Rock Stars, Santa Brunch & a West Nile Alert

Issue #268

Author

Brian Grant
November 12, 2025

Good Morning,

Holiday parades, rock legends, and Santa sightings are lighting up the calendar this week. You’ll also find boat parades, local sports wins, and a brand-new pet boutique in Bellport. Don’t forget to add VIP Wallet Pass to stay connected in Patchogue, Bellport, Bayport, Medford, and Blue Point.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

🦟 A fifth case of West Nile virus has been confirmed in Suffolk County, this time in a Brookhaven resident under 50 who has since recovered. Health Commissioner Gregson Pigott warns that mosquitoes can still transmit disease “well after Labor Day.” [Patch]

🎸 Jon Anderson, the iconic voice of Yes, will bring his Yes Epics, Classics and More tour to Patchogue on April 21, performing with the Band Geeks at the Patchogue Theatre. The 2026 tour features prog-rock favorites, deep cuts, and new material from their recent albums. [Ultimate Classic Rock]

🤝 Over 275 students from 14 Long Island districts gathered in Sayville for the Special Olympics New York Unified Youth Summit, promoting leadership and inclusion through Unified Sports. Students with and without disabilities shared how their schools are becoming more inclusive communities. [Patch]

🐾 Salty Paws Pet Boutique is now open in Bellport, offering healthy treats, accessories, and pet-themed events for local dogs, cats, and their humans. Owner Ariel LaValle, a Bellport native and animal rescue founder, created the shop as a community space for “pawrents” and their furry companions. [Newsday]

💥 Stay Connected Like a Local Insider!

We just made it even easier to keep up with everything happening around town. From new restaurant openings to community events and local deals.

Introducing the 🎟️ Patchogue Live Local VIP Wallet Pass. Your all-access digital pass to life in Patchogue, Medford, Bayport, Bellport, and Blue Point.

✅ Stay connected with instant access to:
• Local events, news & deals
• The latest Patchogue Live Local newsletter
• Quick links to Patchogue, Medford, Bayport, Bellport & Blue Point

💡 Tap the three dots (•••) on the pass to unlock links to your local guide, website, and newsletter.

📱 Works with Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. Just tap the link below when on your phone to add your pass instantly!

For Android devices, which don’t have a built-in compatible wallet app, simply download the Pass2U Wallet app from the Play Store to use your VIP pass.

Community Highlights

  • Breakfast with Santa is coming to Bellport on Saturday, December 6 from 10 AM–12 PM. Bellport Village

  • Harbor Crab Co. is hosting Kris Kringle Night: Bartender Challenge on November 13th from 6–9 PM, where you can drink for a cause. All the tips go to support local families in need this holiday season. [Patchogue Community Service Foundation]

  • Back to the Garden 1969 – The Woodstock Experience brings the magic of the legendary music festival to life with a full multimedia tribute show on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 8 PM. [Patchogue Theatre]

  • 7-Eleven in East Patchogue is celebrating its 10th Anniversary with a community event on Thursday, November 13 from 1–4 PM, featuring raffles, vendor giveaways, kids' activities, and more. [139 Sunrise Hwy, East Patchogue]

  • Santa’s making a tropical stop at RUMBA Patchogue for a festive Santa Brunch on Saturday, December 13th, from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with island vibes, cookie decorating, and a special gift surprise from Santa himself. Santa Brunch at RUMBA Patchogue

  • Get festive and Design a Holiday Door Sign at Momo's Sports Bar and Grill Too in Bayport on Tuesday, November 18 at 7 PM, with tickets at $55. Paint Nite Tickets

  • The Village of Bellport is hosting its Sixth Annual Wreath Decorating Contest, offering participants a pre-lit wreath to decorate and the chance to win festive gift baskets. Register early by phone or email, and pick up your wreath at Village Hall by November 14. [Village of Bellport]

  • The Village of Patchogue is celebrating its 63rd Annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 29 at 6 PM, featuring “Christmas Past on Main Street” with Santa’s helpers and a chance to send holiday greetings to service members. [Village of Patchogue]

  • ⛸️ Holiday Spectacular on Ice returns to Gateway Playhouse from November 28 to January 4, transforming the stage into a dazzling ice rink for a one-of-a-kind winter celebration. With festive music, stunning figure skating, and show-stopping performances, it’s the “coolest” family-friendly tradition of the season. [Gateway Playhouse]

  • The Bay Area Chorus of BAFFA will perform a free concert, Gifts of Music, featuring works by Bach, Copland, and holiday favorites on Sunday, November 23 at 4 PM at the United Methodist Church of Patchogue. [Bay Area Friends of the Fine Arts]

  • The Patchogue River Christmas Boat Parade returns for its 30th year on November 23 at 5 PM, lighting up the waterfront with a “Rock Star Christmas” theme and dazzling, decked-out boats. [Patchogue River Christmas Boat Parade]

  • The Better Man Distilling Co. is hosting its 5th Annual Holiday Market with local vendors, cocktails, and live music on Nov. 29–30. Enjoy doggy photo ops and performances by Andrew Weiss & Friends and the Brian Mancuso Band. The Better Man Distilling Co.

  • The Bayport-Blue Point Heritage Association invites all to its General Membership meetings at the BBP Library, featuring raffles and community updates. On Sunday, November 16, Marsha Collock will present Films of the American Great Depression: 1929–1939, exploring how classic cinema provided both reflection and escape during tough times. BBPHA

  • The Lighthouse Mission is collecting Thanksgiving food donations to support local families in need. Drop off items at 1543 Montauk Hwy, Bellport by Saturday, November 15, Monday–Friday (9AM–4PM) or Saturday (10AM–2PM).

  • Take a peaceful virtual stroll through downtown Patchogue in this 4K walking tour by Walking with Genny, showcasing the charm and walkability of one of Long Island’s most inviting villages.

Community Highlights

Local Sports

⚽ University of Akron’s Daragh Reilly was named BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week, while East Patchogue native Thomas O’Rourke earned a spot on the conference Honor Roll. Their performances helped the Zips secure a 1-0 win over Creighton and claim the BIG EAST Midwest Division title for a second straight year. [University of Akron Athletics]

🏑 Bayport-Blue Point (Section XI) defeated Carle Place (Section VIII) 1-0 to advance to the Class C field hockey state semifinals. They’ll take on Rondout Valley (Section IX) on Saturday, November 15 at 2:00 PM. [NYSPHSAA]

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