Long Beach Airport’s Festival of Flight Returns this Saturday

Long Beach Airport’s award-winning Festival of Flight is returning this Saturday, November 6. The popular free event, which was canceled last year due to the pandemic, is returning with aircraft on static display, live music, food and beer trucks, activities for kids and helicopter rides for purchase.

More than 10,000 attendees are expected to attend the outdoor event between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Taxiway E, located on the west end of the airfield at 3590 East Wardlow Road.

In accordance with COVID-19 health mandates, regulations require attendees to show proof of being fully vaccinated or a negative COVID-19 test. Children ages 2 to 11 who are not yet eligible for vaccines are required to show a negative test. Those who are unvaccinated need to take a test within 72 hours of the event (as early as November 3).

For free vaccine and testing details, including schedules and locations, visit the City’s VaxLB website or call the COVID-19 Information Line at 562.470. INFO (4636).

The City of Long Beach is strongly encouraging visitors to get tested prior to arriving to minimize potentially long wait times for on-site testing. If attendees are not able to get tested prior to arriving at the Festival of Flight the City of Long Beach will provide free rapid COVID-19 testing at the entrance as a last resort option

All attendees age 2 and older also are required to wear facial coverings inside and outside — regardless of vaccination status — unless actively eating or drinking. Exceptions can be made for individuals with specific medical conditions or hearing impairment.

Attendees are advised to bring water, wear sensible shoes and be prepared to be outdoors, rain or shine. Coolers will not be allowed, and bags will be subject to search. Service animals will be permitted, but pets will not.

Free parking will be available at the corner of East Wardlow Road and Globemaster Way, as well as an overflow lot. Alternate modes of transportation, such as cycling, carpooling, ride sharing and public transportation, are highly encouraged. Bicycle parking also will be available.

Notable aircraft will arrive at Long Beach Airport for a special preview Friday, November 5, in advance of Saturday’s Festival of Flight. Aircraft that will be landing and taxiing include a NASA DC-8, a P-40 Warhawk and a P-51 Mustang.