One of the most iconic queer celebrations in the country just hit a major milestone, and did it in full glam. Fire Island’s beloved July 4th tradition, The Invasion of the Pines, turned 50 this year, and Tryst Hospitality made sure the celebration was nothing short of legendary.
A Waterfront Takeover Worthy of Drag History
The day-long extravaganza stretched across the famed Fire Island Pines waterfront, including The Pavilion, The Blue Whale, The Canteen, and the sun-soaked Tryst Pool Deck. Orchestrated by Tristan Schukraft, CEO of MISTR and Tryst Hotels, the celebration honored the legacy of the Invasion while offering a preview of what’s to come with the highly anticipated debut of The Tryst Fire Island hotel.
And let’s be clear: this wasn’t just any party. This was a drag-studded spectacle befitting half a century of protest, pageantry, and pride.
Drag Queens From Around the Tryst Universe
Tryst Hospitality brought in queens from its glittering properties around the world, delivering a truly international showcase of charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. The lineup included:
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Mayhem Miller from The Abbey in West Hollywood
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Misty Violet from The Chapel at The Abbey
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Alyssa Hunter and Amalara Sofia from The Tryst San Juan
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Pelayo from The Tryst Puerto Vallarta
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Pixie Aventura, a Fire Island regular at The Pavilion and The Blue Whale
Leading the charge? None other than Panzi, the living legend who kicked off the very first Invasion back in 1976. With a microphone in hand and a legacy behind her, Panzi announced each queen’s arrival as ferry after ferry pulled into the harbor, delivering drag excellence by the boatload.
What started five decades ago as a response to a drag queen being denied service in the Pines has become one of queer culture’s most enduring acts of protest and joy. The Invasion continues to blend satire, spectacle, and resilience—and this year, it was bigger than ever.
Post-Invasion Pool Party and DJ Beats? Naturally.
The festivities didn’t end at the harbor. After the queens landed, it was time to head to The Tryst Pool Deck, where Violet Chachki brought her signature high-fashion edge to the post-Invasion pool party. From there, guests danced their way through Low Tea, High Tea, and a night of immaculate galavanting, with the Waterfront becoming a full-on runway of late-night revelry.
Throughout the day, drag icon Willam Belli was on the scene, capturing the best moments for @thepinesfireisland and giving fans an insider’s look at this once-in-a-generation celebration.
Looking Ahead: The Tryst Era
With The Tryst Fire Island hotel on the horizon, Schukraft and team made it clear that this was more than a party, it was a promise. A new era of queer luxury, celebration, and community is on its way to Fire Island.
After 50 years, the Invasion shows no signs of slowing down. If anything, it’s evolving, just like the community it celebrates.
