Sayville News » Fire Island News & Great South Bay News

The Sayville International Film Festival will screen at the Sayville Theater.

LI Press

Inaugural Sayville International Film Festival has something for everyone

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

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

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

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

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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

Nearly five years after the loss of Sayville teenager Jeyson Reyes, his legacy continues to grow through scholarships, community outreach, and acts of kindness in his name.

Kindness Continues to Lead the Way Through the Live Like Jeyson Foundation

Posted on July 5, 2026

As St. Ann’s Episcopal Church and People’s ARC of Suffolk County mark one year of partnership, leaders from both organizations say the collaboration has created new opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and strengthened ties within the Sayville community. The partnership, which began last spring, brought one of People’s ARC’s community-based adult day programs to the St. Ann’s campus. Over the past year, participants have engaged with the church’s outreach ministries, gained vocational experience, and built relationships with parishioners and community members.

Sayville

St. Ann’s Episcopal Church and People’s ARC See Partnership have Flourished in its First Year

Posted on June 30, 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

The subject of the Epstein files speaks for itself, but less has been said about their connection to Fire Island, where several local communities were collectively mentioned dozens of times in those sordid files. While the information in the files does not imply evidence of crimes committed locally, it does show that Jeffrey Epstein's associates communicated with the infamous pedophile while visiting our island, as well as through various incidental mentions.

Fire Island and the Epstein Files: What Connections are Revealed?

Posted on June 22, 2026

June 5 West Islip Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert (8 p.m.) The West Islip Symphony Orchestra will perform America: A Story in Three Acts, under conductor Paul Little at Beach Street Middle School, 17 Beach St, West Islip, at 8 p.m. The concert will bring together the sounds across America’s history. The concert will include three parts: The Old West, The Big City, and America’s True Voice, each highlighting an influential aspect of America. Joining the orchestra is world-renowned harmonica virtuoso Jiayi He. Tickets are $10 for guests and free for students.

Fire Island Pines

June in Bloom: Where To Go and What To Do this Weekend and the Week Ahead on Fire Island and the Great South Bay Long Island Hamlets

Posted on June 5, 2026

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