WANTAGH, NY — The 2025 Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach is set to take flight with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headlining the event for the tenth time. Scheduled for Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25, this year's air show promises to be a spectacular display of aerial prowess as it coincides with the Memorial Day weekend, a time traditionally reserved for honoring the nation's fallen service members.
Last year, the air show attracted over 459,000 attendees during its 20th Anniversary Show, marking it as the most highly attended air show to date. The Thunderbirds have become a revered part of this event, and their return is highly anticipated by fans and families alike.
In addition to the Thunderbirds, the 2025 lineup features a host of military performers, including the United States Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, the United States Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II, and the United States Navy F-35C Demo Team. The United States Navy will also showcase the Rhino Demo Team and the EA-18G Growler Demo Team. Other participants include the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the 106th Rescue Wing of the NY Air National Guard, and the 105th Airlift Wing unit of the New York Air National Guard.
Civilian teams will also take to the skies, featuring the American Airpower Museum Warbirds, reigning Air Masters Cup Series champion Aarron Deliu, and Warbird Thunder showcasing the North American SNJ Texan, a former WWII Navy Advanced Training Aircraft. Local favorites like the Farmingdale State College Flying Rams and David Windmiller from Long Island will add to the excitement.
“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,” said George Gorman, Regional Director of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation. He emphasized the air show's growing popularity, noting that it has become a cherished tradition for Long Island, honoring military service and kicking off the summer season at Jones Beach.
The 2025 Bethpage Air Show is free to the public, although a standard vehicle use fee of $10.00 will be collected each day upon entry to the State Park. This affordability makes it accessible for families looking to enjoy a day of thrilling aviation displays.
As the air show approaches, the weather for the Memorial Day weekend is becoming a topic of interest, especially as it marks the unofficial start of summer. Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in May, will fall on May 26, 2025, this year. The long weekend will stretch from Saturday, May 24, to Monday, May 26, providing ample opportunity for outdoor gatherings and beach trips.
Memorial Day has a rich history, originating after the Civil War to honor fallen soldiers. It was officially designated as May 30 by General John Logan in 1868, and in 1971, Congress declared it a national holiday, shifting the observance to the last Monday in May. The day is also known as "Decoration Day," in recognition of the flowers and flags that adorn the graves of military personnel.
Weather forecasts for Memorial Day weekend in New Jersey indicate a mix of warm and cool temperatures. The Farmers' Almanac predicts slightly above-average temperatures, averaging around the mid-60s, with potential scattered thunderstorms. Meanwhile, the Old Farmers' Almanac forecasts a "pleasant, then very breezy" weekend, hoping for rain to hold off until after the holiday.
The National Weather Service is set to release its specific May 2025 forecast on April 17. However, preliminary outlooks suggest that temperatures may lean above average, with a 50/50 chance of rainfall throughout the month.
For those planning to celebrate Memorial Day, it's essential to note that it is one of 11 federal holidays in the U.S. After Memorial Day, the next federal holidays include Juneteenth National Independence Day on June 19, Independence Day on July 4, and Labor Day on September 1. New Jersey also observes a range of state holidays, including Good Friday and Election Day.
As families and friends prepare for the Memorial Day weekend, the combination of the air show and the holiday offers a perfect opportunity for community gatherings and paying tribute to those who served. With the Thunderbirds soaring overhead and the promise of warm weather, this year's festivities at Jones Beach are shaping up to be an unforgettable experience.
