Thousands expected to attend Long Beach Airport’s Festival of Flight this weekend – Press Telegram

Aircraft on static display, live music, food and beer trucks, activities for kids and more will mark the return of the annual Long Beach Airport Festival of Flight this weekend, with thousands of community members and aviation enthusiasts expected to attend the popular event.

“The Long Beach Airport is an incredible asset to our community and our local economy,” Mayor Robert Garcia said in a statement. “The Festival of Flight is a great chance for families to walk around the airfield and see it up close.”

The event is free and open to the public. About 10,000 participants of all ages are expected to attend the festival, which will take place from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, October 29, on the E taxiway at the west end of St. airfield, 3590 East Wardlow Road.

The event will feature more than 30 different types of aircraft that people can check out, including sitting in the cockpits. Last year’s festival featured aircraft from the Second World War and the Vietnam War, as well as a commercial airliner.

“I look forward to seeing everyone at this community celebration of our municipal airport,” District Four Councilman Daryl Supernow said in a news release, “which holds such a special place in the hearts of our community as well as the world of aviation.”

The Festival of Flight, formerly known as the Fly-In, has been a Long Beach tradition since 2013, when it was launched in honor of the airport’s 90th anniversary. The aviation-themed event has since continued to raise awareness of California’s oldest airport, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year, according to an Oct. 4 news release.

“The Festival of Flight is a unique opportunity to showcase our historic airport in a way that allows the public to walk around the airfield and see and interact with aircraft up close,” said Fifth Ward Councilwoman Stacey Mungo.

Participants are advised to bring water, wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to be outdoors. Coolers will not be allowed and bags will be searched. Service animals will be allowed but prohibited.

There will be limited free parking on the corner of East Wardlow Road and Globemaster Way. Alternative modes of transportation such as cycling, carpooling, carpooling and public transport are encouraged. Bicycle parking will be available in the parking lot.

Overflow parking will be available at 3840 Kilroy Airport Way. Shuttle service to and from the festival will be available from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m

“We are proud to host this annual event at Long Beach Airport,” said Airport Director Cynthia Guidry, “which inspires aviation enthusiasts today and tomorrow.”

In 2019, the Festival of Flight was honored by the California Association of Public Information Officials with the Best Recurring Special Event of the Year Award.

Visit the Festival of Flight webpage for more information on the event.