Friday, May 22 — Monday, May 25

Memorial Day Weekend

In recognition of the men and women in uniform, the Intrepid Museum celebrates Memorial Day Weekend from May 22–25, 2026. The weekend’s activities kick off Friday, May 22, with the annual free movie night on the flight deck, featuring Top Gun. On Saturday, May 23, the Museum hosts Battle of the Big Bands, celebrating the music, dance, and style of the swing era.

Visitors can explore a variety of displays and activities all weekend long. The weekend concludes on Monday, May 25, with the Museum’s annual Memorial Day ceremony. All pier activities are free and open to the public.

Purchase Tickets

Schedule

6:00pm I Free Movie Night - Top Gun | Flight Deck
The Intrepid Museum’s summer movie series kicks off Memorial Day Weekend, Friday, May 22, with a free screening of Top Gun! Enjoy breathtaking views of the Hudson River and city skyline while watching the classic film on the flight deck.

Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs, picnic baskets and blankets to enjoy the movie outdoors, free of charge, on a giant inflatable screen. Seating is first-come, first-served, and space is limited. Light concessions will be available for purchase. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Please note: alcohol is NOT permitted. All exits are final; there is no re-entry allowed. Doors open at 6:00pm and close at 8:30pm (or when capacity is reached). The movie will begin at sunset. For helpful tips and more information visit: Free Movie Night - Top Gun

Movie Night

Member Exclusive:
Cat Shot Café and Summer Movie Night
Friday, May 22 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Spend your Friday night on Intrepid’s flight deck for our first Summer Movie Night of the series featuring Top Gun. Take in the sunset over the Hudson River from the Cat Shot Café, our members-only area with complimentary refreshments and snacks before every film. Become a member today to enjoy these perks and more!

7:00pm–11:00pm | Battle of the Big Bands

The Intrepid Museum and Prohibition Productions proudly present the return of our epic big band swing dance on the flight deck of the historic aircraft carrier Intrepid. This highly anticipated, one-night-only event features more than 75 performers and celebrates the music, dance, and vintage style of the swing era aboard the ship, commissioned at the height of the Swing Era in 1943.

Celebrate America’s 250th with an unforgettable salute to the past and a spectacular night on the Hudson. Two of the best big bands in the country will go head-to-head under the stars on the flight deck, on a massive stage with a 3,200-square-foot wooden dance floor.

Enjoy a vintage pinup showcase, barbershop quartet, fashion contest, and swing dance performances and lessons throughout the evening. A second stage at the front of the ship offers even more live music and dancing as you explore the flight deck.

Remember to “Follow the Fleet” with Navy-inspired style – vintage attire and dance shoes are encouraged.

More information and tickets: Get Tickets

10:00am – 6:00pm | Activities and Displays | Pier 86

Throughout the weekend, explore a variety of displays and activities on Pier 86 from participants including the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force, antique military vehicles from the Military Transport Association and many more!

Activities at Pier 86

Participants include:

U.S. Coast Guard: Meet members of the world’s premier maritime service, responsible for search and rescue, law enforcement, environmental response, and more. Explore the Mobile Communication Vehicle, one of only three in the Coast Guard, equipped with satellite network connectivity and tactical radio communications, deployable anywhere in the world.
U.S. Marine Corps: The Marines are here! Try on their gear, get camouflaged at the cami paint station, see tactical equipment up close, and learn what it takes to stand among the Few.
U.S. Air Force: Soar through the sky with virtual reality flight simulators, test your physical strength on the WunderWall, and learn what it takes to become an Airman or Guardian. Aim High…Fly, Fight, Win!
Department of Corrections & Community Supervision: Try on emergency response gear, spin the prize wheel, meet the Technical Support team, learn about the K9 unit, and interact with robotics and drone tech.
Military Transport Association: Visitors will see restored and antique military vehicles.
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary: As the volunteer arm of the Coast Guard, the Auxiliary promotes boating safety and education to help ensure safe and fun experiences on the water.
U.S. Naval Submarine Forces: Explore new technologies like UUVs and the Virginia Class Submarine, plus a virtual tour led by qualified Sailors.
FDNY: Learn about fire safety from the FDNY Fire Safety Education Unit and CPR Unit, with materials for youth and families.

10:00am | Memorial Day Ceremony: Pier 86

Join us for a solemn ceremony honoring the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have given their lives in defense of our nation. Civic and military leaders will offer remarks and join in a special wreath-laying ceremony in honor of the fallen. The ceremony concludes with a flyover by Navy fighter jets.

Memorial Day Ceremony

The Intrepid Museum welcomes all visitors, including those with disabilities, their peers and families. For more information about resources available during your visit, please visit intrepidmuseum.org/access.

For the Movie Night, Top Gun will have open captions. A QR code to access live captioning will also be available for the Memorial Day Ceremony. On Saturday and Sunday, sensory bags will be available on the pier, in addition to at the Museum's Information Desk.

Current and former service members and their families get special access to Movie Night and Battle of the Big Bands! Visit intrepidmuseum.org/vets to learn more.

To learn more, please email access@intrepidmuseum.org. For general information, please call us: 877-957-SHIP (7447) or 212-245-0072.

Get Tickets

Participants