The show will go on for the Central Coast AirFest this weekend even if the government shutdown hasn’t ended.
Arrivals of vintage planes, essentially flying museums representing decades of aviation history, occurred throughout the week, but modern-day military aircraft won’t attend the event at the Santa Maria Public Airport.
Gates for the annual air show Saturday and Sunday will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with flying performances expected between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., depending on weather.
Organizers had lined up the Air Force F-35 Lightning Demonstration Team along with the Navy’s F-18 Rhino Demonstration Team, but confirmed they won’t attend this year’s event.
The air show also typically includes a number of military aircraft sitting on the tarmac
“Unfortunately, military aircraft — both flying and on display — will not be participating in the 2025 Central Coast AirFest.
“That said, the show is still on as planned with a full weekend of thrilling aerobatic performances, historic warbirds, jet demonstrations, and plenty of family fun,” organizers said.
The federal government shutdown also led to cancellations for military participation in larger air shows this month including the California International Airshow in Salinas, San Francisco Fleet Week and the Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach.
A number of civilian performers, many in vintage warbirds, will take to the skies above Santa Maria for the weekend.
They include T-33 – Acemaker Aviation, Plum Crazy P-51 – Vicky Benzing Aerosports, Sea Fury – Sanders Aeronautics, F7F Tigercat – Lewis Air Legends, MiG-17 – High Alpha Airshows, Air Oshinuga – Pitts S1S, 3-Ship P-51 Team – Jack Aces and Bernie Vasquez Demo – P-40.
Other aircraft will be on display for the weekend including a B-25 Mitchell, P-38 Lightning, and Russian Yak.
Precision Exotics will bring its fast-driving car versus flying warbird race to Santa Maria to determine the winner of a high-speed runway contest. Attendees also can purchase a chance to drive an exotic vehicle through the Precision Extreme Drive Experience for $299.
General admission tickets to the air show cost $35 for those ages 12 and older which includes free parking. Grandstand seating is available for another $25.
To purchase tickets or learn about other offerings go to planesoffame.ticketspice.com/central-coast-airfest-2025.
Prohibited items include pets (other than service animals), large ice chests and coolers, pop-up tents, drones or flying objects, oversized umbrellas, bicycles, laser pointers, oversized backpacks and outside alcoholic beverages.
Water, packed lunches, snacks and baby bottles will be allowed but must be less than 32 ounces of liquid per individual.
For more air show information, go to www.centralcoastairfest.com.
The Planes of Fame Air Museum has organized recent air shows in Santa Maria as the organization develops a new 23-acre campus at the airport.
The first project’s first phase is scheduled to open in 2026 and will feature a World War II aircraft display hangar and aircraft restoration facility.
For more information on the museum and its expansion project, go to planesoffame.org.