ROCKAWAY GOOD TIMES
By Kami-Leigh Agard
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and our little slice of heaven is in full holiday swing! From music, arts, and more—plan your Rockaway magical weekend crawl with our entertainment guide below. This week’s tip: This Saturday, take your holiday photos for free at The BRIDGE Family Enrichment Center, plus toy giveaway! Wishing all who celebrate a Merry Christmas!
LIVE MUSIC
FRIDAY, December 22
3:30 p.m. / 7 p.m.
Feel the bass, hear the guitar as The BayHouse serves up a merry double header with first at 3:30 p.m.—Harry & Co., then next at 7 p.m.—One2Many pours out your favorite rock classics.
500 Bayside Drive, Breezy Point
FRIDAY, December 22
6 p.m.
Time to bump your boo-tay as Bobby Butler and Jenna “The Booty Shaker” perform their fan-favorite Annual Christmas Sing-along at Bungie!
377 Beach 92nd Street
FRIDAY, December 22
7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Head to Thai Rock for a unique blend of music that’s part storefront church-style, part Herb Albert, a pinch of David Bowie, and a touch of Andy Kaufman. Plus, good vibes, delicious bites and picturesque Jamaica Bay views!
375 Beach 92nd Street
FRIDAY, December 22
7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Head to Jamesons in your ugly sweater best (or worst) for their Ugly Sweater Party. Prizes for ugliest sweater! Chris Solo Long plays live from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and DJ Poppa D closes out the night.
421 Beach 129th Street
FRIDAY, December 22
7:30 p.m.
It’s Friday night and the night is right for sweet, smokin’ barbecue with a side of Arturo Rivera’s acoustic tunes at Smoke & Barrel.
97-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
FRIDAY, December 22
8 p.m.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and what better place to ring in the holiday weekend than with Kenny Dee at Belle Harbor Yacht Club!
533 Beach 126th Street
FRIDAY, December 22
9 p.m.
TGCIAH—Thank God Christmas Is Almost Here! So, tonight, clock in the countdown with the Jack Pack as The Uncle Jack Band serves up several rounds of rock classics at Rogers.
203 Beach 116th Street
FRIDAY, December 22
Kickoff your holiday weekend celebrations on the bay with Pete & Taylor at The Wharf. Call (718) 474-8807 for showtime and reservations.
416 Beach 116th Street
FRIDAY, December 22
Elevate your holiday weekend vibrations with Richie from Backstreet at Kennedy’s! Call (718) 945-0202 for showtime and reservations.
406 Bayside, Breezy Point
SATURDAY, December 23
6:30 p.m. / 10 p.m.
Double header at Bungalow Bar! First up, immediately become a Dave Kellan fan as he fuses acoustic Stevie Wonder soul with James Taylor rock, unearthing an Ed Sheehan vibe. Then at 10 p.m., get down in your jammies as DJ Sean waxes the ultimate Pajama Jam!
377 Beach 92nd Street
SATURDAY, December 23
7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Get into holiday mode at Tap That with local country music sweetheart, Lauren Jaimes.
111-04 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
SATURDAY, December 23
8:30 p.m.
Mighty Quinn brings Grateful Dead and more jam rock favorites to Smoke & Barrel.
97-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
SATURDAY, December 23
Head uptown and follow the green light to Harbor Light for DJ Poppa D’s poppin’ par-tay! Call (718) 474-2202 for showtime and reservations.
129-18 Newport Avenue
SATURDAY, December 23
Bask in the holiday magic at bayside beauty, The Wharf, as DJ John Walsh’s music envelopes your senses at The Wharf. Call (718) 474-8807 for showtime and reservations.
416 Beach 116th Street
SATURDAY, December 23
This evening at Kennedy’s—Frank Persico’s acoustic vibes propel you into the holiday mood. Call (718) 945-0202 for showtime and reservations.
406 Bayside, Breezy Point
ONGOING
Terrific TUESDAYS
Going to Rincón a.k.a. Rockaway-South? Squid Squad plays every Tuesday at popular authentic Mexican spot, Nacho Libre. Also, at Uma’s Playa Jobos and Calypso on selected nights. For more info, follow: guynev6106 on Instagram.
Wine WEDNESDAYS
7 p.m.
Head to Margie’s for a heavenly dining experience as Phil Kadet serenades with classics and standards from the American Songbook. For reservations, visit: https://www.therockawayhotel.com/dining/margies
108-10 Rockaway Beach Drive
Thirsty THURSDAYS
7:30 p.m.
Calling all wanna-be rockers and proud croakers—grab your fans and head to Smoke & Barrel for a pitch imperfect karaoke night!
97-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
MOVIE NIGHT
FRIDAY, December 22
WATCH “BAD SANTA”
AT TAP THAT
8 p.m.
Sick of watching endless Hallmark holiday rom-coms? Well, why not check out a ron-con at Tap That! Be prepared to laugh as thievin’ Santa and his twisted elf break bad in 2003’s “Bad Santa.”
111-04 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
SPECIAL MENTIONS
THE BRIDGE FAMILY
ENRICHMENT CENTER & FAR ROCK GREEK COUNCIL
PRESENT FESTIVE FRAMES & TOY GIVEAWAY
SATURDAY, December 23rd
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Whether you observe Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza—grab your chance to take family photos or with your besties with a professional photographer at The BRIDGE Family Enrichment Center’s Festive Frames holiday photos offering. The best part? It’s FREE! Plus, there will be activities for children of all ages including make your snowman or tree decoration, or even get a group together to decorate a tree! Trees will be raffled off for free. Also, hot chocolate, cookies and pastries will be served. In addition, Far Rock Greek Council will be distributing toys just in time for Christmas! To reserve your time slot to take photos, visit: www.bit.ly/thebridgeholiday2023
217 Beach 92nd Street
TAP THAT INVITES YOU
TO LUNCH & PICTURES
WITH THE GRINCH
SATURDAY, December 23
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
What is the moral story behind The Grinch? The holidays are not just about presents, but your presence—spending time with friends and family. So, bring your crew to Tap That as you lunch, enjoy quality time, and take photos with Mr. Grinch!
111-04 Rockaway Beach Blvd
CONNOLLY’S UGLY SWEATER PARTY
SATURDAY, December 23
7 p.m.
It’s the eve of Christmas Eve and Connolly’s is throwin’ down the ultimate Ugly Sweater Party with DJ Cash waxin’ the vinyl. Plus, the frozens will be flown’! Prize for best outfit.
155 Beach 95th Street
Got info on local live music, arts and more? Email: editor@rockawaytimes.com
