Celebrating 25 Years of Pines Party

Revelers dancing at he first iteration of the Pines Party, during the summer of 1999

Earlier this summer, thousands of revelers from around the world descended on the queer haven of Fire Island, NY for an unforgettable and unapologetic weekend of celebration. Pines Party 2024 marked the 25th anniversary of the now iconic LGBTQ+ event, making it one of the longest-running annual queer parties in the world. With an out-of-this-world theme befitting the milestone - Galactic Rodeo - Pines Party 2024 was more than just a party, it was also a massive fundraiser benefitting the Pines Foundation, the Seashore Defense Fund, and of course, our critical work here at Stonewall!

Each year since 1999, the Fire Island Pines Property Owners Association (FIPPOA) has ensured that their hot-ticket event leaves a legacy not just of joy and connection, but also of impact. Throughout our decades-long partnership, FIPPOA has channeled millions from event fundraising into the Pines Foundation, which protects the Fire Island Pines community and works to make it more accessible; the Seashore Defense Fund, which preserves the natural beauty of the Fire Island Pines beaches; and over $1.5 million into our critical work here at Stonewall. This investment - and trust - in our mission has had a profound impact on critical LGBTQ+ Movement work here in NYC and across the country.

At Stonewall, we firmly believe that without joy, community, and celebration, there is no liberation. We honor this ethos through our grantmaking, fueling work not only in advocacy, housing, and healthcare, but also in art, creativity, and self-expression. In this moment, as queer lives are increasingly under attack, the support from Pines Party - along with the revelry through which it’s generated - is more important than ever.

We’re beyond proud to continue our partnership with FIPPOA and Pines Party, and can’t wait to see what the next 25 years bring. Learn more about the Pines Party and its fascinating, storied history here. Dates for Pines Party 2025 have already been announced, so mark your calendars for August 1-3, 2025. See you in the Pines!

We’ll leave you with some shots from Pines Party 2024: Galactic Rodeo. All images by Roland Fitz. Enjoy!