Parking will be free at Jones Beach on Memorial Day weekend

Jones Beach will offer free parking and programs over Memorial Day weekend, including a drone show and historic revolutionary reenactors, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced at the Wantagh venue on Wednesday. 

The state park will waive its usual $10 per vehicle parking fee for the holiday weekend to mark Americas' 250th birthday. For the first time in more than 20 years, the Jones Beach FourLeaf Air Show will move from Memorial Day weekend to the Fourth of July weekend. 

Instead of the traditional air show, the park will have a drone show that uses 1,000 drones to create patriotic images over the water. 

On Wednesday, Hochul appeared with parks officials and reenactors dressed as George Washington and William Floyd to announce the free parking and festivities. 

"I think celebrating our history should be available to every New Yorker. I want everybody to come here and enjoy the beaches and these events," Hochul said. "I've always been focused on putting money back into those pockets and finding any way I can save a few dollars here and there for struggling families, especially here on Long Island, which is a rather expensive place to live."

One-third of the Revolutionary War battles occurred on Long Island, Hochul said, ranging from the 1776 Battle of Brooklyn and Washington's Culper Spy Ring that operated from Setauket.

A two-day program at Jones Beach will include live music, a historical village and a drone show on May 23 and 24 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and highlight Long Island’s role in the war, Hochul said on Wednesday at Jones Beach.

Legendary warbirds will do flybys throughout each day beginning at noon, representing more than 80 years of aviation history from the American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport.

On both days, historical reenactors will demonstrate various events in history and illustrate the way of life in 1776. There'll be a reenactment play of New Yorkers who signed the Declaration of Independence, portrayals of the 5th New York Regiment and the African American infantry unit 1st Rhode Island Regiment, and an immersive Shinnecock cultural display showcasing Indigenous traditions.

Reenactors also will portray key historical figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John Adams, Alexander Hamilton and Benjamin Franklin.

Acting state Parks Commissioner Kathy Moser said although there was no estimate for Memorial Day weekend crowds, the air show and fireworks on July 4 could attract up to 200,000 spectators. 

"New York's Revolutionary War history is unmatched, and our state parks are highlighting this milestone with fun, affordable and educational events for visitors of all ages, from the sail force parade of tall ships in New York City to the dramatic reenactments of the Revolutionary War events," Moser said.