TAMPA, Fla. — Seeing air acrobatics up close and personal could be on your itinerary this weekend.
The MacDill Air Force Base, a Tampa Bay mainstay for generations, will once again host the free Tampa Bay AirFest starting at 8 a.m. Friday and Saturday, March 29-30. But before you’re on your way to the base, there are some things you might want to know for this year’s event.
What is Tampa Bay AirFest?
The Tampa Bay AirFest is a showcase of the MacDill Air Force Base’s swath of military and civilian flight performances designed to say “thank you” to those who continuously support it. Activities that showcase what all five branches of the U.S. military and local first responders have to offer are available for all to see and experience.
Where will the event take place and how can I get there?
The event will take place at MacDill Air Force Base located at 9211 Marina Bay Drive in Tampa.
Listed below are specific points of entry for visitors coming from different parts of the Bay Area, according to the event’s website:
- Those coming from South Tampa and areas East of Tampa: Dale Mabry and MacDill Avenue gates
- Those coming from areas west of Tampa: South Westshore Boulevard to Interbay to enter the Tanker Way gate that’s just east of Manhattan Avenue
- Those with Department of Defense I.D cards: Bayshore gate only
Please note: The AirFest encourages visitors to use their own transportation instead of ride-share services to minimize ride-share confusion and traffic at the gates. Instead, visitors can carpool with others.
Visitors can also ride their bicycles to the event; just make sure to be equipped with a helmet (which is required) and a bicycle lock and enter through the MacDill Avenue gate, according to the event’s website.
What should I bring to the event?
Sunglasses, sunscreen and hearing protection are among the things to keep visitors safe during the festivities. All other items are listed on the event’s website page.
Additional Information:
- The event will be headlined by The United States Air Force Thunderbirds.
- Several aircraft will be on display including fighters, air support crafts, cargo planes and more.