What To Know Before You Go: Your Guide To The 2026 NAS Patuxent River Air Show

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — With the U.S. Navy Blue Angels set to headline the 2026 NAS Patuxent River Air Show on June 20-21, thousands of visitors are expected to descend on Naval Air Station Patuxent River for one of Southern Maryland’s largest events of the year.

Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a returning aviation enthusiast, organizers are encouraging visitors to plan ahead and familiarize themselves with security procedures, parking information and prohibited items before arriving.

Admission And Parking Are Free

General admission and parking for the 2026 NAS Patuxent River Air Show are free and open to the public. Gates open at 9 a.m. each day, with flying demonstrations beginning at 11 a.m. The Blue Angels are scheduled to perform at approximately 3 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, particularly on Saturday, which is expected to be one of the busiest days of the event. Handicapped parking will be available for vehicles displaying valid placards or license plates.

Expect Airport-Style Security Screening

All guests entering the air show grounds will pass through security checkpoints. Visitors should expect to walk through metal detectors and may be subject to additional screening or bag inspections before entering the flight line.

To help speed up entry, organizers recommend bringing only essential items and limiting the number of bags carried into the event.

Don’t Forget Your ID: Entry Requirements For The 2026 Pax River Air Show

Acceptable Identification Requirements

Visitors ages 18 and older must present valid identification to enter NAS Patuxent River for the air show.

Visitor Type	Accepted Identification
Military and DoD Credential Holders	Common Access Card (CAC), military retiree identification card, military dependent identification card, civilian employee CAC, contractor CAC
U.S. Citizens Without a CAC	REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state-issued identification card, valid U.S. passport
Non-U.S. Citizens	Valid passport showing current legal status in the United States
Blue-Stripe CAC Holders	May enter through general admission gates
Non-U.S. Citizens Without CAC Credentials	Must complete foreign national screening procedures

Important Reminders

• Physical IDs are required.
• Photos, screenshots, photocopies or scanned copies of identification documents will not be accepted.
• Entry may be denied if proper identification is not presented.
• All non-U.S. citizens will be subject to biometric enrollment and security screening upon entry.
• Contractor CAC holders with a green stripe may not escort noncredentialed guests through vehicle gates during Friday’s Practice Day.

What You CAN Bring

What You CANNOT Bring

Organizers note that prohibited items may be confiscated and will not be returned.

Bring These Items For A Better Experience

Because much of the event takes place on open pavement and grass, visitors should prepare for extended periods outdoors. Community members familiar with previous Pax River air shows say arriving early and bringing seating can significantly improve the experience.

More Than Just Flying

In addition to aerial demonstrations, attendees can explore military aircraft static displays, aviation exhibits, food vendors, family activities and opportunities to meet pilots and crews throughout the day. The Blue Angels will headline a lineup featuring military and civilian performers from across the country.

For the latest updates, schedules, maps and event information, visitors are encouraged to check the official Pax River Air Show website for additional information on what to know before you go.

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