AirFest, NASW’s Signature Event & Largest Annual Fundraiser, Returns August 28 – 31

Naval Air Station Wildwood (NASW) Aviation Museum is thrilled to announce the return of AirFest, NASW’s signature event and largest annual fundraiser, taking place Thursday, August 28, through Sunday, August 31, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM daily.

Now celebrating its 29th year, AirFest continues to grow in both size and popularity, with this year promising to be the biggest and most exciting event ever. If you’ve never attended before, this is the year to experience it.

Thanks to partnerships with the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach and Vintage Wings, Inc., AirFest 2025 will feature an extraordinary lineup of historic aircraft. Highlights include the Messerschmitt Me 262, the world’s first operational jet fighter, capable of flying over 500 mph and forever changing the nature of air combat.

Guests will also witness the Goodyear FG-1D Corsair, nicknamed “Whistling Death,” which flew with both the Navy and Marine Corps and was based at NAS Wildwood during World War II. The C-53 “Beach City Baby”, a rare troop transport variant of the beloved DC-3, brings history to life with its fully restored wartime interior and exterior (interior tours available). Returning to honor NAS Wildwood’s legacy as a training base, the SNJ (AT-6 Texan), a staple at past AirFests, represents the thousands of pilots trained right here during the war. Also appearing is the rare Fuji LM-1 “Nikko”, a Japanese postwar trainer with only three airworthy examples remaining in the U.S.

In addition to these flying legends, guests can expect a wide variety of aircraft and possible surprise arrivals. Appearances by Navy helicopters, Yak-52s, a PT-26, and a TB-30 Epsilon are all on the roster, with more to be announced as the event approaches. Another notable feature is Warbirds of Glory’s B-25J SandBar Mitchell’s (currently being restored) nose section and turret.

One of the most fun things about AirFest is that you never know what will show up, especially on Saturday, which includes a unique fly-in of various aircraft by members of the Aero Club of Pennsylvania and the Experimental Aircraft Association. NASW also anticipates aerial support by community partners, including AtlantiCare (Saturday & Sunday), Cape May County Mosquito Commission, the New Jersey State Police (TBD), and the United States Coast Guard (TBD), will also be on site. As always, all aircraft attendance and scheduling are subject to change based on mission requirements, weather conditions, and maintenance needs.

This exciting weekend is made possible in part by the generous support of the J. Byrne Insurance Agency, whose ongoing commitment to community and history helps ensure AirFest continues to thrive year after year. For the latest updates, full schedule, and additional announcements, follow NASW’s social media pages or visit www.usnasw.org/airfest. Don’t miss your chance to be part of AirFest 2025, a history-filled adventure you’ll never forget!

Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum is located inside historic Hangar #1 at Cape May Airport. The site once served as a World War II dive-bomber training center and is dedicated to the 42 aviators who perished while training at NAS Wildwood between 1943 and 1945. The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Cape May County Division of Culture and Heritage.