Augusta, GA
Blue Angels will soar over Augusta this weekend. What to know for the show
After a week off, the Blue Angels are back at it this weekend at the Air Dot Augusta Air Show in Georgia.
The air show will be held at the Augusta Regional Airport and it will feature the Blue Angels along with Buck Roetman, the SOCOM Para-commandos and several other performers.
Augusta Air Show tickets are on sale for a discounted price until 11:59 p.m. on Friday.
Here’s what to know about the Blue Angels and the Augusta Air Show.
When is the Augusta Air Show 2025?
The Augusta Air Show will take place on April 26-27 at the Augusta Regional Airport, located at 1501 Aviation Way, Augusta, GA.
Augusta Air Show 2025 tickets
You can grab general admission tickets for the Augusta Air Show on Saturday and Sunday for 25% off until 11:59 p.m. on Friday. Tickets will be $33.50 for adults and $25 for children ages 6-12 afterward.
Some preferred seating, ramp/lawn boxes and Flight Line Club VIP tickets are still available. You can find more information on the website.
What is the Augusta Air Show schedule?
Here is a look at the schedule for the Augusta Air Show schedule this year:
- 9 a.m.: Gates open
- 11:30 a.m. to noon: Opening ceremonies
- Noon to 2:30 p.m.: Flight performances
- 2:30 p.m.: The Blue Angels
The schedule is the same for Saturday and Sunday.
Who are the Blue Angel pilots in 2025?
Here is a look at the 2025 Blue Angel pilots and their roles:
- #1 | Cmdr. Adam Bryan | USN — Flight leader and commanding officer
- #2 | Cmdr. Jack Keilty | USN — Right wing
- #3 | Maj. Brandon Wilkins | USMC — Left wing
- #4 | Lt. Cmdr. Wes Perkins | USN — Slot
- #5 | Cmdr. Thomas Zimmerman | USN — Lead solo
- #6 | Lt. Connor O’Donnell | USN — Opposing solo
How did the Blue Angels get their name?
During the winter, Floridians lament the influx of snowbirds from places like New York, but the state is actually somewhat responsible for how the Blue Angels got its name.
Right Wing Pilot Lt. Maurice “Wick” Wickendoll came up with the name after he read about the Blue Angel nightclub in “The New Yorker” magazine. Wickendoll through the suggestion out to his superiors, and the name stuck.
What planes do the Blue Angels fly?
In 2021, the Blue Angels transitioned from the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet, which the team has flown since 1986, to the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet. The new Super Hornets are 25% larger, can fly 40% further and remain on station 80% longer.
How fast do the Blue Angels fly?
The fastest the Blue Angels fly during an air show is 700 mph during its Sneak Pass maneuver. The slowest speed is around 120 mph during the Section High Alpha maneuver.
How close do the Blue Angels fly?
The diamond formation the Blue Angels fly in during the Diamond 360 maneuver has the jets flying about 18 inches from each other.
How low do the Blue Angels fly during an air show?
Not every air show is the same, and because safety is paramount, the range of maneuvers the team performs depends entirely upon the conditions at the time of the show. That said, in general, the infamous Sneak Pass is the closest they’ll get to the ground. During this maneuver, the Lead Solo will “sneak” up on the crowd from behind and pass only 50 feet above it. Earbuds are recommended to protect your ears, but nothing will save you from the rumbling you’ll feel in your chest as it passes overhead.
What is the most impressive move the Blue Angels perform?
The Blue Angels allow media and other selected civilians to participate in rides ahead of some shows. Anyone selected to participate has to pass a physical exam and get a sign-off from their doctor. During these rides, it’s not uncommon for the rider to pass out at some point. All of this is to say that it’s demanding enough just to sit in the cockpit. All of the maneuvers performed by the Blue Angels are impressive.
Augusta, GA
10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival draws crowds despite heat
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival brought families to the Augusta Fairgrounds on Friday despite the muggy heat.
Cultural and community-focused events, live music performances and food trucks were available at the celebration.
Tonia Hill, attending the Juneteenth celebration, said she loves the holiday and is supporting the community, though she acknowledged the weather conditions.
“I love Juneteenth. And I’m supporting everybody. It’s hot. It’s hot. It’s hot,” Hill said.
The festival runs until 10 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Augusta Dream Center sees surge in families needing food as summer begins
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Dream Center is seeing more families turn to its food pantry this summer as children lose access to school lunches.
Organizations like the Augusta Dream Center see a surge in families who relied on school lunches during the academic year, according to Hallie Kohan, assistant director.
“We see a lot more families that have young kids who are in need that simply don’t have those meals they are normally getting,” Kohan said. “We see an influx of families that come through.”
Demand is up, but the food supply is not keeping pace.
“Right now we are having some food distribution issues so while we are seeing an increase in families, we are seeing a decrease in the amount of food coming through our doors,” Kohan said.
The center is asking the community to host food drives or donate kid-friendly items such as mac and cheese and oatmeal.
Every Sunday the Dream Center opens its doors for a hot meal, serving as many as 120 people.
“Families can come in and get their hot meal. They sit down, it’s dignified, it’s a diner,” Kohan said. “It’s a welcoming experience for kids to come in and not feel like they are in need.”
No paperwork is required to receive help.
“Just because you think someone is in a great situation, in today’s economy you never know,” Kohan said. “It could be your neighbor, mom, or best friend.”
The Augusta Dream Center food pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Hot meals are served Sundays from 5 to 6 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Progress continues on James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Construction continues on the James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta, with ceiling tiles now installed inside the park structures.
The tiles feature designs showcasing the Godfather of Soul from different years in his career.
According to the city, the completed park will include an interactive water feature that will “dance” to Brown’s greatest hits. A statue of the music icon will return to a new stage at the park.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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