The Pines Halloween Party (est. circa 1975)
How a Bunch of Fabulous Pines Queens Close Summer with a Bang
Somewhere in the glitter-soaked haze of the mid-1970s—possibly fueled by vodka—a few creative minds at the legendary Sandpiper bar were contemplating the end of summer when they seized upon an idea: “Let’s close with a bang. Let’s have a Halloween party!”
And just like that, a tradition was born. Halloween in the Pines quickly became the unofficial, gloriously over-the-top, sendoff to summer. It’s the Pines’ sultry way of saying, “See you next season, darling!”
Now honey, let’s be real — the Sandpiper’s owners tried to play along, but that old bird was never meant to be a nightclub. Thin walls, cranky neighbors, and more noise complaints than a Fire Island ferry horn in August!
The Sandpiper. Photo credit: Unknown.
Still, for a few fabulous years they let it ride, serving up summer mix tapes like it was Studio 54 on a shoestring. Then, in 1979 the Sandpiper’s owners did like Barbra and Donna and said: “Enough is enough, I can’t go on!”
And they decided to close the club.
Well go out they did – in style!
For the final Halloween Party the owners brought in a DJ for the first time. And not just any DJ - girl, we’re talking Robbie Leslie!
It was the first of his great closes and, by some reports, his best. He did another one a couple of years later that also got some notice. It was for some less fabulous joint in New York City called The Saint.
After leaving the Sandpiper the party sashayed over to Crew Quarters in the Danikki building, which later became the Island Club. Sadly these were the years AIDS ravaged the community, and while the party continued, crowds thinned and the glitz faded.
Despite this setback, hope was never lost, and in 2006 the party’s knight in shining armor showed up. Young, fun and full of ……. ideas, his name was PJ McAteer.
The new owner of Sip ‘N’ Twirl, the successor to the Island Club, PJ had been coming to Fire Island since he was a child and had run share houses in the Pines for over a decade. He understood the community, knew its rhythms, and saw that it deserved a season farewell as memorable as the summer itself.
PJ McAteer at Sip ‘N’ Twirl. Photo credit: Virun Rampersad
Slotted the weekend before New York City’s Halloween chaos, the word went out:
“The Bitch is Back! Better than ever!”
So the late season Pines Queens put on their heels, PJ fired up the smoke machine and they had a kiki!
And from there it didn’t just grow, it blossomed! Organically and fabulously!
Suddenly it wasn’t just a party, it was the event of the fall! It was redlined in everyone who’s anyone’s calendar!
Very quickly, people began to stay out in the Pines longer and some who had already left reappeared, all resplendent in their Halloween finest!
Some houses did themes — on a few occasions the gurls from 570 even had choreographed entrances! Most, however, went for the mix and match, with over the top takes on the classics and sexy looks for the modern era. One year, a group of twinks showed up in tunics — and no pants (because why not?)
‘Cause the truth is, girl, this is Fire Island Pines and over the top is just another Saturday night! For this one, they came to close the season down!
Monsters and Witches
Photo credit: Virun Rampersad
Superheroes and Cartoon Cuties
Photo credit: Virun Rampersad
Cops and Ghouls
Photo credit: Virun Rampersad
Bad Boy Scouts
Photo credit: Virun Rampersad
Each year the looks got bigger, bolder, sassier and showed more skin. Whether it was haute couture fantasy or dollar-store drag done just right, the creativity knew no bounds — and neither did the fun.
Photo credit: Virun Rampersad
And the décor? Off. The. Charts!
Think aerial witches swooping through the rafters, spooky snow drifting over the dance floor, giant monster inflatables, and disco spiders twinkling from above.
Photo credit: Chris Camuso
Yes, it got crowded, very crowded at times. But the vibe stayed sexy, flirty and fabulous, with everyone mingling and mixing, bumping and grinding, and having a good time.
Photo credit: Chris Camuso
One year, a gladiator, a vampire, and Tom Cruise (in Top Gun attire) walked up to the bar at the same time. Guess who got served first? The six-foot-four drag queen in stilettos behind them: “Two vodka sodas, doll—with a twist!”
While the crowd and décor set the stage, it was the music that powered the night. The Sip ‘N’ Twirl DJs like Chris Camuso knew exactly how to work the room, serving a fierce blend of gay anthems, nostalgic summer hits, and fresh remixes hot off the turntables. The result? A dance floor dripping in sweat, glitter, and joy.
Photo credit: Unknown
You see, the Pines Halloween Party isn’t just a costume ball. It’s a life-affirming, booty-shaking celebration of the season’s last gasp, with every beat pointing toward the magic still to come!
What started as a boozy bar night is now a pilgrimage for the flamboyant, the fierce, and the unapologetically fabulous. A living, breathing testament to community, queerness, and the power of fun.
So, if you haven’t yet been, come check it out. We’ll look for you on the dance floor. Costumes mandatory. Attitude required. Skin encouraged. Pants optional. Boredom? Banned.