🎉 Hey South Shore, Halloween weekend’s right around the corner and you can feel the excitement in every town. 🎃

The fall season’s hitting its stride, and from pumpkin sails to costume parties, there’s something happening on every Main Street. Each week, this little community grows stronger, and it’s been amazing seeing so many of you reading, sharing, and planning your weekends with South Shore Digest. 💛

This issue is packed with local flavor! Family breakfasts with your favorite characters, haunted dance floors, art nights, and even a Led Zeppelin tribute that’ll shake the stage. And since this weekend is overflowing with great events, we’ve added a few extra picks to our Family and Date Night sections so you don’t miss a thing.

Whether you’re dressing up, staying cozy, or just chasing a little weekend magic, there’s plenty waiting right here in this beautiful community we call home.

October’s winding down, so make your plans and make it count.

Top 5 for the Weekend

Apple Fest – Islip Grange (Islip)

Fall at its best. Celebrate the 45th anniversary of this hometown favorite with carnival rides, craft vendors, a petting zoo, and live music beneath the changing leaves. Bring the family, grab a cider, and spend the day under that perfect autumn sky.
When: Sat, Oct 25 | 10 am–4:30 pm
Where: Islip Grange, Islip
Price: Free
Link: Event Details

Jeff Tweedy: Twilight Override Tour (Patchogue)

The Wilco frontman steps into the spotlight for an intimate evening of stories and songs at the Patchogue Theatre. Expect stripped-down favorites, new material, and the kind of quiet connection only Tweedy can create.
When: Fri, Oct 24 | 8 pm
Where: Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, Patchogue
Price: $$+
Link: Event Details

The 90’s Band Halloween Party (Babylon)

Backstreet’s back by the bay. Salt Shack transforms into a retro Halloween dance floor with The 90’s Band cranking out every throwback hit you know by heart. Costumes, cocktails, and big energy all night.
When: Fri, Oct 24 | 7–11 pm
Where: Salt Shack, Babylon
Price: Free
Link: Event Details

DAVE EAST Pre-Halloween Takeover (Patchogue)

Harlem rapper Dave East brings city swagger to Stereo Garden for a pre-Halloween blowout. High-voltage beats, crowd anthems, and that unmistakable New York energy fill the room from open to close.
When: Fri, Oct 24 | 8:30 pm–4 am
Where: Stereo Garden, Patchogue
Price: $$
Link: Event Details

Into Sunlight Dance Performance (Oakdale)

A breathtaking modern dance inspired by David Maraniss’s “They Marched Into Sunlight.” Performed live at CM Performing Arts Center, it’s an emotional blend of movement, music, and reflection that lingers long after the final bow.
When: Sat, Oct 25 | 2 pm & 7 pm
Where: CM Performing Arts Center, Oakdale
Price: $$
Link: Event Details

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Family Picks

Not-So-Spooky Halloween Breakfast with Mickey & Minnie (Babylon)

Start the weekend with a little Disney magic, right in the heart of Babylon Village. Enjoy breakfast with Mickey and Minnie at Lily Flanagan’s as they greet families for a fun-filled morning of photos, costumes, and smiles. A perfect kickoff to Halloween weekend.
When: Sat, Oct 25 | 10:30 am–12 pm
Where: Lily Flanagan’s Pub, Babylon
Price: $$
Link: Lily Flanagan’s Pub

Children’s Halloween Party & Parade (Babylon)

Salt Shack’s annual kids’ Halloween party returns bayside with costumes, candy, games, and photo ops by the water. It’s a festive family favorite with the perfect South Shore backdrop. Stay for the parade, grab a bite, and soak up the fall vibes.
When: Sun, Oct 26 | 12–5 pm
Where: Salt Shack, Babylon
Price: Free
Link: Salt Shack

Trunk or Treat (Bayport)

A Bayport community favorite returns with a safe, family-friendly trick-or-treat hosted by Bayport United Methodist Church. Local families decorate their trunks and hand out candy to costumed kids in a fun, creative setting that’s perfect for younger trick-or-treaters.
When: Sun, Oct 26 | 2 pm–4 pm
Where: Bayport United Methodist Church, Bayport
Price: Free
Link: Bayport United Methodist Church

The Great Jack O’Lantern Sail (North Babylon)

Watch hundreds of carved pumpkins float across Belmont Lake in this beloved Long Island tradition. Before the sail, enjoy magic shows, games, pumpkin decorating, and trick-or-treating throughout the park. Bring your carved pumpkin early for drop-off and don’t forget your camera.
When: Sat, Oct 25 | 3–6:30 pm (rain date Sun, Oct 26)
Where: Belmont Lake State Park, North Babylon
Price: Free with park entry
Link: Belmont Lake State Park

Monster Mash Dance Party (Babylon)

Get ready to dance, play, and show off your costumes at Babylon Library’s Monster Mash, part of its annual Creepy Crawl celebration. The afternoon features music, games, and giveaways from Legendary Entertainment, making it a can’t-miss for kids who love to move.
When: Sun, Oct 26 | 1–4 pm
Where: Babylon Public Library, Babylon
Price: Free
Link: Babylon Public Library

Date Night / Nightlife

Witchcraft Halloween Pop-Up Dining Experience (Brentwood)

Just a short drive from Bay Shore, this immersive Hocus Pocus–inspired experience transforms The Edgewood on the Green into a spellbinding world of Salem Sisters, themed cocktails, and live performances. Meet the original cast, including Omri Katz, Vinessa Shaw, and Jason Marsden, and enjoy photo ops, signature eats, and plenty of Halloween flair.
When: Fri–Sun, Oct 24–26 | 12 pm–10 pm (seating by reservation)
Where: The Edgewood on the Green, Brentwood
Price: $$ (reservation + dining additional)
Link: The Edgewood on the Green

Hammer of the Gods: Led Zeppelin Experience (Patchogue)

Patchogue’s historic theater roars to life with a powerhouse, note-for-note recreation of Led Zeppelin’s legendary catalog. Feel every riff, roar, and drum solo in this high-energy tribute that captures the raw sound and spirit of classic rock.
When: Sat, Oct 25 | 8 pm
Where: Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, Patchogue
Price: $$
Link: Patchogue Theatre

The Legendary Murphy’s Halloween Party (Babylon)

Right on the Great South Bay, Salt Shack’s biggest bash of the season returns with live bands, coastal breezes, and wall-to-wall costumes. Grab a drink, hit the dance floor, and celebrate Halloween night where the shoreline meets the sound.
When: Sat, Oct 25 | 7–11 pm
Where: Salt Shack, Babylon
Price: Free
Link: Salt Shack

Nightmare at Stereo Garden (Patchogue)

Patchogue’s nightlife hub transforms into a haunted spectacle with DJs, light shows, and a packed dance floor that goes until sunrise. Expect creative costumes, high energy, and nonstop beats in one of Long Island’s most popular club venues.
When: Sat, Oct 25 | 9 pm–6 am
Where: Stereo Garden, Patchogue
Price: $$
Link: Stereo Garden

Free & Affordable

  • NYSF Spooky Happenings Faire (Deer Park): A festive Halloween market filled with tarot readers, crystal vendors, and handcrafted goods. Explore the booths, sip something seasonal, and take home a little spooky sparkle. Sun, Oct 26 | 10 am–4 pm. Free More Info

  • LIAG Author Saturdays (Islip Arts Council Gallery, Bay Shore): Spend an afternoon with award-winning author David Mammina as he shares stories, signs books, and talks about life as a local Long Island writer. Sat, Oct 25 | 1-2 pm. Free More Info

  • Community Art Night (Islip Arts Council Gallery, Bay Shore): A relaxed, creative hangout for artists and hobbyists alike. Bring your sketchbook, your paints, or just yourself, and enjoy an inspiring evening surrounded by fellow makers. Thu, Oct 23 | 5–8 pm. Donation-based More Info

  • Long Island Pumpkin Fest: Latin Day Party (Patchogue): Pumpkin spice meets Latin spice at Jardin’s outdoor fall fiesta. Live DJs, good vibes, and free entry while it lasts — come dance, mingle, and celebrate autumn island-style. Sun, Oct 26 | 3 pm. Free to party More Info

  • Wellness Walk Series (Argyle Lake Park, Babylon): Breathe in the crisp fall air on a gentle guided walk led by certified trainer Athena Manzella. Great for all ages and fitness levels, it’s a refreshing start to your weekend. Sat, Oct 25 | 10–11 am. Free More Info

Fresh Local Highlights

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

Magnolias (Bay Shore)

At Magnolias, Bay Shore nightlife gets its glow-up. Set in the former King’s Chophouse, this new cocktail lounge brings city-style polish to the South Shore with a raw bar, small plates, and a martini menu that’s already the talk of Main Street. Inside, velvet seating and low lighting set the tone for conversations that linger, while bartenders shake up classic drinks with easy confidence. It’s upscale but unpretentious, designed for locals who love a little luxury without leaving town.
Click Here: To explore Magnolias’ cocktail list.

Millie’s Mimosa House & Eatery (Babylon Village)

Babylon’s Main Street just got a splash of sparkle with Millie’s Mimosa House & Eatery, a French-Riviera-inspired brunch spot that feels like sunshine in a glass. The space is airy and elegant, filled with soft light and gold accents that turn breakfast into an experience. Mimosas are the main event here, served in flights and “build-your-own” boards alongside chef-driven comfort dishes that mix warmth with polish. It’s the kind of place where weekends slow down, laughter carries across tables, and another round of mimosas feels like the right choice.
Click Here: To follow Millie’s Mimosa House on Instagram for menu peeks and weekend specials.

Rites Brewing (Bay Shore)

Hidden just off N. Clinton Avenue, Rites Brewing is the kind of discovery locals love to brag about. The airy brick-and-steel taproom hums with laid-back energy, filled with laughter, the clink of pints, and the aroma of European-style beers crafted through open-top fermentation. Each pour feels intentional, from crisp lagers to rich ales, brewed by neighbors who turned passion into craft. With food trucks, live music, and community nights on the horizon, Rites is quickly becoming Bay Shore’s newest weekend ritual.
Click Here: To follow Rites Brewing on Instagram for events and new releases.

📌 Community Board (Quick Hits)

  • Sweat for a Cure: Pumpkins & Pilates (West Sayville) – Fri, Oct 24 | 10 am — Donation-based outdoor class at Bayman Soccer Field on Terry Rd benefiting the West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition. 

  • Young Professionals Networking @ Del Fuego (Babylon) – Thu, Oct 23 | 6 pm — Mix, mingle, and connect with other local professionals at this free Babylon Chamber event.

  • Zoning Board of Appeals (Babylon Town Hall) – Thu, Oct 23 | 6 pm — Public hearing addressing local zoning and community planning matters. Residents encouraged to attend.

  • Grab-and-Go Halloween Craft (Sayville Library) – Fri | Oct 24 — Pick up a free Halloween craft kit for kids while supplies last.

  • Friday Films: Rebel Without a Cause (Babylon Library) – Fri, Oct 24 | 2 pm — Free screening of the 1955 classic starring James Dean.

  • PlayHooray: Toddler Music & Movement (Babylon Library) – Fri, Oct 24 | 10 am — Interactive music and movement program for toddlers. Free for Babylon cardholders.

  • New Burlington Opens in Bay Shore – Now Open @ 1851 Sunrise Hwy — The former Big Lots space has transformed into a brand-new Burlington, adding fresh retail energy to the South Shore. The ribbon-cutting included donations to local nonprofits and arrives just in time for the winter shopping season.

That’s it for this weekend, South Shore.
Thanks for being part of this growing community. SSD wouldn’t be what it is without you.

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