Arts & Theatre News » Fire Island News & Great South Bay News

On August 22, the CM Performing Arts Center (CMPAC) at 931 Montauk Highway in Oakdale celebrated the opening night of Rocky: The Musical. After a brief Broadway run in 2014, Rocky: The Musical was rarely staged; this is the first time Long Island audiences can experience the story in their own neighborhood.

“Rocky: The Musical” Makes Long Island Premiere at CM Performing Arts Center

Posted on September 5, 2026

Friday, August 28 (7 p.m.) Lilacs & Roses: Book Signing and Poetry Reading The Babylon Village Historical Society and the Babylon Village Arts Council invite you to an evening of poetry, inspiration, and celebration at the Babylon Village Museum, 117 W Main St., Babylon. Local published poets Cheryl Babirad and Christie Leigh Babirad will read poems aloud and chat with participants. Join the community’s creative side at this fun evening event! This event is FREE and open to all! For details, visit babylonvillagehistoricalsociety.org.

As August Turns Into September: What To Do This Weekend and the Week Ahead on Fire Island and Along the Great South Bay

Posted on August 27, 2026

Immerse yourself in the whimsical world of William Shakespeare, right in your own neighborhood! Each summer, in addition to art classes, concerts, movie nights, and showcases, the Islip Arts Council (IAC) presents a free Shakespeare in the Park series throughout the Town of Islip. This year, a small group of actors from Studio Theatre of Long Island will enchant audiences with their production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

A Summer Night Full of Magic and Shakespeare with the Islip Arts Council

Posted on August 13, 2026

Kawaii Art Workshop Saturday, August 8 (11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) Kids can explore the playful world of Kawaii art during a beginner-friendly workshop hosted by the Islip Arts Council on Saturday, August 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The one-hour class will introduce young artists to the fundamentals of Kawaii-style drawing, including color, shapes, shading, and technique. Students will learn how to create adorable Kawaii-style animals and objects while building the skills needed for further study of the art form. The class costs $25 and will take place at the Islip Arts Council’s Offices & Gallery at South Shore Mall in Bay Shore, next to Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Summer in August: Things To Do this Weekend and the Week Ahead Along the Great South Bay and on Fire Island

Posted on August 6, 2026

aggie Fischer Memorial Cross Bay Swim Friday, July 31 (7 a.m.) Since 1927, the Cross Bay Swim has been the signature athletic event on the Great South Bay, drawing swimmers from across the country to a 5.6- mile course from the Fire Island Lighthouse to Brightwaters. The endurance event starts at 7 a.m., when swimmers begin their journey across the Great South Bay and arrive at Gilbert Park in Brightwaters between 10 and 11 a.m. Cheer on the swimmers as they cross the finish line, or catch the action virtually as @maggies_swim posts in real time on Instagram!

The Last Week of July: Things To Do this Weekend and the Week Ahead Around Fire Island and Along the Great South Bay

Posted on July 25, 2026

CM Performing Arts Center (CMPAC) presents musicals, plays, community events, and educational programs throughout the year. While its productions entertain thousands of theatergoers annually, one initiative has become especially meaningful: Sensory Sensitive Performances, thoughtfully designed for neurodivergent audience members and those with sensory sensitivities.

CM Performing Arts Center Sensory Sensitive Shows: Creating a Stage Where Everyone Belongs

Posted on July 20, 2026

Gateway Playhouse is upping its ante. Formerly known as The Gateway, the regional theater in Bellport, known for its Broadway talent and ebullient musicals, announced its new name, Gateway Playhouse, at its recent Cabaret Night Benefit Fundraiser. Besides the name, Cabaret Night is new too. The new Cabaret Night Fundraisers debuted in March, with standing-room-only attendance in the barn theater and top-area restaurant food and drink.

Gateway Boosts Its Cache with a Name Change

Posted on July 8, 2026

Fire Island Water Taxi cut through the Great South Bay as the afternoon sun started to turn everything golden. Jeff and I had decided to make a proper night of it: Low Tea at the Blue Whale, the Barn on Fire presentation at Whyte Hall, dinner at Pines Bistro, and dancing at the Pavilion.

Date Night Fire Island: Dinner, a Show, and Dancing Under the Stars

Posted on July 8, 2026

Tuesday, May 19 (7-9 p.m.) STAR SPANGLED CONCERT: Honoring our Nation’s 250th Anniversary Enjoy a special evening of music, remembrance, and celebration as we honor America’s 250th Anniversary and pay tribute to U.S. Navy SEALs and all veterans on Tuesday, May 19, as the North Shore Community Band performs against the backdrop of the museum and the legacy it represents. Raffles and lite snacks are available. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the concert begins at 7 p.m. The LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum is located at 50 West Ave. in West Sayville.

The Week of May Before Memorial Day: Things To Do Before the Big Weekend

Posted on May 15, 2026

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Mother’s Day and Mid-May: Things To Do this Week and the Week Ahead Along Great South Bay Long Island

Posted on May 7, 2026

Disney’s Wonderful World of Color was a staple Sunday night television program on NBC from 1960 to 1969. I got to hand it to the Argyle Theatre for providing the same carousel of color, but this time it was live on their stage. Disney’s Descendants: The Musical is just one more of their vivid productions.

Disney’s Descendants Descends on Babylon’s Argyle Theater

Posted on May 2, 2026

Saturday, April 25 (9-11 a.m.) Creek Defender Community Clean-Up with Save The Great South Bay Swan River & Mud Creek, East Patchogue: Caring for the Great South Bay begins on the land. Improve the quality of the water entering our bay by removing litter, debris, and invasive species through a group volunteer effort! Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience or age, to participate. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Clean-up gear will be provided. Meet at Pine Neck Boat Launch. Please wear eye protection, long sleeves, and pants; sturdy, water-resistant boots are recommended.

End of April, Come What May: Things To Do this Weekend and the Week Ahead

Posted on April 23, 2026

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