Memorial Day Weekend is right around the corner, and this year, there's tons of great local fun happening that you won't want to miss out on all weekend long! Known as the "Unofficial Start to Summer", Memorial Day Weekend is packed with events honoring Long Island's local heroes, including firework displays, parades, festivals, and of course the Jones Beach Air Show. If you're still in the midst of planning your Memorial Day Weekend Fun, not to worry - we've rounded up all of the best local events & things to do this Memorial Day Weekend into an easy to read Guide!
Celebrated the last Monday of May each year, Memorial Day is a US Federal Holiday that honors the men & women of the US Armed Forces who gave their lives to protect our country, and its citizens. No matter how you plan to spend Memorial Day weekend, while you're enjoying the celebrations and having fun, be sure to stop for a moment, and remember what the holiday is all about, and make time to honor those who have given their lives to protect us.
Here's what's happening right here on LI this Memorial Day Weekend:
Fireworks & Air Shows
Nothing says Holiday Weekend quite like fireworks! Luckily for Long Islanders, there are tons of great Fireworks Displays happening throughout the weekend, as well as the ever-exciting the Jones Beach Air Show!
Jones Beach Air Show at Jones Beach - FREE!*
1000 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh NY, 11793
Saturday, May 23rd & Sunday, May 24th 12 PM - 5 PM
$10 Parking Fee, Free Parking with 2015 Empire Passport!
This annual show will feature The Thunderbirds who will be making their return after a few years off! Also enjoy performances by the U.S. Army Golden Knights, the U.S. Navy Parachute Team and more! Arrive early to avoid trouble parking.
Memorial Day Fireworks Extravaganza & LI Ducks Game at the Bethpage Ballpark
3 Court House Drive, Central Islip, NY 11722
Saturday, May 23rd at 6:35 PM
Ticket Prices Vary
Enjoy a game of ball with the Long Island Ducks and the Camden Riversharks along with a Fireworks Extravaganza by Pyrotecnico!
Navy & Marine Helicopter Landing at Eisenhower Park - FREE!
1899 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, NY 11554
Saturday, May 23rd at 10 AM
Free Event
Celebrate Memorial Day by witnessing a Navy & Marine helicopter landing! Event will take place at Eisenhower Park’s Kite Field. Navy Landing will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by the Marine Landing at 12:00 PM.
Brookhaven Fair at the Pennysaver Amphitheater
1 Ski Run Lane, Farmingville, NY 11738
Friday, May 22nd - Sunday, May 24th at 12 PM
$8 per Person
Enjoy a ton of great rides, games, attractions, entertainment and fireworks which will begin Saturday evening after dusk! The fair will take place every weekend until June 14th, 2015.
Memorial Day Weekend: Legends of WWII Airpower at the American Airpower Museum
1230 New Highway, Farmingdale, NY 11730
Monday, May 18th - Monday, May 25th 10 AM - 6 PM
631-293-6398
$20 for Adults, $15 for Children Ages 6-15 & Seniors 62+ & Vets with Proof of Service, Kids 5 & Under 5 are Free
See the bombers and fighters that won WWII along with flight experiences available on bombers, trainers & P-51 Mustang.
Freeport Water Taxi & Tour's Memorial Day Weekend Air Show Viewing Party
Richmond Street, Freeport, NY 11520
516-521-7744
Saturday, May 23rd & Sunday, May 24th 12 PM - 4 PM
Call for Pricing
See The Navy's Blue Angels or the Air Force's Thunderbirds along with antique planes performing aerial acrobatics with some of the best pilots in the world. Call for pricing info.
Festivals & Fairs
Looking for a greay way to enjoy a day of family fun? Head over to one of the Memorial Day Weekend Festivals & Fairs happening throughout the weekend, and across Long Island!
Memorial Day Carnival behind PC Richards on Hempstead Turnpike - FREE!*
Hempstead Turnpike, Levittown, NY 11756
516-520-8000
Thursday, May 21st - Monday, May 25th
Free Event, POP Pricing for Rides
Enjoy a fun-filled day for the entire family at this carnival which will feature rides, games, and delicious food! Times vary depending on day.
St. Nicholas Church's Grecian Festival - FREE!
200 Great East Neck Road, West Babylon, NY 11704
516-238-6756
Thursday, May 28th - Sunday, May 31st
Free Event
Be Greek for the day and bring the entire family down to enjoy a fun-filled weekend! Enjoy delicious Greek delicacies, pastries, souvlaki, gyro, spinach pie, baklava and so much more including rides for the kids!
36th Annual Nassau County Strawberry Festival - FREE!
Corner Of Jerusalem Ave & Newbridge Road, N. Bellmore, NY 11710
Saturday, May 30th & Sunday, May 31st
Free Event
Don't miss out on this great family-friendly event which will feature vendors with handmade and hand picked items at recognizable savings.
Rockville Centre Spring Festival at the Municipal Lot - FREE!
Sunrise Highway & Long Beach Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Saturday, May 30th & Sunday, May 31st
Free Event
Enjoy a weekend with the family at the Rockville Centre Spring Festival which will feature fun for everyone, delicious food, music and tons of great entertainment!
St. Thomas The Apostle School Family Festival - FREE!
24 Westminister Road, West Hempstead, NY 11552
631-796-4782
Thursday, May 28th - Sunday, May 31st
Free Event
Enjoy an international food court, thrill rides and kiddie rides, games, magic shows, local bands and more! Times differ depending on day.
Holy Spirit Church's Family Festival - FREE!
16 S. 6th Street, New Hyde Park, NY 11040
631-796-4782
Thursday, May 28th - Sunday, May 31st
Free Event
Enjoy an international food court, thrill rides and kiddie rides, games, magic shows, local bands and more! Times differ depending on day.
Sheep Shearing Festival at Sherwood Jayne Farm
55 Old Post Road, East Setauket, NY 11733
631-692-4664
Sunday, May 31st 12:30-3:30 PM
$5 per Person
Enjoy a guided hike on the new nature trail with Seatuck Environmental Association (1:00 p.m.), watch demos of spinning, weaving and felting. Event will feature children’s entertainment as well!
Franklin Square Spring Street Fair - FREE!
Franklin Avenue, Franklin Square, NY 11010
Sunday, May 31st 10 AM - 5 PM
Free Event
Fair will feature crafts, The New Car Show by NY Autofest, huge inflatable rides, a food court, live music and much more!
Memorial Day Parades
Marching down Main Streets across Long Island, numerous Memorial Day Parades will be held on Monday in honor of Long Island's fallen heroes.
Annual Montauk Memorial Weekend Parade - FREE!
Second House Road, Montauk, NY 11754
631-668-2428
Sunday, May 24th at 12 PM
Celebrate Memorial Day at the Montauk Parade! The parade will begin at Second House Road and will continue down Main Street, ending at the Green for a commemorative service.
Memorial Day Parade at American Legion Post 1273 - FREE!
3484 Park Avenue, Wantagh, NY 11793
917-684-4050
Monday, May 25th at 10 AM
Parade assembly will take place in the school parking lots on Beltagh Avenue. Memorial ceremony will follow at the end of the parade at the post.
Bay Shore Memorial Day Parade - FREE!
Lanier Lane & Main Street, Bay Shore, NY 11706
631-665-7003
Monday, May 25th at 10 AM
Join the residents of Bay Shore in remembering the men and women who fought for our freedom in the Bay Shore Memorial Day Parade.
Wantagh Memorial Day Parade at the Wantagh High School - FREE!
3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, NY 11793
516-679-0100
Monday, May 25th at 9:30 AM
Join the residents of Copiague while honoring the men and women of our country. Parade will begin at the high school at 9:30 AM.
Copiague Memorial Day Parade - FREE!
Dixon Avenue and Great Neck Road, Copiague, NY 11726
631-926-0117
Monday, May 25th at 10 AM
Head to Dixon Ave. and Great Neck Rd. to watch the people of Copiague celebrate Memorial Day! Parade will begin at 10:00 AM & will head south on Great Neck Road, stopping at two war memorial's that are in the parade route.
Farmingdale Memorial Day Parade - FREE!
Thomas Powell Boulevard & Yoakum Street, Farmingdale, NY 11735
Monday, May 25th at 10 AM
The parade will assemble at Thomas Powell Blvd and Yoakum Street and will head South on Main Street to Grandstand in front of Village Hall.
New Hyde Park Memorial Day Parade - FREE!
Jericho Turnpike & Hillside Boulevard, New Hyde Park, NY 11040
Saturday, May 23rd at 9:30 AM
Enjoy a Memorial Day Parade as New Hyde Park veterans are honored! Parade will assemble on Jericho Turnpike and Hillside Boulevard and will march to Memorial Field.
Merrick’s Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony - FREE!
Merrick Avenue & Veterans Plaza, Merrick, NY 11566
Monday, May 25th at 9:30 AM
The parade will start at 9:30 AM and the ceremony will be held at 10:45 AM at the Merrick's Veteran Memorial Park.
Even More Family Fun
From 5k Runs to Flag Ceremonies, and everything in between, there's a variety of unique family fun, and special events honoring Long Island's Service Men & Women this weekend.
Long Beach Memorial Day City Manager 10-Mile Trophy Run at the LB Rec Center
660 Magnolia Boulevard, Long Beach, NY 11561
516-431-3890
Sunday, May 24th at 8 AM
$25 in Advance, $30 on Race Day
All ages are welcome to join in on this great 10-mile trophy run in honor of Memorial Day! Begins at 8:00 am.
Memorial Day Captains and Merchants Historic Walking at The Whaling Museum
301 Main Street (Rte. 25A) Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
631-367-3418
Sunday, May 24th at 11:30 AM
$10 per Person, $15 per Pair
Explore the museum's 19th century village's whaling past, including Captains' Row and historic Main Street shops. Held in light rain or shine!
Montauk Memorial Day Flag Ceremony on the Montauk Green - FREE!
742 Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11754
631-668-2428
Monday, May 25th 8 AM - 9 AM
Free Event
Honor the men and women who fought for our freedom by attending this flag ceremony which will take place on the Montauk Green.
Southampton Artists Assoc. Memorial Day Show at the Levitas Cultural Center - FREE!
25 Pond Lane, Southampton, NY 11968
631-283-7432
Wednesday, May 20th - Sunday, May 31st
Free Event
View over 100 works of art including paintings, pastels, drawings, sculptures and 3D constructions! Reception will be held May 24th from 4-6 pm.
Memorial Day Weekend with Paula Poundstone at The Bay Street Theater
1 Bay Street, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
631-725-9500
Saturday, May 23rd at 8 PM
$69-$129
Enjoy a live performance by Paula Poundstone! This special evening includes VIP ticket opportunity to mix and mingle with the artist at a cocktail party following the performance.
Great Local Fun To Enjoy All Weekend Long
Looking for some weekend fun that fits into your schedule? No problem! In addition to all of the great events happening Memorial Day Weekend, there are plenty of great things to do, and places to enjoy at your leisure!
Enjoy an Afternoon at Your Favorite Long Island Beach
What could be better than enjoying an afternoon at one of LI's beautiful beaches? With warm temps & sunny skies in the forecast for Memorial Day Weekend, why not indulge in this holiday tradition enjoyed by Long Islanders for generations!
Play Picnic Games with the Whole Family!
Planning a picnic Memorial Day Weekend? Be sure to check out these great Picnic Games that are perfect for kids of all ages! Make your perfect picnic even better with some wholesome family fun!
Visit One of Long Island's Walk Around Towns
Long Island is home to numerous beautiful walk around towns - many of which are situated right on the water! Visit one of LI's fun filled walk around towns and enjoy an afternoon filled with shopping,
How Will You Be Spending Memorial Day Weekend this year?
Let Us Know in the Comments Below!
