There's a free L.I. college fair and comedic performance Oct. 5 at Patchogue Theatre

This is your chance to get your teenagers to consider staying closer to home as they head off to college.

Next week, Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts is playing host to a Long Island-only college fair for high school juniors and seniors.

The free fair will be held in conjunction with the Patchogue-Medford Library in the spacious theater lobby in Patchogue from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 5.

So far six schools have confirmed:

• St. Joseph’s College

• Adelphi University

• Hofstra University

• Long Island University

• Five Town College

• Suffolk County Community College

For those looking to hang around the Main Street theater a bit longer, there will be another free event that follows on the main stage featuring comedic financial expert Colin Ryan, whose been featured on NPR, CBS, NBC and National Geographic.

Ryan is a national motivational speaker and stand-up comedian who helps people change their relationship with money. He has performed all over North America and the UK. (See video.)

His appearance at 7:30 p.m. in Patchogue is being made possible through a grant from the American Library Association and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, according to the library.

Ryan’s show will include a 45-minute performance, followed by a Q and A session with the audience.

To make reservations for Ryan (in case it books up) please call 631-207-1313.

Or email boxoffice@patchoguetheatre.com.