Point Mugu Air Show takes flight this weekend. Here's what to know
Naval Base Ventura County is expecting about 125,000 people Saturday and Sunday for the return of the Point Mugu Air Show, which will feature performances by the Navy's Blue Angels and the Air Force's Thunderbirds.
Last held in 2018, the air show will mark the first time the U.S. military’s two groups of demonstration fighter jets will perform together in Ventura County and only the third time they will be at the same event.
Doors will open for the free event at 8 a.m. both days.
What to expect?
While Ventura County residents can expect to hear significant aircraft noise during the event, there will be additional air traffic on Thursday and Friday for smaller, private demonstrations.
Each morning of the air show, the opening ceremony starts with the National Anthem during which the Navy’s Leap Frogs parachute team will arrive at the base.
The event will include dozens of demonstrations by pilots from the Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and civilians.
Among the civilians is Vicky Benzing who will take to the sky in her a bright red PT-17 Boeing Stearman biplane. She holds the title of the fastest women ever at the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada, according to the California Aeronautical University.
As of Monday, a full schedule had yet to be set. Visit PointMuguAirshow.com to see the full lineup and learn more.
What’s the best way to get to the air show?
Local authorities suggest southbound travelers on Highway 101 take the Rice Avenue exit south to Pacific Coast Highway and then drive southeast to Wood Road. Visitors traveling northbound on Highway 101 should get off at Las Posas Road and drive south until they reach the base. Attendees coming from Santa Monica can take Pacific Coast Highway north to Wood Road.
Will any roads be closed?
Three offramps on PCH will be closed Saturday and Sunday. The ramps in both directions will be closed at Las Posas Road. The southbound ramp at Hueneme Road will also be closed. Sections of Naval Air, Los Posas and Casper roads near the base will also be closed.
The offramps and roads will close starting at 6 a.m. Saturday and Sunday and begin reopening at 4 p.m. Visit vcemergency.com to view an interactive map of closures.
Where will the traffic be?
The Ventura County Sheriff's Office is expecting Highway 101 to see the bulk of the traffic going in both directions, said Kim Dellacort, an emergency manager for the agency's Office of Emergency Services. She said congestion is likely to pick up around 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday and last through the duration of the event.
Brian J. Varela covers Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Camarillo. He can be reached at brian.varela@vcstar.com or 805-477-8014. You can also find him on Twitter @BrianVarela805.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Blue Angels and Thunderbirds return to Point Mugu Air Show
