Hey South Shore, October’s in full swing and we can feel it everywhere.

In just a few short weeks, over 300 of you have signed up since launch, and it’s been amazing seeing neighbors from Babylon to Patchogue join in on the fun. What started as a small idea is quickly turning into a true community of locals who love where they live.

If you’ve been enjoying SSD, help us keep this momentum going. Forward this email to a friend or share it with someone who’d love to be in the know. The more we grow, the stronger our South Shore story becomes.

This week’s lineup brings the energy right back with fall festivals, live music, and plenty of ways to celebrate the season across our beautiful community. Whether you’re chasing family fun, date night ideas, or something spontaneous, we’ve got a little of everything inside.

October weekends don’t last forever, so let’s make this one count.

Top 5 for the Weekend

Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse (Bellport)

The South Shore’s legendary haunted house returns with Hollywood-style sets, immersive storytelling, and plenty of scares. Each walkthrough feels different, with every room crafted to keep you guessing.
When: Thu, Oct 16 | 7 pm
Where: Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse, Bellport
Price: $$ (Fast Pass also available)
Link: Event Details

The Party of a Showgirl (Patchogue)

A late-night fusion of music, performance, and Halloween spectacle fills Stereo Garden. Live acts, immersive visuals, and a costume-forward crowd make this a creative, high-energy night out (21+).
When: Fri, Oct 17 | 8:30 pm–2:30 am
Where: Stereo Garden, Patchogue
Price: $$
Link: Event Details

Touch the 80’s Live @ Salt Shack (Babylon)

Dance by the water to your favorite 80’s hits at this free dockside show. Great music, bay views, and a lively crowd make it a perfect night to kick back and sing along.
When: Sat, Oct 18 | 7–11 pm
Where: Salt Shack, Babylon
Price: Free
Link: Event Details

Flex Fight Series (Patchogue)

Long Island’s premier combat sports event brings high-energy matchups, lights, and big-crowd excitement to Stereo Garden. One of the most talked-about fight nights of the season.
When: Sat, Oct 18 | 4 pm–12 am
Where: Stereo Garden, Patchogue
Price: $$+
Link: Event Details

Charlie Sheen: Alive on Stage (Patchogue)

Actor Charlie Sheen takes the stage for an unfiltered evening of stories, favorite film moments, and audience Q&A. Expect humor, honesty, and plenty of wild behind-the-scenes tales.
When: Fri, Oct 17 | 8 pm
Where: Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, Patchogue
Price: $$+
Link: Event Details

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Family Picks

Fall Festivals on the South Shore (Babylon • Sayville • Patchogue)

Celebrate the season at one of three festive Main Street gatherings this Saturday. Each town brings live music, local vendors, food, and plenty of family fun. Whichever you choose, expect autumn vibes, community spirit, and great photo ops.
When: Sat, Oct 18–19 (dates and times vary by town)
Price: Free
Link: BabylonSayvillePatchogue

Haunted Halloween Festival & Trunk or Treat (Bay Shore)

Candy, costumes, and community fun take over the Bay Shore Bandshell with live music and local vendors. A perfect early-evening outing for families and little trick-or-treaters.
When: Sat, Oct 18 | 4–7 pm
Where: Bay Shore Bandshell, 80 E Main St, Bay Shore
Price: Free
Link: Bay Shore Chamber of Commerce and others

Brew & Boogie Bash (Babylon)

A spooktacular afternoon of music, magic, and make-believe. Kids can mix their own bubbly potion, enjoy sweet treats, and meet Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas for songs and photos. Costumes encouraged for this frightfully fun day.
When: Sun, Oct 19 | 2–4 pm (doors 1:45 pm)
Where: Luna & Co. Soapery, Babylon
Price: $$ (Tickets required. See link for pricing)
Good to know: Under 18 with parent or guardian. Refunds available up to 7 days before.
Link: Luna & Co. Soapery

Haunted Tails and Trails (Central Islip)

Take a guided morning walk through Connetquot River State Park and uncover fun “tails” about some of the world’s spookiest animals. Kids can collect prizes along the way, meet a few surprising guests, and celebrate the season in costume. Designed for ages 6 and up.
When: Sat, Oct 18 | 10 am–12 pm
Where: Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Central Islip
Price: $ (parking fee in effect)
Link: Connetquot River State Park Preserve

Date Night / Nightlife

Pickle Palooza + Billy Joel Tribute Night (Babylon)

Make a full day of it at Lily’s. Start with Pickle Palooza from 1–5 pm featuring pickle-themed drinks, games, and live tunes by The Town & Country Band. Then roll right into the Cold Spring Harbor Band Billy Joel Tribute from 8–11 pm.
When: Sat, Oct 18 | 1–11 pm
Where: Lily Flanagan’s Pub, Babylon
Price: Free (day) • $$ (Tribute Night cheaper if purchased in advance)
Link: Lily Flanagan's Pub

Friends of the Brothers featuring Jaimoe (Patchogue)

A soulful southern-rock celebration led by original Allman Brothers drummer Jaimoe. Expect timeless classics, improvisation, and the warm, live sound that made the band legendary.
When: Sat, Oct 18 | 8 pm
Where: Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, Patchogue
Price: $$+
Link: Patchogue Theatre

Dean Friedman Live (Bay Shore)

The singer-songwriter behind “Ariel” and “Lucky Stars” brings an intimate, storytelling-style show to the Boulton Center stage. Perfect for an easygoing night out.
When: Sat, Oct 18 | 8 pm
Where: YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, Bay Shore
Price: $$
Link: Boulton Center for the Performing Arts

Free & Affordable

  • Comedy Spooktackular (Great South Bar, Patchogue): Local comedians bring Halloween laughs in a laid-back bar setting that’s perfect for a casual night out with friends. Thu, Oct 16 | 8–10:30 pm. $ More Info

  • Stifler’s Mom Live (Salt Shack, Babylon): Dance to your favorite throwback hits right on the bay as this high-energy party band keeps the crowd singing and the vibes easy. Fri, Oct 17 | 7–11 pm. Free More Info

  • LEGO Build (Babylon Library, Babylon): A fun afternoon for kids to build and keep a surprise LEGO kit. Designed for grades 3–5 and a great way to spark creativity before the weekend. Registration required. Fri, Oct 17 | 3:30–4:30 pm. Free More info

  • Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Workshop (Babylon Library, Babylon): Chef Rob teaches families how to bake pumpkin chocolate chip cookies from scratch. Perfect for kids in grades K–5 and anyone ready for fall flavors. Sat, Oct 18 | 12–1 pm. Free More Info

  • Touch-A-Truck (Brentwood Public Library, Brentwood): Get up close with fire trucks, police cruisers, and construction rigs at this hands-on community event. Great for little explorers who love big wheels and sirens. Sat, Oct 18 | 11 am–2 pm. Free More Info

  • Drive-In Movie: Ghostbusters (Oakdale): Bring the family for a classic movie under the stars. Food donations are encouraged to support local charities. Fri, Oct 17 | 6–9 pm. Free More Info

Fresh Local Highlights

Spotlighting new openings, seasonal drops, and local finds making buzz across the South Shore.

The James (Babylon Village)

A stylish addition to Babylon’s dining scene, The James serves upscale American fare and craft cocktails in a warm, modern space. Think brunch classics, wood-fired mains, and an intimate speakeasy-style bar perfect for fall nights out.
Click Here: To explore The James’ menu & atmosphere

Salt & Barrel (Bay Shore)

Not new, but definitely worth a spotlight. Bay Shore’s oyster bar favorite just launched its new fall menu featuring pumpkin bisque, spiced cocktails, and East End oyster pairings. Cozy up at the bar or reserve a table for a taste of the season.
Click Here: To see Salt & Barrel’s new fall menu

Sabor a Colombia (Central Islip)

A lively new addition to Central Islip, Sabor a Colombia brings bold Latin flavors and a festive atmosphere to the former Carrabba’s space. Enjoy classic Colombian dishes, vibrant cocktails, and weekend live music that turns dinner into a full-night experience.
Click Here: To explore Sabor a Colombia’s menu & hours

📌 Community Board (Quick Hits)

  • Walk to End Alzheimer’s (North Babylon) – Sun, Oct 19 | 10 am–12 pm (Check-in @ 9am) — Join this annual charity walk supporting Alzheimer’s research and local awareness programs. Donations are welcome at registration

  • Great Give Back Networking Breakfast @ Sayville Library – Sat, Oct 18 | 10 am–12 pm — Enjoy a continental breakfast while meeting local volunteer organizations and learning how to get involved.

  • Patchogue Village Justice Court Meeting (Patchogue) – Thu, Oct 16 | 5:15–6:30 pm — A public session focused on community and quality-of-life matters within the village. Residents encouraged to attend.

  • Device Discussion Day with Dan @ Islip Public Library – Thu, Oct 16 | 11 am–12 pm — Bring your phone, tablet, or laptop and get hands-on tech help from Librarian Dan in a friendly drop-in session.

So that’s it for this weekend, South Shore!
Thank you for being part of this growing community. Your support is what makes SSD feel like home.

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