Arts & Culture News » Fire Island News & Great South Bay News

Saturday, December 13 23rd Reenactment of the Flying Santa at Fire Island Lighthouse Santa arrives at the lighthouse for his commemorative reenactment of the historic event at the Fire Island Lighthouse, off Field 5. A great photo opportunity, this event offers the chance to form lifelong memories with your little ones! Arrive early and dress for the weather; temperatures and wind can be intense during the off-season months. This event is FREE to attend. For more information, visit fireislandlighthouse.com

What’s SUP Santa? Things to Do This Week, In the Heart of December, Along the Great South Bay

Posted on December 12, 2025

Bay Shore’s high-octane hamlet needs to be fueled, and it is no surprise that coffee cafés keep sprouting up with no end in sight. However, no two are the same; each has its own distinct vibe, and all are wonderful in their own way. Enjoy our mini-guide!

Dining

The Bean Business in Bay Shore

Posted on December 10, 2025

Tiny Raccoon Books in Sayville is preparing to celebrate the holiday season with its third annual Jolabokaflod, a community event centered around books, chocolate, and cozy winter traditions.

Books & Authors

Tiny Raccoon Books Prepares for its Third Annual Jolabokaflod Celebration in Sayville

Posted on December 9, 2025

Downtown Islip’s Harp & Hound remains closed after a damaging fire last month, which is a severe loss for the local business during the holiday season. It has affected the family-owned Irish-American pub's revenue, resulted in lost wages for staff, and deprived patrons of a popular gathering spot.

Dining

Great South Bay Community Comes Together to Support Downtown Islip’s Harp & Hound After Fire

Posted on December 8, 2025

The Historical Society of Islip Hamlet will host its 2025 Holiday House Tour from 12 noon to 4 p.m., with a reception until 5 p.m. Several historically and/or architecturally interesting homes will be decorated for the holidays as tour guides in Victorian dress greet you at each house. At the reception, there will be a Holiday auction, a 50/50 raffle, and refreshments. All tickets go on sale starting Nov. 3rd at Caroline’s Flower Shoppe and Maple St. Deli (cash or check only), or on our website beginning Oct. 20th via Eventbrite. Ticket donations are $35/adult (no one under age 16 permitted) and are non-refundable; a small processing fee applies when purchased through Eventbrite. Please donate a new, unwrapped toy for the John Theissen Children’s Foundation. For more information, visit isliphamlethistory.org, or call 631-559-2915.

It’s Beginning to Feel A lot Like Christmas: Things to Do this Week Along the Great South Bay During the 2nd Week of December

Posted on December 5, 2025

Classic holiday tunes come to life as Jane Lynch, Kate Flannery, Tim Davis, and the Tony Guerrero Quintet take the stage in A Swingin’ Little Christmas, showing at Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 East Main Street, Patchogue, at 8 p.m. The hilarious and heartwarming holiday extravaganza is a delightful blend of comedy and music, ensuring a ‘swingin’ good time for all audiences! This group has brought their joyful banter to audiences across the country—experience the showstopper for yourself this holiday season! Admission: ~$60-$90 including fees. For tickets and more details, visit patchoguetheatre.org.

The November to December Holiday Miracle Across the Great South Bay

Posted on November 26, 2025

Free music at the best bookshop in Indy Sayville begins at 2 p.m. Featured bands include Dan Board Hula Mat, Ang, Pin Cushion, and Bad Guise. The bands might be edgy, but Tiny Raccoon Books is a family-friendly place, located at 277 Railroad Avenue in Sayville.

November Through Thanksgiving: South Shore Events Happening Before and After Turkey Day

Posted on November 20, 2025

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for blessings, but sometimes it’s a blessing to not have to deal with pots, pans, and the cleanup afterwards. The good news is there’s an abundant selection of places to restaurants to enjoy Thanksgiving Day along the Great South Bay. Here is a guide to some of our favorites.

Dining

Dinner Out on Thanksgiving: Local Restaurants Open and Ready to Serve

Posted on November 17, 2025

Christopher Verga, an American history instructor at Suffolk Community College, a reporter with Schneps Media, and a Bay Shore resident, has authored several books previously reviewed in this publication. They include Saving Fire Island from Robert Moses, coauthored with Neil Buffett; and Cold War Long Island, coauthored with award-winning journalist Karl Grossman (also a frequent Schneps Media contributor), who provides the foreword to Verga’s new release, Nazis of Long Island.

Books & Authors

Great South Bay News Columnist, Christopher Verga, Releases His Latest Long Island Historical Book, “Nazis of Long Island: Sedition, Espionage & the Plot Against America”

Posted on November 16, 2025

The New York Long Island Film Festival (NYLIFF) showcased 114 films at the Moose Lodge #1421 and the South Shore Theatre Experience, both located in Lindenhurst, over the five-day event.

The 7th Annual New York Long Island Film Festival Returns to Lindenhurst

Posted on November 15, 2025

Sunday, November 16 Poinsettia Paper Quilling Workshop BAFFA Art Gallery will conduct a Poinsettia Paper Quilling Workshop with Carol McMahon on Sunday, November 16th, at the Gallery from 1 to 3 p.m.. Tickets are required for this workshop. Cost is $30.00 for BAFFA members and $35.00 for non-members. For additional information, visit www.BAFFA.org. The BAFFA Art Gallery is located at 47 Gillette Avenue in Sayville.

In the Heart of November: Things to Do Over the Week Ahead Along the Great South Bay and Beyond on Long Island

Posted on November 13, 2025

“A pure joy to work with this team,” said director Joe Valenti as the movie Ebenezer the Traveler wrapped its last scene at the Hawkins House in Yaphank, Long Island.

“Ebenezer the Traveler” Returns to the Mortal Plane with a Sequel on the Way

Posted on November 13, 2025

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