Hey South Shore, we’re easing into a new year.

The holidays are behind us now. The decorations are coming down, routines are finding their way back, and the calendar feels a little more open again. There’s less rush in the air, but still a quiet pull to get out, reconnect, and start the year on familiar ground.

This stretch after the holidays has its own pace. Fewer big moments, more intentional ones. A relaxed dinner, a live show that doesn’t feel overwhelming, a reason to step out without packing the whole weekend. It’s the kind of time that reminds you how much of life here happens in between the big dates.

Inside this week’s guide, you’ll find a thoughtful mix of things to do, places to linger, and small community moments that ease us into January. Nothing flashy. Just solid reasons to get out, stay local, and enjoy what’s already around you.

So take a look, pick what fits your mood, and start the year the way the South Shore does best. Comfortable, connected, and right at home.

Top 5 for the Weekend

Make Me Smile: A Tribute to Chicago – The Argyle Theatre Main Stage (Babylon)

Brass-forward hooks and smooth harmonies fill the room as this tribute brings Chicago’s iconic sound back to life. Expect big choruses, tight musicianship, and a crowd that knows every word. It feels like a classic concert night out, dressed up and ready to sing along.

When: Fri, Jan 9 | 8 pm
Where: The Argyle Theatre Main Stage, Babylon
Price: $$+
🎺 Grab your tickets.

Ultimate Elvis Tribute – Boulton Center for the Performing Arts (Bay Shore)

From early rockabilly swagger to Vegas-era flair, this high-energy tribute captures Elvis across decades. The vocals are sharp, the moves are familiar, and the nostalgia lands hard in the best way. A lively crowd makes this one feel celebratory from the first note.

When: Fri, Jan 9 | 8 pm
Where: Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, Bay Shore
Price: $$+
🕺 See show details.

John vs. Paul: The Lennon and McCartney Celebration – Boulton Center (Bay Shore)

Two legends, one stage, and a friendly rivalry told through timeless songs. The setlist moves between Beatles classics and solo hits, inviting the audience to pick sides and sing loud. It is a fun, music-forward way to revisit one of rock’s greatest partnerships.

When: Sat, Jan 10 | 8 pm
Where: Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, Bay Shore
Price: $$+
🎤 Reserve your seats.

Us and Floyd: Pink Floyd Tribute 2026 – The Argyle Theatre Main Stage (Babylon)

Moody lights, immersive sound, and faithful renditions pull you deep into Pink Floyd’s catalog. This show leans cinematic, with long builds and soaring moments that reward close listening. Ideal for fans who want to settle in and let the music take over.

When: Sat, Jan 10 | 8 pm
Where: The Argyle Theatre Main Stage, Babylon
Price: $$+
🌌 View ticket options.

LIJJN Brew’n Jitsu Winter Open – Great South Bay Brewery (Bay Shore)

The brewery floor turns into an electric competition space as top Brazilian Jiu Jitsu athletes face off in over 40 matches. The energy is high, the crowd is engaged, and the setting keeps it social between bouts. A unique winter event that blends sport and local hangout vibes.

When: Sun, Jan 11 | 3 pm
Where: Great South Bay Brewery, Bay Shore
Price: $$
🥋 Get match and ticket info.

📢 Enjoying this week’s guide?

If something here caught your eye, pass it along to a friend or neighbor who loves keeping weekends simple and local.

Every share helps South Shore Digest stay rooted in the community. 💛

Family Picks

Early Childhood Fair – Patchogue-Medford Library (Patchogue)

A welcoming, hands-on fair designed for families with young children and parents planning their next steps. Local early childhood programs share resources while kids enjoy face painting, raffles, and simple activities throughout the space. It’s informative, low-pressure, and genuinely useful for families navigating childcare and preschool options.

When: Sat, Jan 10 | 10:30 am-1:30 pm
Where: Patchogue-Medford Library, Patchogue
Price: Free
🧸 See participating programs and event details.

Edgewood Preserve Second Sunday Introductory Group Ride – Edgewood Preserve (Babylon)

A relaxed, beginner-friendly mountain bike ride that welcomes new trail riders and families with older kids. The pace is social, the trails are scenic, and the focus is learning and confidence, not speed. A hands-on bike maintenance clinic after the ride adds extra value for parents and young riders alike.

When: Sun, Jan 11 | 9 am
Where: Edgewood Preserve, Babylon
Price: Free
🚲 Review ride requirements and waiver info.

ISO Chamber Players: Connecting Generations – Bay Shore-Brightwaters Library (Bay Shore)

An afternoon of live chamber music that brings together professional ISO musicians and young competition winners. The setting is relaxed and family-friendly, making it a great introduction to classical music for kids and teens. Thoughtful, calm, and enriching without feeling formal.

When: Sun, Jan 11 | 1:30–3:30 pm
Where: Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library, Bay Shore
Price: Free
🎻 View performance details.

Date Night / Nightlife

Cocktail Candle Making at Blue Point Brewing Co. – Blue Point Brewing Co. (Blue Point)

Low lighting, craft cocktails nearby, and a creative project you actually get to take home. This hands-on candle workshop blends date-night energy with something interactive, using cocktail-inspired scents and clean-burning ingredients. It’s relaxed, social, and different from the usual dinner-and-drinks plan.

When: Thu, Jan 8 | 6:30 pm
Where: Blue Point Brewing Co., Blue Point
Price: $$
🍸 Save your spot before it fills up.

In-person Class: Handmade Ricotta Gnocchi – FIV Fire Island Vines (Bay Shore)

A cozy, adults-only cooking class where the pace slows down and the wine flows. You’ll learn how to make ricotta gnocchi from scratch, shape it by hand, and pair it with classic sauces along the way. Perfect for couples who love food and want a shared experience, not just a reservation.

When: Thu, Jan 8 | 6:30 pm
Where: FIV Fire Island Vines, Bay Shore
Price: $$+
🍝 Reserve your seats at the table.

Schism: 25th Anniversary Tour – 89 North Music Venue (Patchogue)

Heavy riffs, packed floors, and the kind of crowd that came ready to feel the music. Schism’s anniversary tour brings a full night of loud, high-energy rock with multiple support bands and a late-night edge. Ideal for couples who like their date nights bold and unapologetic.

When: Fri, Jan 9 | 7 pm
Where: 89 North Music Venue, Patchogue
Price: $$
🤘 Lock in tickets for the anniversary show.

Drown, Eminescence, & Love Hate Love – 89 North Music Venue (Patchogue)

Three iconic rock tributes in one night, each bringing a different era and energy to the stage. Expect big vocals, heavy emotion, and a crowd that knows every chorus. It’s a loud, late-night option for couples who bond over live music and nostalgia.

When: Sat, Jan 10 | Doors 7 PM
Where: 89 North Music Venue, Patchogue
Price: $
🎸 Grab tickets for this triple-tribute night.

Free & Affordable

  • Happy Hour Band: Byrne Unit (Babylon): Live music during happy hour makes this an easy, no-pressure way to start the weekend. Expect a relaxed early-evening set, drinks flowing, and a lively local crowd at Lily’s. Fri, Jan 9 | 6–10 PM. Free. 🎶 See music details.

  • Chasing the Light: A Photography Exhibition (Sayville): A calm, thoughtful gallery stop featuring photography by local artists Pat DeLuca, Carol Rosenthal, and Rob Verbeck. Stop in for the opening reception or swing by any weekend for an easy cultural break. Sat–Sun dates through Jan 25 | 12–2 PM. Free. 📷 View exhibit dates and info.

  • Off The Hook! (Bohemia): A high-energy party band night with danceable hits and a crowd ready to move. It’s a fun, affordable option if you want live music without a big ticket commitment. Sat, Jan 10 | 8–11 PM. $5. 🎉 Check out the event details.

  • JAM-uary Jazz with the Lean Mean Jazz Machine (Sayville): Warm, upbeat jazz kicks off JAM-uary with a community-focused performance led by local musicians. A relaxed afternoon concert that feels cozy and welcoming. Sun, Jan 11 | Time varies. Free. 🎷 Register before spots close.

  • The Chain: A Fleetwood Mac Experience (Bohemia): A live tribute celebrating Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks, perfect for longtime fans and casual listeners alike. Easy listening, familiar songs, and a comfortable library setting. Sun, Jan 11 | 2–3:30 PM. Free. 🎵 See performance details.

Fresh Local Highlights

Where South Shore dinners linger a little longer with low light, familiar music, and thoughtful plates.

Roadtrip (Bay Shore)

Roadtrip settles you in the moment you step inside. The lights stay low, table lamps do most of the work, and old school R&B hums softly through the room. Seating happens quickly and without fuss, and the space finds its rhythm fast, relaxed but quietly full. It feels like a place designed for staying put rather than rushing through a meal.

The menu is part of what gives Roadtrip its personality. They rotate a state-themed menu on a weekly basis, treating each one as a full feature rather than a short list of specials. During this visit, the focus was New York, with dishes and cocktails framed around regional inspiration and a defined run for the week. The staff walks newcomers through the concept naturally, which makes the menu feel intentional without being overwhelming.

On the table, the Texas street corn dip disappeared quickly, rich and familiar in the best way. The Hawaiian Volcanic pineapple sprouts leaned bolder, a little strong, but still interesting enough to order again. The Missouri Smokehouse BBQ Combo arrived generous and comforting, ribs, brisket, pulled pork, fries, cornbread, and slaw filling the table. The Cowboy Bloom Lavender Chicken balanced sweet and savory well, with honey, herbs, and crisp potatoes grounding the dish. Roadtrip fits neatly into Bay Shore’s dining rhythm, the kind of place that turns a regular night out into something that feels thoughtful and easy to return to.

📌 Community Board (Quick Hits)

Community doesn’t pause when the season changes

Food pantries, volunteer opportunities, and simple ways to support neighbors locally this week and beyond.

  • Bay Shore Emergency Food Pantry (Bay Shore). A vital local resource supporting Township of Islip residents with a three-day supply of groceries during times of need. Operated entirely by volunteers, this pantry continues to be a quiet lifeline for families facing food insecurity.
    Fri, Jan 9 | 12–1:45 PM | 📞 Call or text 631-219-4289

  • United Vets Beacon House Food Pantry (West Bay Shore). Serving veterans and their families, the Beacon House pantry provides food assistance in a respectful, supportive environment. Open to eligible veterans with proof of service, it remains an important community anchor on the South Shore. Sat, Jan 10 | 9 AM–1 PM | 📞 Info: 631-665-1571

  • Volunteer at Bay Shore Emergency Food Pantry (Bay Shore). For neighbors looking to give back locally, the pantry relies entirely on volunteers to help distribute food and support families in crisis. A meaningful way to step in where help is needed most. Ongoing | 📞 Call or text 631-219-4289 to volunteer

  • Gardiner Park Winter Walk (Bay Shore). A guided, easy-paced winter walk led by the Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference. This 1.3-mile group walk offers a calm outdoor reset and a chance to connect with neighbors while enjoying one of Bay Shore’s largest green spaces. Sat, Jan 10 | 12–1:30 PM | 🚶‍♂️

✏️ Hosting something local?

Submit it for a chance to be featured in an upcoming edition → Submit an event here

Thanks for spending part of your weekend with South Shore Digest.
Whether you’re heading out or staying close to home, we hope something here added a little ease to your plans.

💬 As always, feel free to reply with a tip, a photo, or something happening in your corner of the South Shore.

We’ll see you back here next week. 💛

💛 Love it? Share it. Forward this email to a friend who would enjoy local picks too.
📬 Not subscribed yet? Sign up FREE here.
📸 Got tips or photos from an event? Email us at [email protected]
📲 Follow us on social for daily highlights, behind-the-scenes clips, and early peeks at next week’s lineup. 👇

Keep Reading