Jones Beach's Bethpage Air Show earned this high honor

The Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach has been taking to the skies every year since the early 2000s. Each year draws large crowds to see the skilled pilots and their aircraft. This year, though, it’s something a little more.

The show, which will be celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, was named the 2023 Civilian Air Show of the Year by the United States Air Force Thunderbirds. The announcement was made by the Thunderbirds at the recent International Council of Air Show convention in Las Vegas.

Last year, over 360,000 people attended the Bethpage Air Show, when the Thunderbirds headlined their ninth air show performance.

“What an exciting way to kick off the New Year,” said George Gorman, the regional director of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation. “Last year’s show was one of our best, with a full lineup of exciting civilian and military performers. This year we will be celebrating a significant milestone with our 20th anniversary show. We are very humbled to have received this award and look forward to the Thunderbirds’ return in 2025.” 

The upcoming show at Jones Beach will take place on Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26. The United States Navy Blue Angels, which headlined the first Bethpage Air Show in 2004, will headline the 20th anniversary show.

“Receiving this honor is especially rewarding as we plan this year’s milestone show,” said Linda Armyn, the president and CEO of Bethpage Federal Credit Union. “It’s all about the fans and, of course, paying tribute to the brave men and women who serve our great country.”

It was also announced at the annual International Council of Air Shows Convention that the United States Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and the A-10 Demo Team will perform at the show. Civilian performers announced at the convention include Mike Goulian, North America’s most decorated aerobatic pilot, the world-famous Skytypers, Warbird Thunder Airshows and the American Airpower Museum Warbirds. Additional performers will be announced shortly.

The Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach is one of the largest and most popular air shows in the country. For information about this year’s show, visit BethpageAirShow.com or Facebook.com/BethpageAirShow, or contact the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Regional Office, Recreation Department at (631) 321-3510.