June 19 - June 25
This isn’t your usual tourist map. It’s a living, breathing social guide from someone who’s actually out there and loves joyous summer—bicycle bestie Wawa runs, espresso martini ratings, and catching drama in real time. Think of me like your plugged-in bestie who always knows where to be Thursday night through Sunday.
Thursday
June 19th
☀️ Start your weekend early; why not?
AM–Midday – If you’re catching this early, hit reset with something outdoorsy or creative. You can always hit All Day Happy Hour at Joe Pops.
Late Night – So nice I had to mention it twice.
Slide into Thunder Thursday at The Shell for $1–$3 drinks, DJs, and good chaos from 10 PM–2 AM.
⏰ Pro Tips: Get there by 8:30 PM to beat the cover. Younger crowd. Mini games with the shot girl. It’s bumpin’ from 11–1 AM. Bring cash. Tip well. And buy a bartender a hotdog — legend says your summer’s sealed.
–If you’re reading this mark your calendars for the Secret Pajama party June 26th
Friday
June 20th
🌺 It’s the first day of summer, babes! Make it count.
Happy Hour – This week’s Happy Hour Pick: Terrace Tavern, 3–5 PM — $6 Coronas & Pacificos, $8 tap margs, and bar apps from $5–$10. Pretty unbeatable.
Evening – Firefly Open Mic is from 4-7pm in Surf City if you want to debut a song, or sip, shop and listen!
Keep it light and early maybe — Saturday’s lookin’ full on my radar with good novice surf!
Short SOLO story– Last MDW when I was working at the Shell- someone stole my shoes. I was planning to go meet friends out after, alas with no flippers. I posted my dirty feet foes on my story and Surf Unlimited hooked it up with a new pair of sandals. They’re super chill there.
Saturday
June 21st
🌊 Celebrate Surf & Summer — forecast says sunny and high 70’s all day. I’ve got the perfect day mapped out.
AM – Low tide in the morning = IDEAL learner conditions. Surf Unlimited in Ship Bottom is celebrating International Surf Day with 20% off surf lessons — it’s the perfect time to finally paddle out.
☀️ Pro move: After you get barreled (or at least try), head to The Barrel Surf Café to munch up — smoothies, bowls, bites, and beachy vibes all match the moment.
Afternoon – Post up on the beach- it hasn’t been sunny since Mothers Day weekend!
Evening – Skip Winters is playing at Terrace Tavern, a solid post-surf hang. Order a Summer Sipper and post up by the stage, his beach folk vibe is just what you need to relax.
⏰ Pro Tip: If you’re pub hopping around that area, consider using the LBI Shuttle to get around. Rides are 5$
Sunday
June 22nd
🕊 Soft and brunchy, or recovering with purpose.
- Morning – Sunday’s are for brunch. Try Birdy’s Cafe in ‘Cedars where brunch is served until 2:30pm.
Midday – Sundays are meant to be soft, some people are headed back to get ready for the week and others are just getting started. Bird’s has the orange crush bar open 2-8PM upstairs inside.
Evening – Ice cream strolls are a Sunday must. Head to Skipper Dipper for a classic (and arguably unbeatable) waffle cone. They’re celebrating their 48th season this summer! My go-to? The toasted coconut.
Monday
June 23rd
🎶 Local music, summer soul
Night – Surf Night at Bird & Betty’s, 9 PM. It used to be called Industry Night, holding space for those of us that work all weekend to let loose. They do sponsored giveaways all night — you’ll get a raffle ticket with every drink, so pace yourself (or don’t).
🕺 You’ll forsure catch me on the dance floor when Des & The Swagmatics hit their groove. It’s a guaranteed vibe.
🍻 Drink rec: Go for a Montucky Cold Snack — before the specials kick in, it’s easy, crisp, has a cool retro horsey label, and fits the mood perfectly.
⏰ Pro Tip: Buy the
The Social Soundtrack
This week’s local lineup? It’s a vibe.
Whether you’re driving to Surf Night or bike riding during golden hour, here’s your handpicked by a Local playlist featuring the artists hitting the Island:
🎶 On the mix:
Chevy Lopez
- The DaNkStErs
- Des & The Swagmatics
- Skip Winters
Ty Mares
Rob Connolly
Exploring the Rob Connolly effect- our locally rooted musician
You know that moment when you’re driving with the windows down, hit a red light by Terrace Tavern, and suddenly catch a voice that makes you pause mid-thought? That’s Rob Connolly. His voice — equal parts heart and hook — has that stop-you-in-your-tracks quality that makes even a cover feel like a personal confession.
I snuck some time in between sets to chat with Rob, our locally rooted musician.
“I consider myself rock/pop,” he tells me, “and broken down a bit more — baroque pop. Some fun music and changes in the tracks, and lyrically, it’s about laying it out and hoping that people relate.”
That’s exactly what makes Rob’s sound feel so familiar and new at once — he’s not just playing songs, he’s telling stories you swear you’ve lived through.
Heavily influenced by The Beatles, Oasis, and Neil Young. Rob’s sound mixes melodic storytelling with that buttery dynamic, hitting high notes like a cherub, and his vibrato is kind of ridiculous in the way that makes you squint your eyes and say okay wow-rude.
Lately, he’s been loving covers like “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure and “Maine” by Noah Kahan — emotional, atmospheric, and built for an LBI golden hour. But not every request lands. “I’d definitely say Margaritaville is on top of the [hate] list right now,” he laughs.
We also talked about writing original music, and how songs begin.
“With my latest, Always & Never, I had a thought from a copyright law class I took that stuck with me — that ‘always and never are distinct and it’s either one or the other.’ And for me, it felt like there’s always a grey area — that they meet all the time.”
He built out the piano part one afternoon, then shaped the story in the verses “to show the mix of always and never.” It’s that blend — concept and emotion, structure — that makes his originals land with the same familiarity as a song you’ve known for years.
As for his ideal no-gig day on the Island? “This year I’m taking Mondays off,” he says. “Excited to chill and enjoy the local Surf Night at Babs, or just rocking a game night with some buddies.”
A well-earned unwind, and honestly, same.
🎶 Catch him live this week:
Thursday 6/19 at Surf City Hotel, 3–7 PM
Saturday 6/21 at The Gateway, 7–10 PM
Sunday 6/22 at The Porthole, 4–7 PM
When you go out all the time you accidentally overhear some wild tea. I figured I could share something for you weekly to laugh and gasp at.
This week’s Tea is brought to you by Cob Ronnolly.
When I asked him about a moment that’s stuck with him from a show — for better or worse — he didn’t disappoint.
“At an unnamed bar on LBI,” Rob says, “I did get tipped an eighth of weed with no bag — just buds tossed from a pocket straight into my guitar case.”
And then there was that moment early in his career:
“I was like 16 or 17, and some older ladies offered me a shot. I told them to ask the bartender ‘cause I didn’t like being the bad guy — figured the bartender would have a laugh. But five seconds later I hear him screaming, like, ‘Obviously he’s too young! Are you trying to get me arrested?!’ That was funny.”
About Me
Hey, I’m LG—a year-round Ship Bottom local, motorcycle riding, dog walking, friendly neighborhood fun specialist. You’ll usually spot me cruising the island with my pup Sylvie or chatting with someone about where to catch live music, the best beach for a sunset, or which local spot has the freshest tacos this week. I have watched the LBI evolution to predict the trends like a tide. You might even see me out there enjoying this beautiful and precious gem that is LBI.
To me, everyone who lands on LBI is just another kid at summer camp—and I’m here to be your counselor. This is The Social Local, and I’m sharing the magic one guide at a time! Peace and love, see you there!