The skies over South Beach will once again roar with the thunder of America’s military might when the Hyundai Air & Sea Show takes over Miami Beach on Memorial Day Weekend. F16s, B52s and a dozen other models of jets will fly over the beach on May 27 and 28, accompanied by parachute teams, special ops demonstrations, and Jet Skis and Cigarette boats speeding over the water. The event will also feature the U.S. Army’s Salute Fest, with interactive displays of military technology. The festival is a tribute to those who gave their lives in defense of our country and offers an impressive showcase of aeronautical innovation for the whole family.

Here's everything you need to know about the 2023 Hyundai Air & Sea Show.

Sea Show Events, May 27 & 28

Both mornings begin on the water, where a team of offshore Cigarette powerboats announce the opening of the day’s activities. The sea show continues with a Jet Ski freestyle exhibition as well as demonstrations from a talented team of fly boarders. Guests will also see a “Thundercat” boat exhibition where the high-speed catamarans demonstrate feats of velocity and precision.

Air Show Events, May 27 & 28

The most recognizable parts of the air portion of the show are the fly-bys from military aircraft. This year’s show will have one of the largest collections of planes and helicopters the event has ever featured, including F-15 Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons, F-35 Lightning IIs and a bevy of other warbirds. B-1 and B-2 bombers will also be in the sky. Their sheer size and power is awesome to witness.

Attendees will be treated to team demonstrations from the U.S. Army’s Black Golden Knights parachute team as well as parachute demos from the British Red Devils and U.S. Navy Leapfrogs.

Special ops forces will be on display, conducting combat search-and-rescue demonstrations as well as an air-sea rescue demo and a drug interdiction demo from the U.S. Customs Border Patrol.

Motocross, Marksmanship & More, May 27 & 28

Beyond the speeding boats and roaring jets, there will be a Display Village set up in front of the dunes in Lummus Park. There, you’ll find live Motocross demos from the Monster Energy Freestyle team, as well as Air Force flight simulators and military equipment showcases.

You’ll also have the chance to try your marksmanship at a Marine Corps rifle range simulator and visit with active members of the armed forces.

Salute Fest, Saturday, March 27

This year’s Hyundai Air and Sea Show also brings the U.S. Army’s Salute Fest to Miami Beach on Saturday, March 27. The daylong display will feature some of the latest technology the Army has developed as well as a look at the broad range of careers available. It finishes with an evening music festival with three (to-be-named) musical acts, as well as a 500-piece drone show and fireworks.

Music Explosion, Sunday, May 28

On Sunday, May 28, the Air and Sea Show will culminate with the Music Explosion, starting at 5:30 p.m. Country music stars Big & Rich will headline the event. Guests will also hear from various U.S. military bands and be treated to an epic fireworks show to cap off the night.

Where to Watch the Hyundai Air & Sea Show

The show flies over most of Miami Beach but the main viewing areas will be in Lummus Park between 11th and 14th streets on Ocean Drive. You can watch for free from almost anywhere along Miami Beach but you will need General Admission tickets to enter the Liquor Split Beach Club and Umbrella Club, on the sand between 11th and 14th streets. General Admission ticket prices will be announced soon.

Liquor Split Beach will also bring back the popular Yuengling Flight Deck, a shaded respite from the show’s hot sun, with cold beers and plenty of food. Those looking for a grander VIP experience can book at two-story Sky Suite, which comes with a private rooftop overlooking the beach and the aerial action. Guests can also book private cabanas in the Herradura Cabana Club, which come with Adirondack chairs and recliners. Or they can opt to buy entry into the VIP area, a less-crowded section of Liquor Split Beach with beer, wine, soda and water included.

How to Get to the Hyundai Air & Sea Show

If you’re planning to drive to the Hyundai Air & Sea Show, you’ll find City of Miami Beach parking garages at 13th Street and Collins Avenue, and a few blocks from the park at 12th Street and Drexel Avenue.

If you’d prefer to avoid auto traffic, you can take the Poseidon Ferry to Miami Beach. It leaves from the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Miami and drops passengers at the Bentley Bay Marina at 5th Street and Alton Road, about a mile from the festival. Tickets are $13 each way/$7 for Florida residents.

If you’re coming from West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale or Aventura, you can take the Brightline high-speed rail system train to Miami Central Station in Downtown Miami and transfer to Brightline’s Miami Beach Express Shuttle. It leaves 10 minutes after every arrival and drops off at either 5th or 11th Street and Washington Avenue. The service costs $10 per rider.

Tips for Attending the 2023 Hyundai Air & Sea Show

As the largest display of fighter jets and fast boats in Greater Miami & Miami Beach, the Hyundai Air & Sea Show draws a sizable crowd. If you can, arrive as early as possible to secure a good spot on the sand. This also helps you avoid traffic and improves your chances of parking close by. Remember to drink more water than you think you need, and put on plenty of sunscreen.

Note that the jets and boats can be loud. If you have sensitive hearing, consider wearing ear protection. If you use a hearing aid, turn it down.

Above all else, come expecting an exciting day, and remember the real reason for the festival – honoring the people who’ve served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice.

By: Matthew Meltzer

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