Ocean City Air Show 2023: When To See Thunderbirds, Parking Options

OCEAN CITY, MD — The 2023 Ocean City Air Show this weekend will feature the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and an F-35 Lightning II demonstration team, plus the Navy F-18 Super Hornet, Maryland Air National Guard 175th Wing A-10 Warthogs and more.

Here's what to know about tickets for the show, the schedule, and parking.

Also part of the lineup on June 10 and 11 are the F-18 Rhino Demo Team, L-39 Cold War Era Jet, Red Bull Air Force, Air Force Heritage Flight and Navy Legacy Flight.

The Drop Zone Beach opens at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Flight Line Club beach area will open at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The program kicks off at 11:30 a.m. and the aerial portion of the show runs from noon to about 3 p.m.

The show center is on the beach between 13th and 17th Street.

The event is viewable for free from Sixth to 26th streets along the Boardwalk. Front row seats can also be purchased between 13th and 17th streets in the designated ticketed beach area, where the show is largely centered.

While the Boardwalk will be open to pedestrians throughout the show, security personnel will be on hand to keep foot traffic moving.

A Coast Guard safety zone will be in effect for spectators who plan to watch the air show from a boat or watercraft.

AirDotShow will provide a Livestream broadcast of the show.

You can buy tickets to reserve a viewing spot, go online.

Traffic, Transit and Parking Tips

Residents and visitors can expect to see heavy traffic delays (both vehicle and pedestrians), restricted parking, and road closures in the downtown areas, city officials said.

Street Closures

The displays, ground exhibits, and reserved parking will start to be set up on Friday, June 9, from 12th Street to 20th Street. All, or portions of these streets, will be closed and barricaded June 9-11. Except for 15th Street to 17th Street. which will remain closed until about noon on Monday, June 12.

Parking
Parking is always a top commodity, particularly on Saturday. Many private lots will offer parking at a demand-based rate if public parking is hard to find. The Town of Ocean City offers paid parking at the Inlet Lot and the following municipal lots:

• Worcester St., between Baltimore Ave. & Philadelphia Ave.
• Somerset St. & Baltimore Ave.
• Dorchester St. & Baltimore Ave.
• Division St. & Baltimore Ave.
• Division St. & St. Louis Ave. (small lot)
• 4th St. & Baltimore Ave.
• 61st St. & Coastal Hwy., (Bayside)

On-street parking is expected to be limited due to the road closures near the event site. If you would like to learn more about parking in the Town of Ocean City, visit our website at https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/ocean-city-parking/.

Public Transportation

Ride on Ocean City’s municipal buses that travel along Coastal Highway. A $4 Ride-All-Day pass allows you to ride from 6 a.m. until 3 a.m. the next day.

Drivers will take you to the South Division Street Transit Center or the North End Transit Center or anywhere in between. With a$4 pass, you can transfer to Park & Ride buses at no additional cost and go to the West Ocean City Park & Ride facility at 12848 Ocean Gateway, which also offers free parking.

On Saturday and Sunday, the Express Beach Bus Shuttle for special events will be operating. The Express shuttle will transport you to and from two locations.

• West Ocean City Park N Ride to/from 17th Street and Baltimore Ave. The Express Shuttle will run approximately every 20 mins from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• 40th Street- South Convention Center parking to/from 18th Street and Baltimore Ave. The Express Shuttle will run approximately every 20 mins from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To learn more about public transportation options or to follow along on the interactive bus stop map, visit https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/public-works/transportation/

Delays and Congestion are Expected

The Town of Ocean City recommends arriving before 9 a.m. to get ahead of the traffic. You can make a day of it and enjoy everything the boardwalk has to offer and explore the Air Show exhibits. They will be set up in the Inlet Parking Lot and from 12th Street to 20th Street along the Boardwalk.

Officials anticipate a heavy volume of pedestrians in and around the event area. Remember these tips:

• Always cross at and within marked crosswalks.
• Look, pay attention, then cross
• Follow all traffic signal signs and lane markings.
• Use the sidewalk-do not cross in the street.
• Make eye contact with drivers.

Drivers are asked to remain alert and patient. There will be heavy traffic congestion, particularly on Baltimore Avenue.

• Stop for all pedestrians in crosswalks-this is Maryland law.
• Slow down-watch for pedestrians and yield to pedestrians, especially when turning.
• Keep your eyes on the road. It’s illegal to text and use handheld devices while driving.
• Stay alert and avoid all distractions.
• Share the road with bicycles
• Do not drive in the bike and bus lanes.

To learn about the OC Air Show event, visit: https://ocairshow.com/