Memorial Day weekend events on Long Island
On Memorial Day weekend, flags fly high, propped up by feelings of pride and patriotism during celebrations that honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. The holiday also marks the unofficial start of summer, with parades, firework displays, festivals and more. Here’s what’s happening.
ALL WEEKEND
Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach
This year marks the 20th anniversary and the return of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. “The Blue Angels performed at the first show, and it is very fitting for them to join us for this special milestone,” says Linda Armyn, president and CEO of Bethpage Federal Credit Union. See highflying stunts with additional aerial performers including the U.S. Army Golden Knights, the U.S. Marines F-35B Demo, U.S. Navy Growler Legacy Team, the American Airpower Museum Warbirds and more; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 25-26. There will also be military vendors, arts and crafts and food for sale. $10 per car (Ocean Parkway, Wantagh; bethpageairshow.com, 631-321-3510).
The Blue Angels take to the sky during a rehearsal for the annual Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach. Credit: Barry Sloan
American Airpower Museum
See the World War II B-25 Mitchell bomber, North American P-51D Mustang, Grumman TBM-3E Avenger and Curtiss P-40M War Hawk take off for the Bethpage Air Show May 25-26 and for practice day on May 24. Also, see the World War II C-47 80th Anniversary D-Day Living History Exhibit with World War II living historians on May 25. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 24-May 27. $15, $12 veterans, $10 ages 5-12 (Hangar 3, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale; americanairpowermuseum.org, 631-293-6398).
While in the area, catch the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S.A.F. A-10 demo team flying in and out of nearby Republic Airport en route to the air show, May 25-26.
Circus in Huntington Station
See performers from around the world show off their aerial, acrobatics and unicycling skills when Flip Circus comes to Huntington Station for the holiday weekend. Shows are held at 7:30 p.m. May 24; 1, 4 and 7 p.m. May 25-26; 7:30 p.m. May 27-May 28 in the parking lot at Walt Whitman Shops. Tickets start at $40, $30 online in advance (160 Walt Whitman Rd., flipcircus.com, 877-829-7839).
Long Island Ducks game
Cheer on the Ducks as they face off against the Lancaster Stormers at 6:35 p.m. May 24; 1:35 and 6:35 p.m. May 25 and 1:35 p.m. May 26 at Fairfield Properties Ballpark in Central Islip. Fireworks follow the May 25 game. Tickets start at $17 (3 Court House Dr.; liducks.com, 631-940-3825).
Foodie Truck Fest in Deer Park
The festival at Tanger Outlets Deer Park features 30 food trucks, music, face painting and inflatables for children, noon to 7 p.m. May 24-May 27. Free; fee for food and drink (next to Under Armour and Abercrombie and Fitch, 152 The Arches Circle; tangeroutlet.com, 631-667-0600).
A massive bounce house will be the centerpiece of The Big Bounce America's North America tour, which comes to the Broadway Commons in Hicksville. Credit: Big Bounce America
Big Bounce America in Hicksville
Make your way around obstacle courses, mazes and slides starting at 10 a.m. May 25-June 16 at the Broadway Commons. Tickets start at $22, sessions are timed (358 N. Broadway; thebigbounceamerica.com).
'A Bronx Tale' at Argyle Theatre
Based on the book by Chazz Palminteri, the street-wise musical takes you to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s to find a young man caught between his father and the mob boss he’d love to be. Show times at 7:30 p.m. May 24; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. May 25 and 2 p.m. May 26. Tickets start at $70 (34 W. Main St., Babylon; argyletheatre.com, 844-631-5483)
Guests arrive ready to be entertained at the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport. Credit: Howard Simmons
'Jersey Boys' at Engeman Theater
Catch a performance featuring the hit songs made popular by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons at 8 p.m. May 24, 2 and 8 p.m. May 25 and 2 p.m. May 26. Tickets are $90 (250 Main St., Northport; engemantheater.com, 631-261-2900).
The pig race is on at Harbes Family Farm in Mattituck. Credit: Randee Daddona
Baby Animal Festival at Harbes Family Farm
Goats and sheep will join the free fun in the farm's picnic area, featuring live music from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 25-27. For more animal adventures, enter the Barnyard for $27.95 per person (715 Sound Ave., Mattituck; harbesfamilyfarm.com, 631-482-7641).
People dancing the day away at Flynn’s in Ocean Bay Park on Fire Island. Credit: Yvonne Albinowski
Dance party at Flynn's
The afternoon dance party kicks off May 25 with music by DJ Frankie Sim, DJ Savage and MC Neil Walsh from noon to 8 p.m. The party continues with DJ Fotsbeats, DJ Bad and City from noon-8 p.m. May 26. Admission starts at $20. Then it's Monday Funday with a singalong party, noon-8 p.m. May 27. Tickets start at $10. (1 Cayuga St., Ocean Bay Park, Fire Island; flynnsfireislandny.com, 631-583-5000).
Festival in Levittown
Enjoy rides, games and carnival food, 5 to 10 p.m. May 23, 4 to 11 p.m. May 24; noon to 11 p.m. May 25-26 and noon to 9 p.m. May 27. Free, pay for rides. Presale vouchers ($30) are available through May 22 (located behind P.C. Richards and Sons, Hempstead Turnpike; levittownchamber.com, 516-520-8000).
Huntington YMCA carnival
The carnival will include rides and magic shows, 6 to 10 p.m. May 24, 1 to 10 p.m. May 25-26 and 1 to 6 p.m. May 27 at the Athletic Field. Free, POP for ride bracelets start at $39.95 (60 Main St.; newtonshows.com, 631-499-6824).
Patchogue Fire Department carnival
The carnival features rides, games and food vendors, 5 to 11 p.m. May 23-24; 4 to 11 p.m. May 25-26; 4 to 10 p.m. May 27 at St. Joseph University. Free; pay for rides and concessions (Parking lot at Wavery Avenue and Sunrise Highway).
Westhampton Beach Fine Art Festival
The event features more than 100 artisans displaying their original artwork, sculptures, jewelry, paintings and more, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 25; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 26 on the great lawn across from St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Free (35 Main St., Westhampton, paragonfestivals.com, 941-487-8061).
'Seussical The Musical' at Engeman Theater
Enter the colorful world of Dr. Seuss as the Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who sets off to save a speck of dust containing The Whos from destruction at 10 a.m. May 25 and 10:30 a.m. May 26. Tickets are $20. (250 Main St., Northport; engemantheater.com, 631-261-2900).
Live music at Stephen Talkhouse
Bands rock the stage Memorial Day weekend starting with Illiterate Light, 8 p.m. May 25; Hello Brooklyn, 10:30 p.m. May 25; Nancy Atlas Project, 8 p.m. May 26 and Rubix Kube, 10:30 p.m. May 26. Tickets are $50 (161 Main St., Amagansett; stephentalkhouse.com, 631-267-3117).
Opening weekend at Horton Point Lighthouse
Explore exhibits about whaling and the history of the Horton Point Lighthouse and Capt. Henry Green, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 25-26 at the Nautical Museum at Horton Point Lighthouse. $5 per person, $10 per family (3575 Lighthouse Rd., Southold, southoldhistorical.org, 631-765-5500).
Morley Street Fair
Arts, crafts and gift vendor fair, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 25-26 in Roslyn. Free; pay for concessions (500 Searingtown Rd., Roslyn; nassaucountyfairs.com, 516-442-6000).
Live music at Greenport Harbor Brewing Co.
See Paul Mahos and the New Life Crisis band from 4 to 7 p.m. May 25 and Who Are Those Guys from 4 to 7 p.m. May 26 (42155 Main Rd., Peconic; greenportharborbrewing.com, 631-477-1100).
MAY 25
In honor of Memorial Day, volunteers will place American flags on the graves of veterans at Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale, pictured, and Calverton National Cemetery. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
Flags for veterans
Volunteers are needed to place American flags on veterans' graves. Flags will be provided; meet at 7:30 a.m. May 25 at Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale. Return to the cemetery at 8 a.m. June 1 to remove flags. Enter at the main gate on Wellwood Avenue. (2040 Wellwood Ave.; cem.va.gov, 631-454-4949).
Volunteers are also needed to place flags at 9:30 a.m. May 25 at Calverton National Cemetery. Register to volunteer. Pick up flags 9:30 a.m. June 1; rain date: June 2. (210 Princeton Blvd., Calverton; calvertonsupport.com, 631-727-5410).
Splish Splash opening day
The park opens May 25 with two wave pools, a water coaster, a lazy river, waterslides, a kiddie area and more. Admission is $69.99; $64.99 for 48 inches and shorter, $30 parking fee (2549 Splish Splash Dr., Calverton; splishsplash.com, 631-727-3600).
Navy/Marine military aircraft at Eisenhower Park
Attendees can explore aircraft and meet the crews, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 25. The event will also feature a performance by the U.S. Navy Band, military displays and demonstrations. Free. (Field 2, 1899 Hempstead Tpke., East Meadow; nassaucountyny.gov, 516-572-0200).
People dance to the live band at Mulcahy's in Wantagh. Credit: Howard Simmons
Doubleheader at Mulcahy's
New Age Bingo Loco with dance-offs, rave rounds, lip sync battles, throwback anthems, confetti showers, conga lines and more, 5:30 and 10 p.m. May 25. Tickets are $32 (3232 Railroad Ave., Wantagh; muls.com, 516-783-7500).
Funk at The Paramount
Dance with Parliament Funkadelic and George Clinton at 8 p.m. May 25. Tickets are $66 (370 New York Ave., Huntington; paramountny.com, 631-673-7300).
Pugliese Vineyards is a family-owned and operated vineyard in Cutchogue featuring a grapevine-covered trellis with seating, live music, an outdoor tasting room, a gift shop and a large array of wines. Credit: Randee Daddona
Live music at Pugliese Vineyards
Enjoy live music by Cameron Hart, noon to 4 p.m. May 25. (34515 Main Rd., Cutchogue; pugliesevineyards.com, 631-734-4057)
Fireworks with armed forces at North Hempstead Beach Park
The Memorial Day Commemoration and fireworks event focuses on members of the Armed Forces with speeches and music by The Ronald Reagans, 6:30 p.m. May 25; gates open at 3 p.m. Food available for purchase. Free parking passes for veterans and active duty military by calling 516-869-6311; $10 parking fee, no drop-offs or walk-ins. (175 W. Shore Rd., Port Washington; northhempsteadny.gov, 516-869-6311).
'Swifty' Skate at United Skates
Join the Red, White and Blue “Swifty” Skate, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. May 25, featuring the music of Taylor Swift and a look-alike contest. Advance registration is required. Tickets are $15, $7 skate rentals (1276 Hicksville Rd., Seaford; eventbrite.com, 516-795-5474).
Leila Dupont sells handbags at the Arts in the Plaza at Kennedy Plaza in Long Beach. Credit: Linda Rosier
Arts in the Plaza in Long Beach
Browse handcrafted items, jewelry, clothing and more from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 25 at Kennedy Plaza in Long Beach. There will also be live music and food for sale (1 W. Chester St.; artsintheplaza.com, 516-476-2473).
DJ at Bridge Lane
The party features DJ Henry Oh on piano with tasting flights, buckets of canned wine, pitchers of sangria and snack boards, 2 to 5 p.m. May 25. Beat the “Sunday Scaries” with North Fork Doughnut Co. doughnuts on the patio and Bridge Lane mimosas, noon to 4 p.m. May 26. Fee for drinks and a la carte food menu items (35 Cox Neck Rd., Mattituck; bridgelanewine.com, 631-298-1942).
MAY 26
Race to Remember on the boardwalk
Join the 10-mile run on and off the Long Beach boardwalk in memory of race founder Ralph Kaplan, 8 a.m. May 26. Race is $45, registration and start at Laurelton Boulevard and the boardwalk (longbeachny.gov, 516-431-3890).
Boat operator Michael Di Maggio, of Massapequa, and his toy schnauzer, Pignoli, aboard the sunset cruise on Freeport Water Taxi & Tours in Freeport. Credit: Marisol Diaz
Air show by boat
Grab a group of friends and board the Bay Princess Charter Boat for a trip to see the Bethpage Air Show, May 25-26. Boarding starts at 9 a.m. from Captree State Park. Tickets are $65 (3500 Ocean Pkwy., Babylon, bayprincess.com, 631-587-6024).
See the Bethpage Air Show from a passenger tour boat during a four-hour cruise, noon to 4 p.m. May 26 with Freeport Water Taxi and Tours. Tickets are $65 ages 11 and older and adults; $35 ages 5-10; reservations required (211 Woodcleft Ave., Freeport, freeportwatertaxi.com, 516-521-7744).
Long Island Steamers public run day
Public run day features rides on steam trains that travel more than 8 acres, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 26 at Southaven County Park. Tickets are required, donations accepted (Between exits 57 and 58 off Route 27, Gerard Road entrance, Brookhaven; lilivesteamers.org, 631-345-0499).
Jaclyn Morena, of Port Jefferson Station, creates the Disney character Elsa from "Frozen" using chalk at the annual Community Mosaic Festival in Riverhead. Credit: Randee Daddona
Mosaic Street Painting Festival in Riverhead
Try your hand at street painting or just admire the work of others, noon to 5 p.m. May 26 (rain date: noon to 3 p.m. May 27) in downtown Riverhead. The weekend also includes an artisan and craft fair, live music, food available for purchase and more. Free to view; spaces start at $25 to reserve a space to draw (Main Street and along the Peconic River; eastendarts.org, 631-727-0900).
Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve
Take a 6-mile moderately paced walk over hills. Meet at 9:45 a.m. May 26. $4, registration required; $8 parking fee (25 Lloyd Harbor Rd., Lloyd Harbor; parks.ny.gov, 631-423-1770).
Long Islanders are soaking up the final days of summer at the Ronkonkoma Street Fair. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
Ronkonkoma Street Fair
The free street fair will feature live entertainment, children’s rides, crafts and food vendors, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 26. Pay for rides and concessions (along Hawkins Avenue; ronkonkomachamber.com, 631-963-2796).
Comedy show at The Argyle Theatre
The Long Island Comedy Festival takes place at 8 p.m. May 26. Tickets range $45-$55. (34 W. Main St., Babylon, argyletheatre.com, 631-230-3500).
Friends taste wine at Bedell Cellars in Cutchogue. Credit: Randee Daddona
Live music at Bedell Cellars
Check out live music from Jason Dorsa from 1 to 4 p.m. May 26. (36225 Main Rd., Cutchogue; bedellcellars.com, 631-734-7537)
5k at Pindar Vineyards
Run or walk a 5k through the vines to benefit the New York Cancer Foundation, 9 a.m. May 26. The event features live music, a food truck and a glass of wine at the finish line. Registration starts at $45 for 5K; $28 for 1 mile. (37645 Main St., Peconic; runsignup.com, 856-430-8250)
MAY 27
The Museum of American Armor will be paying tribute to veterans with a convoy of vintage armored vehicles in the Plainview Old Bethpage Memorial Day Parade. Credit: Museum of American Armor
Historic vehicles at the Museum of American Armor
A convoy of historic fighting vehicles from the Museum of American Armor in Old Bethpage will participate in the Plainview-Old Bethpage Memorial Day Parade on May 27. Lawrence Kadish, president and founder of the museum, says, “These armored vehicles compel us to reflect on those who manned them. Americans whose courage, valor and, far often, their sacrifice, have allowed us to enjoy our freedoms.” Parade begins on Old Country Road at 9:30 a.m., followed by an 11 a.m. tribute ceremony at the park. The museum also operates several historic vehicles for visitors, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 27 at the Museum of American Armor, 1303 Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage. Free. (1303 Round Swamp Rd.; museumofamericanarmor.com, 516-454-8265).
Memorial Day Freedom 5k
Run is a tribute to veterans past and present, followed by a parade in the Village of Malverne, children’s fun run begins at 8 a.m.; 8:15 a.m. 5k on May 27 at Chester A. Reese Veterans Memorial Park. Registration is $35; $15 for fun run (Church Street between Utterby Road and Weber Ave., Malverne; elitefeats.com, 516-531-3323).
