Jones Beach Air Show 2025: Schedule, Performers & Best Viewing Tips for Memorial Day Weekend

Get Ready for the Skies: Jones Beach Air Show 2025 Memorial Day weekend means thunder over the Atlantic as the Jones Beach Air Show—now branded the FourLeaf Air Show—returns to Long Island on Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. both days. A free Friday rehearsal on May 23 offers an early glimpse of the action for those who want smaller crowds. Star-Studded Military Lineup • U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headline for their 10th Jones Beach appearance, performing precision maneuvers in the F-16 Fighting Falcon. • U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team delivers a dramatic American flag jump to open each show. • U.S. Navy F-35C Tac Demo Team showcases the Navy’s carrier-capable stealth fighter. • 105th Airlift Wing C-17 Globemaster III and 106th Rescue Wing HC-130/HH-60 demonstrate large-aircraft agility and search-and-rescue capability. • U.S. Coast Guard SAR demo rounds out the government roster. High-Energy Civilian Acts Expect smoke-trailing loops from Long Island aerobatic ace David Windmiller, World War II warbirds from the American Airpower Museum, and formation passes by Warbird Thunder Airshows. How to Watch—Best Spots & Logistics Jones Beach State Park’s 6.5-mile shoreline turns into a natural grandstand; the Central Mall field offers the show-center sound system and narration. Early birds should arrive before 8 a.m. to avoid beach-lot closures once capacity is reached. • Cost: The show itself is free; standard park parking is $10 per vehicle. • Transit: NICE Bus provides hourly service from the Freeport LIRR station Friday–Sunday, an easy option for visitors without a car. • Accessibility: Handicap parking is available in Field 4 on a first-come, first-served basis, with an ADA viewing area adjacent to the boardwalk. Insider Tips for a Smooth Day 1. Pack light but smart: sunscreen, hat, binoculars, and reusable water bottles (filling stations near the bathhouse). 2. Tune in: Bring an FM radio—show narration is simulcast locally so you’ll catch every pilot call-out even away from speakers. 3. Stay till the finale: The Thunderbirds usually close around 2:30 p.m., and traffic eases if you linger on the sand for an hour after the last pass. Weather & Safety Late-May temperatures at Jones Beach average 68–74 °F. Pop-up showers or coastal fog can delay performances, so monitor @FourLeafAirShow on social media for real-time updates. Drone use is strictly prohibited within the Temporary Flight Restriction zone; violators can face fines and show stoppage. Why 2025 Is Special This year marks the first Jones Beach appearance of the Navy’s F-35C, bringing the Navy’s newest frontline fighter to New York airspace, and the Thunderbirds are celebrating 72 years of flight demonstration excellence—expect anniversary maneuvers added to their trademark six-jet diamond formation. Plan Your Weekend Pair the air show with a visit to the nearby American Airpower Museum in Farmingdale for ramp-side engine starts, or grab fresh seafood at Freeport’s Nautical Mile on the ride home. Whether you’re a first-time spectator or a seasoned aviation buff, the 2025 Jones Beach Air Show promises high-octane thrills, patriotic pageantry, and the perfect kickoff to summer on Long Island.