The Long Island Nets is inviting the community to its annual Summer Fest at Jones Beach in Wantagh with new action that promises to take this celebration beyond basketball.
With the addition of a 5K Run Club and Youth Dance Clinic, Summer Fest is branching out to a myriad of interests when it kicks off this Saturday, Aug. 23, in the Basketball Courts at Field 4 at Jones Beach. Of course, the Long Island Nets are a hoop-focused team, so there will also be two Youth Basketball Clinics, encounters with team mascot Dale the Eagle, as well as basketball games and prizes.
Both the dance clinic and run club are free activities, while the basketball clinics are each $25 and can be registered for in advance online.
“Summer Fest is rooted in the Long Island Nets’ commitment to building community and growing the game of basketball right here on Long Island. Summer is a key time for us — it’s when we’re out in the community the most, connecting with fans of all ages,” said Morgan Taylor, vice president of business operations for the New York Liberty and the Long Island Nets.
“For the past three years, we’ve hosted events like this at Jones Beach, and this year we’re excited to expand on that tradition by bringing basketball and dance clinics, as well as a run club to the community. This year’s Summer Fest will offer even more opportunities for the community to get active, engage with our team and celebrate together as we head into an exciting 2025-26 season, which will begin when we tip off on Nov. 7 at Nassau Coliseum.”
The dance clinic mentioned will be in conjunction with the Long Island Nets Dance Team. Open to ages 6-16, the clinic will be held 10-11 a.m., according to the event flier.
According to Taylor, “The true highlight of Summer Fest is bringing the Long Island community together to close out the summer on a high note. Over the past few months, the Long Island Nets have been active across the region — from youth basketball camps and clinics to other community events — and Summer Fest is the culmination of all that energy and engagement.”
In response to an interview question, Taylor noted that Summer Fest is not only for sports fans or even those who cheer on the Nets. “Summer Fest is all about celebrating and strengthening our connection with the Long Island community. Whether you've cheered us on at a Long Island Nets game, had a child take part in one of our clinics for kids ages 5-17, or you're simply curious about the team and how we’re showing up for Long Island, this event is an open invitation,” he said.
Among the day’s activities will be free giveaways, a DJ and photo opp. In addition, Summer Fest is an opportunity to contribute to a Back-To- School Donation Drive as summer draws to a close. As Taylor explained, “Summer Fest is not only a celebration of our community, it’s also a chance for us to give back. We’re proud to launch our Back-to-School Donation Drive to support students across Long Island as they prepare for the new school year. We’re encouraging all attendees to bring traditional school supplies, and we’ll ensure these donations go to local youth who need them most. It’s one small way we can help set these students up for a strong, successful start to the year.”
Taylor expressed the team’s enthusiasm about ending the summer on such a high note, saying: “As the Long Island Nets look forward to the upcoming NBA G League season, we’re thrilled to wrap up the summer alongside our incredible community. Summer Fest will be a fantastic celebration of all the meaningful connections and programs we’ve shared over the past few months. We’re proud of the impact we've made and look forward to continuing that momentum with more community clinics and camps this fall.”
For more information visit the website. The following is a link to registration: