The Central Coast AirFest, a two-day family-friendly celebration of aviation return to Santa Maria, Oct. 18-19.
Presented by the Santa Maria Airport and produced by the Planes of Fame Air Museum, the Central Coast AirFest attracts thousands of visitors each year with its collection of warbirds and world-class aerobatic displays.
The Central Coast AirFest is one of the largest airshows for warbirds on the West Coast, with nearly 40 aircraft on display. Visitors will see history in the skies, with dozens of historic warbirds taking flight.
The show’s finale will feature a performance by the USAF F-35 demo team, flown with the USAF Heritage Flight featuring the P-38 Lightning and P-51 Mustang.
“What makes the Central Coast AirFest special is that it has something to offer for everyone,” said Jane Hinton, director of the Planes of Fame Air Museum. “From enthusiasts and veterans to children and families, anyone can marvel at the world-class aerobatics and breathtaking demonstrations taking place throughout the weekend.
“The caliber of warbirds and pilots we have is truly top-tier, and we’re excited for everyone to experience it.”
The Planes of Fame Air Museum, which is now developing its new 23-acre campus at the Santa Maria Airport, is scheduled to open in 2026, featuring a World War II aircraft display hangar, interactive exhibits, and an aircraft restoration facility.
“Planes of Fame is excited to be building its Santa Maria campus after years of hosting the Central Coast AirFest here, and this year’s event is a celebration of what’s to come,” Hinton said.
The weekend will include world-class aerial performances, featuring the USAF F-35 Demonstration Team, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet Demo Team, Jack Aces Mustang Team and award-winning pilot Anthony Oshinuga.
When not looking to the skies, visitors can explore displays of iconic aircraft like the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, local food trucks, and sponsor tables.
Aerospace and aviation are triumphs of science, technology, engineering and math. In an effort to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals, the Planes of Fame Air Museum is also hosting Skyward Bound, a STEM-focused education program.
Students attending the program Wednesday, Oct. 15 will experience hands-on demonstrations and receive two free tickets to the AirFest.
Students can also get involved with the AirFest’s Youth Art Contest, which is currently accepting submissions. Winners will receive two free tickets to the event.
This year’s Central Coast AirFest is free for children ages 11 and under. General admission tickets are $30, with VIP hospitality, tented pavilions and box seating available for an additional cost.
Add-on experiences available for purchase include a sunset helicopter ride or the opportunity to fly in a historic P-51 Mustang,Thursday, Oct. 16-Sunday, Oct. 19.
For more information and tickets, visit CentralCoastAirfest.com.
To learn more about the Planes of Fame Air Museum, visit PlanesOfFame.org.