General Info:
Dates: Thursday, September 3 – Sunday, September 6, 2026
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Daily
Adults (Ages 13+): $18 | Children (Ages 3-12): $14 \ Infants (Ages 2 and Under): FREE | Active Duty Military w/ ID: FREE
Four Days of Historic Aircraft, Aviation, History & Family Fun
Experience aviation history up close as AirFest returns to Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum for four unforgettable days!
Held at Historic Hangar #1 at Cape May Airport, AirFest brings together an incredible lineup of operational historic aircraft, military vehicles, fire trucks, aviation and public-safety displays, living-history reenactors, museums and historical organizations, STEM exhibits, authors, vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, family activities, and more.
Unlike a traditional air show, AirFest is primarily a ground-viewing and static-display event, giving visitors the opportunity to see aircraft up close, meet pilots and crews, learn their stories, and explore the museum’s collection of 28 aircraft and helicopters.
Family Friendly | Free Parking | Indoor & Outdoor Activities | Full Museum Admission Included
Historic Aircraft & Flying Legends
Each year, AirFest welcomes an ever-changing lineup of operational historic aircraft from museums, foundations, aviation organizations, and private owners.
Messerschmitt Me 262
Military Aviation Museum
Representing the world’s first operational jet fighter, the Me 262 was one of the most revolutionary aircraft of World War II and helped influence the future of military aviation.
C-47 “Placid Lassie”
Tunison Foundation
Built in 1943, Placid Lassie is a genuine World War II combat veteran that crossed the English Channel twice on D-Day and later participated in Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, and Operation Varsity.
TBM Avenger “Doris Mae”
Commemorative Air Force Capital Wing
One of the U.S. Navy’s most recognizable carrier aircraft of World War II, the TBM Avenger carried torpedoes and bombs from American aircraft carriers throughout the conflict.
Aero L-39 Albatros
Commemorative Air Force Capital Wing
Developed in Czechoslovakia by Aero Vodochody, the L-39 Albatros became one of the world’s most successful military jet trainers. First flown in 1968, nearly 3,000 were produced and the type has trained generations of military pilots around the world.
Fuji LM-1
Commemorative Air Force Capital Wing
Developed from the Beechcraft T-34 Mentor, only 27 Fuji LM-1s were built. The visiting aircraft is one of only a handful believed to remain flying.
Beechcraft T-34 Mentor
Commemorative Air Force Capital Wing
The T-34 Mentor trained generations of military aviators and gives visitors the unusual opportunity to compare the original design with the Japanese Fuji LM-1 developed from it.
SNJ / AT-6 Texans
Privately Owned
The SNJ was the U.S. Navy’s version of the legendary AT-6 Texan advanced trainer. SNJs were used right here at NAS Wildwood to prepare naval aviators for combat flying during World War II.
One privately owned SNJ is scheduled Thursday through Sunday, with a second privately owned SNJ joining the flight line on Friday.
Stinson OY-1 Sentinel “Gayle Ann”
Commemorative Air Force Capital Wing
This rare U.S. Marine Corps liaison aircraft has genuine Pacific combat history and flew observation missions during the Battle of Saipan in June 1944.
Fairchild UC-61 Forwarder “Miss Cherrie II”
Commemorative Air Force Capital Wing
A light transport and utility aircraft, the UC-61 represents a type that also conducted anti-submarine patrols along the American coastline during World War II.
Yak-52TD
Privately Owned
A rare Yak-52TD will join the AirFest flight line throughout all four days of the event, giving visitors an opportunity to get an up-close look at this unusual aircraft.
Fairchild PT-26 Cornell
Privately Owned
This beautifully restored 1943 Fairchild PT-26 Cornell represents one of the primary trainers that helped prepare Allied pilots during World War II. This particular aircraft was flown by British and Canadian pilots while serving as a training aircraft in Canada.
The PT-26 incorporated an enclosed cockpit and other improvements suited to cold-weather flight training.
More to Explore at AirFest
Beyond the aircraft, AirFest brings together aviation and public-safety organizations, military and veterans groups, museums and historical societies, STEM and educational organizations, authors, reenactors, vendors, exhibitors, and family activities.
Special participants and displays include:
- Aero Club of Pennsylvania & EAA Fly-In
- AtlantiCare Medevac
- Cape May County Mosquito Control
- New Jersey Forest Fire Service
- Atlantic Cape Community College
- FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center Aviation STEM
- New Jersey Wing, Civil Air Patrol
- New Jersey Army National Guard
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 86
- LeRoy W. Homer Foundation
- 108th Jersey Thunderchiefs
- 177th Chiefs Group
AirFest will also feature museums, historical societies, veterans organizations, living-history reenactors, fire trucks, military vehicles, vendors, and exhibitors, with additional participants still to be announced.
Visiting Authors: Patricia Chappine – Saturday | Marston Mischlich – Saturday & Sunday
Historical Wargaming: South Jersey Gamers Association – Friday & Saturday
Additional participation is being coordinated with the New Jersey State Police, U.S. Coast Guard, military agencies, public-safety organizations, and other aircraft operators.
Live Entertainment & Family Fun
There’s something happening throughout all four days of AirFest!
Thursday – John Walter Cape Community Band
Friday – Maddie Hogan
Saturday & Sunday – Animal House
Saturday – Magnolia Sadies Vintage Dancers
Throughout AirFest – Ted Schwartz’s 1940s-Style Live Radio Show
Families can also enjoy FREE face painting and caricatures, living-history displays, historical wargaming, aviation and STEM exhibits, fire trucks and military vehicles, and opportunities to meet pilots, crews, reenactors, and participating organizations.
Food & Refreshments
Come Hungry!
A variety of food trucks and vendors will be serving throughout AirFest.
- Scheduled food vendors include:
Historic Cold Spring Village’s Eatery Too - Pirate Pete’s
- Mr. Potato Head
- Poppin’ Bob Ribeyes
- Hippie Kitty Coffee
- Zestie Bestie Lemonade
- Gaiss’ Bacon on a Stick – Friday
- Decadence Food Truck – Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Guests can also stop inside Historic Hangar #1 at Victory Scoops for ice cream, hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, snacks, and refreshments.
Additional food vendors may be added as AirFest approaches.
Coming With the Family? Consider a Museum Membership!
For larger families and groups, a museum membership may be a more cost-effective way to attend AirFest while also supporting the museum.
For example, the museum’s current Family Membership is $65 and covers up to two adults and six children, along with free unlimited museum admission for one year and other membership benefits.
Museum members receive FREE admission to AirFest 2026.
Important AirFest Information
AirFest is primarily a ground-viewing and static-display event rather than a scheduled air show.
Because many of the visiting aircraft fly into and out of Cape May Airport, guests may occasionally see aircraft arriving, departing, repositioning, or taking short flights during AirFest. These flights are not scheduled aerial performances and cannot be guaranteed.
Part of the fun of AirFest is that you never quite know when something may start up or take to the sky!
Aircraft participation, arrival and departure times, event schedules, and availability for static display are subject to change due to operational missions, weather, maintenance, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Follow Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum on Facebook and Instagram and join our email list for the latest aircraft announcements and AirFest schedule updates.
Additional aircraft, exhibitors, organizations, and activities are still being added—check back often as AirFest 2026 approaches!
This would not be possible without our sponsors:
https://usnasw.org/sponsors/