The Air Force Thunderbirds were one of the headliners of the Atlantic City Airshow before it was canceled. (Photo courtesy of Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce)
Visit Atlantic City officially announced the return of the Air Show to the resort.
The Soar & Shore Festival is set for July 15 and 16, which fall on a Tuesday and Wednesday.
The group is partnering with Ohio-based Herb Gillen Airshows to bring back the annual show that skipped and seemed to have a questionable future.
“The airshow has always been an incredibly popular event in Atlantic City, and we are excited to be able to partner with Herb Gillen Airshows to bring back this experience for our locals and visitors alike," Visit Atlantic City CEO Gary Musich said in a release Wednesday.
"It's truly a great day here in the City of Atlantic City," Mayor Marty Small told BreakingAC on Tuesday. "Today we announced the Air Show is coming back in 2025, something this administration has pushed for."
CRDA Executive Director Eric Scheffler touched on the return at the association's meeting Tuesday.
Visit Atlantic City is funding the project, which will cost about $350,000, Scheffler said.
The annual show did not happen last year after a four-month period that saw a promise of a possible fix last March, that included the South Jersey Transportation Association putting up $300,000 with the Atlantic City International Airport will act as presenter.
But by July, the final decision came that the show could not be saved.
Some then believed that Wildwood's "Thunder Over the Ocean Airshow" was an Atlantic City replacement.
“The airshow is important for our casinos, businesses, and for our tourism and hospitality industry as a whole, and the Small administration has always offered our support to do what needs to be done to make sure this event lives on,” the mayor said. “Kudos to Visit Atlantic City, the CRDA, the Greater AC Chamber and everyone involved in bringing this event back to the Great City of Atlantic City this summer."
The official announcement came Wednesday, with details expected to be filled out later.
"We are thrilled to share with Atlantic City the incredible jaw-dropping, heart-pounding excitement that only an air show can deliver," said Herb Gillen, president of Herb Gillen Airshows and producers of the event. "The Visit Atlantic City Soar & Shore Festival promises to be an entertainment spectacle that must be seen to be believed. From families to devout aviation enthusiasts, this show will have something for everyone."
The Casino Association of New Jersey put out a statement that the group "is thrilled to hear that the Atlantic City air show will be returning this summer."
"The airshow has always been a highlight during the summer season, and we look forward to celebrating this renowned event in July," the association said. "Along with world-class gaming, exciting concerts, a replenished beach, delicious food, and an all-star lineup of entertainment options, Atlantic City is the place to be this summer. We want to thank New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, CRDA Executive Director Eric Scheffler and Visit Atlantic City President and CEO Gary Musich for their efforts to bring the airshow back.”
The Greater Atlantic City Chamber put out a statement Wednesday, speaking of the new chapter.
"After two decades of developing the Atlantic City air show into a premier Jersey Shore event and regional economic driver, the air show will be under the new stewardship of Visit Atlantic City moving forward," the statement read. "This represents a new chapter and natural progression for our beloved Airshow. Visit Atlantic City’s public funding structure, dedicated resources, and talented staff will allow the Airshow to reach new heights and explore exciting opportunities for evolution and expansion."
The funding also includes a summer concert series at Boardwalk Hall.
Approximately $400,000 is flagged to secure approximately four to five shows, Scheffler said.
They would replace the beach concerts that the city is hoping to bring back next year, Small said.
NOTE: This story originally ran March 18, 2025. It has been updated to include more details and comments from Visit Atlantic City.
