AirFest 2026 Returns to Cape May Airport
One of Cape May County’s biggest aviation events is returning next week, bringing four days of historic aircraft, military vehicles, live entertainment and family activities to Cape May Airport.
The Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum will host AirFest 2026 from Thursday, September 3 through Sunday, September 6, with festivities running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
While AirFest has grown to include plenty of activities on the ground, the historic aircraft are still the stars of the show.
The WVA visited last year and we filmed a quick recap. To watch that, scroll down to the bottom.
AirFest 2026 Returns to Cape May Airport – NAS Wildwood
Historic Aircraft Coming to Cape May
Headlining this year’s flight line will be the C-47 “Placid Lassie,” an authentic World War II aircraft that actually participated in the D-Day invasion.
The aircraft, operated by the Tunison Foundation, will be joined by another incredibly unique aircraft: the Military Aviation Museum’s flying Messerschmitt Me 262 reproduction.
Also scheduled to appear are the TBM Avenger “Doris Mae,” Aero L-39 Albatros, Stinson OY-1 Sentinel “Gayle Ann,” Fairchild UC-61 Forwarder “Miss Cherrie II,” Beechcraft T-34 Mentor, Fuji LM-1, several SNJ/AT-6 Texans, a Harvard/T-6 in South African Air Force markings, Yak-52TD, PT-26 Cornell and Nanchang CJ-6.
And that isn’t necessarily everything you’ll see.
The Aero Club of Pennsylvania and EAA Fly-In will return this year, allowing pilots from across the region to fly their privately owned aircraft into Cape May Airport.
That’s part of what makes the event interesting. You never really know what is going to show up. Previous fly-ins have included everything from a Beech 18 and Republic Seabee to Yaks, Cubs and other unusual aircraft.
Several public-safety agencies will also participate, including AtlantiCare Medevac, New Jersey State Police, Cape May County Mosquito Control and the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
Visitors will have a chance to see specialized emergency vehicles and equipment, SWAT personnel, fire apparatus and the Lower Township Police Department’s UAS/drone unit.
There will even be a special appearance by Smokey Bear.
For those interested in aviation careers and technology, AirFest will also have a major educational component. The New Jersey Wing Civil Air Patrol and the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center Aviation STEM program are among the organizations expected to participate with displays and presentations.
Plenty to Do Outside the Flight Line
Even if you’re not a massive aviation fan, there will be plenty happening around the airport.
Visitors can check out military vehicles and historic equipment, meet living-history reenactors, watch historical tabletop wargaming demonstrations and meet visiting authors.
For families, activities will include free face painting and caricatures, chalk art by Samantha Dahlstrom, paddle boats and opportunities for children to climb aboard participating fire trucks.
Inside Historic Hangar #1, the event will lean heavily into its World War II history.
Ted Schwartz will host a 1940s-style radio show featuring music from the era along with presentations about World War II and the history of Naval Air Station Wildwood.
The Magnolia Sadies Vintage Dancers will also bring the music, dance and fashion of the 1940s back to life.
Live music throughout AirFest will include performances from the John Walter Cape Community Band, Maddie Hogan and Animal House.
Admission is:
- Adults: $18
- Children ages 3-12: $14
- Children 2 and under: Free
- Active-duty military: Free
- NASW Aviation Museum members: Free
AirFest 2026 takes place September 3-6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cape May Airport in Lower Township.