Photo: Nico De Pasquale Photography / Stone / Getty Images
The Thunder Over the Waves Airshow is set to return to Wildwood in 2026, following a successful inaugural event. Scheduled for the weekend after Labor Day, the airshow will take place on Friday and Saturday, September 11 and 12, respectively. The event will feature more than a dozen aerial acts, including custom-built planes, military aircraft, and skilled aerialists.
Spectators can enjoy the show from various locations across the island, with the beach and boardwalk areas offering optimal viewing spots. The center of the event will be above the ocean between Morey's Mariners Pier and Adventure Pier. Friday will serve as a practice day, while the main event will occur on Saturday.
The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority (GWTIDA) confirmed the return of the airshow, promising an expanded lineup of performers. Louis M. Belasco, GWTIDA Executive Director, expressed excitement about the event, stating, "The 2026 Airshow promises to be bigger and better than ever, featuring an expanded lineup of impressive performers."
The 2025 airshow attracted over 133,000 visitors and generated an estimated $33.2 million in economic impact. The event, which debuted in Wildwood, was part of the Wildwoods' "Second Season" schedule of fall events, offering visitors more reasons to experience the area beyond the typical summer season.
For more information, including performer announcements and ticket sales, visit the official Wildwoods Air Show website.