Forgotten Coast Freedom Festival Air Show 2026
What is the Forgotten Coast Freedom Festival Air Show?
The Forgotten Coast Freedom Festival Air Show is the region’s big family aviation day — one Saturday in November when Apalachicola’s airport becomes an airfield festival. The aerial lineup includes formation and single-ship aerobatics, the Titan Aerobatic Team, the RE/MAX Jump Team skydiving show, a comedy aircraft act, an RC jet demo, and a potential two-ship F-35 flyover. On the ground: a car and motorcycle show, high-speed exotic car rides, static displays of military and civilian aircraft, live music all day, food and craft vendors, a Kids Fun Zone, and the Dancing Witches.
The headline experience is the Huey: Friends of Army Aviation flies riders in an iconic UH-1H helicopter. You need an air show ticket to reach their area, and helicopter rides are ticketed separately — online ride sales end November 13 at 10 PM, and online ticket holders should arrive by noon to be processed. Rides are sold on site; buy at least 2 hours before the event’s end. Kids 2–17 can ride with restrictions (under 16 must ride with a parent/guardian).
How the day works
Gates open at 10 AM with the car show, Kids Fun Zone, and vendors running all day. The aerial program takes off around 12:50 PM with the Franklin County School Cadet Corps color guard and National Anthem, then the RE/MAX flag jump and the aerobatic lineup. The event closes at 5 PM. Pair the morning with the Salt Air Farmers’ Market in Port St. Joe (9 AM–1 PM) and roll into Apalachicola for the afternoon show.
Where to stay for the air show
Apalachicola is a straight shot from St. George Island. A Collins Vacation Rental on SGI keeps you close — day trip to the airport, back to the beach by evening. Book direct with the local island team.
FAQ
When is the Forgotten Coast Freedom Festival Air Show 2026?
Saturday, November 21, 2026, at Apalachicola Regional Airport. Gates open at 10 AM and the event closes at 5 PM.
How much are tickets for the air show?
Advance tickets (before Nov 9): adults 13+ $10, kids 6–12 $5, 5 & under free. Day of: adults $15, kids 6–12 $10. Huey helicopter rides are sold separately.
Can you ride in a helicopter at the air show?
Yes — Friends of Army Aviation offers rides in a UH-1H Huey. Buy ride tickets online by Nov 13 at 10 PM or on site (at least 2 hours before the event ends), and arrive by noon if you booked online. You must hold air show admission to access the ride area.
Is the air show kid-friendly?
Yes — there’s a Kids Fun Zone, a Young Eagles sign-up booth, static aircraft displays, and the car show alongside the aerial acts.