*Gracie* on the ramp at Punta Gorda Airport

The Florida International Air Show is back at Punta Gorda Airport this weekend, November 1–2, 2025, and Gracie will be there. Up close. On the ramp. In all her vintage, open-cockpit glory. The show takes place at Punta Gorda Airport (PGD), 28000 A-1 Airport Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33982. This is one of the biggest weekends of the year for local aviation, and we’re thrilled to share that Gracie will be part of the static display line all weekend so you can finally meet her in person.

Sit in the Cockpit, Take Photos, Make a Memory

Here’s what that actually means: you (and your kids, and your grandkids, and honestly anyone who’s still a kid at heart) will be able to walk right up to Gracie, touch her fabric-covered wings, peek at her instruments, and even sit in her front cockpit for photos. We’ll happily snap pictures for you — birthday shots, veteran shots, “bucket list” shots, all of it. You do not have to be a pilot. You just have to love airplanes or love someone who does.

If you ask *really* nicely, we may even let you sit in the pilot’s cockpit!

Yes, You Can Book a Flight — You Just Can’t Fly During the Show

**Give the gift of flight…**

Because of airshow operations and safety procedures, we can’t actually take Gracie flying during show hours. Airshow performers and demo teams have strict control of the airspace once the gates open and flying starts, and we happily stay out of their way. But here’s the good news: we’ll be selling future flight slots for our Harbor Tour, Peace River Tour, and Sunset/Golden Hour Tour, plus we’ll have Suncoast Biplanes gift cards on site. You can lock in an actual biplane ride for yourself or grab the most brag-worthy Christmas gift in the family.
**10% OFF ALL BEACH AND HARBOR TOURS BOOKED AT THE AIRSHOW!**

Why This Weekend Matters for Punta Gorda

This isn’t just “an air show somewhere.” This show is ours. It’s hosted right here at PGD and run by a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization that exists to celebrate aviation, inspire new pilots, and give back locally. The event has donated more than $3 million to Southwest Florida charities over the years and creates fundraising opportunities for civic and nonprofit groups in our area. So when you come out, you’re not just watching jets — you’re supporting Charlotte County and the people who live here.

World-Class Performers Over Charlotte Harbor Skies

The lineup this year is serious. Scheduled performers include the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper Demo Team — two of the most famous fast-jet demonstration teams in the world. You’ll also see high-energy solo aerobatics from pilots like Aarron Deliu and Patty Wagstaff, formation warbird aerobatics from Warbird Thunder and their roaring SNJ Texans (including the beloved “Ol Growler”), Doug Litton, and The Chuters parachute jump team. The show has been recognized as one of USA TODAY’s “10Best” air shows in America, which tells you the kind of talent Punta Gorda is drawing.

Contingency Plan? They’ve Got It Covered

Air shows with military demo teams always work around real-world operations. Organizers have already said the show goes on regardless — even in the middle of federal budget drama. If, for any reason, the Blue Angels or the F-16 Viper Demo Team are unable to appear, the Air Show has civilian jet performers on deck, including Randy Ball in a MiG-17 fighter, plus additional top-tier acts like Matt Younkin’s Twin Beech routine. Translation: Punta Gorda is getting a full-throttle show either way.

Living History on the Ramp

One of our favorite things about this event is that it’s not only about modern fighters — it’s about heritage. Warbird Thunder brings two North American SNJ Texans in tight, smoky formation doing loops, rolls, Cuban Eights, and dramatic opposing passes that feel like a time machine. On the ground, you’ll find other historic aircraft on static display,

STEM, Kids, and the Next Generation of Aviators

Bring the kids early. The Air Show is adding even more family-focused areas this year, including the Innovators STEM Pavilion and the Family Aviation Experience. These zones are designed to be hands-on: drones, tech demos, meet-a-pilot moments, aviation career talk, and interactive exhibits meant to light that “I want to fly someday” spark. It’s not just airshow noise and souvenir booths — it’s actual exposure to science, engineering, and real people who work in aviation for a living.

What to Expect When You Go

Here’s the basic flow: gates open at 9 a.m., with flight performances beginning around midday. Plan on walking. You’ll see airplanes, helicopters, specialty vehicles, military displays, and of course *Gracie*, all up close on the static line. You can bring your own lawn chair. Expect food trucks, concessions, and no outside food or beverages inside the show gates; service animals are permitted, but pets need to sit this one out. There’s parking in color-coded lots, including designated accessible parking.

How to Find Us Once You’re In

After you’re through the gate, head toward the static display line — that’s where you’ll find Gracie. She’s the white-and-red open-cockpit biplane with the big round radial engine up front and the classic double wings. We’ll have Suncoast Biplanes team members on site to answer questions, help kids in and out safely, talk through what it’s like to fly with the wind in your face, and get you set up with a future flight time out of Punta Gorda or Venice.

Holiday Shopping, Solved

Gift cards are available for any of our tours

We’re also bringing ride certificates and gift cards. That means you can literally walk onto the ramp with your kids, sit them in a real 1930s-style open cockpit, take “before” photos, and then walk away with their Christmas present already handled. (Grandparents: this is how you instantly become the favorite.) We’ll have options for our Harbor Tour, Peace River Tour, and Golden Hour Tour — including Sunset / Golden Hour, which is absolutely stunning over Charlotte Harbor.

Why We’d Love to See You There

Suncoast Biplanes is based right here in Punta Gorda. Gracie isn’t a museum piece that gets trailered in once a year; she’s part of the community, flying local waterfront, bridges, beaches, islands, and river bends almost every day. When you come out to the Florida International Air Show, you’re not just watching the action — you’re meeting the airplane you’ll actually be able to fly in. Come say hi, take a seat in the cockpit, grab your photos, and let’s start planning your adventure in the air.

Buy Your Air Show Tickets Here

Come Meet Gracie at the Florida International Air Show