MacDill Airfest This Weekend

If you like big things that whoosh through the sky, along with free fun the whole family can enjoy together, head to MacDill AirFest this weekend.

The amazing aerial maneuvers of the Air Force Thunderbirds will be the highlight of overhead performances that go on all day Saturday and Sunday.

More than a dozen aircraft will be on the ground, too — you can touch them and, in some cases, climb inside.

The U.S. Air Force hosts the free event at MacDill Air Force Base in South Tampa, with gates open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 5th and 6th. But expect to see more than just Air Force jets.

Displays from Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and other military units will also fill part of MacDill’s flight line and hangars.

More than 50,000 people are expected each day, so arrive early or take a HART bus to avoid parking hassles.

Here’s the MacDill AirFest air show schedule:

Saturday and Sunday
8 a.m. – Gates Open
9 a.m. – Show Begins
All Day – Various Air Performances
2:30 p.m. – Thunderbirds Perform
5 p.m. – Gates Close

To get to the event:

Enter through the MacDill Gate or Dale Mabry Gate at the southern ends of MacDill Avenue and Dale Mabry Highway, or take a HART bus because on-base parking is limited.

No weapons, coolers, or alcohol are allowed on the base. Vendors selling food and beverages will be available.

For more details, visit the MacDill AirFest 2011 website.