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Around Town: Memorial Day Air Show, Parades, Top Gun Screening, Open Beaches & more
May 21, 2025, 12:55.42 pm ET

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Photo: Shutterstock

Sky High at Jones Beach
The 2025 FourLeaf Air Show returns to Jones Beach this Memorial Day Weekend, May 24–25, from 10 AM to 3 PM daily. Expect high-octane thrills from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Long Island’s own David Windmiller, and the Marines’ F-35B Demo Team. Warbird Thunder will also roar across the sky in vintage formation. Arrive early—this one draws a crowd.

Memorial Day Ceremony at the Intrepid Museum
On Monday, May 26, from 10–11 AM, honor our nation’s heroes aboard the Intrepid Museum. The event includes speeches by civic and military leaders, a wreath-laying, a 100-foot flag unfurling by veterans, and a flyover by Navy fighter jets. Free with admission; arrive early for prime viewing.

Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade
The 158th annual Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade steps off at 11 AM on May 26 at 3rd Ave and 78th Street. Led by Grand Marshal Major General Kris A. Belanger, the procession will end at John Paul Jones Park with flag raising, a 21-gun salute, and the playing of Taps. A solemn tradition worth witnessing.

Forest Hills Memorial Day Parade
Queens marks the weekend with its own Memorial Day parade on Sunday, May 25. The route runs along Metropolitan Avenue from 75th Avenue to Trotting Course Lane, with street closures in effect. Expect local groups, marching bands, and a strong community presence.

COMPLETE GUIDE TO NYC FLEET WEEK 2025


Photo: Cititour.com

NYC Beaches Reopen
Get ready to hit the sand—New York City’s 14 miles of beaches officially reopen for swimming on Saturday, May 24, 2025, kicking off Memorial Day Weekend. From Coney Island to Rockaway, all city beaches will remain open through September 7, with lifeguards on duty daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Swimming is only allowed when lifeguards are present and in designated open areas.

Movie Night: Top Gun on the Flight Deck
Start the weekend early at the Intrepid Museum’s free Summer Movie Series on Friday, May 23. Doors open at 7 PM for a sunset screening of Top Gun on the museum’s flight deck. Bring a blanket and your best Maverick swagger—seating is first come, first served.


Photo: Desert 5 Spot

Country Vibes in Williamsburg
Desert 5 Spot is throwing an all-day bash on Sunday, May 26, blending vintage fashion, Americana music, and honky tonk energy. The fun starts at 2 PM with a Trading Post pop-up, followed by live sets, line dancing with Sugarfoot & Spitfire, and a late-night honky tonk performance by Grayson Little. Come for the boots, stay for the rhythm.

Bryant Park’s Musical Chairs Goes Big
Mark your calendars for Monday, June 2 at 6:30 PM as Bryant Park hosts its massive annual game of musical chairs. Hosted by Ophira Eisenberg with beats from DJ Flip Bundlez, the event invites hundreds to compete for a seat in the winner’s circle. Bonus: the first 450 to check in get a limited-edition tee.

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