Passes Go On Sale Monday For Bethpage Air Show At Jones Beach

WANTAGH, NY — Parking passes for the 2021 Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach will go on sale Monday, but those fans who can’t score a seat need not worry — the event will be livestreamed for the first time so viewers can watch the Memorial Day weekend tradition at home.

Front-line health care workers will also not be left out of the performances. About 1,800 passes will be set aside for distribution throughout Long Island's three health care networks to be provided to workers who served during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Air show attendance will be restricted to 50 percent and parking passes will be required for all three performances beginning with Friday's practice show on May 28, and culminating with the final show on Sunday, May 30.

The $10 parking passes go on sale starting at 9 a.m. on the state park’s department website, and they will be limited to one per transaction.

The Saturday, May 29, performance will be live-streamed in a joint effort between Bethpage Federal Credit Union, the state, and ABC. A rain day has been set for Sunday, May 30. Viewers will be able to watch the performance on ABC’s website and its Connected TV Apps, as well as Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo called the return of the Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach is “one of the latest examples” of the state’s our work to re-open by “putting common-sense measures in place” to keep residents safe.”

"We are especially pleased that this year we will be able to recognize the selfless and courageous health care heroes who have sacrificed so much over the past year in order to keep their fellow New Yorkers safe,” he said. “Thanks to their dedication and perseverance, New York has been able to not only beat back the virus, but begin our return to normalcy as well."

State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said department members are “excited” to host the air show once again, but he asked that fans be “cognizant of the new procedures designed to keep people safe.”

“With their cooperation and the hard work of sponsors, partners, performers and staff, we can all look forward to a successful and carry on this tradition that brings so many families and friends together,” he said.

CEO of Bethpage Federal Credit Union Wayne Grosse said he and staffers are really excited to add the livestream to this year's air show.

“With limited in person attendance, the livestream will show off Long Island and the air show to the rest of the country,” he said.

The parking passes are required per vehicle, not per person and every vehicle will need a pass. After the purchase, no additional event fee or ticket will be required, state officials said. Public buses will be running, but no other buses, taxis, Lyft, Uber, ride-sharing, or individual drop-offs will be allowed at the location.

Cuomo’s office said it is “critical” that a valid email address is provided at the time of purchase, so that pass holders can receive a confirmation email, which will be followed by a second email, and will include a QR code needed for entry within a week prior to the event, and it will be assigned over a half hour interval. Officials said they are recommending the one-time use QR code be downloaded prior to arrival.

Air show fans must remain on the beachfront, as sitting or standing on the boardwalk will not be allowed, Cuomo’s office warned. Facial masks will be required and social distancing guidelines will also be adhered to, allowing for a 10-foot distance between blankets on the beach.