St. Simons Island 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.

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The Events Calendar has now been updated with current 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 2020 On-Going Events & Activities on St. Simons





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, 9am – 6pm and Sunday 10am – 5pm.

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.

January 18

Family Birding on the Jay Wolf Nature Trail
Time: 10am-12pm
Location: UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium
Phone: 912.598.3345
Email: kayla270@uga.edu
Website: https://gacoast.uga.edu

Explore the Jay Wolf Nature Trail in search of winter birds of all shapes and sizes. Learn how to use binoculars, identify different types of birds and accompany educators on a birding hike through the maritime forest. Children ages 6 and above are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

January 23

Green Living Program Series- Home Energy Economics: Save Money by Going Green
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Location: Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant Brunswick Office: 715 Bay St. Brunswick GA
Phone: 912.598.3345
Email: kayla270@uga.edu
Website: https://gacoast.uga.edu

Going green can be affordable. Learn about utilities that save energy and money. Talk with Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant's marine economist, Adam Stemle, about the costs and benefits of different types of energy, and make a plan for reducing energy costs at your home or office.

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 glynnvisualarts.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.

February 1, 15, 22, 29

Ghosts and Legends of Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation

TIME: 6:00pm
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 per person

Take an eerie journey back in time at Coastal Georgia's most haunted rice plantation. On select weekend nights this spring, Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation State Historic Site will be offering Ghosts and Legends walking tours of the site. We will walk beneath centuries old Live Oak trees, explore the plantation out-buildings and finish with a lantern tour of the plantation house.

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.

Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation is owned and operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Call 912.264.7333 for more information or visit our website at gastateparks.org

February 6

Green Living Series: What's the Scoop
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Location: UGA Marine Extension and Georiga Sea Grant Brunswick Office
Phone: 912.598.3345
Email: kayla270@uga.edu
Website: https://gacoast.uga.edu

We all want clean water to swim and fish in! Animal waste from wildlife and domestic pets can introduce harmful bacteria into waterways. Understanding where this waste is coming from can help us better prevent and manage it in the future. Join Asli Aslan, Assistant Professor at Georgia Southern University, on a field trip to St. Simons Coast Guard Beach where you will survey the beach for possible sources of pollution. Following the survey, the group will head to Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant's Brunswick office to learn how this data will be used by scientists to better monitor and track where and how the waste is entering our waterways. Information about current beach water quality advisories and hands-on activities that teach participants how to monitor water quality will also be provided. Registration is required by Jan. 30. The program fee is $15 per person.

February 14

Valentine's Day Dinner at ECHO
Friday, February 14th, 5-10pm
Reservations Required - call 912.268.5967
Click here to view the menu

February 15

Youth Ocean Conservation Summit 2020
Time: 9am - 5pm
Location: UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium
Phone: 912.598.2354
Email: fish@uga.edu
Website: gacoast.uga.edu

This event will allow student participants to:

• Learn about ocean conservation topics.
• Find out about citizen science efforts that help keep our oceans healthy.
• Develop community project plans concerning ocean conservation.
• Attend skill-building workshops on communication, species identification, research tools and waste reduction.
• Connect and network with other interested students and professionals.

February 20

Green Living: Beyond the Bin
Time: 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Location: UGA Marine Extension and Georiga Sea Grant Brunswick Office, 715 Bay Street, Brunswick
Phone: 912.598.3345
Email: kayla270@uga.edu
Website: https://gacoast.uga.edu/

Have you ever thought about the lifecycle of a plastic bag from the grocery store or a water bottle from the vending machine? During the Beyond the Bin program, we'll learn about some of the negative impacts of single-use plastics and other types of marine debris on coastal ecosystems before exploring new, creative ways to reduce, recycle and reuse plastic material.

Lea King-Badyna, executive director of Keep Golden Isles Beautiful, will discuss local cleanup and recycling initiatives taking place in the Golden Isles before leading the group in a hands-on recycling activity. Jennifer Zamudio, owner and designer of Dot and Army Sustainable Everyday Goods, will share her story about building a sustainable business out of reusable materials. Participants will also have the opportunity to redesign packaging material and create their own reusable bags!

Registration is required by Feb. 14. Program fee is $15 per person.

March 7

Ghosts and Legends of Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation

TIME: 6:00pm
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 per person

Take an eerie journey back in time at Coastal Georgia's most haunted rice plantation. On select weekend nights this spring, Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation State Historic Site will be offering Ghosts and Legends walking tours of the site. We will walk beneath centuries old Live Oak trees, explore the plantation out-buildings and finish with a lantern tour of the plantation house.

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.

Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation is owned and operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Call 912.264.7333 for more information or visit our website at gastateparks.org

March 13, 21, 27

Ghosts and Legends of Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation

TIME: 6:30pm
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 per person

Take an eerie journey back in time at Coastal Georgia's most haunted rice plantation. On select weekend nights this spring, Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation State Historic Site will be offering Ghosts and Legends walking tours of the site. We will walk beneath centuries old Live Oak trees, explore the plantation out-buildings and finish with a lantern tour of the plantation house.

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.

Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation is owned and operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Call 912.264.7333 for more information or visit our website at gastateparks.org

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

The King and Prince Annual Oyster Roast
6-10pm
Tickets Required - call 912.268.5966
Click here to view the menu and more info

We're excited to have a fundraising oyster roast complete with DIRTY LOGIC- A Steely Dan Tribute, with proceeds benefiting The Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Georgia. Our previous events were a huge success and we can't wait to do it again!

We're offering packages that include event tickets along with accommodations so you can "take the elevator home". If you're interested in staying with us Oyster Roast weekend, we encourage you to take advantage of this offer as the package will include a discount on rooms. This package cannot be booked online, you will need to call 800-342-0212 to purchase.*

*Note: 1) tickets are included in the rooms package so do not purchase separately 2) rooms are based on availability.

Individual tickets are $85 (+ Eventbrite fees/taxes). Your ticket includes a night of music, our delicious buffet (menu detailed below) plus 2 drink tickets.
Click here to purchase tickets

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.

April 18, 25

Ghosts and Legends of Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation

TIME: 7:00pm
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 per person

Take an eerie journey back in time at Coastal Georgia's most haunted rice plantation. On select weekend nights this spring, Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation State Historic Site will be offering Ghosts and Legends walking tours of the site. We will walk beneath centuries old Live Oak trees, explore the plantation out-buildings and finish with a lantern tour of the plantation house.

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.

Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation is owned and operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Call 912.264.7333 for more information or visit our website at gastateparks.org

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.

May 23

Ghosts and Legends of Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation

TIME: 7:00pm
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 per person

Take an eerie journey back in time at Coastal Georgia's most haunted rice plantation. On select weekend nights this spring, Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation State Historic Site will be offering Ghosts and Legends walking tours of the site. We will walk beneath centuries old Live Oak trees, explore the plantation out-buildings and finish with a lantern tour of the plantation house.

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.

Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation is owned and operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Call 912.264.7333 for more information or visit our website at gastateparks.org

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



December 31

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

More details to come. Stay tuned!

December 31

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

More details to come. Stay tuned!