FourLeaf Air Show at Jones Beach moves to July 4 weekend next year to celebrate nation's 250th birthday
The Four Leaf Air Show at Jones Beach in 2025. Credit: Tom Lambui
The Jones Beach FourLeaf Air Show will move from Memorial Day weekend to the Fourth of July weekend next year to honor the nation’s 250th birthday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday.
Jones Beach State Park will host an Independence Day 2026 fireworks show, followed by the air show on Sunday, July 5, and Monday, July 6. The show is moving for just the one year to mark the anniversary, before returning to Memorial Day weekend in 2027.
"To celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, we are excited to hold the FourLeaf Air Show at Jones Beach over Fourth of July Weekend to be part of an amazing semiquincentennial celebration in New York," Hochul said in a statement Thursday. "The air show is a popular summer tradition that millions of New Yorkers and visitors alike have enjoyed throughout its history."
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will headline the air show, which traditionally also includes performers from each branch of armed forces on Memorial Day weekend, including the U.S. Army Golden Knights paratroopers and stunt pilots. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headlined this year’s show and generally return every other year.
State park officials said they are making plans for additional celebrations during Memorial Day weekend to recognize fallen veterans.
"What better way to celebrate the semiquincentennial in 2026 than with a great summer tradition on Long Island, moved to the Fourth of July Weekend time period," said Randy Simons, interim state parks commissioner. "Jones Beach State Park is a major recreational facility and the perfect location to spend this semiquincentennial celebration and enjoy all year-round with family and friends."
This year’s air show drew more than 300,000 visitors to Jones Beach, despite brief interruptions due to cloud cover. State park officials said the show generated $35.8 million in potential economic revenue for businesses and tourism.
"This is a once-in-a-generation milestone, and we are proud to showcase the spirit of freedom, innovation, and community that the air show embodies," FourLeaf Federal Credit Union president Linda Armyn said in a statement. "It will be an unforgettable weekend of awe-inspiring aviation and patriotic pride, as we honor our nation's legacy and future."
John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.
'Tis the season for the NewsdayTV Holiday Show! The NewsdayTV team looks at the most wonderful time of the year and the traditions that make it special on LI.
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