Event Dates
From: Friday, July 3, 2026
To: Sunday, July 5, 2026
Fire Island Invasion 2026
A re-creation and celebration of the very first Fire Island Invasion that took place in the Summer of 1976
Fire Island Invasion 2026
The Fire Island Invasion is a re-creation and celebration of the very first Fire Island Invasion that took place in the Summer of 1976. The event has spread out into an Invasion Weekend and dovetails into Pines Pride, lasting for over five days.
- Fire Island Villas and hotels fill up almost a year in advance. Search for one now and reserve!
The Event
- Next Edition: Events kick off on Friday 3rd of July with the main event on Saturday 4th of July. Events conclude with after parties and pool parties on Sunday 5th of July.
- On the afternoon of July 4 each year, drag queens from both Cherry Grove and the Pines gather at the Ice Palace Bar at the Cherry Grove Hotel in Cherry Grove from 12 pm to 1 pm. Hosted by Grand Marshal Panzi.
- After parading through the street of Cherry Grove, they board a chartered ferry boat and sail to the Pines Harbor, where they are greeted by thousands of cheering residents and visitors.
- Pre‑Show Dance Production At 12:30 PM, synchronize performances at the ferry dock alongside pre-show sets at The Pavilion, The Canteen, and The Blue Whale, led by choreographer Louis Villabon.
- Stay in a Classic Fire Island home, 400ft, with direct beach access.
Ferry Tips
- Ferry and water taxi lines peak midday; arrive early or book in advance.
- Water taxis between Cherry Grove and Pines are available but fill early. They offer a quick shortcut between neighborhoods.
- Check out the Sayville LIRR schedule.
Invasion Pool Parties
- 4th of July – Invasion Post-Party at The Tryst Pool Club: from 12 PM to 7 PM—a highlight of the Invasion celebrations with DJs, surprise performances, and poolside flair.
- Sip·n·Twirl @ Pines: Hosting its own Invasion program starting around 12 PM, featuring themed dance parties and late-night DJ sessions at the lounge/bar just steps from The Pavilion.
Fire Island Pines Invasion DJ Schedule 2026
- The pines hosts parties with famous guest DJs at the Pavilion Deck, Pool Deck, Sip-N-Twirl and The Blue Whale.
- Low Tea @ The Blue Whale: Starts at 5 PM – more relaxed dance vibes with view of harbor
- High Tea @ The Pavilion: At 7 PM – pretty posh and elevated crowd energy later in the day
- Weekend Programming: From Thursday to Monday, The Waterfront venues (The Pavilion, Blue Whale, Pool Club, Sip·n·Twirl) host continuous entertainment—drag brunches, DJ sets, and pool parties across multiple days.
Harbor Fireworks
- Harbor Fireworks At 9:30 PM, fireworks illuminate the skyline over The Waterfront.
- Spectacular views from the Pavilion, Blue Whale, pool areas.
UltraMaroon’s IndepenDANCE — The Pines House Party
- Awaiting dates – Typically held on the 5th of July.
- IndepenDANCE 2026 by UltraMaroon.
- Private house takeover in Fire Island Pines
- Open‑bar house party with immersive theme, costuming encouraged
- Proceeds support queer nonprofit causes (Ali Forney Center & Pines organizations)
MEAT Fire Island
- Awaiting dates – MEAT, the legendary New York Circuit Party comes to fire Island for a 4th of July Edition.
- Enjoy a high-energy, all-night-long celebration featuring a marathon.
- The party runs from 10 pm ’till late at 36 Fire Island Blvd | Pavilion.
The Venues
- The Pavilion – The center of nightlife in the Pines, The Pavilion is a renowned dance club that has been through several incarnations. It’s a place where you can dance the night away to top-notch DJs.
- Sip-n-Twirl – A popular dance bar featuring a lively atmosphere with a diverse crowd, perfect for enjoying a drink and dancing. Often hosts themed parties and events.
- Blue Whale – Known for its low-key vibe during the day and its lively “Low Tea” dance parties in the afternoon. They also offer a restaurant serving up brunch and dinner.
- The Pines Bistro and Martini Bar – A charming bistro offering a fine dining experience with an Italian-inspired menu. It’s a great spot for a romantic dinner or a sophisticated night out.
- Location: 36 Fire Island Blvd, Fire Island Pines, NY 11782
The Underwear Party
- Don’t miss the legendary DWorld Fire Island Underwear Party
- Held on Fridays – 10:30pm to 02:00am @Ice Palace Resort Cherry Grove
History of the event
- During the summer of 1976, a restaurant in Fire Island Pines, New York, denied entry to a visitor in drag named Terry Warren.
- Fire Island Pines is a beach community on Fire Island east of New York City with a gay majority population that was at the time more affluent and conservative than the population of nearby Cherry Grove.
- When Warren’s friends in Cherry Grove heard what had happened, they too dressed up in drag, and, on July 4, 1976, with Cherry Grove’s 1976 Homecoming Queen Thom Hansen (aka Panzi) in the lead, sailed to the Pines by water taxi.
- The boatload of drag queens that stormed into the Pines that day—to a surprised but exuberant welcome—was the first “invasion,” an event now repeated each year.
- Stay in The Pines at The Famous Pyramid House, and Iconic architectural masterpiece (1961) with spectacular views offers unparalleled peace and privacy.
Getting to & Getting around Gay Fire Island
- Fire Island is a place where time has stood still to a certain extent due to the fact there are no cars on the island. It retains a small town ambiance, where visitors walk or ride a bicycle and locals greet both each other and new arrivals.
- Ocean Beach is the island’s most populous village and is home to its biggest downtown, making it the unofficial capital of Fire Island that’s also among the area’s most popular destinations for visitors.
- About four miles east of Ocean Beach are these two LGBT-centric communities neighboring one another, locally known as The Pines and The Grove, which together form a gay mecca of sorts.
- While both communities only have boardwalks as sidewalks, The Grove (more Lesbian Friendly) is only about a ½-mile- long while The Pines stretches nearly a full mile. The Pines (Gay Guys) is also home to the majority of the private pools on the island.
- Besides its hopping nightlife at Cherry’s, The Ice Palace and elsewhere, The Grove is home to one of only two oceanfront restaurants on Fire Island—The Sandcastle at The Ocean. Revelers in The Pines bounce between Sip ‘N Twirl, the Blue Whale and the Pavilion.
- Discover the best places to stay and play with our insider guide to gay Fire Island.
Vacation Homes
Where to stay close to all the gay bars.
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
Fire island is home to some great condos and villas. Book early.
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Fire Island Invasion visit The Website
Gay Map of Fire Island
You wont find may hotels on the Island and most people share houses over the Summer season or rent poolside villas during the peak events! Planning a trip to fire island requires advance planning and be prepared to spend a lot during popular holidays and festivals. Fire Island is approximately 2 hours journey from New York city.
- Check for availability for this property.
- Modern oceanfront home featuring a 17-foot glass wall with panoramic Atlantic views and chic furnishings.
- Three bedrooms and two bathrooms upstairs, plus an additional queen room downstairs without a bathroom, accommodating up to eight guests.
- Expansive ocean deck with a pool and hot tub, located just four blocks from the town center.
- Equipped with central A/C, high-speed internet, flat-screen TVs, and a state-of-the-art A/V system for entertainment.
- Check for availability for this property.
- Spacious 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom beach house accommodating up to 8 guests, each bedroom featuring ensuite facilities and private outdoor access.
- Private heated pool deck with hot tub, outdoor shower, and alfresco dining area, complemented by a rooftop deck offering panoramic bay views.
- Open-concept kitchen with modern appliances, cozy living room with wood-burning stove, and entertainment options including Apple TV and Wi-Fi.
- Located just a few blocks from the harbor and commercial district, providing easy access to local attractions while maintaining a secluded ambiance.
- Check for availability for this property.
- A beautifully renovated four-bedroom home with convertible twin beds and a queen room, accommodating up to eight guests.
- Features a saltwater heated pool, hot tub, multiple decks with ocean views, and a gas BBQ for outdoor dining.
- Equipped with central A/C, high-speed Wi-Fi, and modern amenities for a relaxing stay.
- Located just a short walk from the beach, offering a serene oceanfront experience.
- Check for availability for this property.
- A spacious Rocky Mountain-style A-frame house featuring five bedrooms (three kings, two queens) and 3.5 bathrooms.
- Offers a gourmet kitchen, modern furnishings, and multiple private deck areas with a heated pool and hot tub.
- Equipped with central A/C, fireplace, and premium entertainment systems for a comfortable stay.
- Just a two-minute walk to the beach, making it ideal for group retreats.
- Check for availability for this property.
- A bright, open-concept home with high ceilings, skylights, and a multi-level deck offering rooftop views.
- Three bedrooms, each with private deck access, two full bathrooms, and an outdoor shower, accommodating six guests.
- Amenities include a pool, hot tub, central A/C, Sonos system, and wine fridge.
- Located steps from the beach, harbor, and bay, providing easy access to local attractions.
- Check for availability for this property.
- A modern oceanfront retreat with a 17-foot glass wall offering panoramic Atlantic views, complemented by chic interiors and a Sub-Zero-equipped kitchen.
- Features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an additional queen room downstairs, accommodating up to eight guests.
- Enjoy a spacious ocean deck with a pool and hot tub, just a short walk from the town center.
- Equipped with central A/C, high-speed internet, and a state-of-the-art A/V system for entertainment.
- Check for availability for this property.
- A modern oceanfront retreat with a 17-foot glass wall offering panoramic Atlantic views, complemented by chic interiors and a Sub-Zero-equipped kitchen.
- Features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an additional queen room downstairs, accommodating up to eight guests.
- Enjoy a spacious ocean deck with a pool and hot tub, just a short walk from the town center.
- Equipped with central A/C, high-speed internet, and a state-of-the-art A/V system for entertainment.
Address: 36 Fire Island Blvd, Fire Island Pines, NY 11782, USA
- Legendary gay nightclub at the heart of Fire Island Pines.
- Indoor dance floor connects to spacious outdoor decks.
- House music and guest DJs drive the weekend energy.
- Busy summer parties attract a loyal returning crowd.
- Key stop on the island’s warm-weather party circuit.
- Open: Seasonal, typically Fri-Sun 7pm-4am
- Website
Address: 42 Harbor Walk, Fire Island Pines, NY 11782, USA
- Daily gay social event since 1966 in Fire Island Pines.
- Starts at 4 PM with music and dancing on the harborfront deck.
- Features signature cocktails and a lively atmosphere.
- Serves as a prelude to evening activities in the area.
- Remains a cherished tradition for LGBTQ+ visitors.
- Open: Daily 4 PM–6 PM (seasonal)
- Website
Address: 42 Harbor Walk, Fire Island Pines, NY 11782, USA
- Seasonal gay bar and restaurant in Fire Island Pines.
- Famous for Low Tea events and drag brunches.
- Waterfront setting with cocktails and relaxed dining.
- Draws a loyal summer crowd from across the Pines.
- Long-running social hub within the gay community.
- Open: Mon–Thu 6pm–9pm, Fri–Sun 11–12am
- Website
Address: 36 Fire Island Blvd, Fire Island Pines, NY 11782, USA
- Gay nightclub and bar located in Fire Island Pines.
- Features a spacious dance floor and outdoor deck.
- Hosts themed events, including drag shows and movie nights.
- Popular among the LGBTQ+ community and visitors.
- Known for its energetic DJs and vibrant atmosphere.
- Open: Mon–Sun 6pm–4am
- Website
Address: 158 Bayview Walk, Cherry Grove, NY 11782, USA
- LGBTQ+ bar and restaurant in Cherry Grove, Fire Island.
- Features drag shows, live DJs, and themed events.
- Offers waterfront dining with casual bar fare.
- Known for signature cocktails and festive atmosphere.
- Popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
- Open: Mon–Thu 12pm–4am, Fri 12pm–4am, Sat–Sun 9am–4am
Address: 1 Ocean Walk, Cherry Grove, NY 11782, USA
- Legendary gay nightclub in Cherry Grove with decades of history.
- Large indoor dance floor paired with a lively poolside area.
- Major drag productions and headline events across the season.
- Draws visitors from across Fire Island for big-night energy.
- A defining venue within the island’s gay party circuit.
- Open: Mon-Sun 8am-4am
Address: 178 Bayview Walk, Cherry Grove, NY 11782, USA
- Waterfront restaurant and bar in Cherry Grove, Fire Island.
- Offers American cuisine with seafood and sandwich options.
- Features outdoor seating and live entertainment events.
- Known for friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere.
- LGBTQ+ friendly venue currently open and operating.
- Open: Mon–Thu 12pm–8pm, Fri 12pm–9pm,
- Sat 11am–9pm, Sun 11am–8pm
Address: Harbor Walk, Fire Island Pines, NY 11782, USA
- Harbour-side café set in the busy core of Fire Island Pines.
- Serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night takeaway options.
- Outdoor seating keeps the space social and easygoing.
- Draws a largely gay crowd throughout the day and night.
- Smart stop for fast food between beach time and parties.
- Open: Mon-Sun 7am-12am
- Website
Address: 1 Dock Walk, Cherry Grove, NY 11782, USA
- LGBTQ+ friendly bistro in Cherry Grove, Fire Island.
- Offers American Nouveau cuisine with fresh seafood options.
- Features 180-degree views of the Great South Bay.
- Known for inventive cocktails and welcoming atmosphere.
- Popular dining spot among locals and visitors.
- Open: Fri–Sun 5pm–10pm
- Website
Vacation Rentals on Fire Island
Check out the top homes in Fire Island. Book well in advance – we mean months if not a year in advance, especially for signature events and high season.
Sunset on the Bay
5 Bedrooms
- Unique Property
- 4600-square foot
- 5 spacious B.R ensuite
- 3 w/ private decks
- Deck overlooks bay
Windows on Sea
5 Bedroom
- 5 Bedroom property
- 3 bathrooms
- Complete with Pool
- Wraparound deck
- 1 minute walk to the beach
Pines Sea View
3 Bedroom
- Great views and an epic deck
- Three bedrooms, sleeps 6 guests
- Two bathrooms with shower
- With an epic hot tub
- 4 minutes walk to the beach
Pines Beach View
3 Bedroom
- Oceanfront House, stunning views.
- Massive ocean deck
- 3 bedrooms, sleeps 8 guests
- Beachfront Pool
- Stunning interior design
Video Of Fire Island Invasion
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