgia
25-26 Lake Charles, LA - Chennault International Air Show
November
1-2 Punta Gorda, FL - Florida International Air Show
7-8 NAS Pensacola, FL - Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show
Why you will love watching the Blue Angels Practice
- What's not to love about fighter jets flying overhead
- The narration of practice is really interesting
- Everyone is having a great time and gasping with joy
- Breathtaking performances
- Teamwork and Professionalism of the United States Navy
Blue Angels Information
What planes do the Blue Angels Fly?
The Blue Angels fly a Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet. This has been the team plane since November 2020.
Fat Albert is a Marine Corps C-130 Hercules aircraft. A tactical transport aircraft built by Lockheed Martin.
Where are the Blue Angels Based?
The Blue Angels are based at NAS Pensacola in Florida for the majority of the year. They have winter training at El Centro Naval Air Facility in California.
How Fast do the Blue Angels Fly?
The fastest speed during an airshow or practice is about 700 mph, just under Mach 1 during the Sneak Pass.
The slowest speed is around 120 mph, flown by the solo pilots during an airshow or practice.
How are the Blue Angels planes transported?
The pilots fly the planes to individual airshows and events. Fat Albert, the C-130 Hercules Aircraft, transports the equipment, crew, and supplies for each show.
Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Whiskey Joe's Bar & Grill - Located in Pensacola Beach this beach restaurant has great food and epic views.
Things to do on Perdido Key - What not to miss while exploring Perdido Key!
McGuire's Irish Restaurant - Enjoy Irish food and music in a fun atmosphere you have to see to believe.
Hub Stacey's at the Point, Perdido Key - Enjoy great sandwiches with a view of the water.
Perdido Key Breakfast Club - Amazing breakfast and brunch restaurant with delicious food.
Additional Gulf Coast Articles
Flora Bama Yacht Club - On Perdido Key, Florida, is an excellent restaurant for live music, fun, and delicious food.
Flora Bama Ole River Grill - located across the street from the main Flora-Bama and offers great food, friendly staff, and amazing water views.
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We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, and more.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!
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