Popular Atlantic City air show may move to new Jersey Shore town

☑️ The Atlantic City Air Show was canceled in 2024 and 2025

☑️ Talks are underway to bring an air show to Wildwood in September

☑️ Atlantic City is planning for a show in 2026

The Atlantic City air show may live on after all during the annual shore "second season" although "America's Playground" may not want to let the show go.

The show, which drew nearly a half million to the last show in 2023, was abruptly canceled in 2024 and was already off the calendar for 2025.

The news site Wildwood Video Archive reported that the show, retitled "Wildwoods Thunder Over the Waves," was being organized by the same group that put together the Atlantic City show. The free show would take place from Sept. 5 to 7 in the skies between Seaport Pier and the Wildwoods Convention Center.

City of Wildwood spokeswoman Lisa Fagan told New Jersey 101.5 that talks with the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority are underway but no agreement has been signed nor an event application submitted to for a vote by city commissioners.

"The Wildwoods offer a strong infrastructure and venue capacity to successfully host the airshow. VIP spectator bleachers on the beach, similar to those used for the Barefoot Country Music Festival, would provide ample seating. Additional exclusive VIP viewing areas at local hotels, piers and businesses would enhance the experience for attendees," the authority said in a statement.

The Thunderbirds, a staple of the Atlantic City show, will headline the Power in the Pines Open House and Air Show at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst  May 17 and 18. The Navy's Blue Angels are unavailable.

"Funding for the Wildwoods airshow would come from a combination of sources, including GWTIDA, and corporate sponsorships," the group said.

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Planning for 2026 in Atlantic City

Michael Chait, president of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber in a statement said they are working with military and civilian groups and the International Council of Airshows to bring the show back in 2026.

"We are committed to continuing our legacy of showcasing military and civilian aviation excellence over the Atlantic City beaches and boardwalk. When confirmed, we will announce specific dates and details for the 2026 show,” Chait said in a statement.

Wildwood hosted a Donald Trump campaign rally in May that drew drew 80,000 to the city that was incident and violence free. Mayor Ernie Trioano at the time said that his city is "very good" at handling big crowds.

WPG's Harry Hurley and WFPG's Eddie Davis contributed to this report.

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