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Newspaper cover

Read the
latest issue

Fire Island News & Great South Bay News: Fire Island’s longest-running news source, since 1957Fire Island News & Great South Bay News: Fire Island’s longest-running news source, since 1957

Bethpage

Best of LI

Nominate
  • News
    • Day in the Life
    • Environment
    • Eye on FI
    • Features
    • History
    • Summer Scenes from the South Shore
    • Northwell Health
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Fire Island News & Great South Bay News: Fire Island’s longest-running news source, since 1957Fire Island News & Great South Bay News: Fire Island’s longest-running news source, since 1957
  • News
  • Day in the Life
  • Environment
  • Eye on FI
  • Features
  • History
  • Summer Scenes from the South Shore
  • Northwell Health
  • Arts & Culture
  • Arts & Theatre
  • Books & Authors
  • Things to Do
  • Local Events
  • Submit an Event
  • Communities
  • Atlantique
  • Bay Shore
  • Cherry Grove & Pines
  • Davis Park
  • Fair Harbor
  •  
  • Kismet
  • Ocean Bay Park
  • Saltaire
  • Sayville–Patchogue
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Fire Island Life Hacks

Just because school is back in session and the calendar reads September doesn’t mean that the fun stops on Fire Island. This stretch of time—after the bustle of summer crowds but before you need a coat to leave the house—is often called the “shoulder season,” or, as locals lovingly say, “Local’s Summer.” It’s a period when you can roam the streets without dozens of visitors, boat across the Great South Bay without weaving through a million others, and enjoy the island at a calmer, more authentic pace. There are still plenty of exciting events and local spots worth checking out during this unique time, which could be even more enjoyable than before!
Eye on FI

Local’s Summer: Shoulder Season Magic on Fire Island

Posted on September 11, 2025
Summer Essentials
Communities

“My bikini didn’t arrive in Time for the Fourth of July!”

Posted on July 5, 2025
Le Dock Fair Harbor
Ocean Beach

Date Night on Fire Island

Posted on June 20, 2025
Fire Island Life Hacks

#3: Park for Free

Posted on August 1, 2022
pedicab
Fire Island Life Hacks

#2: Skip the Walk

Posted on July 19, 2022
hack1
Fire Island Life Hacks

How to Get to Fire Island Without a Boat

Posted on July 11, 2022

Things to do on Fire Island

Post an Event

Ebb and Flow, the art of John Cino and L
Today, noon

Ebb & Flow
BAFFA Gallery

The Islip Arts Council is hosting the 20
Today, 2 pm

Islip Summer Concert Series
Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park

The Islip Public Library invites you to
July 28, 6:30 pm

Outdoor Summer Concert: The Day Trippers
Library Lawn

Sharks are one of the most diverse group
July 30, 9 am

Shark Shack
Robert Moses State Park Field 5

Patchogue’s annual Alive After Five summ
July 30, 5 pm

Alive After 5
Patchogue Main Street

The Bayport Blue Point Heritage Associat
July 30, 6 pm

FREE Concert in the park
Bayport Memorial Park

The Islip Arts Council invites you to Th
July 30, 6 pm

Thursdays on the Bay: Easy Street
Long Island Maritime Museum

Arts Project of Cherry Grove proudly pre
July 30, 7 pm

Norman Lasiter’s “Gray Pride”
Cherry Grove Community House Theatre

View All Events…

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Arts & Theatre

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

Dining Review

  • While visitors often come to Fire Island with a dining reservation or two in mind, locals know there’s a rhythm to eating here, one that embraces the cravings that come with a day spent under the sun. To live like a local, you have to eat like one, too! Dining Like a Local: An Unofficial Guide to Snacking, Sipping, and Dining on Fire Island
  • 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
  • Situated across from the Cherry Grove dock, Top of the Bay Bistro on Fire Island offers stunning views of the Great South Bay — along with an exceptional American Nouveau menu, fabulous cocktails, and live entertainment weekly. This summer, Executive Chef Xavier Alcequiez has taken full rein of the establishment, with former proprietor Ron King remaining behind the scenes and discreetly supporting Alcequiez and the team in any way he can. Xavier Alcequiez: Taking the Reins at Top of the Bay Birstro in Cherry Grove
  • News 12’s Erin Colton Returns to the Ocean Beach Chamber of Commerce 3rd Annual Top Toque Cooking Contest
  • Sunday, May 31 (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) The Sagtikos Manor Historical Society will host The Peony Path Tour at Sagtikos Manor, 677 West Montauk Highway, Bay Shore. Attendees will take a private tour of the Manor’s walled garden and learn the history and horticulture of the Peony, the Sagtikos Peony Project, and other restoration efforts. Cap the day off with a stop at the magnificent peacock fountain and waterlily pool. Light refreshments will be provided. Admission: $20. Tours begin at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. For details and reservations, visit sagtikosmanor.org Say So Long to the Month of May, and Hello to June! Things To Do this Weekend and the Week Ahead

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Things to do on Fire Island

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