Cocoa Beach Air Show brings F-22 Raptor, stunt pilots to Space Coast

Yahoo

10-07-2025

Casual beachgoers might see more than just seagulls and pelicans soaring through the sky this weekend. The Cocoa Beach Air Show is bringing a different kind of wings to Florida's Space Coast on Saturday and Sunday.
The U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team will headline the show, which returns for the first time since 2023 and coincides with Cocoa Beach's 100th anniversary celebration. Aviation fans can also see the E/A-18 Growler Team, the 920th Rescue Wing, a KC-135 Stratotanker Demo, the C-17 Globemaster III Demo Team, the REMAX Parachute Team and aerobatics from a local pilot.
'Many of the performers, both military and civilian alike, love performing out over the ocean and for the beachgoers. It makes it special,' said Chris Dirato, the show's director of public relations. 'Air shows are family-friendly, and they are even more so when you can come to the beach, spend the day there and pack a lunch. You can watch folks who are protecting your freedom every day.'
The show includes a display of combat search and rescue capabilities from the 920th Rescue Wing — which hails from Patrick Space Force Base in Melbourne — mid-air refueling demonstrations, skydiving and stunt flying from Cocoa Beach-based pilot John Black.
While all of the acts are sure to put on a superb spectacle, the F-22 Raptor Demo Team will showcase the abilities of the 'most maneuverable fighter jet in the world.'
'You can see it climb straight up and stop in midair, then reverse toward the ground before flipping its nose around in a somersault at a near-zero forward speed,' Dirato said. 'It makes sudden sharp turns, displacing and compressing air into vapor.'
Even though the F-22 is sure to captivate widespread attention and intrigue, Dirato said not to sleep on the Navy's E/A-18 Growler Team.
'The Growlers have one of the most advanced airborne electronic attack platforms. They go in and provide tactical jamming and electronic protection to military forces and our allies around the world,' he said. 'They're loud. They put on a pretty good show in their own right. You always know they're coming.'
People from miles around will be able to see and hear the aircraft as they present high-flying performances, but Dirato said patrons who buy tickets can access restrooms, food and drink vendors and hear narration describing each act.
While general admission tickets grant access to a private beach area near Lori Wilson Park and close-up viewing, other ticket tiers grant attendees a private 10-by-12-foot viewing area in the sand or 'Flight Line Club' VIP perks as the top option.
Boat viewing is another option in a limited area on the east side of the Coast Guard Safety Zone, which extends 12,000 feet parallel with the flight path of the performing aircraft.
Wherever people choose to view the show, Dirato encouraged aviation enthusiasts to join in the family-friendly festivities.
'Come out and spend the day on the beach. You can watch some great, talented aviators in the sky and watch how these planes are thrown around on a big stage,' he said. 'You can bring your kids out to the show and maybe get them interested in a career in aviation or a career in the military.'
The Cocoa Beach show represents the fifth of eight stops on the Air Dot Show 2025 tour. The event previously stopped in Augusta, Georgia, Fort Lauderdale, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Ocean City, Maryland. Following upcoming stops in New York and Atlanta, the tour makes its way back to Florida for the Orlando Air Show in October.
The Blue Angels are confirmed for next year's Cocoa Beach Air Show, which returns in April 2026.
As for this weekend's show, Dirato and his team are hoping that the weather cooperates.
'We're hoping that Mother Nature attended the planning meetings so the weather will cooperate Saturday and Sunday,' he said.
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The Cocoa Beach Air Show opens its gates at 9 a.m. with the Flight Line Club beach area opening at 10 a.m. on July 12-13 near Lori Wilson Park, 1500 N. Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach. The aerial portion of the show runs from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. each day. Beachgoers may see performers practicing on the days leading up to the show. Coolers with food and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed into the show as well as chairs and beach umbrellas, but pets are prohibited. For more information about parking, what to bring and tickets, visit air.show.