Q: WHERE IS FIBO?
A: FIBO is held on Fire Island, New York, which is one of the largest gay resorts in the United States. Fire Island is an inlet on the south shore of Long Island, New York. The island derived its name from fires built on the sea's edge by pirates to lure unsuspecting ships into the sandbars. It is easily accessible from Sayville, NY where ferries (the ones without wings) carry vacationers on a short and pleasant ride to and from the island.
Q: HOW DO I GET TO FIBO?
A: Getting to FIBO is easy! For more information, please visit our Travel and Directions page.
Q: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ATTEND FIBO?
A: As part of its mission to support nonprofit organizations that prove life sustaining resources to the LGBT community or support the communities hosting FIBO events, FIBO sells the FIBO Bracelet. The bracelet entitles the wearer to admission to FIBO events, entertainment, island wide discounts, and exclusive perks. For more information on price and how to get your FIBO Bracelet, please visit our Admission page.
Q: WHY IS IT CALLED THE FIRE ISLAND BLACK OUT?
A: The organizers of FIBO chose the name “Fire Island Black Out” due to the event’s locality and as a reflection of the majority of its initial attendees. As FIBO progresses so does its ethnic composition. The FIBO logo symbolizes our unity and diversity.
Q: WHERE CAN I STAY?
A: FIBO attendees can enjoy fully furnished beach houses and apartments as well as premier hotel accommodations. For more information, please visit our Lodging page. Please note that it is illegal to sleep overnight on the beach.
Q: WHAT DOES FIBO DO WITH ITS MONEY?
A: FIBO donates its net proceeds to non-profit organizations that either provide life sustaining resources to the LGBT community of color or support the communities hosting FIBO events. FIBO encourages its attendees, partners, and supporters to make direct donations to its designated charities, please click here to learn more.
Q: WHAT ARE THE ISLAND RULES?
A: FIBO wants to ensure that everyone attending its event has a safe and enjoyable time. Towards that end, FIBO attendees should know that Cherry Grove, Fire Island is a community of neighbors. People live there and their property should be respected. FIBO encourages everyone to do their part to help keep the beach clean and safe for future FIBO generations. There are no life guards at the beach. Restrooms are located at area businesses participating in the FIBO Bracelet campaign. Here are the key rules to follow to ensure a safe and fun stay on the island:
- TRASH - BRING IT IN, TAKE IT OUT: Please take out any trash you make during your stay on the beach. Use your FREE FIBO Waste Bag to store your trash and take it out with you when you leave. Bags are available to EVERYONE (with or without a FIBO Bracelet), while supplies last. Trash receptacles are located on the beach by the boardwalks and in town. Trash receptacles are located on the beach by the boardwalks and in town. Please help keep the beach clean and safe for future FIBO generations!
- FIRE SAFETY: The Fire Department wants you to have a safe stay in Cherry Grove. To them we owe the following cautionary notes and vital information. Most Grove houses and all of the walks are made of wood, which makes discarding of cigarette butts hazardous. Please observe NO SMOKING signs, beginning at the dock. Please be careful if you smoke. Crush out all cigarettes. Open Fires, of any kind, are not allowed anywhere on the island. This includes the beach!
- THE DUNES - DO NOT WALK ON THE DUNES: Don’t dump trash or trimmings on the dunes; it is destructive to the dunes’ ecosystem and unsightly too.
- DEER - DO NOT FEED THE DEER: However appealing they may seem, Fire Island National Seashore regulations forbid deer feeding, which encourages them to rely on handouts and in severe winters they starve. They also carry ticks that can cause Lyme disease.
- DOGS: Leashes are required on the walks and beach. Please, don’t let your dog (or cat) roam free. Doggy-doo-doo is a ‘don’t-don’t’! Even dog lovers must be repelled by stepping on a moist turd at night when walking home from a party.
- NOISE: Radios played at high volume at any time can be disturbing to your neighbors. Tastes in music vary. Reasonable people can differ as to what noise is mildly annoying and what is outrageous. In general, please be aware of your surroundings and please be considerate, especially at night. There are those of us who do not dance till dawn and who retire early.
- RESPONSIBILITY: All of us are responsible for keeping Cherry Grove a safe and pleasant place to live and visit. Littering, consuming open containers of alcoholic beverages on the board walks and illegal drug use are prohibited. The responsibility of keeping Cherry Grove a safe and a pleasant place to visit rests with all of us.
- BEACH - NO OVERNIGHT SLEEPING ON THE BEACH: You can be arrested for sleeping overnight on the beach! FIBO encourages everyone to exit the beach right after sun down (around 7:30pm).
