In a major reversal – in a good way – an airshow will again take place in Atlantic City this summer.

Visit Atlantic City and Herb Gillen Airshows announced Wednesday that the beloved tradition will return in a reimagined concept.

The Visit Atlantic City Soar & Shore Festival takes place July 15-16. The free event brings the airshow experience back to the Atlantic City shores with a new and evolving concept.

As NJBIZ has reported, organizers cancelled the popular Atlantic City Airshow in 2024 due to a confluence of challenges. The event seemed headed for the same fate this summer, as organizers announced a strategic pause in December. Then came the March 19 announcement.

“The airshow has always been an incredibly popular event in Atlantic City – and we are excited to partner with Herb Gillen Airshows to bring back this experience for our locals and visitors alike,” said Visit Atlantic City President and CEO Gary Musich with the press release.

“We are thrilled to share with Atlantic City the incredible jaw-dropping, heart-pounding excitement that only an airshow 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.”

“After two decades of developing the Atlantic City Airshow into a premier Jersey Shore event and regional economic driver, the Airshow will be under the new stewardship of Visit Atlantic City moving forward,” the Greater Atlantic City Chamber said in a statement. “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.”

Look at the sky

This latest development is a huge boon for local businesses in Atlantic City and the surrounding region. Past airshows have brought hundreds of thousands of visitors — as well as a major economic impact to the area.

“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,” said Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. “Kudos to Visit Atlantic City, the CRDA [Casino Reinvestment Development Authority], the Greater AC Chamber and everyone involved in bringing this event back to the Great City of Atlantic City this summer.”

“The Casino Association of New Jersey is thrilled to hear that the Atlantic City Airshow will be returning this summer,” CANJ said in a statement. “The airshow has always been a highlight during the summer season, and we look forward to celebrating this renowned event in July. 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.”

The CANJ added its gratitude to Gov. Phil Murphy, CRDA Executive Director Eric Scheffler, Small and Musich “for their efforts to bring the airshow back.”

“Gov. Murphy is thrilled by the return of Atlantic City’s air show this summer after last year’s hiatus,” Tyler Jones, a spokesperson for the governor, told NJBIZ. “Thousands of spectators attend the air show each year — boosting Atlantic City’s economy while supporting local small businesses.”

Organizers say additional information on participants, activities and events will roll out in coming months.

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 6:50 p.m. EST March 19, 2025, to include a statement from the Casino Association of New Jersey and later updated with a statement from Gov. Phil Murphy.