Memorial Day 2011: Memorial Day Events on Long Island

So, did you ever think Memorial Day weekend would come? And if it did, did you ever think there wouldn’t be snow on the ground? It was touch and go there for awhile here on Long Island. The snow kept pounding away and the cold weather just wouldn’t let up. When it finally did, the damp weather came in bringing torrential downpours and humidity. But it looks like that’s all over for now, at least for this weekend. It’s Memorial Day weekend 2011 and Long Islanders are recovering from cabin fever the best way we know how…with barbeques, parties, lots of time at the beach and, of course, honoring our vets and military. So, while you’re planning your relaxing weekend in the sun, here are a few events happening around town to keep in mind.

Friday, May 27

Bomber Flights & Air Show
If you’re excited about the air show at Jones Beach this weekend, consider this the VIP pre-party. An extremely rare B-29 Superfortress, B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator and B-25 Mitchell bomber are among the operational WWII aircraft that will be open to the public saluting soldiers and American veterans. They will be joined by period fighters and paratrooper planes along with a column of WWII armor led by a Sherman tank. The only operational B-29 in the world, this aircraft, the B-24 and B-17 will offer flight experiences at donation levels that vary based on the aircraft. FRI 5.27-5.30, American Airpower Museum

A Taste of the East End @ Bistro 72

Sidewalk Sales & Early Bird Shopping @ Tanger Outlets, Riverhead
Three miles of sidewalks paved with savings

Tamara Wallace/Lucas Prata @ Dream

Babylon Arts Festival Opens @ BACCA

Girls, Uninterrupted III @ Governor’s Comedy Club

Superstar Beer Tasting @ Coram Superstar Beverage

Wine Fair @ The Wine Shack

Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes @ Stephen Talkhouse

Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body Opens @ Long Island Children’s Museum

Saturday, May 28

The American Bombshells, Save the Catalina Hangar Party @ The American Airpower Museum
The American Bombshells are a nonprofit entertainment troupe with the mission of lifting the spirits of our troops and our wounded and disabled Veterans. We travel and raise money so that no veteran is left unappreciated for their sacrifices. This exclusive event includes big band music, air show pilot meet and greet, warbird and military aircraft, plus a private sunset warbird flight demonstration.

Armed Forces Helicopter Landing @ Eisenhower Park Kite Field
A helicopter landing in the middle of the park? Yes, please.

Emmylou Harris @ Rockefeller Plaza

New Suffolk Chowder Fest @ New Suffolk Waterfront

Sugar Shack Burlesque @ Stephen Talkhouse

Wine Fair @ The Wine Shack

Sheep to Shawl Festival @ Old Bethpage Village Restoration
Sheep sheering, old-fashioned “Base Ball,” band concerts and Model A Fords. Through 5.29

Montgomery Granger: Saving Grace at Guantanamo Bay @ Book Revue

Splish Splash Opening Day @ Splish Splash Water Park
Yes, this is the summer you were referring to last summer when you confidently said you would go on the Cliff Diver slide next summer. What? It’s only an 8-story, 3-second drop. While you’re trying to gather your courage, check out the brand spankin’ new 4-foot wave pool.

Johnny Flynn & the Sussex Wit @ Bowery Ballroom

One Love @ Crazy Donkey

Summer Pleasures Opens @ Tulla Booth Gallery

The Greater the Risk @ Vibe Lounge

Muttville Comix: A Canine Comedy Show @ Long Island Game Farm

David Johansen @ City Winery

Live Music on the Patio @ Duck Walk Vineyards

Bayside/Silverstein @ Best Buy Theater

Memorial Day Fireworks @ North Hempstead Beach Park

Asteroid Viewing @ Custer Observatory

Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars @ The Bell House

Huge Book Sale @ Shelter Island Public Library

The Rocky Horror Picture Show
This isn’t just a screening of the cult favorite. This show involves audience participation. So bring your props, party with Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Magenta and Riff Raff and this time throwing a buttered slice of bread in the air and doing the Time Warp in the aisles won’t get you kicked out. We promise. SAT 5.28. Also 7.9, 7.29, 8.20; Cinema Arts Centre

Mozart Festival
Mozart’s work is still referred to as “violent,” “sensual” and “voluptuous” today. Not bad for a guy who died 200 hundred years ago, eh? Pre-concert events including children’s activities, tours and lectures pay homage to Mozart’s work in the day and in the evening concerts feature renowned violinist Anna Rabinova and Flutist extraordinaire, Lance Suzuki, and the LI Mozart Festival Chamber Orchestra conducted by Daniel Boico, assistant conductor of the NY Philharmonic. SAT 5.28 & SUN 5.29, Old Westbury Gardens

Bethpage Federal Credit Union Air Show
Due to technical issues, the F-22’s are grounded and will not be performing in the 2011 air show. This year’s show will feature three world-renowned aerobatic pilots including Sean Tucker, who was named a “Smithsonian Living Legend,” Lt. Colonel John Klatt, who has flown three combat deployments in the Middle East, and Michael Goulian, a world-renowned sports aviator. Together, they will have your toes curling in the sand. SAT 5.28 & SUN 5.29, Jones Beach State Park

Sunday, May 29

Mosaic Street Painting Festival
A day-long celebration of the arts featuring a street painting festival where artists of all skill levels—yes, that includes you—show their talents by creating chalk images on the street, an art form that dates back to the 16th Century. The day includes storytelling, a musician’s showcase, drumming & dance circle, art activities, performances, artist sale & exhibit and face painting. Street painting squares are available for purchase on the day of the event for $20, which includes materials. SUN 5.29, Downtown Riverhead

Boardy Barn Opening Day @ The Boardy Barn

Puppet Theatre Sail @ Rowdy Hall

Grucci Fireworks Extravaganza @ Ducks Bethpage Ballpark

Sunday Night Funnies @ Governor’s Comedy Club

Slick Rick @ B.B. King Blues Club

Tornado Alley IMAX @ Cradle of Aviation

Set in Color @ Vibe Lounge

Jazz, Sparkling Syrah & Bagels @ Jamesport Vineyards

Teen Beach Party @ Silk Lounge

Montauk Fine Art Show @ Montauk Village Green

Michelle Shocked @ Joe’s Pub

Great Neck Plaza Restaurant Week Begins @ Village of Great Neck

MEMORIAL DAY

Parade of American Flags @ Mt. Sinai Heritage Park

1880 Decoration Day Program @ Old Bethpage Village Restoration

Bethpage Federal Credit Union Air Show Day 2 @ Jones Beach State Park

Memorial Day Bomber Tribute @ American Airpower Museum

Free Game Admission for Active Military & Vets @ Ducks Bethpage Ballpark

Memorial Day @ Sagamore Hill
The Sagamore Hill Band will conduct a special performance at 2 p.m. on the front porch of Theodore Roosevelt’s home, performing patriotic music along with a special performance of Sousa’s Golden Star in honor of Quentin Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt’s youngest son, who died in combat in 1918.

Spring Fair @ Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery