Irish Festival to Celebrate & Support St. Camillus Church
Introducing the New Publishers: Margaret Powers and Paul King
St. Edmund Church Reopens After Fire
Announcing The Rockaway Times’ America 250 Decorating Contest
USPP Mourns Equine Partner, Doc
Support for Rockaway Warriors Weekend
NPOA Makes a Special Delivery to UPS’ Sherrod
June Hits Rockaway, Senior Skip Season Begins
Best Paw Forward for Doggie Fashion Show
Mamdani and Hochul Visit Rockaway to Launch 2-K Applications
Cori Sends a Message to the Mayor
It’s June 4, one month until America 250! Time to break out Old Glory. In today’s issue, read about the Rockaway Times’ Patriotic Home and Business Decorating contests. And, watch for our special America 250 issue on July 2.
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The Rockaway Beach Civic Association’s June meeting is NOT tonight. This month, RBCA meets on the second Thursday, June 11, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus. Weather permitting, the meeting will be on the patio.*****
Looking for a new doctor? Come and kick the tires at an EHS Primary Care Provider Meet & Greet. You have two chances: June 10 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the new Walsh Ambulatory Pavilion or June 11 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at EHS Primary and Specialty Care on Beach 105th Street. Visit https://bit.ly/EHS-PCP-Walsh or https://bit.ly/EHS-PCP-RockawayBeach to register.*****
Congratulations to Adrienne’s Provisions, which opened on Monday. Broad Channel’s new Italian market at 925 Cross Bay Blvd. offers sandwiches, fresh pastas, gelato and more.*****
The NBA Finals began last night. Hopefully, the Knicks extended their winning streak to 12. If not, the 1973 Knicks lost the first game of the finals to the Lakers… then swept the next four. Question to ponder: Walt Frazier or Jalen Brunson?*****
On Flag Day, June 14, at 2 p.m., Callie’s and the Rockaway Republican Club will place a plaque on the flagpole to honor a Rockaway resident who fell in battle. This year’s honoree is Lt. James O’Brien of Beach 130th Street who died heroically in WWII. Previous honorees were Private First Class John McGonigal Jr. (Vietnam) and Lance Corporal Michael Glover (Iraq). For tickets, go to https://square.link/u/x1Vjvq5Z.*****
If you like Pina Coladas… RISE is celebrating its 20-year anniversary. They have two fundraisers this month. The first, Coladas for a Cause, is on Friday, June 5, 6 to 9 p.m., at Connolly’s. Go to https://tinyurl.com/rise-colada to purchase your $20 ticket.*****
Despite the cool weather, it started to feel a little like summer with The Knobs rocking out Tap That last Saturday.*****
Did you grab your Rockaway Times 2026 Summer & Community Guide yet? It’s your roadmap to summer in Rockaway. Copies are available at the usual pickup spots, and if those run out (it is the hottest ticket in town), you can stop by our office for a copy. Please support our loyal advertisers!*****
Check out the NEW rockawaytimes.com website! While you are there, click Subscribe to get the weekly e-edition emailed to you every Thursday. And don’t forget to join our large Rockaway following on Instagram and Facebook!*****
Ready for a movie under the stars? On June 6 at 8:30 p.m., the Rockaway Film Festival will open its outdoor cinema (72-02 Gouverneur Ave.) for the season with the East Coast restoration premiere of “Rhythm Thief,” a jagged snapshot of ’90s Lower East Side.*****
For more rough-and-tumble entertainment, check out Live Pro Wrestling on June 13 at Our Lady of Grace in Old Howard Beach. Tickets are $20 in advance at www.ecpw1.com or $25 at the door.*****
Rockaway residents fought for the chance to restore the Tribute Park 9/11 Mosaic. If you can, please donate to support repairs before the 25th anniversary. Better yet, attend the June 6 fundraiser from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the historic Richard Mott House (1272 Norton Drive). For tickets to the fundraiser, raffle tickets or to donate, visit www.rockaways9-11tributepark.com.*****
The Bishop Kearney Class of 1976 is celebrating their 50th High School Reunion with a champagne brunch at the Fort Hamilton Army Base on September 27. For info, email Watters@theStatenislandFoundation.org or call Kathy McBride at 917-941-4110*****
Hopefully, this writer’s first collection of flotsam and jetsam was of interest.Read more
Dune Restoration
On Friday, June 5 at and Monday, June 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., head to Beach 44th and the boardwalk to join RISE in planting the dunes. Help with invasive plant removal, beach cleanup, plantings, watering, and other tasks. Register at www.riserockaway.org/rise/events/
Coladas for a Cause
On Friday, June 5 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., head to Connolly’s (155 Beach 95th Street) to join RISE’s fundraiser. $20 donation includes one FREE drink! Plus 50/50 raffle. 21+
Night Makers Market
On Friday, June 5 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., head to Rockaway Beach Surf Club (302 Beach 87th Street) to shop from local vendors, and enjoy food and drinks.
Beach Cleanup
On Saturday, June 6 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., head to the beach at Beach 86th Street to join Gotham Surf and Surfrider NYC for a beach cleanup in International Ocean Day.
Rockaway Irish Festival
On Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., head to the St. Camillus parking lot on Beach 100th Street for the annual Irish Festival. Enjoy a day of live music, food, drinks, vendors, bouncy houses and face painting for kids and more. $20 entry, kids 12 and under are free.
Hangar B Tour
On Saturday, June 6 at 10:30 a.m., head to Floyd Bennett Field to learn about aviation history and explore restored aircrafts on a ranger-led tour of a historic airplane hangar.
Birding at Jamaica Bay
On Saturday, June 6 at 11 a.m., head to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge to join a guided birding tour for National Trails Day.
A Taste of Natural Healing
On Monday, June 8 at 10 a.m., head to RISE (58-03 Rockaway Beach Blvd.) as Alexandra G. Taggart, certified instructor of Dragon’s Way Qigong, leads a FREE thirty-minute class. The Four Energy Gates is a practice to awaken the body’s energy flow.
Native Plant Nursery Planting
On Monday, June 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., head to the RISE Native Plant Nursery (190 Beach 44th Street) to help RISE cultivate trees, shrubs, and grasses that support a more resilient shoreline. Register at www.riserockaway.org/rise/events/
Zumba!
On Monday, June 8 at 11 a.m., head to RISE (58-03 Rockaway Beach Blvd.) for a free Zumba class led by LaDeidre Smith from Rockaway YMCA. Enjoy an aerobic fitness workout that involves cardio and Latin-inspired dance.
Community Board 14
On Tuesday, June 9 at 7 p.m., head to the Knights of Columbus (333 Beach 90th St.) for the monthly CB14 meeting. Hear about sludge dock improvements, PS 349 lining interceptor project and committee updates. To speak, sign up before the meeting begins.
Artists Talking
On Thursday, June 11 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., head to RISE (58-03 Rockaway Beach Blvd.) as Andrea Belag, painter and RISE board of director, will moderate a talk by four artists: Michael Ballou, Gaby Collins-Fernandez, Florencia Escudero, and Michael Sims. Register at www.riserockaway.org/rise/events/
Rockaway Rehearsal Room
On Monday, June 8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., head to The Jupiter Club (69-62 Almeda Ave.) to get your creativity flowing! Actors, playwrights, directors, and storytellers can work on scenes, monologues, new writings, etc., in this free collaborative creative gym. RSVP at jamiesoltis.com/rrr.
Yoga/ Human Movement
On Sundays and Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m., head to the beach at Beach 102nd Street to join Kevin Campbell for yoga. Call 347-804-2559 for more info.
Body Weight Circuit Training
On Tuesdays at 7 p.m., head to the Sorrentino Recreation Center (18-48 Cornaga Ave.) for a free body weight circuit training class with Edith.
Cardio Punch
On Saturdays at 11 a.m., head to the Beach 60th boardwalk to join Gloria for Cardio Punch, a total body workout for all levels. Punch to the rhythms of motivating music. Through September.
With the beaches open, and DFDs and locals alike flooding our watering holes and dining establishments—Rockaway summer is finally here! Plan your Rockaway Good Times crawl with our weekly roundup below!
LIVE MUSIC
THURSDAY, May 28 – 5 p.m.
Add some bayside magic to your Friday night with Frank Persico at The Wharf.
416 Beach 116th Street
THURSDAY, May 28 – 7 p.m.
Jazz vocalist Zack Alexander brings Frank Sinatra and The Rat Pack to life at Adrienne’s.
25 Van Brunt Road, Broad Channel
THURSDAY, May 28 – 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Margie’s at The Rockaway Hotel serves up a heavenly dining experience, accompanied by live music with pianist Phil Kadet.
108-10 Rockaway Beach Drive
FRIDAY, May 29 – 5 p.m.
Clink your pints and party with Taylor Searing and Peter Brady at The Wharf.
416 Beach 116th Street
FRIDAY, May 29 – 5 p.m.
Feel the beat, fuel the fun, and pour it up with The Mighty Quinn Trio on the boardwalk!
Beach 97th Street Concession
FRIDAY, May 29 – 6 p.m.
As the Knights of Columbus rolls on with their 98th-year anniversary celebrations, kick off the weekend with classic rock tunes from the Rock-A-Wades. Plus, JoJo will be behind the bar all day pouring out your favorite cold drinks.
333 Beach 90th Street
FRIDAY, May 29 – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Americana band The Locals throw down a rich blend of folk, country, bluegrass, blues and rock at Callies. Plus, stick around! Dance contest at 8 p.m.
410 Beach 129th Street
FRIDAY, May 29 – 7 p.m.
Back at Tap That! Female-fronted five-piece cover band, Plain Jane, powers up punked-out pop tunes, rock classics and current hits.
111-04 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
FRIDAY, May 29 – 8 p.m.
Derek Adam blazes Adrienne’s with his amazing vocal pipes and guitar.
25 Van Brunt Road, Broad Channel
FRIDAY, May 29 – 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Dead Roses Productions is back at Rogers with their legit live acoustic rock ’n’ roll show.
203 Beach 116th Street
FRIDAY, May 29
Bring your mates or date as Indie rock man Sanford makes it a Breezy evening to remember at Kennedy’s. For showtime and reservations, call: (718) 945-0202.
406 Bayside, Breezy Point
SATURDAY, May 30
4 p.m.
Head to Riis on the beach for a fun sing-along classic rock jam with the Rock-A-Wades.
Riis Beach Bay 9 (by the big flagpole)
SATURDAY, May 30 – 5 p.m.
The Wharf serves up a special treat with singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Ava Anderson’s magnetic lineup of rock, blues and acoustic folk music.
416 Beach 116th Street
SATURDAY, May 30 – 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Acoustic rock and pop stylist Barry Waller continues his residency at Similan On The Bay.
375 Beach 92nd Street
SATURDAY, May 30 – 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Knobs jam The Cure, R.E.M. and more at Tap That.
111-04 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
SATURDAY, May 30 – 7 p.m.
DJ Rob Pisani gets the Saturday night party poppin’ on the bay at Adrienne’s.
25 Van Brunt Road, Broad Channel
SATURDAY, May 30 – 7 p.m.
Levy & Co. ushers in sweet rock ’n’ roll on the Foggy Wharf Deck at Belle Harbor Yacht Club.
5-33 Beach 126th Street
SATURDAY, May 30 – 9:30 p.m.
Feel the heat at Rogers as B&B Band throws down a sizzling classic rock show.
203 Beach 116th Street
SATURDAY, May 30
What’s on the menu tonight at Kennedy’s? Divine sunset views, food and bevies. Music by Timmy Quinn. For showtime and reservations, call: (718) 945-0202.
406 Bayside, Breezy Point
SUNDAY, May 31 – 1 p.m. / 4 p.m.
Every Sunday, Adrienne’s serves up an all-day double-header with first up, Evan Kuriga’s sweet acoustic tunes. Next, DJs At Work fires up the closeout to the weekend!
25 Van Brunt Road, Broad Channel
SUNDAY, May 31 – 2:30 p.m. / 5:30 p.m.
This afternoon at Similan On The Bay—first up, The Similan Band brings in jazzy tunes, followed by Japanese jazz pianist/vocalist Miho Nobuzane.
375 Beach 92nd Street
SUNDAY, May 31 – 4 p.m.
Dip into The Sugar Bowl—indulging Chris Decker’s sweet acoustic tunes.
15 Bedford Ave., Breezy Point
SUNDAY, May 31 – 5 p.m.
Bookend your weekend at The Wharf on a high note with Irish rocker John Doyle a.k.a. Amo.
416 Beach 116th Street
SUNDAY, May 31 – 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Giddy up for a Sunday Fun Day! with Bob Miley at Rogers.
203 Beach 116th Street
FILM
RFF KITE-MAKING WORKSHOP + LIVE MUSIC + FILM: “MARY POPPINS”
SATURDAY, May 30 – 2 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Rockaway Film Festival kicks off its summer programming with kite flying from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and a free kite-making workshop at 4 p.m. at Rockaway Beach Amphitheater. Materials provided. Then at 6 p.m., test your creation in the open sky. Next at 7 p.m., enjoy a dreamy music performance by indie acoustic artist Tini Vessel. End the evening under the stars at 8:30 p.m., watching Walt Disney’s beloved classic film, “Mary Poppins.”
Rockaway Beach Amphitheater, Beach 94th Street
THEATER
RTC PRESENTS:
“THE CRUCIBLE”
Opens this FRIDAY!
Don’t miss The Rockaway Theatre’s production of playwright Arthur Miller’s critically acclaimed 1953 play, “The Crucible.” This gripping drama showcases the historical Salem, Massachusetts witch trials of 1692. The story is set in a rigid Puritan society where teenage girls, led by the manipulative Abigail Williams, accuse their neighbors of witchcraft, leading to mass hysteria, false confessions and executions. Show dates: May 29, 30, 31 and June 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14. Tickets—adults: $23.02/ seniors and children: $17.82. For tickets and more info, visit: https://www.rockawaytheatrecompany.org/
The John Gilleece Theater, Building T-4, Fort Tilden, Breezy Point
SPECIAL MENTIONS
HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS FUNDRAISER WITH MUSIC BY WINE WITH SUE
SATURDAY, May 30 – 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Support our U.S. military, veterans and their families at Hope For The Warriors fundraiser at Knights of Columbus, boasting music from Rockaway’s #1 party band, Wine With Sue! Door admission (donation): $20. Raffle tickets are $100 with chances of winning large cash prizes! Besides Knights of Columbus, raffle tickets also available for purchase at Harbor Light and Belle Harbor Yacht Club. For more info, send a message via Instagram to Rich Whalen: lighthouse_woodworking_
333 Beach 90th Street
BEACH 116TH STREET SUMMER KICKOFF FESTIVAL
SUNDAY, May 31 – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Get summer started with the Beach 116th Street Summer Kickoff. Come out for a day of music, food, and fun—while supporting the commercial corridor’s local businesses! Plus, BioBus science experiments for kids, and a special appearance from foodie Burrata Babe, serving laughs with a side of sauce.
Beach 116th Street
Got info on local live music, arts and more? Email: editor@rockawaytimes.com
June 4
May 28 Local Color
Flags of Rockaway
