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The Ultimate Guide to Golden Isles Fall Events & Activities
While it may not be sweater weather in the Golden Isles, it is officially peak event season - and we are here for it! From annual fall favorites to spooky spectaculars, the whole family is sure to have a gourd time attending the many Golden Isles fall events.
Don't forget to explore our full event calendar where you can filter by the 'Holiday' event category.
Favorite Annual Golden Isles Fall Events
St. Simons United Methodist Church's Pumpkin Patch
Throughout October until pumpkins sell out
St. Simons Island
Each year St. Simons United Methodist Church hosts the pumpkin patch to raise money for it's youth group. They partner with farmers from New Mexico who plant, grow, and harvest all of the pumpkins before sending them to the island in early October. Pumpkins and gourds are available in various sizes, and are on sale until Halloween, unless they run out first!
Silver Bluff Brewing's Oktoberfest
Saturday, September 23, 2023
Silver Bluff Brewing, Brunswick
Grab your lederhosen and come cheers to the 4th annual Oktoberfest at Silver Bluff Brewing Co. Enjoy a live German band, food vendors, indoor and outdoor bars featuring 15 beers on tap (plus beverages for non-beer drinkers), and more! Oktoberfest Games start at 5:00 pm and include a Costume Contest, Stein Holding, Grain Sack throwing, and a Yodeling Contest.
We recommend bringing kids during the daytime festivities!
Fall Fun at Incacheetoo Plantation & Petting Zoo
Saturdays (11am-6pm) & Sundays (1pm-6pm)
September 23 - October 29, 2023
Waverly
Enjoy the best of fall at the farm, where there is something for the whole family! From the petting exhibits, pumpkin patches, pumpkin painting, pig races, duck races, games, hay rides, pony rides, and more! The Calf-A and Sweet Shack will be open, so bring your appetite for some of the best barbecue and funnel cakes around!
Fall Harvest Celebration at Poppell Farms
Open every Friday night, Saturday (day and night), and Sunday during the 2023 season!
Odum, GA
Poppell Farm is a real working farm in South Georgia — growing and selling fresh produce for their Farm Market. In the Fall, they open to the public with amazing fun, 20+ attractions, a petting farm … and pumpkins!
Daytime fun: Get lost in our tall sorghum maze, enjoy wagon rides and the Pumpkin Patch!
After-dark fun: Explore the maze with a flashlight after dark on Friday and Saturday nights. Areas of the farm are lit for visitors to enjoy some activities at night. Activities not open at night: Wagon rides to the Pumpkin Patch, Barnyard Baseball, Pony Rides, Catch-n-Release Fishing.
Scarecrow Alley at Magnolia Manor St. Simons
Every evening through Halloween until 10pm
Magnolia Manor on St. Simons has been turned into “Scarecrow Alley” for the Halloween season thanks to the residents and staff at the retirement community. Free and open to the public, see new scarecrows, returning scarecrows, community provider scarecrows, etc. There are lots of photo opportunities and fun for all. Walk around the campus or drive-thru. Their residents love it when people come by to enjoy it. To read more about Scarecrow Alley, click here.
Saturday, September 30, 2023
Gascoigne Bluff, St. Simons Island
BBQ On The Bluff is the flagship annual fundraising event for The Firebox Initiative, which helps employees of the food service industry experiencing a financial crisis due to illness, accident, or natural disaster. This spirited evening of food and festivity brings together renowned pit master talent from the southeast region and has become a beloved annual tradition in the Golden Isles.
Running of the Bulls Kids Fishing Tournament
October 7 - 8, 2023
Coastguard Station, East Beach
St. Simons Island
This year, hosted by the Kids Can Fish Foundation Inc., a non-profit charitable organization, is the 3rd Annual SSI - Running of the Bulls Charity Redfish Tournament. Tournament entry greatly impacts the lives of youth anglers as portions of the tournament proceeds will benefit the Kids Can Fish Foundation. Village Creek Landing will host the After Party and Awards Banquet, including raffles, a silent auction, Halyards Restaurant food truck, a cash bar, demos, and more! Participating anglers and outside guests are welcome to this FREE event.
October 14 - 15 & November 24 - 26, 2023
Postell Park, St. Simons Island
Shop up to 70 artists and crafters in beautiful Postell Park. Browse coastal art, decor, jewelry, pottery, furniture, photography, hanging chairs, specialty food, skincare, candles, soaps, crafts for the home, wearables, and more! Grab lunch with the family nearby at one of St. Simons Islands' kid-friendly restaurants.
The Golden Isles Children's Business Fair
Sunday, October 15, 2023
Mary Ross Waterfront Park, Brunswick
The annual Children's Business Fair is a great opportunity for young entrepreneurs in the Golden Isles to launch a business, promote their brand, and sell products or services to the community. Open to kids aged 7 - 18, each entrepreneur will have a booth, and all businesses will be automatically entered into the business competition judged by fellow entrepreneurs on the Most Original Business Idea, Highest Business Potential, and Best Presentation and Creativity.
Sunday, October 22, 2023
The Farm at Oatland North
70 Cannon's Pt. Road, St. Simons Island
The Farm rescues and provides sanctuary for abused, neglected, and abandoned animals. Each year, they host a Fall Festival to raise funds to continue their mission. Kids will enjoy pony rides, petting, feeding stations, traditional festival games, face paintings, food, and more! Bring cash for donations and specialty food purchases.
72nd Annual Brunswick Exchange Club Fair
October 31 - November 4, 2023
Exchange Club Fairgrounds, Brunswick
Enjoy a good old-fashioned county fair at the 72nd Annual Brunswick Exchange Fairgrounds! From carnival rides, cotton candy and turkey legs, live entertainment, stock shows, and more - your family will have a great time and likely make some core memories in the process!
Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival
November 3 - 4, 2023
National Historic Landmark District, Jekyll Island
One of our favorite Golden Isles fall events, the Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival combines the classic southern dish with family-friendly entertainment, an artist’s market, live music, food, and more. The island comes alive during this fun-filled festival, so mark your calendars for this award-winning event in the Historic District of Jekyll Island, Georgia.
Some things to note:
- Admission to the festival is free. However, during this event the Jekyll Island Parking fee will increase to an additional $5; annual passes are not impacted (if you're local, we recommend just getting an annual pass if you don't already have one).
- Be prepared for it to take some time to get to the festival. In 2022, you had to drive around the north end of the island to park at the airport and then take shuttles and buses over to the festival.
- If you have little ones, we recommend bringing a stroller as it is quite a bit of walking.
- There's a kids section of the festival with a number of rides, zip line, etc.
Sunday, November 12, 2023
Historic Old Town Brunswick
A relatively new but beloved annual event, the Brunswick Porchfest is a FREE neighborhood music festival in Historic Old Town Brunswick, Georgia. Wander the beautiful streets and catch your favorite local band on one of the many porches hosted by residents. Enjoy food trucks, a kids' zone, and more!
Things to know:
- Pack a wagon with lunch, snacks, and a cooler. There will be twice as many food & beverage vendors as last year, but lines have been long in the past. You can also bring camp chairs and picnic blankets.
- All of the bands are donating their time. If you enjoy the show, be sure to tip!
- This is a dog-friendly event.
- The information tent will be in Halifax Square. Grab an event map, performer lineup guide, and merchandise.
- The Kid Zone will be in Halifax Square, including the Firefly Craft Bus. In past years there has been a tie-dye station, face painting, carnival games and more!
- Share the street - this is a bike and golf cart friendly event.
- A free trolley service will run the entire length of the festival - providing a quick way to get from show to show.
- Need more details, read the FAQ's.
November 13 - 19, 2023
Sea Island Golf Club, St. Simons Island
The RSM Classic is a golf tournament on the PGA Tour, played each autumn in the Golden Isles since 2010. Hosted by local pro golfer Davis Love III, the seven-day tournament is a family favorite for residents and visitors of the Golden Isles. You can purchase tickets here.
Some things to note:
- General Parking area located at St. Simons Island Airport. Round trip shuttle transportation is available.
- All children 15 and younger are admitted free with a ticket holder!
- The Youth Zone has many fun activities, such as a putting course and face painting each day of tournament play. Find it right next to the Autograph Zone.
- The Golden Isles Green tournament village features games, food, and plenty of space for kids to run and play.
- The annual Wives & Pros Wiffle Ball Classic is Tuesday, November 14th, from 5 - 8 p.m. at Frederica Academy Baseball Field. In addition to wives and their pros, students from local elementary schools and the Savannah Bananas will join in the game. The event is free to the community.
- Community Day is Wednesday, November 15th. Admission is free, as is the parking and round trip shuttle transportation.
St. Francis Xavier Crafters Fall Bazaar
Saturday, November 18, 2023
Newcastle Street, Brunswick
Shop over 40 local artists and crafters on Newcastle Street in Downtown Brunswick. Browse coastal art, decor, jewelry, pottery, furniture, photography, hanging chairs, specialty food, skincare, candles, soaps, crafts for the home, wearables, and more! Grab lunch with the family nearby at one of Brunswick's Downtown restaurants.
Saturday, November 18, 2023
Old City Hall, Brunswick
A fun, modern market in beautiful historic downtown Brunswick! Shop over 40 modern artisans from all over the southeast and pick up quality Christmas gifts for the whole family. There will be local food trucks and coffee to fuel you throughout the day.
Golden Isles Halloween Events
Ghosts and Legends at Hofwyl Broadfield Plantation
Every Friday in October
Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation Historic Site
5556 U.S. Highway 17 N, Brunswick
Take an eerie journey back in time to Coastal Georgia’s last surviving rice plantation at Hofwyl Broadfield Plantation. Stroll through moss-laden trees while you listen to tales of recent ghostly encounters, plantation folklore, and the rich but tragic history of the Lowcountry rice fields. Wear shoes comfortable for walking and bring insect repellent. We recommend this event for older kids.
Swamptacular at Okefenokee Swamp Park
Multiple dates in October
Okefenokee Swamp Park, Waycross
Screams, hoots, and hollers await you during the 3rd annual Halloween event! The family-friendly Swamptacular will guide you through candy stations, spooky monster zones, and a haunted train ride for those brave enough! Enjoy the festivities with face painting, food trucks, and more! This event has sold out in years past.
Jacksonville Zoo - Spooktacular
Multiple dates in October
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
The 36th annual Jacksonville Zoo Spooktacular promises to be as “wicked as you wish” with new creepy characters, beloved traditions, captivating experiences, and more scares than ever before! Embrace the Halloween spirit in costume while exploring spooky pathways, themed decorations, and sweet treats while catching a glimpse of an animal or two as they creep off to bed.
Don’t forget to bring a bag for candy and treats, and keep a tight eye on the little ones, as it can get crowded and dark!
October 18, 2023
5:30 - 8 pm
Glynn County Police Department Headquarters
157 Carl Alexander Way, Brunswick
Have some spooky fun at the annual Public Safety Trunk or Treat! Wear your best costumes and see police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances! Enjoy games, face painting, and lots and lots of candy and toys to give to our trunk-or-treaters! This event is FREE.
October 27, 2023
12:30 - 3 pm
Golden Isles Olive Oil
1609 Frederica Rd, St. Simons Island
This annual Halloween luncheon is for witches only. Dress up as your favorite witch and enjoy a fabulous lunch. Prizes for the best costumes include Sexiest Witch, Scariest Witch, Funniest Witch, Most Authentic Witch, and more! Pre-purchase tickets online here.
October 27 - 29, 2023
6 - 9 pm
A spooky maze of creepy and crawly frights is the brainchild of graphic design and videography students at Golden Isles College and Career Academy. The three-day event, a fundraiser for the school’s graphics and building programs, suits middle school ages and older. Tickets can be purchased at the event or beforehand at the Career Academy. All of the proceeds from the event go right back into the program.
Golden Isles Trunk or Treats & Events
Below is a list of local Golden Isles trick or treat and trunk or treat events for 2023.
- Jacksonville Zoo Halloween Spook-Tacular - Ongoing throughout October
- Public Safety Trunk or Treat - 10/18
- Neptune Mini Golf Halloween Spook-Tacular - 10/21
- SSUMC Trunk or Treat - 10/25
- Drive Thru Trunk or Treat - 10/27
- First Baptist Church of St. Simons Fall Festival with Trunk or Treating - 10/27
- Lord of Lutheran St. Simons Trunk or Treat - 10/28
- Trunk or Treat benefitting Glynn County Animal Services - 10/29
- Magnolia Manor St. Simons Island - 10/31
- Downtown Brunswick Annual Trunk or Treat - 10/31
- Center Point Church - 10/31
- Jurassic Park Themed Trunk or Treat at Fish Tales Pub & Grill - 10/31
- Norwich Street in Brunswick (hosted by Messy Buns) - 10/31
Golden Isles Thanksgiving Events
November 23, 2023
Norwich Street in front of St Mark's Square, Brunswick
Get out and work up an appetite before you gobble in your best Thanksgiving costume! The Wobble B4 Gobble is an annual 5k and Fun Run on Thanksgiving morning, benefiting Glynn County students with special needs. Awards are given for Overall Male and Female winners, Specific Age Groups, and Best Costume. Strollers are welcome!
Sea Island Thanksgiving Events
November 21-26, 2023
Kicking things off is the ever-popular bingo on Tuesday evening. On Wednesday, we welcome all to our annual holiday reception in The Cloister Colonial Lounge. Bring the entire family for our Thanksgiving Day 5k Thursday morning followed by a special service in The Cloister Chapel. Then it’s turkey time! Feasts are offered across the resort, ranging from casual to formal and traditional to new and exciting.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday bring more fun, including a chance to start the day with our Sea Island Fitness Instructors for a high-intensity HIIT class, Sea Island Sidekicks for kids, and our annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
We hope this helps you to plan what Golden Isles fall events you want to attend. Be sure to explore our full events calendar here.
