Luckily, the powers-that-be in the Pines aren’t familiar with the phrase, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” because they strive to make the Fire Island experience better each season. For starters, you’ll see, hear and taste a major difference at Low Tea this year because the Blue Whale has undergone an extreme homo makeover, complete with a state-of-the-art sound system and a delicious new signature cocktail, “The Britney,” guaranteed to make you a hot mess! They’ve scheduled star DJs like Joe Gauthreaux, Roland Belmares and Hector Fonseca to play the Pavilion, and Glo Lounge, which will boast lots of live entertainment, adds Karaoke Thursdays and Showtune Sundays to its lineup, which already includes the popular Frisky Friday underwear party. Of course, summer’s biggest parties, Ascension and Bay Dance, will be back and bigger than ever, but this year, even the ordinary weekends are anything but! “I want every week to have an exceptional party, which is why we’ve got fun theme weekends planned all summer,” says Adam Weaver, new Marketing Director of Fire Island Pines Operations. Having just ignited the season with a Cinco de Mayo grand opening celebration May 2–4, here’s what else the sexy sons-of-beaches have in store for you all this month.

May 9–11
Ahoy, Marys! Bring your booties to “Pirate’s Booty Weekend,” when A Fresh Market opens for the season. (In case you missed the memo, Bay Bar, Low Tea at Blue Whale and High Tea on the View Deck were all open for weekend business beginning Friday, May 2.)

May 16–18
The first Frisky Friday underwear party of the season flashes full-on May 16 with a “Break the Ice” theme commemorating “Fire and Ice Weekend.” Glo Lounge also shines with a Saturday night performance by YouTube sensation Britney Houston, and the Pavilion officially opens with “Melt,” featuring DJ Phil B. Blue Whale restaurant and Index clothing store will also open for business.

May 22–26
Summer gets an official kick-off with a five-day Memorial Day and “Set Sail Weekend,” when Tea will be slingin’ cocktails and beats Thursday through Monday. Glo’s Frisky Friday undies party gets a “Naughty Nautical Nite” theme, and DJ Hector Fonseca spins the Pavilion Saturday before Twisted Dee takes over the turntables Sunday night. Also pop by Peppermint’s show Saturday at Glo!

May 30–June 1
Lightly accessorize to impress at Superspy 007 Weekend’s “Black Ties and Underlies” Frisky Friday before the “Goldfinger” party puts its Midas touch on the Pavilion Saturday with DJ Joe Gauthreaux. Also Saturday, Glo welcomes Hedda Lettuce.

For more info, including locations and hours of operation, log onto thepinesfireisland.com.

Get Into the Grove

Cherry Grove’s Ice Palace and Grove Hotel have also enjoyed some big changes this season, many of which will be unveiled over Memorial Day weekend. Ice Palace will introduce its new signature drink, the rum-based “Palace Punch,” at Friday’s Palace Punch Party with Porsche before everyone strips down for an ’80s-themed underwear party. At Saturday’s Pool Party, hosted by Skyla Versai, Red Bull will reveal its new custom-designed outdoor DJ booth and poolside dance floor, as well as the new Tommy Bahama Tiki Bar and Coors Canteen, while a live music video shoot with Houston Bernard sets the tone; then stick around for the debut of a new Saturday-night dance party. Sunday’s affair kicks off the all-day festivities with Porsche’s annual Pool Show, which will include an invasion by Admiral Nelson and a live performance by Sariah—so get ready to shake your Grove thang!