It's a three-way treat at Moody Gardens in Galveston this weekend at the first-ever air, car and boat show running through tomorrow. The show opened yesterday.

Scholes International Airport will host day and night performances of plane aerobatics with a VIP area and pyrotechnics tonight with planes from World War II on display.

Classic cars ranging from a 929 Ford Model A to a 20222 C8.R Corvette will be on display at the Expo Hall. Rows and rows of gleaming cars, including Mary Moody Northen's 1931 Studebaker Dictator 8, which she drove for more than 20 years. Take the kids to see a 1902 Horseless carriage, or the Astrovette driven on Houston roadways by NASA astronaut Alan Bean.

The Boat Show at the Moody Gardens Marina will feature a Sea Ray 650 Flybridge and a variety of spectacular yachts.

Moody Gardens is offering special hotel packages.

This is the Moody Gardens press release:

GALVESTON, Texas (August 3, 2022) – Visitors will be treated to plane aerobatics and pyrotechnics, warbirds; mega yachts, classic cars, and the stories that accompany them all along with much more at the new Moody Gardens Air, Car, and Boat Show from August 12 -14.

The action-packed, three-day event will showcase an air show, car expo, and boat tours at the Moody Gardens marina. Guests can experience events around the entire property, Scholes International Airport next to Moody Gardens, and at the marina. Featured activities include fireworks Friday and Saturday night, vendors for shopping, and food, a party at Palm Beach, VIP viewing areas, and more.

Daytime and evening performances will loop, roll and scream through the air at this unique air show that offers it all ranging from the glory of the P-63 King Cobra and DH-115 Vampire to the Ghostwriter pyrotechnics show planes with daredevil pilots sending off fireworks trails to light up the night sky. The air show will feature unique planes such as a British jet from the WWII era that was the first jet airplane to fly over the Atlantic Ocean and three-time National Aerobatic Champion, and the first woman to win the title of US National Aerobatic champion, Patty Wagstaff, who will delight crowds with her flying skills over Offatts Bayou with dynamic, hardcore unlimited solo aerobatics.

“From the thrill of the air show with amazing daytime aerobatics and evening pyrotechnic performances to classic and muscle cars and a spectacular selection of yachts, we are covering a wide range of interests,” said John Zendt, Moody Gardens President and CEO, who added that the management team at Moody Gardens is always looking for new experiences for visitors to enjoy.

A splashy and spectacular Boat Show will showcase an array of yachts including a Sea Ray 650 Flybridge and an Aviara for boat aficionados to appreciate and perhaps find their dream boat at the Moody Gardens Marina. The Car Show is the third focus of this three-day event and a car lover’s dream at the Moody Gardens Convention Center.

The Expo Hall will be filled with rows of classic vehicles, and muscle cars ranging from a 929 Ford Model A to a 2022 C8.R Corvette. Moody Mansion’s restored antique cars will be on display at the event featured, including Mary Moody Northen’s 1931 Studebaker Dictator 8, which she drove for over 20 years, and the 1949 Cadillac Fleetwood “60” Special she inherited from her father, W.L. Moody, Jr. A 1902 Horseless carriage and even Alan Bean’s 1969 Astrovette will be on the convention floor with NASA memorabilia.

The event spans the entire weekend with special hotel packages and ticket options that include VIP access to Palm Beach, fireworks and seating areas at the shows, breakfast Sunday morning, and more. Tickets and hotel reservations are available at moodygardens.org.

For more information about the Air, Car, and Boat Show, please visit moodygardens.org or call 409-744-4673.

photo: Getty Images

Michael Berry