Annual Local Events
Every season, the Golden Isles shines with exciting events, festivals, exhibitions, concerts, and more. Make plans to attend one of our beloved annual events. From time-honored traditions, waterfront parades featuring beautifully decorated shrimp boats and holiday fun for the entire family, you'll find year-round festivals filled with energy and entertainment!
Fourth of July Celebrations
There are many events throughout the Golden Isles during the 4th of July holiday weekend, making it one of the best places to celebrate Independence Day!
St. Simons Island 4th of July Celebration & Sunshine Festival
This annual festival is held in the Pier Village on St. Simons island. Including a 5K, 1-mile fun run, golf cart parade, arts & crafts show, and finishes off with fireworks. This family friendly event is from 10am-5pm and fireworks at dark.
Brunswick's Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration
This 4th of July, happy kids and adults come together for free games, watermelon, and fireworks at Mary Ross Waterfront Park in the heart of Historic Downtown Brunswick. The festivities start at 5pm and feature organized classic games like sack races, tug-of-wars, horseshoes, hula-hoop contests and more. Brunswick's fireworks over the waters of the East River and Oglethorpe Bay start at 9pm.
Jekyll Island Independence Day Celebration
Whether spending the day at the beach, by the pool, or at Summer Waves Water Park, there is always a way to stay cool and enjoy July 4th on Jekyll Island. Celebrate America's Birthday with an old-fashioned patriotic parade throughout the Historic District beginning at 9am. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the parade. Then, from noon to 6pm participate in Red, White, & Bounce held at the Jekyll Island Beach Village. It will be a fun-filled afternoon with water slides, bounce houses, sidewalk sales and live music. Around 9pm on July 3rd, witness the most spectacular fireworks in the Golden Isles.
Sea Island 4th of July Celebration
For guests and residents of Sea Island. Start your fourth of July off right by observing the annual flag raising ceremony or participate in the Firecracker 5K. Enjoy fun in the sun at the Independence Day Pool Party and Family Pool Games. Decorate your bike or golf cart and participate in the annual parade down Sea Island Drive. Grab a bite to eat at the Beach Club's Oceanside Independence Celebration featuring Yacht Rock or Rainbow Island Supper, featuring a 5o-foot banana split! End the day with a fireworks spectacular at the Beach Club around 9pm.
Brunswick Rockin’ Stewbilee
This event takes place in: January
Get ready for the annual Brunswick Rockin’ Stewbilee at Mary Ross Waterfront Park. Each year, cooking teams from near and far compete to see who has the best stew, competing for the Peoples’ Choice and Judges’ Award. The day long event begins with the 1-mile Fun Run and 5k Road Race followed by the Pet Supplies Plus Pooch Parade, Live Entertainment, Classic and Antique Car Show, Arts & Crafts displays and of course, sampling of the Best Brunswick Stew in the nation.
Blessing of the Fleet & Mayfair
This event takes place in: May/Mothers Day Weekend
An annual tradition each Mother’s Day weekend, this beautiful Old World processional through Historic Hanover Square was started by the Portuguese community in 1938 to commemorate the first appearance of The Blessed Virgin to three children near the town of Fatima, Portugal on May 13, 1917. Hand-carved Brazilian Oak statue, with a crown of gold and precious stones, identical to the statue in Fatima, is placed on a carved wooden shoulder carrier and decorated with flowers. Parishioners of St. Francis Xavier Church process singing through the park.
This colorful Portuguese tradition, each Mother’s Day in historic downtown Brunswick, blesses the brightly decorated shrimp boats prior to the start of shrimping season each year. This year Brunswick celebrated its first Mayfair. Local artisans and Musicians gathered at Maryross park to sell their goods and provide entertainment alongside the Blessing of the Fleet celebration.
CoastFest
This event takes place: The first Saturday in October
With more than 70 environmental, educational, research and resource interactive exhibits and displays, the annual CoastFest festival highlights Georgia’s unique coastal environment in a family-friendly day of fun and education at the GA DNR Coastal Regional Headquarters near the Sidney Lanier Bridge in Brunswick.
Visitors of all ages can participate in educational activities and learn about coastal weather, native plants, water conservation, archeology, herpetology, geology, and marine life!
Throughout the day, under the Big Top, visitors will be entertained by many unique events:
• Bubble-ologist Keith Johnson uses imagination and science to explore how bubbles work.
• Reptiles and raptors will take center stage for two shows throughout the day
• Magician Arthur Atsma will amaze the audience with circus stunts and magic tricks.
• Jim Sawgrass and his Creek Indian encampment
• Military re-enactors from the Revolutionary War through the Civil War
• Touch tanks with unique coastal Georgia sea life
• Plenty of ‘make-it-take-it’ projects
Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival
This event takes place in: September
The Shrimp & Grits Festival on Jekyll Island is a weekend celebration of two of Georgia’s most beloved foods – shrimp and grits. The festival features a cook-off, shrimp boat tours, cooking demonstrations, book signings, arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment and a kid‐friendly fun zone. This is a must-attend Jekyll Island festival for any food lover, and it just gets better every year.
Southern Grown Festival
A celebration of all things Southern, this annual festival pays homage to the very best of the South – the music, the people and the food. Southern Grown gives guests the chance to taste, sip, learn about, and experience the unique cuisine and traditions of the most special region of America. The weekend overflows with opportunities, opening with Friday night’s Kick-Off Dinner and a show. Saturday’s daytime Southern Grown Marketplace precedes an oceanside dinner and a concert followed by a late night event. The weekend culminates with a Sunday brunch. The entire roster of events will be led by award-winning chefs and musical talent from across the South. All in the world-class setting of Sea Island.
The RSM Classic
This event takes place in: April
Making its debut on the PGA TOUR in 2010, The RSM Classic became an instant Seaside tradition. Played in Georgia’s beautiful Golden Isles, the tournament showcases the area’s rich culture, history and extraordinary hospitality.
Hosted by Davis Love III, 20-time PGA TOUR winner, 2017 World Golf Hall of Fame Inductee and 2012 & 2016 U.S. Ryder Cup Captain, the event features incredible field strength, which in 2011 included 14 winners of the Majors – U.S. Open, The Open, The Masters and the PGA Championship. Field strength is also enhanced by the number of players who call the Golden Isles home including Zach Johnson, Jonathan Byrd, Matt Kuchar, and Brian Harman. Over the last seven years, The RSM Classic has raised more than seven million dollars for children and family charities.
Turtle Crawl
This event takes place in: July
Since 2003, Jekyll Island has hosted the Turtle Crawl, a set of races benefiting the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Jekyll Island’s picturesque oceanfront and maritime forest are settings for two triathlons – the International Distance Triathlon and the Sprint Distance Triathlon, both sanctioned by USA Triathlon. Returning for 2019, a 10K race will accompany the 5K run, providing race fun for the whole family. All races are timed, and take place on certified courses. From elite, world-class athletes to running novices, the Turtle Crawl races offer something for every athlete at every skill level. With four races to choose from, Turtle Crawl Festival, and a unique island getaway, Turtle Crawl Weekend on Jekyll is a not to be missed “race-cation” for all families.
Brunswick Christmas Parade
This event happens in: December
The Annual Brunswick Christmas Parade is held on the first Saturday of December. This fun and festive community event is the perfect event to get in the holiday spirit. The parade takes place in the evening, making it an excellent time to take in all of the lights and decorations that adorn each float. The lively parade is hallmarked by high school marching bands, community groups and, of course, Santa Claus himself!
Jekyll Tree Lighting Festival & Holidays in History
This Event Happens in: December
Jekyll Island transforms for the holiday season every year. The Historic District decorated in Christmas grandeur and special themed tours take guests back in time to Christmas during the Club era. The season begins with the Christmas Tree Lighting Festival the Saturday after Thanksgiving and continues with storytelling, caroling, craft workshops, and more. Come see the Jekyll Island Christmas lights, and one of our favorite tree lighting ceremonies in Georgia!