ROCKAWAY GOOD TIMES
By Kami-Leigh Agard
Kick off the new year on the right foot with The Rockaway Times round-up below. From live music, theater, arts and more—plan your Rockaway Good Times crawl with our guide below. Here’s to 2025!
THURSDAY, January 2
4 p.m. to Midnight
The Rock Billiards hosts “Afterwork Grown & Sexy R&B Throwback Thursdays” celebrating birthdays with DJ Big Rah. Drink specials, hookah bar, pools tables and more.
348 Beach 72nd Street
THURSDAY, January 2
7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Margie’s serves up a post-New Year’s heavenly dining and music experience with Phil Kadet’s “Thursday Standards” from The American Songbook.
108-10 Rockaway Beach Drive
FRIDAY, January 3
4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Every Friday, Rock Billiards hosts, “Thank Goodness It’s Friday!” Happy hour 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., drink and food specials all night, live DJs, party time kicks off at 8 p.m. Kitchen closes at 1 a.m. For reservations and special events, call Ray: (917) 702-1950.
348 Beach 72nd Street
FRIDAY, January 3
6:30 p.m.
A gente ama esse som! (in Brazilian Portuguese: “We love this sound!”). With song covers by artists like Post Malone, Zac Brown and more—Brazilian acoustic artist, Zuike, will have you on your feet at Bungalow Bar!
377 Beach 92nd Street
FRIDAY, January 3
7 p.m.
With picturesque Jamaica Bay views as the backdrop, recline into 2025 with bluesy, southern-feel classic rock duo, Trish Torrales, at Adrienne’s!
25 Van Brunt Road, Broad Channel
FRIDAY, January 3
9 p.m.
Sing, drink and jig with Kyle Wade at Rogers’ post-New Year’s Day celebration craic!
203 Beach 116th Street
FRIDAY, January 3
9 p.m.
Every Friday, The Rockaway Hotel’s flagship restaurant, Margie’s, serves up upscale, yet classic comfort dishes like fried calamari, mussels and more seafood, house-made pasta, filet mignon and more. Plus, with live music on the menu, be the hostess with the mostest for your date or crew of friends and family! For reservations and more info, visit: https://www.therockawayhotel.com/things-to-do-rockaway-beach/event-calendar
108-10 Rockaway Beach Drive
FRIDAY, January 3
9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Party into the weekend with DJ SeaNY waxin’ the vinyl at Batesy’s.
6820 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
SATURDAY, January 4
6:30 p.m.
Looking for a relaxing spot to keep the new year, new vibes flowin’? Well, no look further than Bungalow Bar as acoustic mix master, Frank Persico, whips in jammin’ rock, soul, pop, folk and country.
377 Beach 92nd Street
SATURDAY, January 4
6:45 p.m.
With New Year’s come and gone, wine down with jazz man, Simon Chardiet, at Uma’s.
92-07 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
SATURDAY, January 4
7 p.m.
Seal a promising start to your New Year with Derek Adam’s sweet acoustic set at Adrienne’s! Plus, as you lap up the restaurant’s picturesque bayside views, delectable food and bevies—go home inspired!
25 Van Brunt Road, Broad Channel
SATURDAY, January 4
9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Saturday night trivia—What is Tom Brady’s favorite four-letter word? Head to Rogers and ask your barkeep as Hell or High Water delivers a rockin’ feast!
203 Beach 116th Street
SUNDAY, January 5
1 p.m.
Make this first Sunday of 2025 one to remember with Adrienne’s unforgettable food gourmand experience, coupled with Melanie Morin’s acoustic tunes.
25 Van Brunt Road, Broad Channel
SUNDAY, January 5
1 p.m.
Coastal country music queen, Lauren Jaimes, ushers in positive New Year’s vibrations at Bungalow Bar!
377 Beach 92nd Street
SUNDAY, January 5
5 p.m.
Bookend your New Year’s weekend holiday celebrations on a Breezy note with The Brooklyn Bards injecting Irish pride with classic and contemporary folk songs.
500 Bayside Drive, Breezy Point
THEATER
RTC PRESENTS: “SHREK JR.”
Starting on FRIDAY, January 10
2 p.m. / 7 p.m.
Everyone’s favorite ogre, Shrek, is brought to life by Rockaway Theatre Company’s (RTC) Young People’s Theatre Workshop in this hilarious stage spectacle. With abundant imaginative sets and costumes, an incredible cast of budding youngsters—the show’s namesake, Shrek; with Donkey; Fiona and all the other colorful characters—will have theatergoers of all ages believing in the magic of green love! Show dates: Fridays: January 10 and 17 at 7 p.m., Saturdays: January 11 and 18 at 7 p.m., and Sundays: January 12 and 19 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10. For tickets and more info, visit: www.rockawaytheatrecompany.org
The John Gilleece Theater, Building T-4, Fort Tilden, Breezy Point
SPECIAL MENTIONS
TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC & DANCE/ FUNDRAISER AT KNIGHTS
SUNDAY, January 5
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann! Join the celebration of traditional Irish music and dance at Knights of Columbus! Hosted by Killoran-Clancy-Whelan, Mullligan-Quinn and Ùll Mòr, gear up for a wonderful celebration of Irish culture in the Rockaway Riviera. Featuring ceili and live dancing, children’s activities, traditional Irish instruments, and more! This is a family-friendly community event and fundraiser to help support youth members of Comhaltas’ branches travel costs for competitions in Ireland. Admission: $35 for adults/ $15 for children (14 and younger). For tickets and more info, email: rinceceol@aol.com, call: (917) 692-1332 or visit: https://form.jotform.com/243497188299174
333 Beach 90th Street
WINE WITH SUE BENEFIT FOR A FRIEND IN NEED AT BHYC
SATURDAY, January 11
7 p.m.
Get Wine With Sue-d! at this philanthropic music benefit at Belle Harbor Yacht Club, in which all proceeds go toward a family in need. No door charge, just 50/50s and cash bar. To purchase 50/50 tickets prior to the event, call: Liz Hanna: (917) 650-3743.
533 Beach 126th Street
DATE NIGHT VENUES
With Valentine’s and Galentine’s on the horizon, here are a few local establishments that will make 2025 one to remember! This is just an intro! Keep checking in and support local!
Adrienne’s
Impress your date by going to Adrienne’s in Broad Channel. This Italian-esque spot will definitely earn points with your mate.
25 Van Brunt Road, Broad Channel
Bungalow Bar
Bungie is a mainstay in Rockaway, and with a food menu that teases all appetites, plus bevies—this experience will be a home run!
377 Beach 92nd Street
La Sorrentina
Pasta and seafood dishes, paired with a nice glass of vino, will have you saying, “That’s amore!”
420 Beach 129th Street
Harbor Light
Follow the green light to Harbor Light for a menu that will keep not just your mouths, but hearts full!
129-18 Newport Ave.
Kennedy’s
With sublime sunset views and food, toast to an evening that will be yours forever!
406 Bayside Ave., Breezy Point
Rocco’s of Rockaway Beach
Rocco’s, known for its supreme NYC-Italian cuisine and lively social atmosphere, is an established hot spot in Rockaway. Vieni a mangiare!
115-10 Rockaway Beach Blvd. /(718) 799-5050
Got info on local live music, arts and more? Email: editor@rockawaytimes.com
