LongIsland.com's 2016 Memorial Day Weekend Guide: Honoring LI's Heroes with Memorial Celebrations, an Afternoon at the Air Show & More!

LongIsland.com

From parades to historical celebrations, Long Island is looking at a Memorial Day Weekend packed with fun and entertainment for all ages!

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Planes engaging in deft defying stunts during the Jones Beach Air Show!

Photo by: Photo by Bridgette Kistinger

Originally known as Decoration Day and celebrated in the years after the Civil War, Memorial Day has gone through various alterations and taken on new meanings over the past 140+ years. The core sentiments of the holiday, however, have always remained the same; respecting and honoring those who have served.

Thankfully, we have come a long way since the holiday’s roots within a divided nation. Today, the fireworks displays, barbeques, parades, and festivals are all energetic celebrations that we are able to share as a collective nation. Memorial Day may only be on Monday, May 30th, but the festivities are spread across the entire weekend, giving Long Islanders plenty of options for family fun! Regardless of whether you’re heading to Jones Beach for the Air Show or staying in your town for a local celebration, remember to take a brief break from the entertainment to pay tribute to our nation’s heroes.

Mario Cantone & Jerry Dixon at Bay Street Theater
Bay Street and Main Street, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
631-725-9500
Saturday, May 28th, 8 PM
$69 - $125

Director Jerry Dixon and actor Mario Cantone are teaming up for a night of storytelling and belly laughs as they present they bring their performing talents for an all-encompassing entertainment show!

Hempstead's Memorial Day Parade 2016 - FREE!
Greenwich Street, Hempstead, NY 11550
516-489-3400
Sunday, May 29th, 2 PM - 3:15 PM
Free Event

Long Island's oldest parade returns for its 130th year in Hempstead! Veterans, police, firemen, and politicians will all be marching from the American Legion Hall to the Civil War Monument to honor those that have served.

NY AutoFest at The Westbury Market Fair
960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury, NY 11590
516-882-5022
Saturday, May 28th, 8 AM - 4 PM
$5 General Admission / Free For Kids Under 12

Featuring one of the most extenstive and diverse selections of cars on Long Island, the NY Autofest combines a fully judged show with the gigantic Westbury Market Fair's flea market.

Memorial Day Billy Joel Brunch at Parlay
210 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
516-659-5900
Monday, May 30th, 11 AM - 3 PM
See Event Listing For Pricing

Parlay Gastropub will be celebrating Memorial Day with live music by Henry Haid, who will be playing the best of Billy Joel while you enjoy a delicious brunch!


Southampton Artists Association Memorial Day Show - FREE!
25 Pond Lane, Southampton, NY 11968
631-283-7432
Wednesday, May 25th through Sunday, June 5th
Free Event

Southampton Artists Association will be holding an art show that covers everything from oils and acrylics, to sculptures and photography. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, May 28th.

Huntington YMCA's Memorial Day Weekend Carnival - FREE!
60 Main Street, Huntington, NY 11743
855-296-2254
Thursday, May 26th through Monday. May 30th
Free Event

The 24th iteration of Huntington YMCA's carnival will feature a plethora of live entertainment, rides, games, and tasty treats from vendors.

Kick-Off Memorial Day Weekend at VIEW
3 Consuelo Place, Oakdale, NY 11769
631-589-2694
Thursday, May 26th through Sunday, May 29th
See Event Listing For Pricing

VIEW will be celebrating Memorial Day weekend with four consecutive nights of live music performed by Fine Wine Band, DJ Mike, Henry Raid, and Eirk McCormack.

Memorial Day Family Carnival at Eisenhower Park - FREE!
1899 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, NY 11554
631-682-9103
Friday, May 27th through Monday, May 30th
Free Event

With tons of carnival rides, 30+ local bands, and enough entertainment for kids and adults alike, Eisenhower Park's Memorial Day celebration is set to be packed with fun!

8th Annual Memorial Day Weekend on the Montauk Green Art Show - FREE!
742 Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954
631-668-5336
Friday, May 27th through Sunday, May 29th, 10 AM - 6 PM
Free Event

Montauk VIllage Green will be turned into an outdoor gallery where visitors will be able to view work and meet the artists in person.

Runday 2016 - CN Guidance’s Annual 5K, 10K & 1/2 Mile Run
950 South Oyster Bay Road, Hicksville, NY 11801
516-822-6111, ext. 1253
Saturday, May 28th, 8 AM
See Event Listing For Pricing

CN Guidance & Counseling Services will be holding a variety of running races in an effort to raise money for those affected by mental health and addiction disorders. So grab your running shoes and take strides for a great cause!

Bellmore's Memorial Day Weekend Festival - FREE!
Bellmore Train Station (Sunrise Highway), Bellmore, NY 11710
201-737-9000
Saturday, May 28th through Monday, May 30th, 11 AM - 6 PM
Free Event

With plenty of entertainment for everybody and three full days of fun, Bellmore's Festival is set to be one of the most exciting events across Long Island this Memorial Day Weekend!

East End Seaport Museum's Bug Lighthouse Tours Opening Weekend
3rd Street and Wiggins Street, Greenport, NY 11944
631-477-2100
Saturday, May 28th, 4 PM
$20 - $35 Per Person

With the first lighthouse tour of the season, East End Seaport Museum is inviting visitors for a 2 hour narrated tour of Bug Light and boat tour in the surrounding waters.

Memorial Day Fireworks at North Hempstead Beach Park - FREE!
West Shore Road, Port Washington, NY 11050
516-869-6311
Saturday, May 28th, 6 PM
Free Event

With fireworks, a commemoration ceremony, and live music by Unforgettable Fire and FiveStone, North Hempstead Beach Park will provide an energetic Memorial Day celebration for all ages.

2016 Jones Beach Air Show - Featuring U.S. Navy Blue Angels
Ocean Parkway, Wantagh, NY 11793
866-558-8468
Saturday, May 28th through Sunday, May 29th
Free Admission ($10 Parking)

The Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach is one of the most renowned events that takes place each year on Long Island! Thousands upon thousands of spectators are drawn to Jones Beach each year to witness the aviation spectacle, which features the United States Navy Blue Angels, Golden Knights, and more!

Memorial Day Weekend 2016 at the American Airpower Museum
1230 New Highway, Farmingdale, NY 11735
631-293-6398
Saturday, May 28th through Monday, May 30th, 10 AM - 5 PM
$8 - $15 Per Person

The airplanes used at the Jones Beach Air Show will be on display at the take-off ramps, allowing you to see them up close before they aim for the skies!

Decoration Day at at Old Bethpage Village Restoration
1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage, NY 11804
516-572-8400
Saturday, May 28th and Sunday, May 29th
Adults $10 / Kids $7

Old Bethpage Village Restoration will be transporting you back to the 1870s for an informative and interactive Memorial Day experience that will give you an entirely new perspective on the holiday.

Riverhead's 20th Annual Community Mosaic Street Painting Festival - FREE!
Between Roanoke Avenue and East Avenue, Riverhead, NY 11901
631-727-0900
Sunday, May 29th, 12 PM - 5 PM
Free Event

Artists, musicians, and art lovers of all types will participate in a massive street chalk art project. The festival will also have a craft fair, live music, plenty of food, and activities for all ages.

7-in heaven BBQ at Belmont State Park
625 Belmont Avenue, Babylon, NY 11703
631-592-9804
Sunday, May 29th, 1 PM - 6 PM
$25 Per Person

This annual summer barbeque is regularly attended by over 150 singles who meet to mingle, play great lawn games, and have a great time in the sun!

Valley Stream's Memorial Day Parade 2016 - FREE!
Village of Valley Stream, NY 11580
516-825-4200
Monday, May 30th, 9 AM
Free Event

Valley Stream's Annual Memorial Day Parade weaves through the town and ends at the Veteran's Memorial at Hicks Street for a special tribute ceremony.

Merrick's Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony - FREE!
Intersection of Merrick Ave. & Sunrise Highway, Merrick, NY 11566
516-521-6989
Monday, May 30th, 9:30 AM
Free Event

Starting at Broadcast Plaza, the parade will head to Veterans Memorial Park for a dedication ceremony in honor of our veterans.

Great Neck's 2016 Memorial Day Parade - FREE!
Susquehanna Avenue & Middle Neck Road, Great Neck, NY 11021
516-482-4500
Monday, May 30th, 9:30 AM
Free Event

All are invited to attend Great Neck's Memorial Day Parade, which will head from Susquehanna Avenue to the Village Green.

Port Washington's Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony - FREE!
Main Street & Port Washington Boulevard, Port Washington, NY 11050
516-883-6566
Monday, May 30th, 10 AM
Free Event

Beginning at Post Washington Boulevard, the parade will head down Main Street and finish at Sunset Park with a special ceremony.

Long Beach Memorial Day Parade - FREE!
Ohio Avenue and West Beech Street, Long Beach, NY 11561
516-431-1000
Minday, May 30th, 10 AM
Free Event

Featuring the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, officials will walk through the streets of Long Beach to honor our past and present troops.

Amityville's Memorial Day Ceremony & Parade - FREE!
Amityville Village Triangle (Broadway), Amityville, NY 11701
631-264-6000
Monday, May 30th at 10 AM
Free Event

The parade will proceed north on Broadway with a stop at the Amityville Cemetery where a short ceremony will take place. This year’s parade is sponsored by the local chapter of the Sgt. John J. Kreyer VFW post 7223.

Memorial Day Celebration & Open House at Raynham Hall Museum - FREE!
20 West Main Street, Oyster Bay, NY 11771
516-922-6808
Monday, May 30th, 12 PM - 4 PM
Free Event

Raynham Hall will be having an open house event on its property with music, old-fashioned games, and delicious treats for kids and adults alike!

Bayville's Memorial Day Parade - FREE!
34 School Street, Bayville, NY 11709
Monday, May 30th, 12:30 PM
Free Event
Beginning at Village Hall and heading to Soundside Beach, American Legion Post #1285's parade will be featuring different groups and individuals all marching to commemorate the holiday.

Which Memorial Day Events Will You Be Attending This Year?
Let Us Know in the Comments Below!

 

 

Photos

  • The legendary Blue Angels in action above Jones Beach! Photo by: Photo by Tom Lomino

  • A decorated memorial outside of Kings Park Library.