Wantagh NY
7-02-2026 11:47am

## **Long Island Daily News — Extended Weekend Feature** **By the Editorial Desk** ### **FourLeaf Air Show Set to Dominate the Skies Over Jones Beach This Weekend** Jones Beach, NY — Long Island is gearing up for one of its biggest summer weekends as

Long Island Daily News — Extended Weekend Feature

By the Editorial Desk

FourLeaf Air Show Set to Dominate the Skies Over Jones Beach This Weekend

Jones Beach, NY — Long Island is gearing up for one of its biggest summer weekends as the FourLeaf Air Show makes its highly anticipated return to Jones Beach. For aviation fans, families, and longtime beachgoers, the event is more than a spectacle — it’s a tradition woven into the fabric of summer on the South Shore. And this year, organizers say the show is expanding, modernizing, and aiming to deliver its most ambitious program yet.

With crowds expected to stretch from Field 4 all the way to the West End, the air show is poised to transform the shoreline into a massive open‑air arena where the Atlantic becomes the backdrop for roaring engines, precision flying, and patriotic displays.

A Show Designed to Thrill

The FourLeaf Air Show has built its reputation on variety — mixing high‑speed military demonstrations with the artistry of stunt pilots and the nostalgia of historic aircraft. This year’s lineup includes:

  • Elite stunt teams performing corkscrews, dives, and tight formation rolls
  • Military jets showcasing tactical maneuvers and high‑altitude passes
  • Vintage aircraft restored to pristine condition, offering a glimpse into aviation history
  • Search‑and‑rescue helicopter demonstrations highlighting real‑world emergency techniques
  • Professional parachute teams landing with pinpoint accuracy on the sand

Each segment is choreographed to keep the crowd engaged, with performances running continuously from late morning into early afternoon.

Crowds, Traffic, and the Annual Pilgrimage to the Shore

The air show is one of the few events on Long Island that reliably draws tens of thousands of people in a single weekend. For many families, attending is a ritual — packing coolers, staking out a spot on the sand, and settling in for a day of sun and spectacle.

But with popularity comes congestion.

The Wantagh and Meadowbrook Parkways traditionally back up early, sometimes before 8:30 a.m. Parking lots at Jones Beach fill quickly, especially near Field 4, the prime viewing area. State Park Police will be directing traffic, but delays are unavoidable.

Visitors should plan for:

  • Early arrival — ideally before 9 a.m.
  • Long waits when exiting the beach after the show
  • Full parking lots by mid‑morning
  • Heavy foot traffic along the boardwalk and shoreline

Despite the crowds, the atmosphere is unmistakably festive — a blend of beach day energy and aviation excitement that feels uniquely Long Island.

Safety Measures on Land, Sea, and Sky

With aircraft flying low over the shoreline and thousands of spectators lining the beach, safety is a top priority. Officials will deploy expanded staffing from:

  • State Park Police
  • Lifeguard units
  • Emergency medical teams
  • Coast Guard patrols

Swimming may be temporarily restricted during certain demonstrations, and drones are strictly prohibited anywhere near the airspace. Boat owners watching offshore must follow Coast Guard distance rules to avoid interfering with flight paths.

The show’s organizers emphasize that while the event is thrilling, it is also tightly controlled, with every maneuver planned and monitored.

Preparing for the Elements

The air show is a full‑sun event with limited shade, and temperatures are expected to climb throughout the weekend. Visitors should bring:

  • Sunscreen and hats
  • Plenty of water
  • Snacks or lunch
  • Beach blankets or chairs
  • Ear protection for children — jet engines can be startlingly loud

The combination of heat, crowds, and noise can be overwhelming for young kids, so families are encouraged to plan ahead.

A Tradition That Defines Long Island Summers

For decades, the FourLeaf Air Show has been a centerpiece of Long Island’s summer season. It’s the kind of event that draws generations — grandparents who remember the earliest shows, parents who grew up watching jets streak across the sky, and children experiencing the thrill for the first time.

The blend of beach weather, patriotic displays, and high‑energy stunts creates an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and electric. It’s a reminder of how the shoreline brings the community together, offering a shared experience that’s as much about Long Island identity as it is about aviation.

This weekend, Jones Beach will once again become the island’s largest outdoor stage — a place where the ocean meets the sky, where engines roar over the surf, and where summer truly begins.

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