The Patchogue Official Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl returns on Saturday, Dec. 20, where it is expected to draw hundreds to this annual observance from 3 to 9 p.m.
Held in conjunction with PubCrawls.com, the event celebrates International Ugly Sweater Day on Dec. 20 with a crawl that connects nine venues offering drink specials and, in some cases, DJ entertainment. A branded wristband grants admission to the bars, starting with James Joyce, where check-in happens from 3 to 7 p.m. at 45 S. Ocean Ave.
Estimating as many as 700 participants at past crawls, Stephanie Owad, general manager at James Joyce, said: “We hope it will be even bigger this year.”
The nine bars, each with their own time slot for free admission, will be featured on a digital bar crawl map, which participants can follow to their destination.
“Every bar that’s involved does a $4 beer special, a $5 shot special and a $6 drink special,” Owad said. “It’s the same specials for anyone participating.” Food specials also will be available in some cases.
She noted that ugly sweaters are not only coming out of hiding for this event, and participants have been known to go all out. “People get really into it. Some wear really crazy ones,” she said. “I don’t even know how to describe them. Some people make them and will put Christmas tree ornaments on them or their friends’ faces with Santa beards on them.”
She also mentioned a social media costume contest for participants. Those wearing an ugly sweater can post it on Instagram (tagged to @pubcrawlers) for a chance to win. Besides ugly sweaters, Santa costumes and reindeer antlers are among the holiday-themed options.
After the bar crawl, James Joyce will feature the after party from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. with additional drink specials, said Owad.
The lineup for the evening also includes Whiskey Nest (3-4 p.m.), Arooga’s and Daisy’s Nashville Lounge (4-5 p.m.), Del Fuego and Tap Room (5-6 p.m.), Standard Rec (6-7 p.m.), and Millie’s and Village Idiot Pub (7-8 p.m.).
Besides offering a way to get festive, the event “draws in business,” said Owad. “It gets people out in groups so it does help the village.”
For questions send an email to info@pubcrawls.com. Visit the website for tickets, which are priced at $19 for individuals, but also available at group rates.