The Naval Air Station Wildwood (NASW) Aviation Museum has announced the return of AirFest, its flagship event and largest yearly fundraiser, scheduled from Thursday, August 28, through Sunday, August 31, 2025. The event will run daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and marks the 29th edition of AirFest, which has steadily grown in both attendance and scope. This year’s AirFest promises to be the most expansive and exciting yet, featuring a remarkable lineup of historic aircraft, thanks in part to collaborations with the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach and Vintage Wings, Inc.
Among the highlights are the Messerschmitt Me 262, recognized as the world’s first operational jet fighter, capable of speeds exceeding 500 mph and known for its transformative role in aerial combat history. Attendees will also have the opportunity to see the Goodyear FG-1D Corsair, famously dubbed “Whistling Death,” which served with the Navy and Marine Corps and was stationed at NAS Wildwood during World War II. The C-53 “Beach City Baby,” a rare troop transport variant of the iconic DC-3, will be on display with a fully restored wartime interior, open for tours.
Returning to honor NAS Wildwood’s legacy as a pilot training base is the SNJ (AT-6 Texan), a veteran of past AirFests and symbolic of the thousands of aviators trained at the facility during the war. Another rare aircraft, the Fuji LM-1 “Nikko”—one of only three airworthy examples in the U.S.—will also be featured. In addition to these flying legends, AirFest 2025 will showcase a variety of other aircraft, including Navy helicopters, Yak-52s, a PT-26, and a TB-30 Epsilon, with further announcements expected closer to the event. Warbirds of Glory’s B-25J SandBar Mitchell, currently undergoing restoration, will display its nose section and turret as part of the exhibition.
The event is known for surprises, particularly on Saturday when a fly-in of assorted aircraft by members of the Aero Club of Pennsylvania and the Experimental Aircraft Association adds to the excitement. Aerial support and appearances from community partners such as AtlantiCare, the Cape May County Mosquito Commission, the New Jersey State Police, and the United States Coast Guard are anticipated, though all aircraft participation remains subject to mission priorities, weather, and maintenance factors. AirFest 2025 is supported by Title Sponsor J. Byrne Insurance Agency, whose ongoing backing helps sustain the event’s success. For up-to-date information, schedules, and announcements, visitors are encouraged to follow NASW’s social media channels or visit www.usnasw.org/airfest.
