ROCKAWAY GOOD TIMES
By Kami-Leigh Agard
Lookin’ to add some hometown sparkle to your 2024 celebrations? The Rockaway Times has got you covered! Plan your Rockaway New Year’s holiday weekend crawl with our entertainment guide below. This week’s tip: check out NYD polar plunges happening around town! Happy New Year!
LIVE MUSIC
FRIDAY, December 29
8 p.m.
Jumpstart your New Year’s celebrations with rock/soul/pop/folk/country acoustic mix master—Frank Persico at Belle Harbor Yacht Club!
533 Beach 126th Street
FRIDAY, December 29
Kennedy’s is one of the best spots on the peninsula to see the sun set, and as 2023 bids adieu, soak in its majesty as Chris Decker’s acoustic tunes satisfy your soul. Call (718) 945-0202 for showtime and reservations.
406 Bayside, Breezy Point
MOVIE NIGHT
FRIDAY, December 29
“WHEN HARRY MET SALLY” AT TAP THAT
8 p.m.
Why is 1983 classic, “When Harry Met Sally” rated as one of the most definitive NYE movies? Snuggle in and watch at Tap That.
111-04 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
NEW YEAR’S EVE
CELEBRATIONS
SUNDAY, December 31
4 p.m.
Head to Breezy for The Sugar Bowl’s epic NYE shindig with DJ Uncle Mike!
15 Bedford Avenue, Breezy Point
6 p.m.
It’s the countdown to 2024! So, grab your besties for a night of karaoke and adult libations at Thai Rock. Plus, Sunday nights are now officially Karaoke Night at Thai Rock, so start the new year with a new groove!
375 Beach 92nd Street
6 p.m. / 9 p.m.
Rocco’s is back with their blingin’ NYE fête featuring autentico cibo italiano boasting a full course menu, champagne toast, party hats and DJ Matty behind the turntable. Two seating times available: 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Complimentary valet parking. $75 admission includes dinner, champagne toast and party hats. For reservations, call: 718-799-5050.
115-10 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Forget Times Square! Watch the ball drop from The Rockaway Hotel’s rooftop, while living it up at the Hotel’s cocktail style reception, premium open bar, live music and dancing all night long. Tickets are $100. For tickets and more info, visit: https://www.therockawayhotel.com/happenings
108-10 Rockaway Beach Drive
Reservation times vary
Celebrate the dawn of a new year at Margie’s with a special prix fixe menu by Chef Christopher Tyler and live music by beatific jazz/ New Age keyboardist/composer, Surya Botofasina. Admission is $85. For reservations, visit: https://www.therockawayhotel.com/happenings . 108-10 Rockaway Beach Drive
Reservation times vary
Spend a cozy NYE in front of the fire at Bungalow Bar. And from oysters, lamb chops, lobster, Chilean bass, porterhouse steak—your last meal of 2023 will be one to remember! Plus, at 7 p.m., acoustic tunes with Chris Patti. For reservations, call: (718) 945-2100.
377 Beach 92nd Street
NEW YEAR’S DAY HAPPENINGS
MONDAY, January 1
11 a.m. / 3 p.m.
Bungie is back with their annual NYD bash with DJ Teddy! Brunch starts at 11 a.m. The popular bayside spot is also declaring the day, “Purple Day,” in remembrance of Emily Burns.
377 Beach 92nd Street
1 p.m.
Don your best red, enjoy some grub and grab a few drinks while listening to Kiernan Monahan play some live tunes to ring in the New Year at The Wharf.
416 Beach 116th Street
2 p.m.
Eat, drink and toast to the new year in good company at Harbor Light as the Rock-A-Wades jams all your favorite rock classics!
129-18 Newport Avenue
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Make a beeline to Tap That for electrifying guitar duo, Aerial Acoustics’ sizzling lineup of classic rock, pop, progressive covers, plus originals with special guest, Robin Levy.
111-04 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
3 p.m.
It’s last call at The Sugar Bowl until March! So, join in the time-honored tradition of Hell or High Water closing out the season with their rock feast.
15 Bedford Avenue, Breezy Point
3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Wear your “yachtie whites” to celebrate the New Year at the Belle Harbor Yacht Club’s White Party with headliner, Wine With Sue! Special raffle for those wearing white. White doors open at 1 p.m. White wine will be served. Wine with Sue hits the stage at 3 p.m. Plus, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., DJ Drew inserts eight tracks pumpin’ your favorite hits. Mr. Sandwich Food Truck on deck. Admission: $10. Plus, try your new year luck with raffles and 50/50s.
533 Beach 126th Street
NYD POLAR PLUNGES
AROUND TOWN
10 a.m.
Stamp the first day of the new year with the New York Dippers Club’s polar plunge at Beach 67th Street.
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Rockaway Hotel gets you pampered for their 3rd Annual Polar Plunge at Beach 108th Street. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — indulge in the Hotel’s breakfast buffet and brunch cocktails served at the Harbor Room. (Yoga class with Narissa at 10 a.m. Special ticket required). At 1 p.m., join the procession heading to Beach 108th for the plunge! Post-plunge, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., meet back at the Winter Pool House and warm up in the hotel’s saunas and heated pool. Cash bar available. Plungers advised to bring their own towel. Tickets are $20 for individuals 21 years and under, $50 for adults and $70 includes yoga class.
For tickets and more info, visit: https://www.therockawayhotel.com/happenings
108-10 Rockaway Beach Drive
12 p.m.
Join locals for an informal plunge. Groups gather at Beach 119th, 127th and 145th.
SPECIAL MENTION
ROCKAWAY BREWING CO.
FINAL COUNTDOWN
Thursday to Sunday
Alas! The Brewery is closing its doors on Beach 72nd Street. So, on this last week of 2023, join the Brewery for a bittersweet week-long farewell. Highlights: Thursday at 7 p.m.— last Fam Jam with Patsy, and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 1 a.m. “End of the World Party.”
415 Beach 72 Street
THEATER AUDITIONS
RTC PRODUCTION,
“URINETOWN”
SATURDAY, January 6 —
6 p.m to 9 p.m.
& SUNDAY, January 7 —
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Calling all actors, singers and dancers! The Rockaway Theatre Company is holding auditions for its 2024 season opener, “Urinetown.” If selected, auditioners must be available for all performance dates: April 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21. Bring headshot and resume, and be prepared to sing songs requested. Sides will be provided for some principal roles. Auditioners are advised to prepare the vocal selections listed in breakdowns and may be asked to learn a small dance combination, so, bring comfortable clothes and appropriate footwear. Video submissions accepted. To inquire, contact: rockawaytheatre@verizon.net. For further info., including character descriptions, visit: https://www.rockawaytheatrecompany.org/urinetown
Post Theatre, Building T4, Fort Tilden, Breezy Point
Got info on local live music, arts and more? Email: editor@rockawaytimes.com
