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Full Throttle, a formation team, flies over Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 1, 2022. The group performed at the inaugural Wildwoods Thunder Over the Waves Airshow. - U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY SR. AIRMAN MADELINE HERZOG
Full Throttle, a formation team, flies over Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 1, 2022. The group performed at the inaugural Wildwoods Thunder Over the Waves Airshow. - U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY SR. AIRMAN MADELINE HERZOG
Wildwoods airshow to return after $33M impact debut
Matthew Fazelpoor//September 25, 2025//
After a successful inaugural run, organizers say the Thunder Over the Waves Airshow will return to the Wildwoods next year.
Earlier this month, the debut event drew more than 133,000 visitors, generating an estimated $33.2 million in economic impact.
The Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority said the inaugural airshow exceeded all expectations. Thunder Over the Waves featured 15 headline aerial acts. It also served as a kickoff to the Wildwoods’ “Second Season” schedule of fall events.
“Our goal was to present a family-friendly event that would entice visitors to return to our island the weekend after Labor Day,” said Louis Belasco, GWTIDA executive director. “The Airshow rivaled the attendance and excitement of our largest midsummer weekends.”
Next year’s Thunder Over the Waves Airshow will take place Sept. 11 (practice day) and Sept. 12 (main event).
“We’re thrilled to bring the Airshow back next year,” said Belasco. “The 2026 Airshow promises to be bigger and better than ever, featuring an expanded lineup of impressive performers.”
See more:
Check out more of the performers that were lined up for the augural Thunder Over the Waves Airshow here.
