ROCKAWAY  GOOD  TIMES

By Kami-Leigh Agard

With New Year’s resolutions made, some already in the rearview mirror, here’s one you can reasonably keep all year long—support local! From live music, theater, arts and more—plan your Rockaway Good Times crawl with our guide below. This week’s tip: check out vision board nights happening this weekend at The Rockaway Hotel and Bungalow Bar.

 

LIVE MUSIC

 

THURSDAY, January 8

5:30 p.m.

Tonight, Similan On The Bay serves up mouthwatering Thai food with a side of live jazz from The Similan Band.

375 Beach 92nd Street

 

THURSDAY, January 8

7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Head to Margie’s at The Rockaway Hotel for a heavenly dining experience as Phil Kadet serenades with classics and standards from the American Songbook. For reservations, visit: https://www.therockawayhotel.com/things-to-do-rockaway-beach/event-calendar

108-10 Rockaway Beach Drive

 

THURSDAY, January 8

8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

The Rock Billiards hosts, “Afterwork Grown & Sexy R&B Throwback Thursdays,” celebrating Capricorn birthdays with DJ Jasey Jase. Doors open: 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. Happy hour: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Kitchen closes at 1 a.m. No cover.  Play pool for $2 per game. For table reservations, call Ray at (917) 702-1950.

348 Beach 72nd Street

 

FRIDAY, January 9

5:30 p.m.

Get in a jazzy groove with The Similan Band at bayside Thai restaurant, Similan On The Bay.

375 Beach 92nd Street

 

FRIDAY, January 9

7 p.m. 

Keep the new year, new vibes flowin’! Check out bayside gem, Adrienne’s! The Broad Channel restaurant serves up a special treat with Irish-U.S. crossover indie pop artist, Lauren Craig.

25 Van Brunt Road, Broad Channel

 

FRIDAY, January 9

7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Happening at Tap That! Performing with solo guitar and complex arrangements—one-man band, Bobcat with special guest, Simon Chardiet, take a deep dive in their energetic mix of garage rock, soul, power-pop, rhythm and blues, rockabilly, punk rock, psychobilly, new wave and indie rock.

111-04 Rockaway Beach Blvd.

 

FRIDAY, January 9

8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

The Rocks Billiard presents, “Thank Goodness It’s Friday,” celebrating Capricorn birthdays with DJ Sour. Doors open: 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. Happy hour: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Kitchen closes at 1 a.m. No cover.

348 Beach 72nd Street

 

SATURDAY, January 10

5:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

“Classic rock and pop interpreter,” Barry Waller, lights up Similan On The Bay with a magical acoustic performance.

375 Beach 92nd Street

 

SATURDAY, January 10

6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Join the Jack Pack for several rounds of rock classics with The Uncle Jack Band at Tap That.

111-04 Rockaway Beach Blvd.

 

SATURDAY, January 10

8 p.m.

Seal a promising start to your New Year with Derek Adam’s sweet acoustic set at Adrienne’s!

25 Van Brunt Road, Broad Channel

 

SATURDAY, January 10

9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Rogers is always a hot ticket on a Saturday night, and if you’re lookin’ for that old time rock and roll—One2Many will soothe your soul.

203 Beach 116th Street

 

SUNDAY, January 11

1 p.m.

Every Sunday, bask in the last day of the weekend with tranquil bayside views and sweet acoustic tunes with Evan Kuriga at Adrienne’s.

25 Van Brunt Road, Broad Channel

 

THEATER

 

RTC PRESENTS: “DARE TO DREAM JR.—A DISNEY MUSICAL REVUE” Starts this FRIDAY, January 9

2 p.m. / 7 p.m.

“Dare to Dream JR.” is a high-energy Disney musical revue that follows a group of trainees on their first day at the Walt Disney Imagineering Studio. Drawing from a century of beloved Disney films, be enthralled with songs appearing for the first time ever in a Disney stage musical, including fan-favorites from “The Princess and the Frog,” “Coco,” “Encanto,” and “Frozen II.” Show dates: Fridays: January 9 and 16 at 7 p.m., Saturdays: January 10 and 17 at 7 p.m., and Sundays: January 11 and 18 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $12.62 (includes tax). For tickets and more info, visit: https://www.rockawaytheatrecompany.org/#/subscriptions

The John Gilleece Theater, Building T-4, Fort Tilden, Breezy Point

 

SPECIAL MENTIONS

BUNGALOW BAR VISION BOARD CRAFT NIGHT

THURSDAY, January 8

7 p.m.

Kick off 2026 with purpose and creativity at Bungalow Bar’s Vision Board Craft Night. Whether you’re new to vision boards or a seasoned pro, this is a great way to focus, gather your thoughts, set intentions, and bring them to life in a fun and supportive space. All materials included. Just bring printed photos, quotes, or anything that inspires your goals for the year ahead. Admission: $25. For tickets, visit: bungalowbarny on Instagram and see link in bio.

377 Beach 92nd Street

 

VISION BOARD & WINE NIGHT AT THE ROCKAWAY HOTEL

FRIDAY, January 9

6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Start the new year with intention at The Rockaway Hotel’s cozy Vision Board & Wine Night, where guests sip, unwind and create a personalized vision board or painted canvas for 2026. All materials provided. Just bring your creativity and goals for the year ahead. Admission for vision board and wine: $65 (includes two-hour wine open bar featuring a selection of house red and white wine. Plus, selection of charcuterie bites). Admission for vision board only: $30. For tickets and more info, visit: https://www.therockawayhotel.com/things-to-do-rockaway-beach/event-calendar

108-10 Rockaway Beach Drive

 

VIC THRILL PAJAMA PARTY

AT THE ROSE DEN

SATURDAY, January 10

8 p.m.

Get your 2026 good times rollin’ in your jammies at Vic Thrill’s (of Bogmen fame) Pajama Party at The Rose Den! Don’t miss this stellar lineup of special guests performing.

174 Beach 116th Street

 

DATE NIGHT VENUES

With Valentine’s/Galentine’s on the horizon, here are a few local establishments that will make 2026 lovelier than ever! Keep checking in for more venues. Support local!

 

Adrienne’s

Adrienne’s, an Italian-esque restaurant, nestled on Jamaica Bay, will definitely earn points with your mate.

25 Van Brunt Road, Broad Channel

 

The BayHouse

The BayHouse, with its breathtaking views of the city skyline and delicious food, will surely impress your date!

500 Bayside, Breezy Point

 

Bungalow Bar

Bungie is a mainstay in Rockaway, and with a diverse food and drink menu that teases all flavor palates, a date here will be a home run!

377 Beach 92nd Street

 

Happy Jack’s Burger Bar

Sláinte to a good burger and more delights at Happy Jack’s!

108-13 Rockaway Beach Drive

 

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 an upscale dining experience, toast to an evening overflowing with love!

406 Bayside Ave., Breezy Point

 

Rocco’s of Rockaway Beach

Vieni a mangiare at Rocco’s, a lively spot known for its supreme NYC-Italian cuisine.

115-10 Rockaway Beach Blvd.

 

Got info on local live music, arts and more? Email: editor@rockawaytimes.com