Bay Shore News » Fire Island News & Great South Bay News

On June 4, 2026, the Bay Shore community lost Deanna Watts, a local activist, historian, writer, beloved church elder, mother, and grandmother, who died surrounded by her family and loved ones. Her legacy will outlast any physical lifespan and endure as a lasting memory.

Denna Watts: Local Bay Shore Activist and Preservationist Dies at 85

Posted on August 1, 2026

Weekly in August on Thursday and Saturday (9 a.m.-2 p.m.) NY State Parks Shark Shack Sharks are an extremely diverse group of animals on the planet, yet they’re also among the most feared. In this hands-on program at Robert Moses Field 5, near the playground (weather permitting), patrons will learn that this group of fish is full of diversity! The Shark Shack is meant to educate the public about the shark species native to New York while also introducing other marine life in our waters and how to guide a shark interaction. Experience the pop-up display full of shark-related items, turning what once was fear into fascination! This event is FREE to attend. For details, visit parks.ny.gov/visit/events/ny-state-parks-shark-shack.

Fire Island Pines

Hello August: Things To Do Over the Weekend and Week Ahead on Fire Island and Along the Great South Bay

Posted on July 31, 2026

For nearly three decades, the Symphonic Band of Bay Shore-Brightwaters has brought live music to the community each summer. I had the opportunity to attend one of the band's concerts on July 22 at the Kenneth Turrisi Community Band Shell in Bay Shore.

Symphonic Band of Bay Shore-Brightwaters Marks 30th Anniversary Season

Posted on July 29, 2026

Cheese products distributed by a Bay Shore company have been recalled due to concerns about listeria, according to the FDA.

LI Press

Bay Shore company recalls cheese products that hit shelves in over two dozen of Long Island stores

Over 500 people packed at 401 West Main St., Islip Town Hall, on July 21, to express concern over the newly proposed Muslim boarding school in Bay Shore. Unlike the prior resistance to the site being sold to Sunrise Senior Living, the Town Hall meeting attracted members from all corners of Islip Town.

Bay Shore’s South Saxon Avenue Boarding School Opposition Echoes Resistance from a Century Ago

Posted on July 26, 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

The Fire Island Dance Festival returns to Fire Island Pines on July 18 and 19, bringing world-class dance performances to a waterfront stage overlooking the Great South Bay. The annual event combines acclaimed dance performances with the unique setting of Fire Island, drawing audiences together for a weekend of artistry, community, and philanthropy. The festival serves as a fundraiser for Dancers Responding to AIDS, a program of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS that provides support to people affected by HIV/AIDS and other critical health challenges. Leadership and patron ticket packages include cocktails and a DJ party at Whyte Hall. Tickets may be purchased online or in person at the Pines Harbor. Additional information and ticket details are available at https://dradance.org/

Books & Authors

Smoke on the Water: Things To Do on Fire Island and Along the Great South Bay July 18-26

Posted on July 17, 2026

While there is always great excitement and investment in our July 4 Weekend issue of Fire Island News, the fun really begins in the issue that follows. So much so that this issue practically wrote itself. Here you’ll find all the fun pictures, and our community columnists recap all the action. However, this is not just an issue about what was; it's also about all the great things still ahead for the summer of 2026.

The Mid-July Issue of “Fire Island News” Makes its Way to Newsstands this Week

Posted on July 15, 2026

Last Ferry, First Lady, Rose Levine Live! Saturday, July 11 (8 p.m.) The Guinness World Record-holding Rose Levine wows the Cherry Grove Community House Theater once again with an all-star musical cast, including Seth Sikes and Daniel Reichard. The show takes place on July 11, beginning at 8:30 p.m. The Cherry Grove Community House Theater is located at 180 Bayview Walk in Cherry Grove.

Fire Island Pines

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

Posted on July 10, 2026

Bay Shore community members gathered for a vigil to pray for those who died during the earthquakes in Venezuela.

LI Press

Bay Shore vigil offers prayers for victims of the Venezuelan earthquakes

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After the Fourth of July: Where to Go and What To Do After the Big Holiday

Posted on July 5, 2026

Town of Babylon Summer Concert Friday, June 26 (8 p.m.) The Blend The Town of Babylon is bringing the music as they host an eclectic summer concert series at the Babylon Village Gazebo, 244 West Main St. Babylon, at 8 p.m. Bring your dancing shoes and get ready to groove to the sounds of the band, The Blend. This event is FREE to attend. For more information, visit townofbabylonny.gov

June to July: What TO Do Ahead of July 4th Weekend

Posted on June 26, 2026

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