Blue Angels to Headline Cocoa Beach Air Show, Commemorate USA's 250th Birthday

The U.S. Navy's flight demonstration squadron will perform in Cocoa Beach for the first time in five years.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will headline the Air Dot Show Cocoa Beach on April 11-12, 2026, marking America's 250th birthday and the date of the first space shuttle launch. The free air show event will take place along the Cocoa Beach shoreline, with the Blue Angels flying their F/A-18 Super Hornet jets at speeds up to 700 mph.

Why it matters

The Blue Angels' return to Cocoa Beach after a five-year absence will draw large crowds to the Space Coast to celebrate two major milestones - the United States' 250th anniversary and the 45th anniversary of the first space shuttle launch from nearby Cape Canaveral. The air show is expected to provide a significant economic boost to the local tourism industry.

The details

The Air Dot Show Cocoa Beach will feature the U.S. Navy Blue Angels as the headline act, along with other air show performers that will be announced next week. Admission will be free along the Cocoa Beach shoreline, with Lori Wilson Park serving as the 'show center.' The Blue Angels will primarily fly back and forth along a two-mile stretch between Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier and Minutemen Causeway. Premium Flight Line Club VIP tickets with amenities are also available for purchase.

  • The air show will take place on April 11-12, 2026.
  • The date of the air show coincides with the 250th anniversary of American independence.
  • The air show also commemorates the date of the first space shuttle launch from Cape Canaveral on April 12, 1981.

The players

Blue Angels

The U.S. Navy's flight demonstration squadron that flies F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets at air show speeds up to 700 mph.

Bryan Lilley

The organizer of the Air Dot Show Cocoa Beach.

Air Dot Show Tour

The organizer of the 2026 eight-city air show tour, which includes the Cocoa Beach event.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's the first time that the Blue Angels have ever flown Cocoa Beach. Of course, they're one of the biggest acts you can have headlining your aviation event.”

— Bryan Lilley, Air show organizer (floridatoday.com)

What’s next

More air show performers will be announced next week, and Flight Line Club VIP tickets are available for purchase on the Air Dot Show website.

The takeaway

The return of the Blue Angels to Cocoa Beach after a five-year absence, combined with the air show's commemoration of America's 250th birthday and the first space shuttle launch, is expected to draw large crowds to the Space Coast and provide a significant economic boost to the local tourism industry.