Jan. 27 weekly planner: 10 top LI events

1. Groundhog Day

Will it be an early spring? Find out as Long Island's furry groundhogs, Malverne Mel and Holtsville Hal, make their 2013 weather predictions Saturday. (If they see their shadows when they emerge from their hutches, we could have six more weeks of winter.)

In Malverne, Mayor Patricia McDonald joins in. The Banjo Rascals will play; activities include a scavenger hunt, petting zoo and photo ops with Mel. Then head to the Malverne Library for a screening of "Groundhog Day."

In Holtsville, the festivities with Hal will take place, rain or shine, at the Town of Brookhaven Wildlife & Ecology Center.

2. Taste of Long Island

More than 45 local eateries -- along with brewhouses and wineries -- fill the Palm Court at The Carltun in Eisenhower Park for a night of tastings prepared by some of the area's finest chefs. Chefs from Luce, Rialto, The Palm Court and other restaurants will be serving up Mexican dishes, Southern soul food, contemporary bistro fare and more. Save room for dessert, which includes an array of pastries, cupcakes and homemade ice cream. A winning raffle ticket (proceeds benefit Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Coalition Against Child Abuse & Neglect) gets you a gift basket from Whole Foods or Trader Joe's, Mets tickets or a Hermès scarf and tie.

3. Super Bowl at Big Daddy's

We won't be rooting for the Giants this year as the 47th Super Bowl kicks off in New Orleans, but you can still celebrate like you were in the Big Easy at Big Daddy's in Massapequa. The flat-screen TVs will be tuned in to the game, and the Cajun food from jambalaya to gumbo will be abundant. Also on the menu: smoked chicken wings, muffuletta specials and, of course, New Orleans' favorite cocktail, the Hurricane.

4. Black History Month

Some New York State parks on Long Island begin a monthlong salute to Black History Month Friday with an exhibit of art at area locations. Look for posters, artwork and historic displays focusing on African-American artists, pioneers, scientists, educators and others. Here's a peek:

5. A 'Real Housewife'

Here's your chance to mingle with Teresa Giudice, "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" star and cookbook author, as she makes a personal appearance at Monsoon in Babylon. She'll be posing for photos, signing autographs and "hanging out" to mark the opening of the new Babylon office of the Long Island Plastic Surgical Group and Aesthetic Center. Reservations are a must; free drinks and hors d'oeuvres will be served.

6. Long and winding road

Follow the musical evolution of The Beatles with scholar Scott Freiman, as he traces their history from The Quarrymen in Liverpool to their first groundbreaking recording sessions of "I Want to Hold Your Hand" and "She Loves You." "Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Deconstructing the Early Beatles" features rare audio and video of the Fab Four along with footage of their earliest TV appearances.

7. Gabba gang

Straight from the popular Nick Jr. show, the gang from "Yo Gabba Gabba!" comes to the Paramount in Huntington for a live stage show. Kids can see all of their favorites, including DJ Lance Rock, Muno, Foofa, Brobee, Toodee, Plex and rapper Biz Markie, who are sure to put a smile on everyone's face during "Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! Get the Sillies Out!"

8. Another chance

An aging widower takes a walk through the park and meets a woman who transforms him through the power of love in the Arena Players production of Joe DiPietro's "The Last Romance." Catch the show -- which proves how a crush can make anyone feel young again -- on it's opening weekend at the Vanderbilt Mansion Carriage House in Centerport.

9. 'Romeo and Juliet'

Ballet Long Island presents a family production of Shakespeare's classic love story for two matinees. Professional dancers and apprentices ages 13 to 18 will dance to Prokofiev's score in the story of star-crossed lovers.

10. Sci Why?

Don't mind the pie tins, they're really flying saucers (some sources have claimed they were hubcaps or model kits) in Ed Wood's campy-cheesy sci-fi flick "Plan 9 From Outer Space." The inexpensive sets, unbelievable aliens and robotic dialogue and acting have earned "Plan 9" a reputation among many critics as the worst movie ever made, but it has it fans. For one night only, the Best of RiffTrax Live presents at a screening, along with a 2009 "Mystery Science Theater 3000" riffing on the cult fave at area theaters.