Naval Air Station Wildwood (NASW) Aviation Museum’s AirFest returns with a new format in 2024-Thursday August 29th through Sunday, September 1, 10am-4pm. The museum, which is located inside a 92,000 square-foot WWII-era wooden hangar, is thrilled to invite families, aviation enthusiasts, and history buffs to a four-day extravaganza filled with captivating displays, historical aircraft, exciting flyovers and fly-ins, live performances, food trucks, vendors, exhibitors, and much more.
AirFest 2024 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see some of the aircraft that won World War II. This year, all of the visiting aircraft are new including the Supermarine Spitfire MK IXE, P-51D Mustang Double Trouble Two, SNJ Advanced Trainer, and the Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation’s C-54 Spirit of Freedom.
The Supermarine Spitfire, a British single-seat fighter, is renowned for its pivotal role in the Battle of Britain; it symbolizes the relentless spirit of Allied World War II aviation. The P-51D Mustang, dubbed “Double Trouble Two,” is celebrated for its dominance in the skies during World War II, providing crucial long-range support for Allied bombers. With its sleek design and formidable firepower, this aircraft remains a testament to American ingenuity and air superiority. The C-54 “Spirit of Freedom,” a vital airlift workhorse during the Berlin Airlift, represents the enduring spirit of resilience and hope. This historic aircraft continues to educate and inspire, serving as a flying museum dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Cold War era that you will be able to tour at AirFest 2024.
As part of the festivities, there will be a spectacular flyover by the 177th Fighter Wing involving FOUR F-16s on August 30, as well as a thrilling fly-in of historic aircraft by the Aero Club of PA and local chapters of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) on August 31. Guests can meet Smokey Bear on September 1 and tour helicopters; and meet pilots and crew from the Marine Corps, United States Navy, and United States Coast Guard throughout the four-day event. Additional aircraft and participating agencies include the New Jersey State Police, AtlantiCare MedEvac, Cape May County Mosquito Commission, & SNJ Advanced Trainer!
Admission to AirFest is $18 for adults and $14 for children ages 3-12 and benefits the restoration of Hangar #1. Members, children under age 3, as well as active-duty military personnel, enjoy free admission. Each day of AirFest has a different offering of entertainment. Museum memberships are cost-effective for families wishing to attend AirFest multiple days.
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum is located inside historic Hangar #1 at the Cape May Airport. The site was formerly Naval Air Station Wildwood, which served as a World War II dive-bomber training center. The museum is dedicated to the 42 aviators who perished while training at Naval Air Station Wildwood between 1943 and 1945. Current museum hours are 10am-4pm daily.
