What’s Happening This Weekend on Long Island? (May 24–25, 2025)

Memorial Day Weekend Guide: Events, Expert Tips & Insider Info

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to summer, and Long Island is rising to the occasion with an outstanding lineup of events. From aviation spectacles and art festivals to carnivals, baby animals, and food fests, this is one of the most event-packed weekends of the season.

Here’s your deep-dive guide to all the top events on May 24–25, 2025, including transportation info, accessibility notes, and tips from locals to help you plan a memorable weekend.

✈️ FourLeaf Air Show at Jones Beach

📍 Location: Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh
📅 Time: Saturday & Sunday, May 24–25 | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
🎟 Admission: Free | Parking: $10 (Fields 4 & 5)

Event Highlights:

  • U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headline the show.

  • Skydiving, rescue simulations, and historic aircraft flyovers.

  • Memorial tributes woven into the programming.

Best For: Aviation enthusiasts, military families, photographers, beachgoers.

Expert Tips:

  • Arrive early (before 9 AM) to avoid long traffic delays and secure a front-row beach spot.

  • Bring a cooler with snacks, folding chairs, binoculars, and sunscreen.

  • Consider biking in via the Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway to skip traffic.

Accessibility Info: Wheelchair-accessible paths are available, but beach sand sections may be difficult to navigate. Beach mats available near the boardwalk.


🎨 Mosaic Street Painting Festival – Riverhead

📍 Location: Downtown Riverhead (Main Street & Peconic Riverwalk)
📅 Time: Saturday & Sunday, May 24–25 | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
🎟 Admission: Free

Event Highlights:

  • Artists from across Long Island create chalk murals in real-time.

  • Live jazz and indie bands throughout the day.

  • Local food trucks, family art zones, and vendors.

Best For: Art lovers, families, casual strollers, photographers.

Expert Tips:

  • Park near the Suffolk Theater or East Main St. municipal lots.

  • Bring a portable stool if you want to watch one artist's process over time.

  • Arrive early to watch blank sidewalks transform into masterpieces.

Accessibility Info: Fully walkable with wide sidewalks and accessible restrooms nearby.


🎡 Levittown Carnival

📍 Location: Levittown Center (near Hempstead Turnpike)
📅 Time: Saturday, May 24 | 12:00 PM–11:00 PM
🎟 Admission: Free | Ride wristbands & games additional

Event Highlights:

  • Ferris wheel, bumper cars, classic rides, funnel cakes.

  • Midway games, prize booths, and local food vendors.

  • Live DJ and fireworks at night (weather permitting).

Best For: Families with kids, teens, groups of friends, couples.

Expert Tips:

  • Go between 12–3 PM for shorter lines and wristband discounts.

  • Bring cash—some booths do not accept cards.

  • Use the school parking lot across the street if the center lot fills up.


🎨 Arts in the Plaza – Long Beach

📍 Location: Kennedy Plaza, Long Beach (across from City Hall)
📅 Time: Saturday, May 24 | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
🎟 Admission: Free

Event Highlights:

  • Dozens of Long Island-based artists selling paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and crafts.

  • Live acoustic music and sidewalk chalk for kids.

  • Perfect beach day add-on just a block from the boardwalk.

Best For: Art collectors, beach tourists, weekend wanderers, handmade gift hunters.

Expert Tips:

  • Park in nearby metered lots or take the LIRR to Long Beach Station (5-min walk).

  • Combine with brunch at Lost & Found or coffee from Gentle Brew Café.

Accessibility Info: Flat open plaza with paved walkways and beach access elevators nearby.


🐐 Harbes Baby Animal Festival – Mattituck

📍 Location: Harbes Family Farm, 715 Sound Ave, Mattituck
📅 Time: Saturday, May 24 | 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
🎟 Admission: $25 (includes petting zoo, hayride, games)

Event Highlights:

  • Interact with baby goats, chicks, bunnies, and piglets.

  • Live music, corn hole, obstacle course, and pony rides.

  • Farm stand with cider donuts, kettle corn, and local produce.

Best For: Families with small children, animal lovers, farm market fans.

Expert Tips:

  • Arrive before 11 AM for closer parking and better animal interaction times.

  • Bring hand sanitizer and reusable water bottles.

  • Consider stopping at nearby vineyards or Love Lane for lunch.


🍽 Foodie Fest – Tanger Outlets, Deer Park

📍 Location: Tanger Outlets (West Lot), Deer Park
📅 Time: Saturday, May 24 | 12:00 PM–7:00 PM
🎟 Admission: Free entry | Pay per vendor

Event Highlights:

  • 30+ food trucks: tacos, lobster rolls, Korean BBQ, fried Oreos, and more.

  • Craft beer tent and live DJ.

  • Outlet-wide sales and giveaways.

Best For: Food lovers, group hangouts, shoppers, couples.

Expert Tips:

  • Bring a tote bag for shopping and extra napkins.

  • Try sampler platters to maximize your food tasting without overfilling.

  • Arrive around 2 PM for the full vendor and music vibe.


💦 Splish Splash Water Park Opening Weekend

📍 Location: Splish Splash, 2549 Splish Splash Dr, Riverhead
📅 Time: Saturday–Monday, May 24–26 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
🎟 Admission: $54.99 (online) | $64.99 (gate)

Event Highlights:

  • New attractions debut this season, including Twister Tower and Mini Riptide for younger kids.

  • Lazy river, wave pool, tube slides, and cabana rentals.

  • Food court, locker rentals, and splash zones.

Best For: Families, teens, thrill seekers, water lovers.

Expert Tips:

  • Book in advance and download your ticket to avoid long lines.

  • Water shoes are highly recommended (hot walkways!).

  • Weekends sell out—arrive at 9:30 AM to beat the rush.


🧭 BONUS: Planning Essentials

Weather Forecast: Sunny, mid-70s. Great for outdoor events.
What to Bring: Sunscreen, hats, refillable water bottles, portable chargers.
Transit Options:

  • Use LIRR for events in Long Beach, Wantagh, or Deer Park.

  • Waze and Google Maps show real-time beach traffic—plan ahead!

Safety Reminder: Memorial Day weekend brings larger crowds—watch kids closely and follow event staff directions.


🎇 Closing Thoughts: Memorial Day Vibes in Full Swing

From the roar of Thunderbirds at Jones Beach to chalk art in Riverhead and goat cuddles in Mattituck, Long Island is putting on a show this weekend. Whether you're here for the beach, the bites, or the beauty of local art, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate.

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