Visit Atlantic City Soar & Shore Festival
The reimagined Atlantic City airshow debuted Memorial Day Weekend 2026 with F-22 and F-35B demo teams over the beach and boardwalk. Get the recap — and see what's lighting up the AC sky for the rest of summer.
- DateMay 29–31, 2026 (completed — 2027 TBA)
- VenueAtlantic City Boardwalk
Book Your Stay
Atlantic City summer accommodations in high demand
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★4.7+ avg rating • Free cancellation
Quick Facts
May 29-31
Memorial Day Weekend 2026 (completed)
FREE
Beach & boardwalk viewing
F-22 + F-35B
2026 headline demo teams
Since 2003
Original airshow start
The 2026 festival has wrapped. 2027 dates have not been announced yet — sign up below and we'll email you when they are.
About the Festival
The Visit Atlantic City Soar & Shore Festival is the reimagining of the beloved Atlantic City airshow, formerly known as Thunder Over the Boardwalk. After a strategic pause in 2025, the show made its debut May 29–31, 2026 over Memorial Day Weekend, headlined by the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team and the U.S. Marine Corps F-35B demonstration team roaring over the beach and boardwalk.
The move from the traditional August date to Memorial Day Weekend served multiple purposes: it kicked off the summer tourism season with a spectacular event, avoided the extreme August heat, and gave visitors a full holiday weekend to enjoy Atlantic City's beaches, casinos, dining, and entertainment. 2027 dates have not been announced yet — based on the 2026 debut, expect a Memorial Day Weekend return.
Since its debut in 2003, the Atlantic City airshow has become one of the largest free public events on the East Coast, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators to watch world-class aerial performances against the backdrop of the iconic boardwalk and casino skyline.
Missed the Airshow? What's Next in Atlantic City This Summer
The sky over Atlantic City stays busy all season. Here's what to catch between now and Labor Day:
Tropicana Saturday Fireworks Series
Free beachfront fireworks at 10 PM on the beach in front of Tropicana. Remaining 2026 dates: June 27, July 4, July 18, August 8, August 22, and September 5.
Full Jersey Shore fireworks calendar →July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza
Saturday, July 4 at 10 PM — a Grucci-produced double launch in front of Tropicana and Steel Pier, with a free pre-show celebration on Tennessee Avenue from 6–9 PM.
Atlantic City July 4th guide →Casino Shows & Concerts
Headliners play Hard Rock, Borgata, Ocean, and Boardwalk Hall all summer — comedy, residencies, and arena tours nearly every weekend.
Browse casino shows →What the 2026 Show Featured
Military Demonstration Teams
The 2026 show was headlined by the USAF F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team and the USMC F-35B demo team performing precision maneuvers.
Civilian Aerobatic Acts
World-class civilian pilots showcase incredible skills in high-performance aircraft.
Military Flybys
Various military aircraft perform flybys and demonstrations throughout the show.
Vintage Warbirds
Historic military aircraft from WWII and other eras take to the skies.
Best Viewing Spots
Bookmark these for the next airshow — they're also the best places to watch the Tropicana Saturday fireworks all summer.
Beach at Show Center
BestThe beach between Steel Pier and Resorts Casino offers the most direct views. Aircraft perform maneuvers directly in front of this area.
Tip: Arrive by 9 AM for prime spots. Bring chairs, umbrella, and cooler.
Steel Pier Area
ExcellentNear Steel Pier amusement park. Great views with easy access to food, drinks, and restrooms.
Tip: Good for families. Can ride attractions between acts.
Boardwalk
GoodElevated viewing from the boardwalk. No need for beach gear but can get very crowded.
Tip: Best for those who want to stay mobile. Bring binoculars.
Casino Hotel Pools/Decks
PremiumSeveral casinos offer airshow viewing packages from pool decks and rooftop venues.
Tip: Book well in advance. Usually includes food and drinks.
North Beach
GoodLess crowded than show center. Aircraft still clearly visible, just at more of an angle.
Tip: Better parking options. Good for those avoiding crowds.
Getting There
By Car
- Atlantic City Expressway to AC (from Philadelphia area)
- Garden State Parkway to Exit 38 (from North Jersey/NYC)
- Route 30 (White Horse Pike) from inland areas
Tip: Expect heavy traffic. Leave early or arrive day before.
By Bus
- NJ Transit 551/552 from Philadelphia
- NJ Transit 559 from Lakewood/Toms River
- Casino buses from NYC and surrounding areas
Tip: Many casino buses offer round-trip deals with play credits.
Parking
- Casino garages ($20-40/day)
- Municipal lots near Convention Center
- Street parking (limited, meters)
Tip: Book hotel parking in advance. Garages fill up fast.
Where to Stay
Borgata Hotel Casino
Casino Resort
Premier casino hotel in the marina district. Excellent dining and nightlife. Shuttle to boardwalk.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Casino Resort
On the boardwalk with direct beach access. Rock memorabilia, great pools, and show venue.
Ocean Casino Resort
Casino Resort
Newest boardwalk casino with modern rooms. Excellent rooftop pool for airshow viewing.
Resorts Casino Hotel
Casino Resort
Near show center with Margaritaville theme. Good mid-range option on the boardwalk.
Booking tip: Summer weekend rates in Atlantic City are premium — especially fireworks Saturdays and July 4th week. Book 2-3 months ahead for the best selection, and watch for hotel packages with beachfront viewing perks.
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Where to Stay for Your Atlantic City Summer Weekend
Book everything you need for your Atlantic City trip in one place.
Nearest airport: Atlantic City International (ACY)
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Things to Do in Atlantic City This Summer
Atlantic City summers go well beyond the airshow — casinos, boardwalk dining, live shows, and guided tours run all season long.
Book Atlantic City Tours & Experiences
Summer weekends fill up fast — secure your tours and dining in advance
casino shows
★ 4.7+ rating • Free cancellation
Tips for Attending
Arrive Early
The best beach spots fill up by mid-morning. Plan to arrive by 9 AM for prime viewing locations near show center.
Sun Protection is Essential
Memorial Day weekend means strong sun. Bring sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses, hat, and consider an umbrella or tent.
Bring Supplies
Pack a cooler with water and snacks. Beach chairs, blankets, and binoculars enhance the experience.
Check the Schedule
The show typically runs 11 AM - 4 PM with headline acts in the afternoon. Check the official schedule for exact times.
Consider Staying Overnight
Memorial Day traffic is brutal. Stay the night before or after to avoid highway gridlock.
Protect Your Hearing
Military jets are LOUD. Bring ear protection, especially for children. Available at drugstores.
History of the Atlantic City Airshow
The Atlantic City airshow began in 2003 as Thunder Over the Boardwalk, created to boost tourism and celebrate America's military. The show quickly became one of the largest free events on the East Coast.
For over two decades, the mid-August airshow drew hundreds of thousands of spectators annually. Headliners have included the Navy's Blue Angels, Air Force Thunderbirds, Army Golden Knights parachute team, and numerous civilian performers.
In 2025, organizers announced a "strategic pause" to reimagine the event. The result was the Visit Atlantic City Soar & Shore Festival, which debuted May 29–31, 2026 over Memorial Day Weekend with an expanded three-day format and programming beyond just the airshow.
The inaugural 2026 edition was headlined by the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team and the U.S. Marine Corps F-35B demonstration team. The date change to late May launched the summer tourism season, avoided the August heat that made beach viewing uncomfortable, and gave visitors a holiday weekend to enjoy a longer Atlantic City experience.
Get the 2027 Airshow Dates First
2027 Soar & Shore dates haven't been announced yet. Join the list and we'll email you the moment they are — plus Atlantic City event picks all summer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Soar & Shore Festival 2026?
The inaugural Soar & Shore Festival took place May 29-31, 2026 (Memorial Day Weekend) over the Atlantic City beach and boardwalk. This was a change from the traditional August dates of the former Thunder Over the Boardwalk airshow.
When is the next Atlantic City airshow?
2027 dates for the Soar & Shore Festival have not been announced yet. Based on the 2026 debut, expect the show to return Memorial Day Weekend 2027 (May 29-31). Check back here or join our newsletter for the announcement.
Was the Soar & Shore Festival free to attend?
Yes! The 2026 airshow was completely free to watch from anywhere along the Atlantic City beach and boardwalk, and future editions are expected to stay free. Some hotels and restaurants offer premium viewing packages for a fee.
Why did the Atlantic City Airshow change its name and date?
The show was rebranded from Thunder Over the Boardwalk to the Visit Atlantic City Soar & Shore Festival after a strategic pause in 2025. The move to Memorial Day Weekend kicks off summer tourism season and avoids the extreme August heat.
What aircraft performed at the 2026 Soar & Shore Festival?
The 2026 show was headlined by the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team and the U.S. Marine Corps F-35B demonstration team, joined by civilian aerobatic performers, vintage warbirds, and military flybys.
Where is the best place to watch the airshow?
The show center is typically between Steel Pier and Resorts Casino. The beach between these locations offers the best views. The boardwalk provides elevated viewing but can get crowded. Arrive early for prime spots.
What happened to Thunder Over the Boardwalk?
Thunder Over the Boardwalk ran from 2003-2024 before taking a strategic pause in 2025. It returned in 2026 as the Visit Atlantic City Soar & Shore Festival with new Memorial Day Weekend dates and expanded programming.
Plan Your Atlantic City Visit
Make the most of summer with our complete Atlantic City guide.
Looking for the old name? See our Atlantic City Air Show and Thunder Over the Boardwalk pages.
Atlantic City summer weekend