What to know about the this year’s Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach
The Bethpage Air Show, New York’s long-running air show that has attracted millions of spectators to Long Island every Memorial Day Weekend for the past two decades is back.
On Saturday and Sunday, a free display of jaw-dropping aerial excellence will once again delight flight enthusiasts taking part in the traditional summer kick-off event.
And this year, to celebrate its 20th annual edition, the Bethpage Air Show is bringing back a crowd favorite: The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels. The elite flight demonstration squadron’s headline appearance will mark the team’s10th performance at the show.
Here’s what else you need to know:
Hours, price, directions
Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Jones Beach State Park (1 Ocean Pkwy in Wantagh, N.Y.) The Blue Angels are scheduled to perform at 2 p.m. each day.
Admission to the event is free, though parking is $10. Arriving early is recommended. Organizers say it is not uncommon for all parking spaces to be taken by 8 a.m. Last year, 159,000 spectators watched the show on Saturday, while 192,000 showed up on Sunday.
The show can also be viewed from the ocean or Zach’s Bay. However, the Coast Guard will enforce a “no entry zone” for boaters off of Jone Beach State Park during the show to ensure the safety and security of the event.
A limited number of VIP Chalets are also available for a fee.
Performers
Besides headliners Blue Angels, 10 other groups will keep the crowds entertained with heart-stopping military tactical demonstrations and civilian performances.
They include the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, making its 17th Bethpage performance; the U.S. Navy F-35C Demonstration Team; the American Airpower Museum Warbirds; the SUNY Farmingdale State College Flying Rams, flying 22 of their college-owned aircraft; and the 106th Air National Guard Rescue Wing, perhaps best known for a mission during a 1991 storm made famous by the movie “The Perfect Storm.”
Also highlighted are Jessy Panzer, a widely-known female aerobatic pilot; Long Island’s own David Windmiller; Mike Goulian, North America’s most decorated aerobatic pilot; and the world-famous Skytypers, a flight squadron of five vintage WWII aircraft.
What to bring, what to leave home
The weekend ahead, with temperatures in the 70s, and the possibility of some rain on Sunday afternoon, means sunscreen and hats are a must. Bags and coolers are OK, but organizers say they will be searched.
Those who wish to watch the show comfortably seated should bring a foldable chair, as there’ll be no bleachers or seating of any kind.
Kites will not be allowed. Pets are only welcome if they are service animals.
More information can be found in the Bethpage Air Show mobile app, available for download on the App Store and on Google Play
