Annual Golden Isles Events to Attend with Kids

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Annual family-friendly festivals and events in the Golden Isles of Georgia

We’ve compiled a list of annual Golden Isles events we look forward to attending with our kids (plus a few we’d recommend calling a babysitter for!). Whether you live in the area or are visiting during certain months of the year, be sure to add these events to your calendar. Event dates and details can change from year to year, so check the linked event websites for the latest information.

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Ongoing Golden Isles Events

 

First Friday in Downtown Brunswick

Join the community on Newcastle Street from 5–8 p.m. on the first Friday of each month for live music, local shopping, and great food. Check the City of Brunswick website for current details.

Glynn Visual Arts Open Air Market

Glynn Visual Arts hosts a monthly outdoor market featuring farm-fresh local foods, pottery, textiles, jewelry, and other handmade items. The market is held at the Glynn Visual Arts building at 106 Island Drive on St. Simons Island. Check the Glynn Visual Arts website for the current schedule.

January

 

Jekyll Island's Island Treasures Scavenger Hunt

At the start of each year, Jekyll Island invites artists from across the country to create one-of-a-kind glass floats for its annual Island Treasures event. Volunteers hide small plastic globes around the island for visitors to find and redeem for a beautiful handcrafted glass treasure. It's a fun way to explore Jekyll Island with the family. Visit the official Island Treasures page for rules and details.

Brunswick Rockin’ Stewbilee

This day-long Brunswick tradition features a motorcycle ride, live music, a pooch parade, a classic and antique car show, arts and crafts vendors, and a competition to find the best Brunswick stew. Check the official Stewbilee website for event information.

St. Simons Land Trust Oyster Roast

Call a babysitter for this one! The annual oyster roast features food and drinks from local vendors, live music, and beautiful views. The event is a fundraiser for the St. Simons Land Trust, supporting its mission to protect the island's scenic and historic treasures. Visit the St. Simons Land Trust events page for details.

February

 

ACS Victory Board's Father-Daughter Dance

The American Cancer Society's Victory Board presents an annual Father-Daughter Dance. This special event pampers your precious princesses and includes refreshments, music for dancing, and plenty of opportunities for photos. Fun for all ages—dress in your Sunday best! Check the American Cancer Society website or the event organizer's page for current event details.

Southeast Georgia Health System's Bridge Run

The Southeast Georgia Health System Foundation Bridge Run takes participants across the scenic Sidney Lanier Bridge in Brunswick, Georgia. The event has been known as one of the toughest 5Ks in Georgia and includes running and walking options, a family-friendly festival, vendors, food, entertainment, and children's activities. Proceeds benefit the Health System's cancer and cardiac care programs. Visit the official Bridge Run website for race information.

Super Dolphin Day Race

The annual 10K, 5K, and Mile Fun Run on St. Simons Island raises funds for Oglethorpe Point Elementary and St. Simons Elementary Schools. Follow the Super Dolphin Day Race Instagram page for updates.

Wine, Women & Shoes

This is one of the Golden Isles events where you can leave the kids home with Dad! Wine, Women & Shoes brings the community together for fine wine, shopping, auctions, raffles, food, and fun—all in support of Hospice of the Golden Isles. Check the Wine, Women & Shoes event page for current information.

March

 

Junior League of the Golden Isles Character Breakfast

Spend a morning with some of your favorite characters, along with face painting, balloon animals, and more! Visit the Junior League of the Golden Isles website for event updates.

Silver Bluff Brewing's St. Patrick's Day 5K and Beer Mile

Book a babysitter and enjoy some green beer! This event typically features live music, beer, food, and festive St. Patrick's Day attire. The Beer Mile is an adult race format involving four beers and a one-mile run. Check Silver Bluff Brewing's website for current event details.

April

 

Southern Bounty Fest

An event celebrating the bounty of the South! Enjoy a marketplace featuring local artisans and farmers, a tasting tent showcasing area restaurants, drinks, and live music. Visit the Southern Bounty Festival website for details.

Jekyll Island's Turtle Crawl 1K, 5K, and 10K Races

Race on Jekyll Island to celebrate the start of sea turtle nesting season on the Georgia coast. This fundraising event supports the Georgia Sea Turtle Center through the Jekyll Island Foundation. Check the Jekyll Island website for race dates and registration.

Brunswick's Coast Fest

This free, family-friendly event features educational programs, touch tanks, wildlife viewing opportunities, and exhibitors from partner agencies and nonprofit organizations. Check the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website for current information.

Darien's Blessing of the Fleet Festival

Watch the shrimp boats parade under the bridge and receive blessings for a safe and prosperous shrimping season. Downtown Darien hosts a festival atmosphere with live music, food vendors, a 5K, and activities for the whole family. Visit the Darien-McIntosh County Chamber of Commerce for details.

May

 

St. Simons Island's Womp Off Skimboarding Competition

St. Simons Island's skimboarding event features competitions for different age groups, with freestyle and longest-ride categories. There's even a coveted Golden Broom award for the worst wipeout! Visit the Womp Off website for updates.

St. Simons Island's Taps at Twilight

TAPS is a community event arranged by the St. Simons Rotary Club to honor the men and women who have fallen in service to our country, those who have served and returned, and those who are serving today. Check the St. Simons Rotary Club website for details.

Brunswick's Mayfair Festival: Annual Blessing of the Fleet

The Brunswick Blessing of the Fleet celebrates the area's shrimping heritage with fresh seafood, local culture, boating, arts and crafts, and family activities. The festival typically includes games for kids, food, music, and entertainment. Visit the City of Brunswick website for current event information.

June

 

Georgia's Sea Islands Festival

The Georgia Sea Islands Festival on St. Simons Island celebrates the African American musical traditions, crafts, and food of the coastal barrier islands. Expect cuisine, arts and crafts, demonstrations, vendors, and live entertainment. Visit the St. Simons African American Heritage Coalition website for details.

July

 

Brunswick's Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration

A family-friendly celebration that has included a golf cart parade, pet parade, old-fashioned games like sack races and hula-hoop competitions, free watermelon, food vendors, live music, and fireworks. Check the City of Brunswick website for the current schedule.

St. Simons Island's Sunshine Festival

The Sunshine Festival takes place in the Pier Village area and typically features fireworks, an arts and crafts show, a 5K, a one-mile fun run, and more. Bring picnic blankets and beach chairs to enjoy the fireworks along the water at Neptune Park. Visit GoldenIsles.com for event details.

Sea Island's 4th of July Parade

Participate on foot, bikes, golf carts, vintage cars, floats, and strollers along Sea Island Drive. Get creative—pets are welcome! Check the Sea Island website for current details.

October

 

Firebox: BBQ on the Bluff Invitational

The Firebox Initiative was founded to help restaurant industry workers facing difficult times. BBQ on the Bluff brings together pitmasters, chefs, farmers, brewers, distillers, and more for barbecue and live music while supporting the organization's mission. Check the Firebox Initiative website for current event information.

November

 

RSM Classic Golf Tournament

The RSM Classic is an official PGA TOUR event hosted by Davis Love III at Sea Island Golf Club. Visit the RSM Classic website for tournament information and family activities.

Jekyll Island's Shrimp & Grits Festival

One of our favorite Golden Isles events, the Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival combines the classic Southern dish with family-friendly entertainment, an artists' market, live music, food, and more. The festival takes place in Jekyll Island's Historic District. Visit the Jekyll Island website for current details.

Downtown Brunswick's Porch Fest

Brunswick PorchFest is a free neighborhood music festival in Historic Old Town Brunswick, where front porches become stages and neighbors gather to enjoy live music. Check the Historic Brunswick Neighborhood Association for updates.

St. Simons Island Veteran's Day Parade

A day of parades and festivities honoring our nation's veterans. Check GoldenIsles.com for current information.

December

 

Brunswick's Christmas Parade

The annual community Christmas parade traditionally takes place in early December and begins in the evening near Howard Coffin Park. Check the City of Brunswick website for the current date, route, and time.

Holly Jolly Jekyll Events

Jekyll Island celebrates the holiday season with a month-long lineup of activities, including fireworks, parades, drive-in movies, touch-a-truck events, and more. Visit the Jekyll Island website for the holiday schedule.

Ludacrismas

Book a babysitter for this one and enjoy live music and drinks! Check Village Creek Landing for event information.

Local Golden Isles Websites and Social Accounts

 

We recommend bookmarking and following these local websites and social accounts. They're great resources for finding events and activities happening throughout the Golden Isles.

Elegant Island Living

Elegant Island Living is a local monthly lifestyle magazine devoted to the Golden Isles. Find local events and community news on its website, Facebook page, and Instagram account.

I'm With the Band

Looking for live music around the Golden Isles? I'm With the Band shares weekly live music listings for the Brunswick and Golden Isles area. Check out the weekly live music listings and follow I'm With the Band on Instagram for updates.

Golden Isles Moms

Golden Isles Moms shares events and family-friendly activities happening in the area. Bookmark its events page and follow along on Instagram for event roundups and weekend ideas.

GoldenIsles.com

If there's an event in the Golden Isles, it's worth checking the Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau website. You can sort events by date, category, or keyword. They also share a local events calendar and a live music schedule.

Golden Isles Events on Facebook

A useful place to look for local event announcements and community happenings. Search for and follow Golden Isles Events on Facebook to see what's being shared.

The Brunswick News

Bookmark The Brunswick News for local news and community event coverage, including happenings in the Golden Isles and surrounding areas.

Golden Isles Venue-Specific Events

The following local businesses and organizations often host community events throughout the year. Check their websites and social media pages for calendars, seasonal activities, workshops, and special events.

St. Simons Island Events

  • King and Prince – Oceanside resort on St. Simons Island.
  • Bubble Bar – Champagne bar and wine shop in Redfern Village.
  • Firefly Crafts – Creative craft activities and pottery painting in the Golden Isles. Follow along for projects, events, and updates on Facebook and Instagram.
  • The Farm at Oatland North – A local animal rescue and sanctuary. Learn more on the Farm at Oatland North website and follow its updates on Facebook.
  • Golden Isles Libraries – Library branches in Brunswick and St. Simons Island, with programs and activities for children and families.
  • Village Creek Landing – Marsh-side event venue on St. Simons Island.
  • Redfern Village – Shopping and restaurant district on St. Simons Island. Check local listings for seasonal events and community happenings.
  • Glynn Visual Arts – Art exhibitions, lectures, studio classes, field trips, and workshops for all ages.

Brunswick Events

  • Brunswick First Fridays – A family-friendly event in Downtown Brunswick held on the first Friday of each month.
  • The Gathering Place – A community-based student leadership development organization with programs geared toward middle and high school ages.
  • Silver Bluff Brewing Co. – Brewery and beer garden in Downtown Brunswick, with events and live music.

Jekyll Island Events

  • Jekyll Island Authority – Official events calendar for Jekyll Island, including seasonal festivals and family activities.

Other Local Events