A Special Thanks To Our Official 2024 Airfest Sponsors

No Federal Endorsement Implied

Tampa Bay AirFest 2024

A Weekend Packed With Heart-Pounding Air Performances & Family Friendly Activities

The men and women who serve on MacDill Air Force Base invite you to Tampa Bay AirFest 2024 (March 29-30, 2024). It is our honor and privilege to host this free event which will feature an amazing variety of military and civilian flight performances (featuring The United States Air Force Thunderbirds). Tampa Bay AirFest 2024 promises to be packed with heart-pounding aerial performances and family-friendly activities showcasing all five branches of the United States military as well as our first responder agencies. This two-day event (Friday/Saturday) is your chance to get up close and personal with military/civilian aircraft and pilots!

MacDill Air Force Base is privileged to call the Tampa Bay region home for over 80 years and we are proud of the superb relationship we share with the surrounding communities of Tampa Bay. While the great flying weather in Tampa Bay plays a crucial role in the training and operations we conduct, it is the outstanding support and hospitality from the community that enables us to execute our global air refueling mission. AirFest is one small way to say "Thank You" for your unwavering support of the base and our personnel. Although General Admission is FREE, a limited amount of Premium Seating Tickets are available while supplies last. Get your tickets early to see The United States Air Force Thunderbirds" and so much more! Sit down, strap in, and hang-on! Tampa Bay AirFest is Back!

What Should I Bring To AirFest?

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Hearing Protection
• Hats
• Credit Cards / Mobile Payment / Cash (ATMs are available)
• Empty bottles to fill with chilled water
• Folding chairs – backpack-type
• Something for the kids to do / snacks for the ride home (they will be super excited on the drive to AirFest and there will be delays exiting the show)

Tampa Bay AirFest is located at MacDill AFB.

Mass Transportation and Ride Share Information: We discourage guests from using ride share services due to limited entry/exit points; however, ride share drop-off/pick-up is at Gandy Park and guests should enter/exit through the MacDill Gate. Due to personnel and logistics issues with the provider, mass transportation for Tampa Bay AirFest 2024 is not be authorized for AirFest weekend, March 29-30 (Fri/Sat). Personal transportation and carpooling are suggested. AirFest guests may ride their bicycles to AirFest (helmets must be worn on MacDill Air Force Base & bicycle locks are recommended). Please only ride your bicycles through the MacDill Ave gate.

With a limited number of parking spots available to the general public, RVs and oversized vehicles (e.g. vehicles that can’t fit into a standard parking space) will not be allowed into AirFest. 

Vehicles coming from South Tampa and areas East of Tampa should utilize the Dale Mabry and MacDill Ave Gates.

Vehicles coming from areas West of Tampa should utilize S Westshore Blvd to Interbay to enter the Tanker Way Gate (just East of Manhattan Ave).

Who can access the Bayshore Gate? Only Mission Essential & Emergency Personnel, Base Residents, or invited guests/VIPs on the Base Access List are authorized entry through Bayshore Gate.  All other DoD ID Cardholders should enter through Tanker Way, Dale Mabry & MacDill Gates.