FourLeaf Air Show 2025: What's new at Jones Beach this Memorial Day weekend

This year’s FourLeaf Air Show at Jones Beach on Memorial Day weekend blends a carnival atmosphere on the ground and an aviation spectacular overhead — featuring the 10th appearance of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and other military and civilian aircraft/daredevils — with a deep dive into American military history.

"This will be an extraordinarily patriotic Air Show," says George Gorman, Long Island's regional director for state parks. In addition to heralding today’s servicemen and women, the 2025 air show also celebrates the 250th anniversary of the creation of the United States Army (originally the Continental Army), the Navy and Marines, and the 110th anniversary of the launching of the United States Coastguard, Gorman says. Tribute will also be paid to the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the Vietnam War, he adds.

If the weather cooperates, hundreds of thousands of spectators are expected to attend the event formerly called the Bethpage Air Show, but renamed to reflect the credit union's rebranding as FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, officials said in a statement.

Throughout the afternoon on May 24-25, military and civilian aircraft will be soaring (and at times booming) over the beach and boardwalk, and five branches of the service will be offering experiences ranging from virtual reality battle simulations to fitness challenges. Once again the boardwalk will resemble a sun-drenched county fair, with dozens of booths handing out swag or selling souvenirs, and food concessions dishing out classic summer treats as well as a new item: soft-serve ice cream.

In addition to the Thunderbirds, other military performers include the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team; the U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II Demo Team; the U.S. Navy F-35C Demo Team; the U.S. Navy Rhino Demo Team; the U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler Demo Team; the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD); the 106th Rescue Wing NY Air National Guard; and the 105th Airlift Wing unit of the New York Air National Guard.

Civilian teams include the American Airpower Museum Warbirds; Air Masters Cup Series and Sky Grand Prix champion Aarron Deliu; Warbird Thunder featuring the North American SNJ Texan, a former WWII Navy Advanced Training Aircraft; the Farmingdale State College Flying Rams and stunt pilot David Windmiller.

Here are five ways to have a high time on the ground at the air show.

Test your mettle with VR or pullups

Virtual Reality (VR) experiences include the U.S. Air Force "Activate: Special Warfare" simulating an "intense firefight with enemy combatants," according to an air show statement. The U.S. Navy’s America’s Navy Forged by the Sea — The Strike Group Experience features a "fully immersive, hands-on" intro to "the technology and teamwork that are central to every role in the Navy," according to the Air Show statement. Feeling strong? Take the U.S. Army Fitness Challenge including pullups and pushups, or test your endurance on the U.S. Marines’ pullup bars.

Board and Instagram a Black Hawk

The U. S. Air National Guard will allow visitors to climb in and out through the side doors of a UH-60 Black Hawk, and take photos inside and outside the copter’s cabin.

Shop for commemorative clothing

Commemorate the day with a U.S. Air Force Thunderbird T-shirt, polo or sweatshirt or a hat ($29 and up), or a 2025 FourLeaf Air Show souvenir T-shirt or sweatshirt ($25 and up.) Purchase them throughout the park including the Central Mall and East and West bath house areas, according to concessionaire Martin Grimes.

Get free stuff at the Boardwalk booths

At about 30 booths lining the boardwalk, pick up freebies such as Frisbees, key chains, totes, sunglasses, picnic blankets, pens, koozies and stress balls. Join the interactive fun at a New York Islanders slap-shot booth.

Try new and old favorite beach treats

Soft-serve ice cream in cones and cups will be sold for the first time at Boardwalk Air Show stations, says Elias Trahanas, food concessionaire. Memorial Day weekend also marks the opening of the Boardwalk Café, known for its Buffalo and barbecue wings, as well as spots for roasted corn, sausage and pepper and Philly cheese steak heroes. Get your Greek food and other street-style treats at boardwalk food trucks. Gelato and fried Oreos will once again be sold at the Central Mall service window.