The annual Long Beach Festival of Flight will return Saturday to the Long Beach Airport for a day of free activities and up-close viewings of different aircraft from throughout aviation history.
The festival will take place on the west end of the airfield and along the runways. The free event will include static airplanes on display, informational activities, entertainment with live music on a stage, food and drink vendors, and helicopter rides for true thrill seekers to purchase.
“The Long Beach Airport is an incredible asset to our community and our local economy,” said Mayor Robert Garcia in a statement from the City. “Festival of Flight is a great chance for families to walk onto the airfield and see it up close.”
The festival, originally called “Fly-In” began in 2013 during the Long Beach Airport’s 90-year anniversary. It has since become a yearly mainstay with thousands of attendees flocking to the airfield every year. This year the airport is expecting over 10,000 attendees to come to the event.
Residents are advised to bring water, wear sensible shoes and be prepared to be outdoors, rain or shine, as the airfield has no natural shade. Coolers will not be allowed, and bags will be subject to search. Service animals will be permitted, but pets will not.
There will be limited free parking available at the corner of East Wardlow Road and Globemaster Way. Organizers encourage the use of alternate modes of transportation, such as cycling, carpooling, ride-sharing and public transportation. Bicycle parking will also be available in the parking lot.
“We are proud to host this annual event at Long Beach Airport, which inspires aviation enthusiasts of today and tomorrow,” Airport Director Cynthia Guidry said in a statement.
The Festival of Flight will take place on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Taxiway E, located on the west end of the airfield at 3590 East Wardlow Rd. For more information, please visit www.longbeach.gov/lgb/community-information/festival-of-flight/
