City: Tampa Bay, FL

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Description: One weekend a year, MacDill AFB opens its gates to the public and puts on a humdinger of an open house air show on behalf of all branches of the military, including the Coast Guard. Volunteers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines, as well as some civilians working for SOCOM, make up the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) Parachute Team, which performs jumps at the MacDill AirFest that include free-fall, formation, and stacked canopy maneuvers. Overhead exhibits include Ed Hamill and the Air Force Reserve Biplane show, a narrated aerial display choreographed to period music, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds’ precision maneuvers, and a host of other flying feats performed in aircraft old and new. When they’re not craning their necks skyward, visitors can wander the tarmac and explore airplanes like the gigantic KC-10 Extender up close and climb-into-the-cockpit personal. Military crews are on hand to answer questions. The Thunderbird pilots sign autographs after their performance. The MacDill AirFest is a free, two-day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. event. Two gates open to the public at 8 a.m. and remain open until the lots are full. There is no admission after 2 p.m. Driving while talking on a cell phone is prohibited on MacDill property. No weapons, pets, bicycles (on the tarmac), skateboards, rollerblades, scooters, fireworks, coolers, glass containers, or large tote bags are allowed. You may bring beach chairs, cameras, and cash for the plentiful food and beverage vendors. Smoking is allowed in designated areas only. HARTline buses extend service to MacDill for the event; call (813) 254-4278 or go to www.goHART.org for information.