The best beachfront show in New Jersey returns this month!
The Visit Atlantic City Soar & Shore Festival will run Tuesday, July 15, and Wednesday, July 16, from 12 to 2:30 p.m., offering a free airshow featuring historic aircraft and modern military jets. The event will take place at Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel & Casino.
The show is produced by Herb Gillen Airshows, a renowned air‑show operator with decades of experience and over 45 ICAS marketing awards to its name. Their production process emphasizes safety, guest experience, and promotional polish.
Featured Performers
- Misty Blues Parachute Team: All-women skydiving team
- Nathan Hammond’s Super Chipmunk: High-pace aerobatics team
- USCG MH-65
- 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey ANG: Four F-16 flybys
- B-25 Mitchell Bomber: Legendary WWII aircraft
- UH-1H Huey with Smokey Bear: Vietnam-era helicopter
- 305 AMW KC-46 Pegasus: Aerial refueling tanker
- Third Strike Wingwalking: Dual wingwalking, solo aerobatics
- F4F Wildcat (Thom Richard): Vintage U.S. Navy fighter
- 106 RQW HC-130J Combat King II: Search-and-rescue aircraft
- Warbird Thunder: Team aerobatic performance
- Skip Stewart: Award-winning aerobatic daredevil
- Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 Fighter: Cold War-era Soviet jet
These headline acts are part of a larger weeklong festival running July 14-20. In addition to the air displays, Atlantic City will host on‑site events across the boardwalk, casinos, and local venues. The initiative, by Visit Atlantic City in partnership with the Greater Atlantic City Chamber and CRDA, embraces a reimagined festival format designed to invigorate the seaside destination.
Herb Gillen Airshows has managed productions nationwide—from Boston to Michigan—handling full-service show production, VIP seating, and marketing support. Their involvement ensures professional execution, polished presentation, and guaranteed thrills
Additional Festival Events
The Soar & Shore Festival extends beyond the skies with a slate of citywide events:
- Jimmy Johnson’s Atlantic City “Quest for the Ring” Championship Fishing Week runs July 14–19, 5–9 p.m., at Frank S. Farley State Marina at Golden Nugget Atlantic City. Expect nightly weigh-ins and on-site activations.
- FIFA Activation happens July 15–16, 12–2:30 p.m., on the boardwalk in front of The Yard at Bally’s Atlantic City.
- The Second Annual Car Show is set for July 16, 2–5 p.m., at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. Guests can enjoy a free car show, food trucks, and pipe organ demos.
- The Silent Movie Experience takes place July 16 at 6 p.m., also at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, featuring Sherlock, Jr. and Two Tars with a live organ performance.
- A Beachfront Fireworks Display by Grucci caps the day on July 16 at 9 p.m., lighting up the sky over Missouri Avenue in front of Tropicana Atlantic City.
- ESPN’s Slippery Stairs, a competitive stair-climbing game show, runs July 17, 12–2 p.m., on the beach at Arkansas Avenue.
Plan Your Visit
Take advantage of two days of spectacular aerial entertainment—free and family-friendly. Arrive early for beachside viewing, check local listings for city happenings, and prepare for festive energy along the boardwalk.
Bring your friends, pack a blanket, and soak in two days of high-flying excitement. The airshow is free, but the memories are priceless.
Interested in attending? Find out more here.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.