The Central Coast AirFest this year will include a collection of modern-day and vintage warbirds along with an aircraft restoration competition relocating to Santa Maria from Nevada.
The air show, organized by Planes of Fame Air Museum, will take place Oct. 18 and 19 at the Santa Maria Public Airport. Organizers held a kickoff barbecue Thursday at the Central Coast Jet Center.
Performers will include the Air Force F-35 Demonstration Team, the Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet Demo Team, and more than a dozen historic warbirds in flight, Museum Director Jane Hinton said.
A special highlight will be the addition of the 22nd Annual National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI), a prestigious vintage aircraft competition making its Central Coast debut this year.
The NAHI competition, which previously took place at the Reno Air Races, is held in partnership with the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
The competition gathers meticulously restored aircraft from around the nation. The planes will be judged on their historical authenticity, craftsmanship and presentation.
Thursday’s kickoff event included a number of classic craft including a Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, a rare Lockheed 12 Electra Junior featuring Allan Hancock College nose art, and a pair of Northrop F-5 Tigers.
The P-40 has a significant history on the Central Coast. During World War II, P-40s were among the aircraft flown out of nearby training bases, including Santa Maria Army Air Field (today’s airport).
Also during the kickoff event, museum officials provided an update on construction for the new 23-acre campus adjacent to the Radisson Hotel at the Santa Maria airport.
The project’s first phase, known as Building Alpha, will include a World War II aircraft display hangar, an educational center, and an aircraft restoration facility, totaling 56,000 square feet and representing a $12 million investment in the region.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the first phase occurred in February.
“We’re excited to report that the groundwork and excavation are complete,” Hinton said. “We’re now preparing the site for foundation work, and steel framing will begin in the coming months.”
Beyond the building’s construction, Planes of Fame is developing STEM-based educational programming, interpretive exhibits, and immersive experiences for students, families and visitors.
Planning is also underway for Building Bravo and Phase Two of the museum’s Santa Maria project.
In conjunction with the construction, the museum has launched several initiatives including commemorative bricks and naming opportunities. Additionally, a new local membership program will launch this fall.
“Our museum isn’t just about aircraft—it’s about people,” Hinton said. “Our donors and members make it possible to educate students, honor veterans, and preserve aviation history for future generations. We invite everyone to become part of this next chapter.
For more information about the Planes of Fame Central Coast Campus, visit www.pofsantamaria.org.
To purchase tickets to Central Coast AirFest or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.centralcoastairfest.com.
