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The Ultimate Guide to Golden Isles Fall Events & Activities 2026

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Golden Isles Fall Events 2026

While it may not be sweater weather in the Golden Isles, fall is one of the best times of year to get out and enjoy everything our coastal community has to offer! From live music and local markets to family-friendly holiday activities, there's plenty happening around St. Simons Island, Brunswick, and Jekyll Island.

Whether you're looking for a fun family outing, a little holiday shopping, or something special to do over Thanksgiving weekend, we've rounded up the events you won't want to miss. This guide includes confirmed events taking place from November 3 through Sunday, November 29, 2026.

Event details can change, and some activities require advance tickets or reservations. We've linked to event organizers wherever possible, so check the latest details before heading out.

Table of Contents

November Events & Activities

Brunswick PorchFest

When: Sunday, November 8, 2026
Where: Historic Old Town Brunswick

A relatively new but beloved local tradition, Brunswick PorchFest is a FREE neighborhood music festival in Historic Old Town Brunswick. Wander the beautiful streets and catch local musicians performing on porches throughout the neighborhood. Enjoy live music, food trucks, and a fun, laid-back atmosphere for all ages.

Things to know:

  • Bring a wagon with snacks, water, and a picnic blanket or camp chairs. Food and beverage vendors will be available, but lines can get long.
  • The musicians donate their time, so consider tipping if you enjoy a performance.
  • The event is dog-friendly.
  • Pick up an event map and performer lineup when you arrive so you can plan which porches to visit.
  • Past Kid Zone activities have included tie-dye, face painting, and carnival games. Check the event organizer for the 2026 activity lineup.
  • The event is bike- and golf-cart-friendly.

For the latest information, visit the Brunswick PorchFest website.

The RSM Classic PGA TOUR Tournament

When: November 19–22, 2026
Where: Sea Island Golf Club, St. Simons Island

The RSM Classic is a PGA TOUR golf tournament hosted by local pro golfer Davis Love III at Sea Island Golf Club. The tournament brings professional golfers from around the world to the Golden Isles and is a favorite annual event for golf fans and visitors.

Even if you're not a big golf fan, it's a fun opportunity to experience the tournament atmosphere and enjoy the beautiful Sea Island setting.

Family tips:

  • Check the tournament's ticket policy for current admission details for children.
  • Look for the Youth Zone and other family activities listed on the official tournament schedule.
  • Review parking and shuttle information before arriving, as tournament traffic can be busy.

Visit The RSM Classic website for tickets, schedules, parking, and event updates.

Thanksgiving Week & Weekend Events

Sea Island Thanksgiving

When: November 24–29, 2026
Where: Sea Island

Sea Island celebrates Thanksgiving with a full week of seasonal activities for resort guests and members. The holiday program includes live music, bingo, beach walks, traditional Thanksgiving dining, and family-friendly activities.

Thanksgiving week traditions include the annual Turkey Trot Family Fun Run or 5K, a Thanksgiving feast, and a holiday tree lighting ceremony.

Good to know: These activities are part of Sea Island's guest and member programming, so access may be limited. Check directly with Sea Island for availability, reservations, and the full schedule.

Coastal Thanksgiving at Eighty Ocean

When: Thursday, November 26, 2026, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Where: Eighty Ocean Kitchen & Bar, Jekyll Island

Enjoy Thanksgiving with a coastal twist at Eighty Ocean Kitchen & Bar. The restaurant's holiday menu features a four-course dining experience with traditional Thanksgiving favorites and coastal-inspired dishes. Menu highlights include roasted turkey breast, braised beef osso buco, Atlantic salmon, and seasonal desserts.

Reservations are recommended. Check the Jekyll Island events calendar for current menu and reservation information.

Crafts in the Village

When: November 27–29, 2026
Where: Postell Park, Pier Village, St. Simons Island

Get a head start on holiday shopping at Crafts in the Village! Shop up to 70 artists and crafters in beautiful Postell Park in the heart of the Pier Village. Browse coastal art, home decor, jewelry, pottery, furniture, photography, specialty foods, skincare, candles, soaps, wearables, and more.

This is a great opportunity to support local and regional makers while finding unique gifts for the holidays. Admission is FREE, and the market takes place rain or shine.

Hours:

  • Friday, November 27: Check the organizer for any special holiday-weekend hours.
  • Saturday, November 28: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • Sunday, November 29: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Location: Postell Park, 530 Beachview Drive, St. Simons Island, GA 31522.

Grab lunch or a treat at one of the nearby restaurants and make an afternoon of it! See the Crafts in the Village website for the latest schedule and vendor information.

Holiday Cookie Decorating at Jekyll Island Club Resort

When: Friday, November 27, 2026, 10–11 a.m.
Where: Jekyll Island Club Resort

Kick off the holiday weekend with a sweet family activity! Kids can decorate sugar cookies with colorful icing, holiday sprinkles, and candy. Each ticket includes four cookies to decorate and take home, along with festive punch and warm mulled cider.

Cost: $15 per ticket, according to the event listing. Check availability and registration details with the Jekyll Island events calendar.

Oyster Roast on the River

When: Friday, November 27, 2026, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: The Wharf, Jekyll Island

Spend part of Thanksgiving weekend enjoying fresh oysters, waterfront views, and live music at The Wharf. The Oyster Roast on the River features freshly steamed oysters, buffet sides, and non-seafood options, making it a fun gathering for the holiday weekend.

Check the Jekyll Island events calendar for event details and any ticket or dining information.

Holiday High Tea at Jekyll Island Club Resort

When: Friday, November 27, and Saturday, November 28, 2026, 2–4 p.m.
Where: Grand Dining Room, Jekyll Island Club Resort

Enjoy a special afternoon tea at the historic Jekyll Island Club Resort. The four-course experience includes tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and an assortment of desserts served in the beautiful Grand Dining Room.

This is a lovely option for a special family outing or a holiday weekend treat. Check the Jekyll Island events calendar for reservations and details.

Pictures with Santa on Jekyll Island

When: November 27–29, 2026, 2–8 p.m.
Where: Skeet House, Jekyll Island

Make a holiday memory and bring the kids to meet Santa at the Skeet House on historic Pier Road. Families can share their Christmas wish lists and purchase professional printed or digital photos to remember the visit. Pets are welcome, too!

Check the Jekyll Island events calendar for current details and photo options.

Holiday Ceramic Painting at Jekyll Island Club Resort

When: Saturday, November 28, 2026, 10 a.m.–noon
Where: Jekyll Island Club Resort

Get creative during Thanksgiving weekend with a holiday-themed ceramic painting activity. Decorate a festive piece to display at home or give as a gift. This is a fun way for kids and adults to enjoy a little hands-on holiday crafting.

Check the Jekyll Island events calendar for registration and additional details.

Cold-Stunned Plunge

When: Saturday, November 28, 2026, 9–11 a.m.
Where: Jekyll Island Beach Village

Ready to brave the chilly Atlantic? The annual Cold-Stunned Plunge is a fun-and-frigid fundraiser supporting the Georgia Sea Turtle Center's cold-stun rehabilitation and recovery efforts.

Many sea turtles become cold-stunned when winter water temperatures drop. This event raises funds to help care for and rehabilitate these turtles. It's a unique way to support local wildlife conservation while taking part in a memorable island tradition.

Learn more through Explore Georgia's event listing or the Jekyll Island events calendar.

Holiday Activities to Enjoy Through Thanksgiving Weekend

Looking for something festive to do with the kids over Thanksgiving weekend? These Jekyll Island holiday attractions begin November 27 and continue beyond the dates covered in this guide.

Holly Jolly Jekyll & Holiday Light Tours

When: Begins November 27, 2026
Where: Jekyll Island Historic District

Jekyll Island transforms into a coastal holiday wonderland during Holly Jolly Jekyll. Enjoy festive decorations, holiday lights, and seasonal activities throughout the island.

The Holly Jolly Light Tours offer a fun way to see the island's holiday displays from the comfort of a trolley. The Historic District is decorated with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, creating a magical holiday experience for the whole family.

Check the Jekyll Island website for light tour schedules, tickets, and additional activities.

Peppermint Land

When: Begins November 27, 2026
Where: Jekyll Island Miniature Golf Course

Step into a life-size holiday candyland at Peppermint Land! The Jekyll Island Miniature Golf Course gets a festive makeover with decorations inspired by gingerbread men, gumdrops, peppermint sticks, and other holiday favorites. It's a fun stop for families looking to add a little extra holiday magic to their Jekyll Island visit.

Visit Jekyll Island's website for hours and additional details.

Mailbox on Main: Letters to Santa

When: November 24–December 24, 2026
Where: Main Street, Jekyll Island Beach Village

Have the kids write their Christmas wish lists and drop them in the special Mailbox on Main on Jekyll Island! It's a simple and sweet holiday tradition that gives little ones a chance to send their letters straight to the North Pole.

Find more information on the Jekyll Island website.

Find More Golden Isles Events

There is always something happening around St. Simons Island, Brunswick, and Jekyll Island! Event schedules can change, and additional local events may be announced as the holiday season approaches.

For even more things to do, check these local event calendars before planning your weekend:

We hope this guide helps you make the most of fall and Thanksgiving in the Golden Isles! Whether you're exploring a local festival, enjoying live music in Brunswick, or kicking off the holiday season on Jekyll Island, you'll find plenty of fun along the Georgia coast.

Happy fall, and happy holidays!

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