Long Beach Airport
10/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/08/2024 14:04
Long Beach Airport Hosts 2024 Festival of Flight
Long Beach Airport Hosts 2024 Festival of Flight
Release Date: 2024-10-08
Long Beach, CA - Long Beach Airport's (LGB) award-winning Festival of Flight is coming back for a landing Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. Thousands of attendees are expected at the Airport's signature annual event, which is also the concluding celebration of LGB's yearlong 100th anniversary campaign.
"Festival of Flight is a rare chance to walk right onto the airfield and get an up-close look at Long Beach Airport," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "This is one of my family's favorite events in Long Beach, and this year is going to be unforgettable as the grand finale of LGB's centennial festivities."
Festival of Flight is free and open to the public, with an estimated 15,000 people of all ages expected to take part in the outdoor festivities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the west end of the airfield at 3590 East Wardlow Road.
"I'm thrilled to welcome the community to this celebration of our cherished 100-year-old Airport, which is a vital part of the fabric of this community and holds significant legacy in the aviation world," said Fifth District Councilwoman Megan Kerr. "This event honors LGB's rich history and bright future, and I cannot wait to see everyone there."
"Festival of Flight is an all-encompassing showcase of our historic Airport and our City's unique spirit," said Fourth District Councilman Daryl Supernaw. "This festival is a beloved tradition for many families, and I'm so proud that our community has the opportunity to gather on the airfield at LGB in such a meaningful way."
Attractions at the award-winning event include static aircraft displays, children's activities, live music, food and beer trucks, helicopter rides for purchase and performances by the Satin Dollz, DJ Dennis and AbSOULute. Generously sponsored by the Port of Long Beach, the lineup of aircraft is expected to include a KC-46 Pegasus, an air-to-air military refueling aircraft; the Flabob Express DC-3, built in 1943 and full of a storied history that includes flying Winston Churchill and the Royal Family; and a modified Lockheed L-1011 TriStar that is the only L-1011 still operational. The Condor Squadron will also conduct two flyovers. All aircraft displays are subject to change.
Previously known as the Fly-In, Festival of Flight has been a tradition in Long Beach since 2013, when it was launched to celebrate the airport's 90th anniversary. The aviation-themed event has since continued to raise awareness about California's oldest municipally owned airport, which marked its 100th anniversary on Nov. 26, 2023.
"It's an honor to host this beloved event at Long Beach Airport, where we celebrate LGB's past and present, inspiring aviation enthusiasts young and old," said Airport Director Cynthia Guidry.
Attendees are advised to bring water, wear sensible shoes and be prepared to be outdoors, rain or shine. Coolers will not be allowed, and bags will be subject to search. Service animals will be permitted, but pets will not.
Free parking will be available at the corner of East Wardlow Road and Globemaster Way beginning at 9 a.m. Alternate modes of transportation, such as cycling, carpooling, ridesharing and public transportation, are highly encouraged. Bicycle parking will be available. Overflow parking will be available at 3880 Kilroy Airport Way, with free shuttle service to the event.
Follow LGB on social media or visit the Festival of Flight webpage for more information about the event or Long Beach Airport, currently offering nonstop service to 24 destinations around the country.
About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.
For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. More information about Long Beach Airport is available at lgb.org and on Facebook, Instagram and X @LGBAirport.