The Joint Base Charleston Air Expo is free to the public, however every vehicle will require a free base pass to park on the installation.

No, the base pass is only for the vehicle to park. So, a car with four people would only need one base pass.

The show is completely free to the general public. Again, you do NOT need a paid ticket to attend the Joint Base Charleston Air Expo.

Yes, there will be designated portions of the parking lots for properly-marked handicapped vehicles.

No, parking lots are reserved for transiting to and from the show only.

No, this event is open to the public.

Yes, however you will have to process through the security checkpoint again.

Charleston’s population has grown to exceed the Air Base’s infrastructure capacity to meet the demand for a free air show. This passing system allows the base to control how many vehicles enter and exit the narrow gates and allows for a more enjoyable experience for all attendees.

Printed passes displayed in the dash allow for rapid checking at the gates. Alternate methods, such as displaying on a mobile device, would have detrimental effects on the traffic flow.

Every branch of the Charleston County Public Library provides printers to the public for a nominal fee of 10 cents per page. If this cost is a barrier to entry, please contact our planning team at the links on this site and we will assist you.

This is highly discouraged for a number of reasons. First, the driver will probably not have a base pass to either drop you off or pick you up. Second, there is no designated area for ride share drivers to pick up riders. Third, during ingress and egress of the base, the traffic lanes will be reversed making it nearly impossible for a driver to come and get you.

Yes, there will be food, drinks, alcoholic drinks (we I.D.), and souvenirs available throughout the show area.

Alcoholic beverages may be purchased at the event, with proper I.D. You may NOT bring alcoholic beverages into the Air Expo.

Currently, there is no mask mandate, nor required proof of vaccination/negative test results.

This is an outdoor event and hangar doors will be open to increase ventilation for STEM display areas. There are a number of bathrooms and hand washing stations on-site for ease of use. Social distancing is encouraged.

Yes, portable restrooms will be located throughout the event, including handicapped-accessible units. Handwashing and sanitization stations will also be available, as well as a nursing station. There will also be mobile water tanks available with potable water for public consumption.

In the event of rain, some flying demonstrations may be delayed. Unless the weather poses a serious threat to the safety of our visitors and participants, the show will proceed as scheduled with some modifications. In the event of an Air Expo cancellation or delayed opening, announcements will be coordinated with local new agencies and disseminated via social media channels with information as it becomes available. It is impossible to reschedule the show for a different weekend in the event of a cancellation

The Blue Angels will close both shows on Saturday and Sunday.

The open flight line offers no shade, however there are areas such as the STEM hangar that will provide a break from the sun. There will be some large, static aircraft with wingspans that provide limited shade, as well.

First aid will be available to treat minor ailments such as dehydration, minor cuts, bruises, and applications of emergency medications (such as Epi-pens). On-site medical personnel will stabilize and coordinate transportation to higher level of care for all other injuries and illnesses.

Absolutely! There are no restrictions on photography, however be aware that the show will feature copyrighted background music that JB Charleston has paid a license fee that will not cover personal videos.

No, all seats/spaces are general admission.

Most of the vendors will accept major credit cards, but there will be ATMs on-site.

Yes. The basic concept of the base pass program revolves around limiting the traffic entering and exiting the base. When the number of base passes has reached the air base’s capacity, a “sold out” notice will be posted on this site.

Remember, base passes only limit the number of vehicles parking on the base, not the number of people attending. It is still possible to carpool with someone who has a pass.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact our Sponsorship Coordinator, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you are interested in being a specialty vendor (food/drink/merchandise) please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or inquire at the national concession website.

Absolutely! Not only is there a Kid’s Zone filled with fun activities, there will also be a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics Showcase packed with interactive booths and entertaining happenings.

Absolutely! All DoD ID card holders are strongly encouraged to attend the Family Day on 8 April. All performers (including the Blue Angels) will be practicing their maneuvers and the show times will be identical to Saturday and Sunday. There will also be select concessions available and there is no need to have a base pass.

The base pass is a control mechanism for the number of vehicles entering and exiting the base. Even though you have base access, your vehicle still occupies space during ingress and egress.

No, because you are not parking on the flight line. You will be granted access to the base with your DoD ID card and permitted access to the blocked parking lots by one of our traffic attendants.

No, because all parking lots will be blocked. Foot traffic of any type crossing the roads during ingress and egress of the show causes major detriment to the overall operation. All Air Expo attendees shall park on the flight line for the best experience of all those in attendance.