Town Hall Crowds, Reggae Stars & Restaurant Week Fun

Good Morning,

Patchogue is buzzing this week—from a packed town hall and road closures to great eats for Restaurant Week. Plus, live music, art, and new spots to check out. See you around town!

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

🚓 A driver was arrested for DWI after crashing his BMW into another vehicle on Sunrise Service Road in Patchogue, leaving a passenger seriously injured. Authorities say he showed signs of intoxication at the scene. The Legal Advocate

Patchogue Chamber Issues Community Alert Ahead of Rep. Raskin Town Hall May 3

In a letter to it’s members, the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce is alerting residents and businesses to significant activity expected in the downtown area this Saturday, May 3, between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., as Congressman Jamie Raskin hosts a town hall at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts.

The event has reached full capacity, and due to high demand, overflow attendees will be accommodated at 89 North. As a result, the Chamber anticipates a marked increase in both pedestrian and vehicle traffic throughout early afternoon hours.

Additionally, a peaceful protest is expected to take place nearby. While the demonstration is within the bounds of First Amendment protections, the Chamber acknowledges that it may create temporary disruptions to regular business operations. To support public safety and minimize inconvenience, the Village of Patchogue may implement short-term road closures and is coordinating closely with local authorities.

Parking around Main Street, the Theatre, and 89 North may be limited or temporarily inaccessible. The Chamber is encouraging community members to plan ahead, remain flexible, and extend patience as Patchogue plays host to this high-profile civic event.

“We understand the inconvenience this may pose and appreciate your patience and cooperation as we navigate these few hours together.,” wrote Executive Director Silvana Aloisio in the Chamber’s notice.

We will keep you informed if there are more updates.

Long Island Restaurant Week in Full Swing—Explore Local Menus Before May 4

Long Island Restaurant Week is in full swing, and local diners are making the most of this limited-time opportunity to enjoy creative, multi-course meals at exceptional value. Running through Sunday, May 4, the event features three-course prix-fixe dinners priced at $29, $39, or $46, with select restaurants also offering $24 two-course lunches throughout the week.

Restaurants across our area are participating, and there’s something to please every palate. Chachama Grill, The Fish Store, Avino's Italian Table, Stella Trattoria & Bar, Chops, and Shands General are all offering premium $46 dinner menus. Don Quijote and Ristegio’s Restaurant & Lounge are spotlighting their $39 specials, while Harbor Crab Co. and Rhum provide an impressive range from $24 to $46, depending on the day and time.

For bold, regional flavors, Ruta Oaxaca Mexican Cuisine offers prix-fixe options at $24 and $39, and Rhum’s Caribbean-inspired menu is drawing a steady stream of locals and visitors alike.

With only a few days left, now is the perfect time to try a new spot or revisit an old favorite. Menus change daily, so there’s always something new to discover. Be sure to make reservations in advance, as seating is limited during this popular dining week.

Full menus and details can be found at longislandrestaurantweek.com.

Community Highlights

• Damian and Stephen Marley will bring their Traffic Jam 2025 Tour to the Great South Bay Music Festival on July 25, delivering a powerful set of reggae rhythms and family legacy. [Great South Bay Music Festival]

• The Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center is showing The Ballad of Wallis Island, a heartwarming drama-comedy about music, dreams, and second chances. {Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center}

• John Cusack is finally set to appear at the Patchogue Theatre this August after two previous cancellations, with a screening of Say Anything followed by a live Q&A. [Greater Long Island]

• Women Sharing Art, a collective of mixed-media artists, returns to the BAFFA Art Gallery in Sayville with their themed exhibit Beautiful, on view May 3–25, Thursdays through Sundays from noon to 4 PM, with an artists’ reception on May 3 from 1–4 PM. [BAFFA Art Gallery]

• The Plaza Cinema has opened registration for its spring Independent Animation Classes, welcoming students aged 7 and up to explore storytelling, sound design, and animation techniques in a creative, open studio setting. [Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center]

• Sandbar Kitchen Cocktails and Entertainment is set to open May 2, bringing Caribbean-inspired eats, live music, and a lively new vibe to the waterfront at 32 Baker Place. [MSN]

• Kick off the summer with a fun night of live music, food, and mingling at the 7 in Heaven Singles Mingle event at Ristegio's in Patchogue on June 7. [7 in Heaven Singles]

• Bellport will host the {10th Annual Women Empowerment Pass the Torch Ceremony}at the Bellport Country Club on May 17, 2025, celebrating a decade of empowering young leaders through The Butterfly Effect Project.

• The Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce is holding its April General Membership Meeting on April 30 at 8am at the BBP Library, featuring a presentation on the BBP School Budget by school administrators and light refreshments.

• The Bayport Blue Point Heritage Association is hosting Murder at Meadow Croft, a live-action CLUE-inspired mystery night on May 17, 2025, where guests can explore the historic estate to solve a whodunit. Tickets go on sale April 15 and include two evening sessions for sleuths aged 12 and up. [Bayport Blue Point Heritage Association]

Local Sports

Here’s your daily sports recap for our local teams.

Softball
Patchogue-Medford 5 Riverhead 9

Boys Track
Patchogue-Medford 60 Brentwood 80

Girls Golf
Bayport-Blue Pt 0 East Islip 9
Patchogue-Medford 1 Bellport 8

Baseball
Bellport 0 Centereach 6

Girls Track
Patchogue-Medford 60 Brentwood 80

Boys Badminton
Patchogue-Medford 2 Ward Melville 7

Girls Badminton
Patchogue-Medford 2 Ward Melville 7

Boys Tennis
Patchogue-Medford 1 Mt Sinai 6

That wraps up a busy day for our local squads—keep showing that school spirit!

Become a Patchogue Live Local Sponsor

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• Brandwide Sponsorship

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• Please email [email protected] for more information. Thanks.