Building, baking, and bandstands

Morning,

Our local McDonald’s is getting a big glow-up, Kilwins is back to filling Main Street with the smell of chocolate, and Suffolk is asking us to pitch in and save a little water.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

🏗️ The McDonald’s at Montauk Highway and Sills Road in East Patchogue will be torn down and replaced with a sleek 4,359-square-foot building featuring modern design, updated landscaping, and an improved drive-through. Once home to one of the last outdoor playhouses in the country, the restaurant got final approval from the Town of Brookhaven in July. Greater Long Island

🚰 The Suffolk County Water Authority has issued a Stage 1 Water Alert, urging customers to halt non-essential water use and follow the odd/even lawn watering schedule if watering is necessary. The move aims to conserve water amid increased demand. SCWA

🍫 Under new ownership, Kilwins Chocolate and Ice Cream has reopened on Patchogue’s Main Street after sitting dark for months. Christine and Brian Viscount, who run a popular Port Jefferson location, took over the shop in May and brought their North Shore vibe to the South Shore community. Greater Long Island

🎪 Circus on Main lit up downtown Patchogue Friday night with games, circus acts, a petting zoo, puppet shows, face painting, and more. Organized by the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce, the annual family fest even saw Patchogue-Medford varsity football players volunteering — and taking turns in the dunk tank. Greater Long Island

Community Highlights

• The New Students will perform Americana and Bluegrass at the Summer Bandshell Concert on Friday, August 15 from 7–9pm. Boat ramp closed 6:30–9:30pm.

• Bellport Village and the Bellport Village Program Fund will host the annual Sandcastle Contest on Saturday, August 23 at Ho Hum Beach, with prizes and recognition in local media. Registration takes place at Ho Hum Beach.

• Catch Jellyband live on the Five Towns College Stage during Patchogue's 23rd annual Alive After Five celebration on Thursday, August 14—free admission and great jams from the Allmans to Zappa. [Patchogue Theatre]

• The Patchogue Arts Council and Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce present LED: Light Evoking Dreams, October 23–28, transforming Patchogue into a surreal dreamscape with projections, performances, interactive art, and a new Let’s Get Weird Film Festival. Don’t miss this glowing celebration—mark your calendars and plan your visit! [Patchogue Arts Council]

• The Annual Bellport Chamber Lobster Bake has been rescheduled to Wednesday, August 20th, featuring a delicious meal prepared by Avino's Italian Table at the Bellport Bay Yacht Club. RSVP by August 15! [Bellport Chamber]

• Catch My Mother’s Wedding (2025), a heartfelt comedy-drama about three sisters reuniting for their mother’s third wedding, screening now at the Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center. [Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center]

• The Village of Patchogue will hold a Board of Trustees Meeting on Monday, August 11 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM to discuss community matters and local governance. [Village of Patchogue]

• Experience Meadow Croft After Dark on August 23 with Postcards from Papa, an evening of history, storytelling, and drinks in the Roosevelt summer home featuring guest presenter Brittany Cutrone of Laughlin Vineyard. [Bayport-Blue Point Heritage Association]

• The Gateway Playhouse will present Phantom by Maury Yeston and Arthur Kopit, a lush and emotional retelling of the Phantom story, running from August 1 to 31 with a 24-member cast and grand stage spectacle. Long Island Advance

• The Patchogue Arts Council is accepting submissions for Arts on Terry 2025, a curated contemporary art street fair on September 14, featuring booth space for fine artists. Artists can apply here by August 13 for a chance to showcase their work. [Patchogue Arts Council]

Community Highlights

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