Blue Angels Return to Harrisburg After 38 Years for Air Show

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The U.S. Navy‘s Blue Angels will take to the skies this Memorial Day Weekend at Harrisburg International Airport for the 2025 Central PA Air Dot Show. This marks their first performance in Harrisburg since 1987.

Commander Adam Bryan, leader of the Blue Angels, expressed excitement about returning to the region. “One of the things we look for in show sites is to bring the show to people who haven’t seen us in a long time,” Bryan said. He noted the area’s picturesque hills and greenery make it a special spot for the performance.

The Blue Angels will showcase a series of stunts and formations, flying their F/A 18 Super Hornet jets. During their routines, pilots can experience forces of up to 7Gs and navigate as close as 12 inches from each other. “As the lead pilot, I can feel the other aircraft around me, which is pretty neat,” Bryan added.

In addition to the Blue Angels, the show will feature the U.S. Air Force’s F-16 Demonstration Team. Major Taylor Hiester, a native of Berks County, leads the team. “It’s good to be home,” Hiester said, recalling his early days of flying at Reading Regional Airport. “This is truly a dream come true to perform for the home team.”

The Air Dot Show takes place May 24-25, with gates opening at 9 a.m. each day. While Saturday’s event is sold out, tickets for Sunday are still available. The air performances will start at noon.

The weekend promises an exciting lineup, including performances from the Air Force Heritage Flight and various other aircraft demonstrations. Weather conditions are expected to be favorable, with partly sunny skies and temperatures reaching 68 degrees on Sunday.

For those attending, tickets range from $43.50 to $69, and general admission includes a parking pass sent via email. Attendees are also encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

With this event, organizers hope to educate the audience and inspire future generations of pilots. “We know that in one of the crowds we’re going to fly over, there’s a Blue Angel out there somewhere,” said Commander Bryan.