I’ve been getting a lot of traffic to the site over the last few weeks specifically about the “Go Wheels Up” Air Show in San Marcos that’s coming up. I noticed that their site didn’t have a good and concise FAQ or Frequently Asked Questions section so I decided to create one on my own.
What is going on?
From the show’s website:
Hosted by Texas music icon, Cory Morrow, Go Wheels Up! Texas is a high- energy, family-friendly celebration of music, automobiles, airplanes and of course – Texas cuisine! Created for spectators from all walks of life, this uplifting and memorable weekend features an auto show, air show, concert series and food festival that’s designed to grow the San Marcos Regional Airport into one of central Texas’ premier event destinations.
https://gowheelsup.live/about/
In short, what we’ve got is an event that is a combination air show, automobile show, food festival, and music festival. All happening at the San Marcos Regional Airport.
When is it?
The full schedule is posted on their website, but in short the event is Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from May 3rd through 5th.
Music festival, eh? What acts are playing?
Friday
Real Life Real Music Stage:
6:45 PM – 7:45 PM – Garrett Bryan
8:00 PM – 9:30 PM – Cory Morrow
Saturday
Main Stage
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM – John Carroll
11:30 AM -12:30 PM – Dale Watson
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Radney Foster
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Cory Morrow
6:15 PM – 7:30 PM – Kevin Fowler
7:30 PM – 8:00 PM – Auto Show Winners’ Showcase
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM Bret Michaels
Real Life Real Music Stage:
Hosted by Kyle Hutton
10:00-10:45 – JoMo & The Possum Posse
11:00-11:45 – Drew Womack
12:00-12:45 – Kyle Hutton
1:00-1:45 – Terri Hendrix & Lloyd Maines
Sunday
Real Life Real Music Stage:
Hosted by Kyle Hutton
10:30AM – 12:00 PM – Gospel Brunch w/Josh Weathers
Main Stage:
12:30PM – 2:00 PM – Los Texmaniacs
When specifically is the air show? Is it all day?
While the aircraft will be present Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the actual air show and demonstration is scheduled for 2 PM to 5 PM on Saturday and Sunday.
Will parking be available?
Yes. They are actually closing a good chunk of the airfield specifically to increase parking capacity.
What should I bring?
From my personal experience with air shows, here’s what you should have:
- Folding chair
- Hat and sunglasses
- Small poncho for rain
- Sunscreen
- Camera (optional)
- Empty water bottle (no liquids allowed through the gate)
- Sanitary wipes
- Cash
If you’re looking for some additional guidance, here’s the list from their website:
ALLOWED*
Bags will be restricted to small purses, totes and drawstring bags only. Backpacks and bags with multiple pockets are prohibited. Hydration packs are not allowed. Bags will be subject to random search.
Binoculars
Blankets, Sheets, Towels
Portable/collapsible chair (Individual seat only; no double wide or connecting chairs)
Strollers
Umbrellas
Cameras (basic point and shoot consumer-grade cameras) without detachable lenses and other accessories (monopods, selfie sticks, tripods, GoPro mounts, and other attachments are not allowed)
GoPro cameras without accessories
Sunscreen lotion (no aerosol containers)
Bug Repellant (no aerosol containers)
External Battery Chargers
Items that are deemed by Festival organizers to be unsafe, inappropriate, offensive or are being used for purposes other than intended are prohibited and may be confiscated on sitehttps://gowheelsup.live/what-to-bring/
NOT ALLOWED*
Firearms or Weapons – ONLY LICENSED PEACE OFFICERS may carry on premises, and will need verification by our on site police staff. LTC holders are NOT allowed to carry on premises.
Bags will be restricted to small purses, totes and drawstring bags only. Bag size may not exceed 14” x 11” x 5” (35cm x 28cm x 12cm), or 30 linear inches (75cm) in total, and must have no more than one singular pocket or opening. Backpacks and bags with multiple pockets are prohibited. Hydration packs are not allowed.
Liquids
Aerosol containers (including sunscreen and personal beauty products)
Any and all professional audio recording equipment
Any and all professional video equipment – no video recording will be allowed
Professional cameras (any camera with the option to detach a lens)
Any and all camera accessories, such as selfie sticks, tripods, monopods, go pro mounts and attachments, detachable lenses, or other commercial equipment
Drones or any other remote flying device
Frisbees
Camping or Tent setups. Includes camping umbrellas, tents and cordoning off your chairs with tape/rope
Coolers of any kind (exceptions may be made for medical use)
Framed backpacks
Hammocks
Glass containers of any kin
Illegal and Illicit substances of any kind
Drugs or drug paraphernalia
Outside food or beverage (including alcohol)
Professional-grade radios or walkie-talkies
Pets (except service animals)
Skateboards, scooters, bicycles, wagons, carts (including red wagons) or any personal motorized vehicles
Tents, canopies, or shade structures of any kind
Unauthorized/unlicensed vendors are not allowed. No unauthorized solicitation and materials including handbills, flyers, stickers, beach balls, give-aways, samples, etc.
Large chains or spiked jewelry
Bicycles inside the festival grounds (free parking is available near festival entrance)
No Inflatable furniture (rafts, chairs, etc.)
What are the different level of tickets?
Tickets can be purchased here: https://gowheelsup.live/tickets/
You have two decisions to make here.
First, you can choose either a single day pass or a three-day pass. Honestly, I’d recommend choosing a single day and sticking with it. Unless you really want to watch all of the musical acts you’ll get the same air show twice or more.
Second, there’s then option for a regular or “lightning” pass. What is that? from the website:
The Lightning Pass will get you preferred reserved seating near the Air Show center, close-in VIP viewing area for the main concert, skip-the-linke wristbands for food and beverage, and exclusive access to VIP bars.
Is that worth the extra cost? That’s for you to decide.
How about if I want to fly in? Will the FBO and airport be open?
Yes! Well, kind of. There are some times when the airfield will be closed, some taxiway closures, and some additional restrictions requiring aircraft to be under tow between the FBO and the runway.
Here are the expected NOTAMs for the airshow:
- Special Event Notice (pilots to contact FBO prior to arrival for information regarding parking and ramp closures)
- Tuesday, April 30 through Sunday, May 5
- TFR for Airshow Practice (not published as a public event)
- Friday, May 3 – 1:45PM to 5:30PM CST
- TFR for Airshow
- Saturday, May 4 – 1:45PM to 5:30PM CST
- Sunday, May 5 – 1:45PM to 5:30PM CST
- Runway 8/26 Closed
- Friday, May 3 (6:00AM) to Sunday, May 5 (11:00PM)
- Taxiway Alpha Closed
- Friday, May 3 (6:00AM) to Sunday, May 5 (11:00PM)
- Taxiway Bravo Closed
- Friday, May 3 (6:00AM) to Sunday, May 5 (11:00PM)
- Taxiway Juliet between Runway 8 and Taxiway Charlie Closed
- Friday, May 3 (6:00AM) to Sunday, May 5 (11:00PM)
- Taxiway Kilo Closed
- Friday, May 3 (6:00AM) to Sunday, May 5 (11:00PM)
As always, make sure to call flight service prior to your departure for the latest TFRs.