The U.S. Navy Blue Angels and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will headline a free air show at Naval Air Station Jacksonville on Saturday, Oct. 17, and Sunday, Oct. 18, with organizers expecting 300,000 visitors over the weekend.

It will be the Thunderbirds first performance at NAS Jacksonville, joining the returning Blue Angels, according to News4Jax.

Gates open at 9 a.m. both days, with performances beginning at 11 a.m. The Blue Angels are scheduled to close each day's show at 3 p.m., weather permitting.

Admission and parking are free, and no tickets are required.

All visitors 18 and older must bring a physical, government-issued REAL ID-compliant identification document to enter the base, according to the air show's FAQ page. Foreign nationals must present a passport, while lawful permanent residents may present a green card.

What families should bring

Organizers recommend sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and hearing protection, especially for young children. There is no shade on the flight line, although a limited supply of free earplugs will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visitors may bring lawn chairs, blankets and refillable water bottles. Coolers and outside food and beverages are prohibited, and there is no potable water available on the airfield. Food and drink vendors will be on-site.

Cash is recommended because the Kids Zone and special seating areas accept cash only. ATMs will be available.

Weapons, including firearms, knives, pepper spray and stun guns, are prohibited regardless of permits. Personal drones also are prohibited.

A federal temporary flight restriction is scheduled around the base from Oct. 15-18.

Mandarin drivers should expect delays

Visitors traveling from Mandarin and points south should take Interstate 95 to Exit 337, merge onto Interstate 295 north, cross the St. Johns River and take Exit 10 toward NAS Jacksonville and U.S. 17 north, according to the show's official directions.

Drivers approaching from the south should use the Yorktown Main Gate. Those approaching from the north will be directed to the Allegheny Commercial Gate. The Birmingham Gate will not be available for public air show entry.

Organizers warn that traffic on U.S. 17 and nearby roads could be heavy, particularly after the performances end. With approximately 75,000 vehicles expected to enter and leave the base, departing could take up to two hours.

NAS Jacksonville is coordinating traffic management with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Orange Park Police Department and transportation officials.

Visitors should not park at the nearby Target shopping center unless they are shopping. Unauthorized vehicles may be towed at the owner's expense.

Military aircraft, aerobatics and children's activities

Beyond the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds, the show will feature the U.S. Air Force C-17 East Coast Demonstration Team flying the C-17 Globemaster III, nicknamed Moose.

Civilian performers include Matt Younkin in a Beechcraft Model 18, Skip Stewart in a Pitts S-2S, Kyle Fowler in a Long-EZ, Adam Baker in an Extra 330 and Redline Airshows flying two RV-8 aircraft.

More than a dozen military and civilian aircraft will be on static display, giving visitors opportunities to see them up close.

The Kids Zone will offer inflatable rides, games, face painting and science, technology, engineering and mathematics activities. Some attractions require payment.

The performance order is subject to change because of weather or operational conditions.

Visitors can find the complete schedule, seating options and security rules at nasjaxairshow.com.