Cherry Grove News » Fire Island News & Great South Bay News

On July 11, I performed at the Cherry Grove Community House. It was my 72nd consecutive year dancing and dressing up. “I’m Still Here.”

Cheery Cherry Grove

Posted on August 4, 2026

Last Ferry, First Lady once again brought exceptional cabaret, theater, and music to Fire Island’s historic stage. Something old, something new, something borrowed, and yes, something blue.

Last Ferry, First Lady: Rose Levine Keeps Cherry Grove Singing

Posted on August 4, 2026

Every other summer, the Cherry Grove Community House and Theater becomes more than just a movie house. It becomes a place where history is remembered, cultures are celebrated, and stories once hidden find new audiences. Established in 2015, the Cherry Grove Archives Collection Film Festival (CGACFF) has become one of Cherry Grove's signature cultural events and may be the longest-running film festival on Fire Island.

Fire Island Stories Told at the Cherry Grove Archives Collection Film Festival

Posted on August 2, 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

Cherry Grove, Fire Island, has been a symbol of the historic gay civil rights movement and the advancement of post-Stonewall LGBTQ rights. However, an overlooked advancement within the community is that the Grove’s volunteer fire department is the first in New York State to break down gender barriers.

Glass Ceilings Shattered: Women of the Cherry Grove Fire Department

Posted on July 30, 2026

The year 2026 marks the 115th anniversary of Tennessee Williams' birth.

Books & Authors

Tennessee Williams: Collaboration, Friendship, and Betrayal

Posted on July 30, 2026

Bubbles, beads, and beautiful boys. Glamour, glitz, and gorgeous girls. Fire Island was filled with Fourth of July revelers in Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove.

Fire Island Pines

America 250/Fire Island Pines Invasion 50

Posted on July 16, 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

My Editor’s Window column in the July 3, 2026, edition of Fire Island News opens with the following paragraphs:

Fire Island Pines

Fire Island News Fourth of July Edition Hits Newsstands Ahead of the Big Weekend

Posted on July 1, 2026

Before Fire Island, on one hazy 1960s summer, at a Girl Scout Camp on Long Island, a young Meryl Meisler hears whispers of a mystical realm just across the bay. On this island, they say, “fairies ran about naked and lived in little houses with charming names like Shirley’s Temple.” This opening vignette — shared by a now-renowned, longtime photographer of queer New York nightlife — sets the tone for John Dempsey’s ambitious account of Fire Island’s art history.

Books & Authors

John Dempsey’s Fire Island Art: 100 Years

Posted on June 29, 2026

As communities across Long Island and Fire Island prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, this year’s festivities carry added significance as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The holiday remains both a celebration of the country’s founding and a recognition of the freedoms at the heart of American life. From parades and picnics to fireworks and concerts, these America 250 events offer residents and visitors a chance to come together and honor the occasion in true summer fashion.

Fire Island Pines

Fireworks and More Fourth of July Fun on Fire Island and South Shore Long Island

Posted on June 28, 2026

More from our sister sites

A Mastic Beach teen was arrested for allegedly sexually abusing his family’s dog and downloading child pornography.

Long Island Press

Mastic Beach teen accused of having sexual relations with dog

The Brooklyn Democratic Party Executive Committee voted to nominate four candidates for the New York State Supreme Court at their nominating convention held on Aug. 6.

Brooklyn Democrats nominate four judges for state Supreme Court at convention

Schneps Podcasts

Nathan Manske, Thank You For Coming Out

Ann Northrop (second front right), Andy Humm (second from left), and Bill Bahlman (fourth from left) with upcoming "Gay USA" co-hosts Chris Cooper (far left), Jay W. Walker (third from left), Cathy Marino-Thomas (middle front) and Mick Meenan (far right)

Ann Northrop celebrated at farewell party after 30 years of ‘Gay USA’