Marine Airpower and Navy Blue Angels Lead Museum’s Biggest “Need For Speed Festival” July 30-Aug. 3

Marine aircraft, tanks, weapon systems, robots and literally tons more on display next to Blue Angels launch pad

SEATTLE – The Marines and the Navy are in full force at The Museum of Flight’s biggest-ever Need For Speed Festival during the last week of Seafair, July 30-Aug. 3. The Navy Blue Angels return to their traditional Seattle launch pad next to the Museum, while the Marines take over the parking lot with a sprawling display of their current combat machines ranging from an Abrams tank to a MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor helicopter.

During the Aug. 2-3 weekend, the Festival offers all of the Marine Corps exhibits, live outdoor music, food by McCormick and Schmick’s, a beer garden and the best seats in town for the Blue Angels’ thunderous takeoffs. Inside of the Museum, legendary SR-71 Blackbird pilot Brian Shul returns with his popular presentations at 2 p.m. Aug. 1-3. All events are free with admission to the Museum. The Museum will be extending its hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 30-Aug. 3.

The Marines will also display their Harrier and F/A-18 fighters, and a Cobra helicopter. Large displays inside and outside of the Museum will feature the latest equipment in the Marines’ arsenal, vehicles and support equipment. The exhibits are part of the official Marine Week Seattle program.

U.S. Navy Blue Angels Schedule
PRACTICE – Thursday, July 31: 10 a.m. to Noon, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
PERFORMANCES – Friday, August 1 – Sunday, August 3: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

The Museum of Flight is located at 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle, Exit 158 off Interstate 5 on Boeing Field half-way between downtown Seattle and Sea-Tac Airport. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $19 for adults, $16 for seniors 65 and older, $16 for active military, $11 for youth 5 to 17, and free for children under 5. Group rates are available. Admission on the first Thursday of the month is free from 5 to 9 p.m. courtesy of Wells Fargo. McCormick & Schmick’s Wings Café is on site. For general Museum information, please call 206-764-5720 or visit www.museumofflight.org