VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The gates are officially open for the Naval Air Station Oceana Air Show, but this year’s show has some new rules the public should be aware of before heading to the base.

All participants ages 18 and older are required to present a photo ID for the NAS Oceana base entry pass.

Saturday and Sunday shows start at 10:00 a.m., gates open at 8:00 a.m. Parking and admission are free.

This year’s theme is “Inspire. Educate. Advance!” with a focus on the STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“NAS Oceana is pleased to welcome back internationally renowned aerial artists such as the Navy’s Blue Angels flight demonstration team and the U.S. Air Force’s F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team. Several F/A-18 Super Hornet squadrons based at NAS Oceana will also fly during the air show, including the Rhino Demonstration Team of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106,” said a press release sent earlier this month.

The Blue Angels will perform every day at 3 p.m., the Navy said.

This year, the show will again feature traffic changes in the Oceana area. London Bridge Road from International Parkway to Central Drive will be closed in both directions on Saturday and Sunday between 2 and 5 p.m.

There will also be plenty of food and beverage outlets and vendors throughout the event areas, including familiar faces from News 3. Be sure to stop by and pick up some free merchandise!