Music, comedy and family fun on New Year’s Eve
1. LI’S BALL DROP
Credit: Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce
Patchogue celebrates its second annual Midnight on Main Street at 8. The free family-friendly event, sponsored by Blue Point Brewing Co., includes a DJ, as well as food for purchase.
Party hats and noisemakers will be distributed before the 9 p.m. rise of an illuminated ball from the roof of Capital One Bank, which will coincide with a Grucci fireworks display.
"We are the only location east of Times Square that does a ball ceremony to welcome the new year," says David Kennedy, 47, executive director of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce.
Last year, Midnight on Main Street attracted about 3,000 people. Organizers are anticipating 5,000 revelers on Thursday night.
"What we love about how this event has worked out is that it is early enough that local families who are looking to have their children experience a New Year's Eve event can," says Kennedy, a Patchogue resident. "And for others, it's a great way to start the night."
All of the area's bars and restaurants donated to the event in some way, Kerry says, and they are anticipating the overflow of adults looking to continue the party once Midnight on Main Street ends.
WHEN | WHERE 8-9 p.m. Thursday at Capital One Plaza, 116 E. Main St., Patchogue
INFO 631-207-1000, greaterpatchogue.com
COST Free
2. ‘THE RAT PACK IS BACK’
Credit: Dick Feeney
Ring in the 2016 with the Rat Pack. This Chicago trio of Rat Pack impersonators will perform two shows at the Patchogue Theatre, featuring hits from Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., such as "Come Fly With Me," "That's Amore," "Mr. Bojangles" and "New York, New York." The tribute group will be backed by an orchestra and will sprinkle their signature humor to further liven up the night.
Special guest "Marilyn Monroe" will be on hand to perform her signature classics such as "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" and "I Wanna Be Loved by You."
Admission to the 10:30 show includes an extended intermission featuring hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, an open bar and a champagne toast at midnight with party hats and noisemakers.
WHEN | WHERE 7 and 10:30 p.m. Thursday at Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 E. Main St. (Additional shows through Sunday. See website for details.)
INFO 631-286-1133, patchoguetheatre.org
COST $60-$95 7 p.m. show ($85-$120 10:30 p.m. show)
3. JUST FOR LAUGHS
Credit: Rob Falcone
If you are looking for laughs and an event a bit more low key, head to Port Jefferson and stop by Theatre Three, which will host the New Year's Laughin' Eve Comedy Showcase, featuring Paul Anthony (host of the Long Island Comedy Festival), Bryan McKenna (a regular at iconic laugh lounge Caroline's on Broadway), actor and stand-up comic Chris Roach and improvisational comic Rob Falcone (pictured).
WHEN | WHERE 6 and 8 p.m. Thursday at 412 Main St., Port Jefferson
INFO 631-928-9100, theatrethree.com
COST $45 6 p.m. show ($55 8 p.m. show)
