Spotlight on Long Island: Celebrating Memorial Day

 As the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day weekend on Long Island is a time when communities come together to honor our nation’s heroes while embracing the long-awaited warmth of the season. From the lively beachside tunes at Tiki Joe’s to thrilling air shows and heartfelt parades, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Families flock to the shores, friends gather for barbecues, and music fills the air as the Island’s coastal hotspots come alive with energy and excitement. Whether you’re looking to kick back with your toes in the sand, experience the roar of jet engines over Jones Beach, or would like to savor local festivals, Long Island is the perfect place to celebrate. Let’s dive into the must-do events that will make this Memorial Day weekend one to remember.

Beachside Beats: Tiki Joe’s Live Music Lineup

Tiki Joe’s Beach Clubs are a staple of Long Island’s summer scene, offering live music, great food, and ocean views at multiple beachside locations:

  • Smith Point Beach (Shirley)
  • Cedar Beach (Mount Sinai)
  • Meschutt Beach (Hampton Bays)
  • Captree State Park (Babylon)
  • Cupsogue Beach (Westhampton Beach)

For the full music schedule and updates, visit tikijoes.com.

 Sky-High Thrills: FourLeaf Air Show at Jones Beach

The 2025 FourLeaf Air Show (formerly the Bethpage Air Show) returns to Jones Beach State Park on Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25, from 10 AM to 3 PM. This year’s headliners include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the U.S. Army Golden Knights, and the F-35B Demo Team. Admission is free, with a $10 parking fee. For more details, visit fourleafairshow.com.

 Family-Friendly Festivals & Carnivals

  • Huntington YMCA Memorial Day Weekend Carnival

From May 23–26, enjoy rides, games, and classic carnival treats at the Huntington YMCA.

  • Foodie Fest at Tanger Outlets, Deer Park

Running May 24–27, this festival features a variety of food trucks, live music, and a Kids Funzone.

  • Bald Hill Fair, Farmingville

Open from May 18, the fair offers rides, live entertainment, and fireworks by Grucci on Saturday nights.

For more information, visit newyorkfamily.com.

Honoring Heroes: Parades & Ceremonies

  • Long Beach Memorial Day Parade

On Monday, May 26, at 10 AM, the parade starts on Ohio Avenue and West Beech Street, proceeding to City Hall.

  • Blessing of the Fleet, Wantagh Park

This annual ceremony honors fallen soldiers with a wreath-laying and blessings of boats in the marina.

  • Decoration Day at Old Bethpage Village Restoration

Experience a historical reenactment of Memorial Day as observed in the 1860s, complete with music and demonstrations on May 24–25.

For more details, visit mommypoppins.com.

 Whether you’re dancing to live music at Tiki Joe’s, watching jets soar over Jones Beach, or honoring our nation’s heroes at local parades, Memorial Day weekend on Long Island is a time to celebrate community, freedom, and the promise of summer. As you soak up the sun and enjoy all the Island has to offer, remember the true meaning of the holiday and the sacrifices that allow us to gather in joy. From sunrise on the beach to heartfelt ceremonies in town squares, make this Memorial Day weekend one to cherish, right here on Long Island.

Andrea Peponakis

Andrea Peponakis is a retired foreign language teacher who then became a local newspaper journalist and local radio show host. Born and raised in Astoria, Queens and on Long Island, Andrea is now focusing on writing children’s books. The motivation to become an author was inspired by her three grandchildren. Her book, Grandma, Grandma, Tell Me More: My Family Loves Me, was featured at this year’s London Book Festival and at The LA Times Book Fair. Andrea currently resides on Long Island near her children and grandchildren. Her days are spent creating everlasting memories with her grandchildren and writing.

Andrea Peponakis

Andrea Peponakis is a retired foreign language teacher who then became a local newspaper journalist and local radio show host. Born and raised in Astoria, Queens and on Long Island, Andrea is now focusing on writing children’s books. The motivation to become an author was inspired by her three grandchildren. Her book, Grandma, Grandma, Tell Me More: My Family Loves Me, was featured at this year’s London Book Festival and at The LA Times Book Fair. Andrea currently resides on Long Island near her children and grandchildren. Her days are spent creating everlasting memories with her grandchildren and writing.

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