Memorial Day Weekend 2014: Celebrate with Fireworks, Parades, BBQs & Lots of Family Fun!

LongIsland.com

Looking for all of the best fun happening this Memorial Day Weekend? Check out this Great Guide, packed all sorts of Holiday Fun!

Print Email

Looking for the 2015 Memorial Day Weekend Fun Guide? Click Here!

For many, the three day weekend marks the unofficial start to Summer - the holiday falls on the last Monday of May, and you can really start to feel summer in the air! This year, there will be firework shows, parades, barbecues, and celebrations happening all weekend long across the Island, and if you haven’t yet set in stone how you’ll be celebrating, not to worry! We’ve got a great guide put together for you filled with all of the holiday fun that you’re looking for, from laid back ways to enjoy the weekend, to high octane summer fun.

Memorial Day is a US Federal Holiday honoring the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who gave their lives to protect our country, and the American way of life. This year, Long Islanders will be hosting a variety of celebrations and events in their honor - from the Annual Jones Beach Air Show (with the Blue Angels back in attendance this year!), to Memorial Day Parades, Firework Displays, and so much more. No matter where you are this Memorial Day weekend, while you're enjoying the celebrations and having fun, be sure to stop for a moment, and remember what the holiday is all about, and make time to honor those who have given their lives to protect us.

Fireworks & Air Shows
Nothing says Celebration quite like fireworks! This year, there will be plenty of amazing Firework Displays on Long Island, in addition to the Annual Air Show at Jones Beach! If you're looking for something truly spectacular to enjoy this weekend, then we've got you covered - get the scoop on all the biggest Firework Displays & the Air Show right here!

  • 2014 Memorial Day Commemoration and Fireworks
    175 West Shore Rd., Port Washington, 11050
    516-869-6311
    Saturday, May 24th at 6:00 PM

    The town of North Hempstead presents its annual Memorial Day Weekend tribute to those who died serving our country. Live concert features The LP's - playing the music of Chicago, Paul McCartney, Steely Dan, Kansas and other sof the 70's, 80's and 90's. In addition, there will be music by Mack and Soul - the premier variety band playing the popular music of today and yesterday. The festivities will culminate with a spectacular fireworks extravaganza launched from barges in the harbor at dusk.

     
  • Memorial Day Firework Display  FREE
    Greenport High School, 720 Front St., Greenport, NY 11944

    Saturday, May 24th at 10:00 PM
    Join the town of Greenport fora fireworks display on the school grounds this Memorial Day Weekend!  Rain date is May 25th.

     
  • 2014 Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach  FREE
    Jones Beach, 1000 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh, NY 11793
    516-785-1600

    Saturday, May 24th and Sunday, May 25th at 10:00 AM
    Don't miss out on the 2014 Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach held on May 24th & 25th. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will headline the 2014 11th Anniversary show, performing with the United States Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, MV-22 Osprey, Geico Skytypers, U.S. Navy Parachute Team "The Leap Frogs," Miss GEICO Powerboat vs GEICO Skytypers Race, Misty Blus All Women Skydiving Team, and more! Free admission, $10 parking fee per car.

     
  • Memorial Day Weekend Air Show Cruise
    Richmond St., Freeport, NY 11520
    516 521-7744

    Saturday, May 24th and Sunday, May 25th at 1:00 PM
    Don't miss out on the Memorial Day Weekend Airshow Cruise sponsored by Freeport Water Taxi & Tours! Get up close and personal wit the Blue Angels right from our boat, which will be anchored so close that you'll feel like you can touch the jets. Admission: $35 per person

Memorial Day Parades
On Memorial Day, veterans, marching bands, and local supports will be marching down Main Streets across Long Island in honour of the local vets who gave their lives to protect our country. We’ve got the scoop on where you can find all of this year’s parades, so that you can march along, or cheer from the sidelines, and pay your respects to LI’s Veterans.

  • Bay Shore Memorial Day Parade FREE
    Lanier Lane and Main Street, Bay Shore, NY 11706
    631-665-7003

    Monday, May 26th at 10 AM
    Join the residents of Bay Shore in remembering the men and women who fought for our freedom in the Bay Shore Memorial Day Parade.
  • Medford Memorial Day Parade  FREE
    Route 112 & Tremont Avenue, Medford, NY 11763
    631-475-1548

    Monday, May 26th at 10:30 AM
    Don't miss out on the Medford Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 26th. The parade will line up at Tremont Avenue School (Route 112 & Tremont Ave.) at 10:30 AM, with the parade to follow at 11:00 AM sharp!
  • 4th Annual Montauk Memorial Weekend Parade  FREE
    Kirk Beach - Off Route 27
    631-668-9825

    Monday, May 26th 12 PM - 2 PM
    Montauk's Veterans and service club members march down main street starting at Noon in honor of the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The march will start at Kirk Park and move east through town, ending on the Village Green, Entertainment and Presentations.
  • Kings Park Memorial Day Parade FREE
    RJO School - Old Dock Road & Church Street, Kings Park, NY 11754
    631-269-4140

    Monday, May 26th at 9 AM
    The 2014 Kings Park Memorial Day Parade will be held on May 26th at 9 AM. The parade will start at Kings Park RJO School and will head down Main Street. Come out & show your support!
  • Southampton Memorial Day Parade FREE
    Presbyterian Church, 23 Main Street, Southampton, NY 11968
    631-283-0247

    Monday, May 26th at 10:45 AM
    Join the Town of Southampton for their Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 26th at 10:45 AM. The parade will start at the Presbyterian Church on Main St. and will continue down Jobs Lane to Agawam Park. There will be a Memorial Service at 11 AM following the parade. Refreshments will be served at Veteran's Memorial Hall.
  • West Babylon Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony  FREE
    Arnold Ave. and Route 109, West Babylon, NY 11704
    631-669-3931

    Monday, May 26th at 10:00 AM
    Assembling will take place at Arnold Ave. and Route 109 at 9:30 AM and the parade will commence at 10 AM and proceed to the American Legion Post 1634. Refreshments will be served following the ceremony.
  • Montauk Memorial Day Parade FREE
    Kirk Park Parking Lot, Montauk, NY 11954
    631-668-2428

    Sunday, May 25th at 12:00 PM
    Parade will begin at the Kirk Park parking lot and will proceed down East Main Street, ending at the Village Green. Starts at noon.
  • Copiague Memorial Day Parade  FREE
    Dixon Ave. and Great Neck Rd. Copiague, NY 11726
    631-671-3630

    Monday, May 26th at 10:00 AM
    Copiague Memorial Day Parade will be held on May 26th at 10 AM! The parade will begin at Dixon Ave. and Great Neck Rd. and will proceed south on Great Neck Rd.
  • Memorial Day Services and Parade  FREE
    American Legion Post 144, Williston Park, NY 11596
    516-746-9310

    Monday, May 26th at 9:00 AM
    Enjoy Memorial Day Services and Parade at the American Legion Post 144 in Williston Park. Parade will follow the service and will take place through the village.
  • Parade of American Flags and Guided Tours  FREE
    633 Mount Sinai Coram Rd. Mount Sinai, NY 11766
    631-509-0882

    Monday, May 26th at 10:00 AM
    Event will feature 100 local, state, territory, Armed Forces and Old Glory flags on display! A parade scavenger hunt will take place and help you discover the symbols and representations in the parade. Rain will cancel.
  • Wantagh Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony  FREE
    Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, NY 11793
    516-785-9497

    Monday, May 26th at 10:00 AM
    Assembly for the parade will begin at 9:30 AM on Beltagh Ave. by the Wantagh Middle School. Parade will start at 10 AM and will proceed south on Wantagh Ave., turning east on Park Ave. and ending at the American Legion Post located at 3484 Park Ave. Ceremony will start right after the conclusion of the parade and will include a presentation of remembrance.
  • Baldwin Memorial Day Parade  FREE
    Baldwin, NY, 11510
    516-867-9873

    Monday, May 26th at 10:00 AM
    Parade will assemble at 9:30 AM and will step off at 10 AM. Formation points will be the old Key Food shopping center or the Town of Hempstead Credit Union parking area for Divisions 2, 3, 4 & 5. The fire department will assemble on School Drive. Memorial Day services will take place at the Baldwin Veterans Memorial Plaza at Silver Lake Park at 11:00 AM.
  • Levittown Memorial Day Parade  FREE
    Island Trees Middle School, 45 Wantagh Ave., Levittown, NY, 11756

    Monday, May 26th at 10:00 AM
    Don't miss out on the Levittown Memorial Day Parade held on May 26th at 10 AM sharp! The parade will start at Island Trees Middle School on Wantagh Ave. and will continue west on Hempstead Tpke through Levittown until Shelter Lane (about a 1/2 mile from the Wantagh Parkway) where it will end at the Levittown Library.
  • Merrick’s Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony 2014  FREE
    Merrick Ave. and Veterans Plaza, Merrick, NY 11566

    Monday, May 26th at 9:30 AM
    Don't miss out on Merrick's Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony 2014 on Monday, May 26th. The parade will start at 9:30 AM and the ceremony will be held at 10:45 AM at the Merrick's Veteran Memorial Park. Post members are asked to form at Merrick Ave. and Veterans Plaza at 8:45 AM. Chair of this event is post member Craig J. Laliberte and co-chairing the event will be post member Russel J. Laliberte.
  • Yaphank Memorial Day Parade  FREE
    Yaphank Avenue along Main St. to Everett Drive, Yaphank, NY 11980

    Sunday, May 25th at 12:00 PM
    Come on down to the Yaphank Memorial Day Parade on May 25th at Noon. The parade will begin at Yaphank Avenue along Main Street to Everett Drive, finishing at Yaphank Fire Department.
  • Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade FREE
    Greenwich Street, Hempstead, NY, 11550

    Sunday, May 25th at 12:30 PM
    Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade will take place at the cemetery on Greenwich Street. The parade will begin at 12:30 PM at Hempstead Legion Square, Greenwich Street and Marvin Avenue, to cemetery on Greenwich Street. Event is sponsored by the village.
  • Memorial Day Parade & Service  FREE
    Corner of Middle Country Rd. & Henry Rd., Centereach, NY 11720

    Sunday, May 25th at 1:00 PM
    Parade will begin at the corner of Middle Country Road and Henry Road and will end at VFW Hall Post 4927 on Horseblock Road. Memorial service at the end of the parade.
  • Farmingdale Memorial Day Parade & Service  FREE
    2040 Wellwood Ave., Farmingdale, NY 11735

    Sunday, May 25th at 1:30 PM
    Assembly will take place at 1:30 PM, followed by a service at 2:00 PM. Bring your colors and join in on the parade!

     
  • Patchogue Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony FREE
    Intersection of Route 112 and E. Main St., Patchogue, NY 11772
    Monday, May 26th at 11:00 AM

    Don't miss out on the Patchogue Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony on Monday, May 26th! Parade will start from the intersection of Route 112 and East Main Street, continues west on Main Street to Ocean Avenue, then heads south on South Ocean Avenue, ending in front of the American Legion Hall at South Ocean Avenue and Division Street. Immediately following the Parade will be what is always a stirring and moving ceremony.

Festivals & Fairs
Throughout the weekend and on Memorial Day, there will be lots of great festivals & fairs happening in both Nassau & Suffolk - what fun! From carnival rides and savory snacks, to handmade artisan crafts, there's sure to be plenty of fun for everyone this year!

  • Bellmore Spring Festival FREE
    Bellmore Railroad Station, Sunrise Highway, Bellmore, NY 11710
    631-724-5966

    Friday, May 24th through Monday, May 26th at 11:00 AM
    This event will take place in the Bellmore Railroad Station lot on Sunrise Highway.  It will feature a wide array of handmade crafts and gift items, businesses and services, and food.  It's sponsored by Temple Beth-el of Bellmore (Sunday and Monday).
  • Long Island Mozard Festival 2014
    Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Gardens, Westbury, NY 11568

    Thursday, May 23rd through Sunday, May 25th
    Opening night will be on May 23rd from 6-8 PM in The Red Ballroom. The event will feature hors d'oeuvres and a wine reception at 6 PM followed by a concert featuring Philip Edward Fisher, All Mozart Recital at 7 PM. Mozart Festival Chamber Orchestra Concert at 2 PM & 4 PM on May 24th and Mozart Festival Chamber Orchestra Concert at 2 PM & 4 PM on May 25th.
  • Brookhaven Fair at Bald Hill Pennysaver Amphitheater
    55 South Bicycle Path, Farmingville, NY 11738

    Saturday, May 24th & Sunday, May 25th
    Brookhaven Fair will be open on weekends and Memorial Day from May 24th through June 1st. Enjoy entertainment, food, rides, games, fireworks and other attractions for the entire family! Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays & Memorial Day. Opening Night is May 9th, 2014.

Even More Great Events
Not in the mood for a carnival or fireworks? Not to worry! There's lots of other great events happening all throughout the weekend! From charity events & benefits, to low key fun for the whole family, there's more than just Memorial Day Celebrations happening here on Long Island.

 

  • Kites for a Cure
    Coopers Beach, 268 Meadow Lane, Southampton, NY 11968
    212-627-5500

    Saturday, May 24th at 4:00 PM
    Join the Hamptons/Long Island community on Memorial Day Weekend to help fight against Lung Cancer at Kites for a Cure! Don't miss out on this great fundraiser that will take place on Southampton's Coopers Beach. Event will be from 4-6 PM on May 24th. $30 general admission.
  • Memorial Day Weekend Bug Lighthouse Excursion
    3rd Street and Wiggins Street, Greenport, NY 11944
    631-447-2100

    Saturday, May 24th and Sunday, May 25th at 4:00 PM
    Memorial Day Weekend Bug Lighthouse Excursion at the East End Seaport Museum. Enjoy a 25 minute boat ride to debark at offshore "Bug" Light for a guided visit, lighthouse stories, an exhibit and photo ops!
  • Freestyle Memorial Bash
    The Metropolitan Club, 3 Pratt Boulevard, Glen Cove, NY 11542
    516-434-8207

    Friday, May 23rd at 8:00 PM
    Freestlye Memorial Bash at The Metropolitan in Glen Cove. Enjoy live performances by TKA, Lydia Lee Love and Boriqua Posse. Admission: $25 in advance, $30 at the door.
  • Memorial Day Ceremony  FREE
    Islandia Veterans Memorial Triangle, Islandia, NY, 11749

    631-348-1133
    Join us as we honor our heroes at a Memorial Day Ceremony at the Veteran's Memorial Triangle located at the intersection of Old Nichols Rd. and Johnson Ave.
  • United Veteran Organization Memorial Day Ceremony FREE
    Eisenhower Park, Field 6, East Meadow, NY 11554
    516-343-0106

    Sunday, May 25th at 10:00 AM
    United Veteran Organization Memorial Day Ceremony will be held Sunday, May 25th at Eisenhower Park's Veteran Plaza Field 6. Join us as we support our heroes. Following services there will be an Airforce Monument Dedication.
  • Greenfest 2014 FREE
    Kennedy Plaza, 1 West Chester St., Long Beach, NY 11561
    516-897-2700

    Saturday, May 24th at 10:00 AM
    All Vendors/Crafts selling Green, Health and Fitness, Ecological and Environmental Products, Cooking Demos & Live Bands.
  • Arts in the Plaza  FREE
    Kennedy Plaza, 1 West Chester St., Long Beach, NY 11561
    516-476-2473

    Saturday, May 24th at 10:00 AM
    Arts In The Plaza is a weekly outdoor venue showcasing locally handcrafted (not manufactured) art, musical performances and cultural arts for the enrichment and enjoyment of the community.
  • 7 in Heaven’s Annual Memorial Day Singles BBQ in the Park
    Belmont Lake State Park, 625 Belmont Ave, West Babylon, NY, 11703
    631-592-9804

    Sunday, May 25th at 1:00 PM
    The town of North Hempstead presents its annual Memorial Day Weekend tribute to those who died serving our country. Live concert features The LP's - playing the music of Chicago, Paul McCartney, Steely Dan, Kansas and other sof the 70's, 80's and 90's. In addition, there will be music by Mack and Soul - the premier variety band playing the popular music of today and yesterday. The festivities will culminate with a spectacular fireworks extravaganza launched from barges in the harbor at dusk.
  • Montauk Art Show FREE
    Montauk Green, 742 Montauk Hwy., Montauk, NY 11954

    Friday, May 23rd through Sunday, May 25th (Daily)
    Don't miss out on the Montauk Art Show held on the Montauk Green Memorial Day Weekend! Event will be juried and will feature fine art ceramics, limited jewelry, outdoor garden and table top sculpture, photographs, paintings, prints and drawings! All are welcome - free admission!
  • Cpl. Christopher G. Scherer Memorial “I Did the Grid” Event
    Pulaski Road School, 623 9th Ave., East Northport, NY 11731
    631-754-9359

    Saturday, May 24th at 8:00 AM
    Don't miss out on the Cpl. Christopher G. Scherer Memorial "I Did the Grid" Event where participants can take place in a 4-mile race, a 1-mile fun run or a 4-mile recreational run-walk!
  • Southampton Artists Association: Memorial Day Member Show FREE
    Southampton Cultural Center, 25 Pond Lane, Southampton, NY 11968
    631-287-4377

    Wednesday, May 21st through Tuesday, June 1st (Reception on 25th)
    Come on down to the Southampton Cultural Center for the Southampton Artists Association: Memorial Day Member Show! Event will feature a show and sale of paintings, sculptures, photography and drawings by local artists. Reception will be held on May 25th from 4-6 PM.
  • Memorial Day Wreath Ceremony  FREE
    Huntington Town Hall, 100 Main Street, Huntington NY, 11725

    Sunday, May 25th at 9:30 AM
    Join the Rown of Huntington on the front lawn of the town hall for the at war memorials where wreaths will be placed at the World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam and Wimen's Veteran Monuments. There will also be a special tribute to remember Michael J. Colamonico, a World War II ex-prisoner of war.
  • Memorial Day Service FREE
    Crowley Memorial Park, Old Town Rd. & Greenhaven Blvd., South Setauket, NY 11720

    Sunday, May 25th at 9:00 AM
    Memorial Day Service Crowley Memorial Park, Old Town Road and Greenhaven Boulevard in South Setauket. Event is sponsored by American Legion Post 432; service to follow at American Legion Post 432.

Fun You Can Enjoy All Weekend Long!
Can't make it to any of the events this weekend? Not to worry - we've got you covered with lots of great ways to enjoy Memorial Day Weekend at home, and around Long Island! From a relaxing round of golf, to enjoying a BBQ at home with the kids, there are plenty of great ways to kick back & relax, and enjoy the three day weekend!

  • Head Down to One of LI’s Beautiful Beaches
    As you already know, Long Island is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches - why not take advantage of the great local scenery this holiday? If you’ve got an Empire Passport, then you’re already good to go when it comes to visiting State Parks & Beaches, or, you can head over to one of your town’s local beaches for a more low key afternoon!
  • Enjoy a Relaxing Picnic in the Park
    Nothing says relaxation quite like enjoying a picnic in the park! Lots of Long Island's parks include Picnic Areas with benches & tables, and some even include BBQ Grills and Firepits! No matter where you decide to lay your pincic blanket out this weekend, we've got the recipes & picnic ideas that will make your meal perfect!
  • Hit the Green for a Round of Golf
    Grab your golf bag and go hit the green! This weekend’s warm weather is perfect for enjoying a game of golf, and right here on Long Island, we’ve got some great golf courses that are open to the public! Already know when you want to go? Click here to see what courses have tee times available, and make your reservations today!
  • Go Kayaking or Canoeing
    Looking for a way to relax and enjoy nature? Head over to one of LI's kayak & canoe rental shops, and get everything you'll need to enjoy an easy trip down the Nissequogue, or one of LI's other beautiful rivers!
  • Host a BBQ at Home!
    Indulge in one of the most popular Memorial Day traditions this year - host a barbecue for friends and family in the backyard!


How will you be spending Memorial Day Weekend this year?
Let us know in the comments below!

 

Photos