Carolina Beach, we’re about to witness something massive. For the first time ever, the Wings Over Carolina Beach Air Show is taking over our shoreline — and the Carolina Beach Boardwalk just happens to be the best seat in the house.
From April 24–26, the skies above Pleasure Island will be roaring with jets, stunt teams, formation flights, and military demonstrations. Picture this: you’re on the Boardwalk, cold drink in hand, ocean breeze blowing, and a fighter jet screaming overhead. It doesn’t get more Carolina Beach than that.
Brought to you with love from The Silver Dollar, your legendary Boardwalk bar since 1957.
✈️ Event Schedule (April 24–26)
(Based on the official ILM Air Show program)
Friday, April 24 — Arrival Day & Practice Flights
- Aircraft arrivals throughout the afternoon
- Practice runs over Carolina Beach
- Boardwalk bars & restaurants open for viewing parties
Saturday, April 25 — Main Air Show Day
Approx. 11 AM – 4 PM
- Opening ceremonies
- Aerobatic stunt performers
- Military flyovers
- Parachute demonstrations
- Formation teams
- High‑speed jet demonstrations
- On‑the‑ground activities at ILM (static displays, meet‑and‑greets)
Sunday, April 26 — Encore Performances
Approx. 11 AM – 3 PM
- Repeat performances
- Additional flyovers
- Closing ceremonies
Exact timing may shift due to weather and FAA scheduling.
A Little History: Why This Air Show Matters
The Wings Over Carolina Beach Air Show is an extension of the Wilmington International Airport (ILM) Air Show, a regional aviation event that dates back decades. Historically, ILM has hosted military demonstration teams, aerobatic performers, and heritage aircraft — but this is the first time the show expands directly over Carolina Beach.
Carolina Beach has deep aviation roots:
- The area was once home to Fort Fisher Army Airfield
- The nearby LORAN Station supported navigation for military aircraft
- The Cape Fear coast has long been a training corridor for military aviation
This year’s show honors that history while bringing a brand‑new coastal viewing experience.
The Foundation Behind the Event
The air show is organized in partnership with the ILM Air Show Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to:
- Supporting aviation education
- Funding scholarships for future pilots and aviation technicians
- Preserving regional aviation history
- Bringing large‑scale aviation events to Southeastern North Carolina
Proceeds from the show help fund STEM programs, youth aviation camps, and community outreach.
Huge Thanks to the Partners Who Made This Happen
This event is a massive lift — and it wouldn’t be happening without an army of local partners:
- ILM (Wilmington International Airport)
- Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce
- Town of Carolina Beach Government
- Carolina Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
- Visit Carolina Beach
- Carolina Beach & Kure Beach Community
- Hurricane Alley’s
- Michelle Alberda
- Jerry Hubert
- Deb & Lynn Barbee
- Wayne Rouse
- Beach Bumz
- Carolina Beach Boardwalk Crew
Special shoutout to Jim Cantore and Councilman Joe Benson for championing the effort.
Full Event Details
👉 https://www.ilmairshow.com/
