FIRE ISLAND THEATER FESTIVAL
A weeklong celebration of queer theater, history, and community across Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines.
September 21–27, 2026
What is FIT Fest?
For decades, “theater people” — both as euphemism and in reality — have been at the heart of Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines. Now, through new theatrical work and community-centered events, FIT Fest builds on that legacy, exploring Fire Island’s rich history while asking urgent questions about its future. Presented by CHANGE Arts, this platform for queer storytelling is committed to connecting artists, educators, and communities through meaningful cultural experiences.
When & Where?
September 21–27, 2026
Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines
Events will take place across both communities, activating beloved venues and gathering spaces throughout the week.
Festival Highlights
Marathon Theater Weekend: September 26–27, 2026
Two storms. Two towns. One marathon weekend of theater.
At the heart of FIT Fest is a weekend of new work staged across Cherry Grove and the Pines:
Pride House by Chris Weikel
Cherry Grove Community House and Theater (Oldest Operating LGBTQIA+ Theater in the Country)
Set against the brewing 1938 hurricane, Pride House traces Cherry Grove’s emergence as a queer cultural hub — and the forces that reshaped both the island and its community.Ocean Walk by Gianfranco Lentini
Reflections, Fire Island Pines
As a catastrophic storm breaches Fire Island’s last defenses, one longtime Pines resident refuses to evacuate — until a teenage ferry deckhand arrives to pull him from the rising water.
FIT Fest Presents Beach Reads
September 21-22, 2026, The Pavilion, FI Pines
To celebrate Fire Island’s own theatrical community, FIT Fest will present a series of new play readings written and performed by FI locals. Selected works from an open call (to be announced) will be cast, rehearsed, and presented within a single day, spotlighting local talent.
National Queer Theater
Play Reading Residency
September 23 and 24, 2026, Ice Palace, Cherry Grove
In partnership with National Queer Theater, FIT Fest will host a weeklong residency featuring staged readings of two new queer plays, expanding on the success of prior seasons at the Cherry Grove Community House and Theater.
Ring of Keys Concert
September 25, 2026, Ice Palace, Ice Palace, Cherry Grove
Ring of Keys fosters community and visibility for queer women, transgender, and gender non-conforming musical theatre artists onstage and off. Enjoy a concert featuring excerpts from new musicals by members of Ring of Keys’s inaugural new work development writers group.
More Community & Developmental Events to Be Announced Soon!
Get Involved!
FIT Fest is made possible through the generosity of individual and organizational sponsors, community partners, and supporters. And we envision this festival as an ongoing platform for queer theater on Fire Island, deepening its impact year after year.
If you’re interested in sponsoring FIT Fest, partnering on programming, or learning more about how to get involved:
Contact us:
📧 matt@changearts.org
📞 516-313-7446