2024 Edition of AirFest is now 4-Day Event in South Jersey

During World War II, many areas of New Jersey were converted for the war effort. One of those areas today serves as a museum that hosts a history-themed airshow each year.

In 1943, the Naval Air Station Wildwood was commissioned to serve as an active dive-bomber squadron training facility.  During World War II, many training facilities were established to accelerate training for fighter pilots. The program was a precursor to the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School which was the inspiration for the blockbuster "Top Gun" movies.

Today, the NASW Hangar #1 is the home of the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum inside the Cape May Airport Complex. The non-profit museum features WWII aircraft, special exhibits, and interactive displays in a family-friendly environment.

In a press release from the Cape May County Department of Tourism, AirFest 2024 will be the first year with a new format for the event. This year's festival will be a four-day event with food trucks, flyovers, vendors, historic aircraft, live entertainment, and special exhibits.

What You Need To Know About Airfest 2024

From Thursday, August 29th through Sunday, September 1st, the 2024 Airfest four-day event will be open to the public from 10 am to 4 pm each day. Among the World War II Aircraft that will be on site for the weekend will include:

-Supermarine Spitfire MK IXE: the British single-seat fighter famous for its pivotal role in the Battle of Britain
-P-51D Mustang "Double Trouble Two": This aircraft provided crucial long-range support for Allied bombers during World War II.
-Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation’s C-54 Spirit of Freedom: This aircraft played a crucial role in the Berlin Airlift from 1948 to 1949 at the beginning of The Cold War.

On August 30th there will be a flyover by the 177th Fighter Wing involving Four F-16 fighter jets and on September 1st visitors can receive tours of Military Helicopters.

Attendees of 2024 AirFest will have the opportunity to meet pilots and crew members from the Marine Corps, United States Navy, and United States Coast Guard throughout the four-day weekend.

One Day Admission to AirFest 2024 is $18 for adults and $14 for children 3 to 12 years old.  There is Free Admission for all 4 days for (NASW) Aviation Museum Members, Children under 3 years old, and active-duty military personnel. For more information on this event at the Cape May Airport Complex, contact the Cape May County Department of Tourism.

New Jersey's southernmost county has a lot to offer visitors and locals.  Here are some of my favorite things to do in Cape May County: