Tea-Dances, Planters Punch and Fun in the Sun: Fire Island Pines Kicks-off Its Summer Season

Photo byJulia Weeks / AP file

The world's premiere gay summer destination, Fire Island Pines, is set for another steamy summer. Clubs Sip N Twirl and the Blue Whale are up and running, as are Pines Gym and Camp: the hardware, home goods and flower shop. Also open for business are the eateries Pines Pizza, Bistro & Martini Bar and Canteen.

For menswear and grooming, the General Store features curated accessories, and soon to open are the men’s salon, Handsome, and the dedicated Pines boutique for the men's sportswear designer, Ron Dorff.

There are more openings to come, most notably the island’s world-famous nightclub, The Pavilion, which begins pumping new beats all Memorial Day weekend. “We are working full speed to make sure this is another amazing summer in the Pines,” says PJ McAteer, Managing Partner of the Pines. He promises tea dances every day of the week and top-notch entertainment at the various venues.

This upcoming weekend will see two major events: the season's first official theme party kicks off this Saturday, May 4, when Sip N Twirl hosts its 18th annual Kentucky Derby Party featuring hostess Bubbles D’Boob. In addition to the live broadcast of the race, there will be raffle prizes and a competitive Best Hat contest.

The following day, and every Sunday thereafter, theater lovers will be able to enjoy the Pines' wildly popular Showtune Sundays at The Pavilion.

Photo byFire Island Pines

There’s something to do every night on Fire Island Pines. The weekend’s full schedule includes a singalong piano bar, three daily Tea Dances including one on the pool deck, a Saturday night concert series starring comedians and popular vocalists, and late-night dance parties all weekend long with world class DJs and celebrity performers.

Monday and Tuesday nights this summer will feature weekly drag shows at The Pavilion with NYC icons Pixie Aventura and Bootsie LeFaris. Drag Tea is every Tuesday, and Wednesday is dual Bingo Night and Karaoke! Thursday is the “Divas” Pop dance party and the Friday night is “Wolfpop”.

Fire Island Pines first became a destination for Gay men in 1952, when it was illegal for two men to dance together in public and when many in the world viewed Gay men as sexual deviants. With its lush foliage, white sandy beaches, beautiful modern architecture, and miles of car-fee wood plank boardwalks, the island served – and still serves – as a refuge for men to take each other’s hands and explore their natural inclinations. It’s since attracted A-List celebrities, with everyone from Liza Minnelli to Andy Cohen visiting this paradise.

Photo byWilson Models

“The Pines continues to be a unique, magical place like no other on the planet,” McAteer reflects. “It truly is an LGBTQIA+ paradise that rests on the shoulders of its forefathers and foremothers who fought tirelessly for the protections and rights that we enjoy today. We celebrate them. It is why every day on Fire Island Pines is Gay Pride.”

A trip from NYC is less than two-hours on the Long Island Railroad. From the Sayville train stop, travelers board busses to the Fire Island Pines ferry. There is a nearby airport, too. MacArthur is ten minutes away, allowing guests from around the world to enjoy The Pines’ many attractions.

For more information, visit https://pinesfi.com.