St. Simons Island 2019 & 2020 Calendar of Events

St. Simons Island is always humming with a variety of fun activities and things to do year-round. From local farmer's markets, art and antique shows, Music in the Park, outdoor excursions, to wine tastings, gallery exhibits, tours, and on-going classes and workshops for creative pursuits such as painting, pottery, jewelry making or dance instruction, you'll never run out of things to do in the Golden Isles.

Listing your event on the ExploreStSimonsIsland.com website is FREE.

Click Here to Email Your Event Information to Us

The Events Calendar has now been updated with current 2019 and 2020 information for upcoming events!

January 2020 February 2020 March 2020 April 2020 May 2020 June 2020 July 2020 August 2020 September 2020 October 2019 November 2020 December 2019 On-Going Events & Activities on St. Simons





December

Jekyll Tree Lighting Festival & Holidays in History
The holidays come alive each year as Jekyll Island begins the season with the Christmas Tree Lighting Festival the Saturday after Thanksgiving and the Historic District is resplendent with Christmas lights and decorations. The celebration continues with caroling, craft workshops, themed tours and other seasonal activities.

December

Jekyll Island Skating Village
Jekyll Island "ice" skating is back and now located in the picturesque Historic District, the Jekyll Island Skating Village features a synthetic ice rink and real ice skates. This unique surface takes the pain and cold out of ice skating and is easy for kids and adults of all ages. Skate on Jekyll Island among history, under ancient oaks, and with a spectacular view of the Jekyll River.

Location: 364 Riverview Drive, Jekyll Island, GA 31527
Cost: $5 per person, includes skate rental & 30-minute session

December

Jekyll Island Christmas Twilight Tours
Explore a magical time of year in Jekyll Island's historic district. This special evening tram tour highlights heart-warming holiday tales and the lights and decorations of the season on Jekyll Island. The 90-minute Christmas celebration includes a unique tour of Faith Chapel and concludes with light refreshments and sunset views from Indian Mound Cottage.

Fridays & Saturdays at 4 p.m., December 1-29
Location: Historic District Tours, located at the Infirmary
Cost: Adults $20; Children 7-15 $10; Children 6 & under free

December

David Masterson Christmas Concert
Enjoy sounds of the season with this free piano concert from brilliant pianist David Masterson. No tickets are required, and everyone is welcome to this event held at the Jekyll Island Convention Center. Date and time to be announced as event draws near.

December

Holidays in History at Jekyll Island
Once a year, the cottages of the historic district get dressed in their finest holiday decorations just for you. Enjoy a 90-minute tram tour when Jekyll Island's National Historic Landmark District is enriched in seasonal splendor. This guided tour of the 240-acre historic district includes entry into two cottages, decorated for the holiday season, as well as Faith Chapel.

Times: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Location: Historic District Tours, located at the Infirmary
Cost: Adults $16; Children 7-17 $7; Children 6 & under free

December 5

Green Living Series: Film Screening of The Human Element
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant Brunswick Office, 715 Bay Street, Brunswick, GA
Phone: 912.598.3345
Email: kayla270@uga.edu
Website: https://gacoast.uga.edu

Join us for a free film screening of the visually stunning documentary "The Human Element," where environmental photographer James Balog captures the lives of everyday Americans on the front lines of climate change. Following the film, there will be a panel of local experts highlighting efforts to build climate resiliency in coastal Georgia. Panelists include Susan Inman, the Altamaha Coastkeeper; Randy Tate, Ft. Stewart/Altamaha Partnership Coordinator for the Longleaf Alliance; and Rachel Guy, Research Coordinator for the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Online registration is encouraged. Free childcare is available for ages 2-12 with pre-registration.

Note to teachers: lessons that pair with the movie are available for free on the film's website.

This class is the first in a new series of events for adults, called the Green Living Series, that will be held in Brunswick from December-March.

December 6

Five Course Dinner featuring Cornerstone Cellars Wine at ECHO St. Simons

Time: 6pm to 8pm

Join for an evening of expertly paired courses complete with a presentation from Cornerstone's Winemaker, Kari Auringer. Be sure to come hungry as the menu additions include everything from U-10 Scallops to A5 Kobe Steak and include the finest of California wines from Sauvignon Blanc to Pinot Noir. Click here to see the full menu and purchase tickets (gratuity included).

December 6-7

Hofwyl-Broadfield 39th Annual Christmas Tour

TIME: 6pm to 9pm

LOCATION:
Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation State Historic Site
5556 US Highway 17N
Brunswick, GA 31525
Located at intersection of US17 and GA99, one mile east of I-95 exit 42.

COST:
$10 for adults, $5 for youth (6-17), children 5 and under are free

Visitors will walk along the illuminated path under centuries old oaks and will be treated to a guided tour of the antebellum rice plantation. Enter the front door of the decorated plantation home where members of the Glynn County Garden Club Council will treat visitors to beautifully holiday decorated rooms and period dressed interpreters will share stories of the plantation.

History buffs will enjoy Company A, 26th Georgia Volunteer Infantry and other units as they re-enact a pre-Civil War muster of the Glynn County Guards and Brunswick Rifles militia units. You will have the opportunity to see cannon firings which shoot flames over 100 feet from the barrels. Step back to the mid-1800s as the re-enactors demonstrate camp life.

While strolling around the plantation, enjoy hot wassail and cookies as you listen to live musicians playing holiday music and singing Christmas carols. Also, Santa Claus has agreed to make a special appearance during both nights. Santa will be sitting by a cozy fireplace as he talks with the young ones; guests are welcome to take pictures of Santa and the children in his specially decorated room.

INFORMATION: Call 912.264.7333 or visit GeorgiaStateParks.org/hofwyl

December 7-8

Mistletoe Market & Pooch Parade
10am-5pm, Saturday and Sunday
Postell Park, Pier Village, Saint Simons Island, GA

Glynn Visual Arts is excited to announce our ninth annual Mistletoe Market! This fine art and gift market has become a mainstay of the Golden Isles' holiday festivities and kicks-off our holiday season. A wide variety of high quality artwork including two dimensional art, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, photography, woodworking, fiber arts and mixed media will be available form over 50 artisans. Do not miss this great festival!

Holiday Hound Hike Pooch Parade Dog lover? Don't miss our local pooches (and sometimes potbellied pigs!) all dressed up in their holiday best and putting on a parade to celebrate the season at the festival. Line-up starts at 10:30am on Saturday and parade starts at 11:00am sharp! There is a $10 fee to participate. Prizes will be awarded and there will be a raffle!

December 9-19

Nightly Caroling at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort

Local school chorales and music ensembles will be caroling in The King and Prince lobby select dates Monday, December 9th – Thursday, December 19th. During these events, Hot Chocolate + Christmas Tea will be available. Most performances begin at 6:30p and a detailed schedule is available on the Resort calendar.

December 14

Crafts Along Newcastle Winter Wonderland
Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: Brunswick Newcastle Street Squares
Phone: 912.275.8492
Email: Iamdgu@gmail.com

Stroll the streets of Historic Downtown Brunswick while enjoying the artistic creations of local crafters and artisans. A wonderful variety of items is included, such as candles, art, soap, woodworking, jewelry, hand crafted Santas, photography and so much more! This is a great chance to find the perfect unique Christmas gift!

December 14

Teddy Bear Tea at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort
Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm
Prices: Children: $30, Adults: $18, Children ages 2 and under: free

Our newest favorite tradition is the perfect opportunity for your little one to bring their stuffed toy friend with them to decorate cookies + visit with Santa. Story time, a complementary photo, and a special pre-Christmas gift from Santa are all included in this experience. This sell out event was such a hit that this year it's returning TWICE. The event is from 11am – 1pm and advance tickets (required) can be purchased for either the December 14th or December 21st events.

December 15

Brunch with Santa + Mrs Claus at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort
Time: 12:30am - 2:30pm
Prices (inclusive of gratuity): Adults: $48, Children ages 6-12: $30, Children 5 and under: Free

This holiday season we're offering the best of both worlds by marrying ECHO's award winning brunch with the king and queen of Christmas so that your child can discuss their Christmas list with Santa over chocolate chip pancakes. From poached pear Waldorf salads to chicken pot pie to mini-waffles, there are delectable options for the most discerning of palates. The event is from 12:30 – 2:30pm and advance tickets (required) can be purchased for either the December 15th or December 22nd events.

December 21

Teddy Bear Tea at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort
Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm
Prices: Children: $30, Adults: $18, Children ages 2 and under: free

Our newest favorite tradition is the perfect opportunity for your little one to bring their stuffed toy friend with them to decorate cookies + visit with Santa. Story time, a complementary photo, and a special pre-Christmas gift from Santa are all included in this experience. This sell out event was such a hit that this year it's returning TWICE. The event is from 11am – 1pm and advance tickets (required) can be purchased for either the December 14th or December 21st events.

December 22

Brunch with Santa + Mrs Claus at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort
Time: 12:30am - 2:30pm
Prices (inclusive of gratuity): Adults: $48, Children ages 6-12: $30, Children 5 and under: Free

This holiday season we're offering the best of both worlds by marrying ECHO's award winning brunch with the king and queen of Christmas so that your child can discuss their Christmas list with Santa over chocolate chip pancakes. From poached pear Waldorf salads to chicken pot pie to mini-waffles, there are delectable options for the most discerning of palates. The event is from 12:30 – 2:30pm and advance tickets (required) can be purchased for either the December 15th or December 22nd events.

December 25

Christmas Day Brunch at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort

Adults - $72; Children ages 6-12 - $25; Children 5 and under no charge. Prices include Coffee, Decaf, Hot Tea, and Iced Tea.

Our Christmas tradition continues with another extensive menu meant to spoil you. In addition to the usual brunch items, bring the family to feast over delicacies including shrimp, crab claws, mussels, smoked salmon, pork chops, redfish, quail, venison and more. The best part? We'll do the dishes after! Click here to see the full menu and make your reservations (required) by calling ECHO at 912.268.5967.

December 31

Celebrate New Year's Eve at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort

This year, we're ringing in 2020 with Monique Cothern (starting at 6p) followed by Noah Cothern + the Guys in Ties (starting at 9:30p). There will be dining options (menu details coming soon) and a complementary champagne toast at midnight. Music ends at 12:30a.

December 31

New Year's Eve Celebration: Ghosts and Legends of Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation

DATES AND TIMES:
Tuesday, December 31 at 10 p.m. until Wednesday, January 1 at 12:30 a.m.

LOCATION:
Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation State Historic Site
5556 US Highway 17N
Brunswick, GA 31525
Located at intersection of US17 and GA99, one mile east of I-95 exit 42.

COST: $15

DESCRIPTION:
Join us for a special New Year's Eve version of "Ghosts and Legends of Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation." Celebrate the New Year with an eerie journey back in time at Coastal Georgia's most haunted rice plantation. We will walk beneath centuries old Live Oak trees, explore the plantation out-buildings and finish with a lantern tour of the plantation house. At the stroke of midnight, welcome 2020 by ringing the historic plantation bell and having a sip of sparkling cider.

As we stroll through Hofwyl-Broadfield's moss laden trees hear the stories of five generations of plantation owners and the African-Americans who worked here, in both slavery and freedom. There will be tales of recent ghostly encounters, plantation folklore and the rich but tragic history of the Lowcountry rice fields.

The event is part of the nationwide "First Day Hike" initiative.

Gates will open at 9:30 p.m. Program begins promptly at 10 p.m. and will end at 12:30 a.m. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Walk will be about 1 mile on flat ground. Reservations are required to attend. Call 912-264-7333 for reservations or more information.

Call 912.264.7333 for reservations or more information, also you may visit GeorgiaStateParks.org/hofwyl



January

Jekyll Island Treasures
This two-month-long annual event on Jekyll Island is a favorite tradition spawned from a fishing legacy.

In the early 1900s, east coast fishermen used hollow glass balls, or floats, on their nets as markers. Occasionally, the floats would break loose and wash ashore for lucky beachcombers to find and keep. Collecting these rare, highly sought after glass floats became a hobby in the 1950s.

Today, Jekyll Island hand-picks artists from across the country to create one-of-a-kind glass floats for its annual Island Treasures event.

The glass floats are part of a hide-and-seek style game played on Jekyll Island throughout January and February. Each day, volunteers called Beach Buddies hide glass floats around the island for lucky guests to find and keep.

Each float is marked with a special tag and instructions for treasure finders to register their Island Treasures at the Jekyll Island Guest Information Center where they will receive a certificate of authenticity and artist biography for their one-of-a-kind float. The Center is open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Learn more about this annual event or click here for a peek at a map on where to find these treasures.

January

Brunswick Rockin' Stewbilee
An annual day-long event at Mary Ross Waterfront Park that brings cooking teams in town to compete for the People's Choice and Judge's Award for the best Brunswick Stew in all of the land. Enjoy a Stew Tasting Contest, Motorcycle Ride, Pooch Parade, and live music, kid's fun zone, classic car show, arts and crafts all day long. For more information visit stewbilee.com.

February 1

The Art of Flight Fundraiser
6-9pm
Museum Hanger, 1759 Demere Road, St. Simons Island
A unique fundraiser featuring flight themed cocktails, artfully presented food, aerial dance troupe, live band, 70s and 80s dance music, and performances by Aerial Elements and Shadofax. Cocktail attire please. Tickets are $150, $750 for "Business Class" table of 6, or $1500 for "First Class" table of 6.

Call 912.638.8770 or visit glynnvisualarats.org for tickets or more information.

February

Jekyll Island Treasures
This two-month-long annual event on Jekyll Island is a favorite tradition spawned from a fishing legacy.

In the early 1900s, east coast fishermen used hollow glass balls, or floats, on their nets as markers. Occasionally, the floats would break loose and wash ashore for lucky beachcombers to find and keep. Collecting these rare, highly sought after glass floats became a hobby in the 1950s.

Today, Jekyll Island hand-picks artists from across the country to create one-of-a-kind glass floats for its annual Island Treasures event.

The glass floats are part of a hide-and-seek style game played on Jekyll Island throughout January and February. Each day, volunteers called Beach Buddies hide glass floats around the island for lucky guests to find and keep.

Each float is marked with a special tag and instructions for treasure finders to register their Island Treasures at the Jekyll Island Guest Information Center where they will receive a certificate of authenticity and artist biography for their one-of-a-kind float. The Center is open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Learn more about this annual event or click here for a peek at a map on where to find these treasures.

February

Southeast Georgia Health System Bridge Run
This annual 5K event was certified by the U.S. Track and Field Association as "the toughest 5K in Georgia." The run takes place entirely on the 7,780-foot Sidney Lanier Bridge in Brunswick, Georgia, with participants starting on the southern side of the bridge, crossing over and returning back two times. Following the Bridge Run, there is a fun walk and a family-friendly festival with local vendors, food, entertainment and activities for the kids. This event is a fundraiser benefiting the Georgia Health System's cancer programs.

March 14

Georgia Sea Turtle Center Turtle Crawl Races
An annual weekend of races benefiting the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, attracting runners from around the world for 5K and 10K races, as well as a one-mile Fun Run on the beach and Ghost Crawler race. During the weekend activities, the Beach Village also hosts the Turtle Crawl Festival, which celebrates the start of the sea turtle nesting season. There will be games on hand as well as live music, food and drinks from local vendors. Click here for more information on this event.

Turtle Crawl was created in 2003 as a fundraiser for the Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC) to support its mission of sea turtle research, rehabilitation, and education. In more than a decade of operation, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center has provided care for more than 3,000 patients, including a variety of sea turtle species and other coastal wildlife. Set on Jekyll Island's picturesque oceanfront and maritime forest, Turtle Crawl participants have raised more than $100,000 to help save sea turtles. These races are fast, flat, and a fun way to support the efforts of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. We sincerely appreciate your support for this event and GSTC, and hope you'll join us for Turtle Crawl in 2020.

March 21-22

Spring Invitational Arts & Crafts Market at Postell Park
10 am to 5 pm both days
For more information visit soglogallery.com

April 4-5

Art in the Park Spring Festival
Time: 10am - 5pm

Artists, handmade crafts and vendors gather under the trees in Neptune Park for a fun day of local festivities! Spring arrives with artistic flair this April as Glynn Visual Arts hosts their 25th annual Art in the Park Fine Art & Craft Festival. Over 70 talented artists and skilled crafts people from around the region display an impressive and eclectic collection of handmade artwork. Attendees will enjoy a wide variety of two dimensional art, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, photography, textiles, wood, metal and glass. Homegrown beauty products, botanicals and gourmet goodies are also available to delight the senses. Food vendors serving freshly prepared eats will be available as well. Music and kid's craft activities at our kid's "Creation Station" area add to this fun event. This festival is held in the beautiful live oak covered Postell Park in the heart of the Pier village, just steps from the ocean on Saint Simons Island, GA.

April 11

Jekyll Island Book Festival
Time: 10am - 3pm
Location: The Village Green in Beach Village

Jekyll Island is pleased to announce its third annual book festival. Designed for all book-lovers, the festival line-up will include a mix of author presentations, meet-and-greets & signings, book and retail sales, and family-friendly fun.

The main event of the Jekyll Island Book Festival, the Turtle Stage will feature presentations from several esteemed authors. Emceed by Bryan Thompson, the Turtle Stage presenting authors will give readings from their books, share insights from the writing process, and answer questions from the audience. Between author presentations, enjoy live music.

Taking over the Village Green, the Village Green Pavilion will host a myriad of book festival fun. From author meet-and-greets to book signings, to festival merchandise, there's something for book lovers of all ages. You might even catch a glimpse of your favorite book characters!

Ocean Way, across from the Jekyll Island Convention Center and nestled between Ameris Bank and Sunrise Grill, will feature authors, vendors, and even more activities for book lovers of all ages.

April 12

Easter Egg Stroll
An annual Easter tradition in the Jekyll Island Historic District, with Easter egg hunts hidden along Pier Road. The Easter Bunny himself will make an appearance, with photo opportunities for the kids, as well as pony rides and other family-friendly activities throughout the day.

May 9-10

Mothers' Day Weekend Arts & Crafts Show at Postell Park
10 am to 5 pm both days
For more information visit soglogallery.com

May 10

Blessing of the Fleet
This annual Mother's Day tradition takes place every year in historic downtown Brunswick to "bless" the local shrimp boats with good fortune prior to the start of the shrimping season. This seafaring festival traces its origins to a Portuguese tradition that began in 1938 to commemorate the first appearance of The Blessed Virgin to three children near the town of Fatima, Portugal on May 13, 1917.

June

Georgia Sea Islands Festival
An annual celebration of traditional African American music, crafts and food of Coastal Georgia culture. Highlighted by the world renowned Georgia Sea Island Singers. For more information about the Annual Georgia Sea Islands Festival please visit ssiheritagecoalition.org or call the St. Simons African American Heritage Coalition.

July 4

4th of July Celebrations
Each year Coastal Georgia celebrates our nation's independence with fireworks and festivities happening on St. Simons Island, Brunswick, Jekyll Island and Sea Island.

St. Simons Island 4th of July Celebration
For more than 60 years, the annual St. Simons Island Sunshine Festival takes place in the Pier Village with a spectacular fireworks display that begins around 9pm as the day turns to night. Live music plays as well as an arts and crafts show, a 5K and 1-mile run, and family-friendly fun to be had all around.

Brunswick's Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration
Historic Downtown Brunswick celebrates each year at Mary Ross Waterfront Park, with a fireworks display, games for kids and adults like sack races, horseshoes, tug-of-war, hula-hoop contests and more. And of course free watermelon! Courtesy of the City of Brunswick.

Jekyll Island Independence Day Celebration
Jekyll celebrates the 4th of July with an old-fashioned parade through the Historic District starting at 9am, with local residents and visitors invited to decorate their bikes, golf carts, strollers, pets or themselves. The fun continues from 12pm to 6pm with the Red, White & Bounce held at the Jekyll Island Beach Village, with water slides, bounce houses, live music and local crafts and vendors on hand. A fireworks display takes place at 9pm.

Sea Island 4th of July Celebration
Guests and residents of Sea Island celebrate the holiday at The Cloister and Beach Club with family fun activities at a fireworks display at 9pm.

July 4-5

Fourth of July Sunshine Festival Arts & Crafts Show at Postell Park
10 am to 5 pm both days
For more information visit soglogallery.com

More information coming soon!

September 26-27

Art Under the Oaks Fall Festival
Artists, handmade crafts and vendors gather under the trees in Neptune Park for a fun day of local festivities! More information coming soon!

October 10-11

Arts & Crafts Market at Postell Park
10 am to 5 pm both days
For more information visit soglogallery.com

October

St. Simons Island Food & Spirits Festival
An annual foodie fest featuring local restaurants, farmers and artisans with tasting tents, farm stand and market. This event is a fundraiser for Hospice of the Golden Isles.

October

Georgia Florida Golf Classic
Bulldog and Gator fans alike gather on Jekyll Island each year for this traditional golf tournament held during the annual Georgia-Florida college football game. Tournament fee includes two rounds of golf at the Jekyll Island Golf Club, a practice round, and all the food and drinks you can handle. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Jekyll Island Foundation. For more information visit jekyllisland.com.

October

CoastFest
Georgia's Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) hosts this annual event on the first Saturday in October in support of the 3-week national "CoastWeeks" event. The Georgia CoastFest is an educational-based event, with more than 70 environmental, research and resource exhibitors from around the southeast gathering at the GADNR Coastal Regional Headquarters near the Sidney Lanier Bridge in Brunswick. Interactive displays and hands-on exhibits are fun for adults and kids alike, with science experiments, reptiles and turtle shows, educational magic shows, military re-enactors, aquatic tanks with coastal Georgia sea life, and participatory crafting projects. For more information visit coastalgadnr.org/



November

Annual Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival
A weekend food festival celebrating Coastal Georgia seafood traditions, with a cooking contest and demonstrations, shrimp boat tours, arts and crafts, live music and a kid zone.

November

Jekyll Tree Lighting Festival & Holidays in History
The holidays come alive each year as Jekyll Island begins the season with the Christmas Tree Lighting Festival the Saturday after Thanksgiving and the Historic District is resplendent with Christmas lights and decorations. The celebration continues with caroling, craft workshops, themed tours and other seasonal activities.

November 16-22

The RSM Classic
This annual PGA Tour golf tournament is hosted by pro golfer Davis Love III at Sea Island Golf Club, attracting top professional golfers from around the world. In 2010, the Davis Love Foundation partnered with the PGA TOUR to become the Host Organization of The RSM Classic, an Official PGA TOUR Event. The RSM Classic has raised more than $7 million to support charities focused on children and families in need. The funds benefit many organizations including Special Olympics (National, State and Local) and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Georgia. For more information visit rsmclassic.com.

November 28-29

Pier Village Holiday Market at Postell Park
10 am to 5 pm both days
For more information visit soglogallery.com