Thunderbirds to Headline Memorial Day Jones Beach Air Show

WANTAGH, New York — The annual Jones Beach Air Show will return to Jones Beach State Park this Memorial Day weekend, featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as headliners. The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Last year, over 459,000 attendees made the air show the largest in its history. With a sunny forecast for this weekend, officials expect this year’s festivities to draw another large crowd.

The Thunderbirds are set to perform in their F-16 Fighting Falcons, marking their tenth time as headliners at the event. George Gorman, regional director of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation, expressed excitement about the weekend, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome the United States Air Force Thunderbirds as this year’s headliners and look forward to an amazing show by all our performers.”

Attendees can enjoy the show from the beach or from their boats. However, the U.S. Coast Guard will enforce no-entry zones off the beach area, clearly marked with orange buoys.

In addition to the Thunderbirds, the lineup includes performers such as the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, the U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II, and the U.S. Navy Rhino Demo Team. The air show is free to attend, but parking will cost $10 each day and is subject to availability.

This year, spectators can bring chairs, coolers, and food, but kites and drones are not permitted. The beach will be open early for parking, and those with an Empire Pass can park for free.

The FourLeaf Air Show is supported by various sponsors, and additional details can be found by contacting the New York State Office of Parks or visiting their social media pages. For those interested in a unique viewing experience, boat cruises will also be offered during the show.