Good Morning,
Today’s bringing strong winds and a coastal flood warning, so be careful out there. The LIRR is raising fares starting in January, and Patchogue-Medford’s cheer team is heading to nationals after a big win. There’s also a lot happening around town, from live music to movie screenings and holiday celebrations.
-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer
Local Pulse
⚠️ A wind advisory and coastal flood warning are in effect across Long Island from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. today, with wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph and minor coastal flooding possible. Rain and thunderstorms are expected through early afternoon, followed by scattered showers, with temps peaking near 60 before dropping into the 40s by sunset. Power outages and wind damage are possible due to the strong gusts. [News 12 Long Island]
🚧 LIRR fares are set to increase starting January 4, with monthly and weekly ticket prices rising up to 4.5 percent and one-way tickets up to 8 percent, while the validity of one-way tickets will now expire at 4 a.m. the next day. The MTA says this follows a 2021 fare hike suspension and keeps monthly rates in line with 2019 prices when adjusted for inflation. [Patch]
🏫 Patchogue-Medford High School’s varsity cheer team is heading to the National High School Cheerleading Championship in Florida after placing fifth at the UCA Empire Regional held at Farmingdale State College. The Raiders will compete in the Small Division 1 Game Day category this February at Walt Disney World, with school leaders and coaches praising the team's dedication and spirit. [Patch]
💥 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: |
💡 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! |
Community Highlights
Fadeley’s Deli Pub is hosting Randy Jackson of Zebra for a live and loud night of rock on Sat, Dec 20, with doors at 7PM and the show at 8PM. Fadeley’s Deli Pub
The Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center is showing RENTAL FAMILY, a contemplative new drama starring Brendan Fraser as an actor who takes a job with a Japanese “rental family” agency and rediscovers human connection. Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center
Patchogue is hosting its annual Menorah Lighting at Capital One Plaza on Main Street on Sunday, December 21 at 5 PM, celebrating Hanukkah with the community. [patchoguevillage.gov]
Lighthouse Mission is collecting new toy donations for local Long Island families, with an extended deadline to drop off gifts by Friday, December 19 at 1543 Montauk Highway in Bellport. [Lighthouse Mission]
The Yaphank Historical Society has reopened its historic holiday house tours this weekend from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring guided visits, music, and a Christmas Boutique at St. Andrews Church. [Yaphank Historical Society]
The Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce is hosting the grand opening and ribbon cutting for Lost Toys & Comics on Saturday, December 20 from 11 AM–1 PM with the ribbon cutting at 12:00 PM and 15 % off purchases at 69 N Ocean Ave in Patchogue.
The Village of Bellport is hosting a Shop Local – Holiday Market at The Bellport Restaurant on Sunday, Dec. 21 from 12:00–3:00 PM. [Village of Bellport]
Melissa Etheridge has announced her first new studio album in five years, Rise, arriving March 27, 2026, with a new single “Matches” now available to stream—she’ll stop in Patchogue on April 11 at the Patchogue Theatre. [American Songwriter]
The Museum of Contemporary Art Long Island is presenting Mexico; Past & Present, a solo exhibition of works by Kelynn Z. Alder curated by John Cino, on view from December 13, 2025 to February 15, 2026. [Patchogue Arts Council]
The Patchogue Theatre is hosting a virtual 5K Run/Walk fundraiser through December 31 to support live entertainment and the arts. Participants will receive a unique gift and have their names displayed on the marquee in January. [Patchogue Theatre]
Arooga’s is throwing an Ugly Sweater Party on December 20 at 9pm with DJ Joseph Nappi, drink specials all night, and the kitchen open late. [Arooga’s Patchogue]
The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County's Holiday Light Show returns to Camp Edey in Bayport, running Thursdays to Sundays from November 28 to December 21. Walk the magical light trail, visit Santa, play lawn games, and check out this year’s new Cozy Bungalow Package!
Become a Patchogue Live Local Sponsor
Are you a brand new or established business looking to become known in our Patchogue Live Local community? We are looking for locally-owned business that would like to become a Patchogue Live Local sponsor! Sponsorships can include:
Brandwide Sponsorship
Mini-Feature Ad
Calendar Takeover
Video Spotlight
Please visit https://advertise.patchoguelivelocal.com/ for more information.