Signature Summer Events
Golden sunshine, sandy beaches, and coastal breezes make up the glorious backdrop of the Golden Isles in the summertime. And our signature summer events take center stage. Attend an annual event, find great live music weekly, or discover your new favorite festival in the Golden Isles this summer!
May
Blessing of the Fleet – Brunswick, May 9
Every Mother’s Day weekend, Brunswick hosts the annual Blessing of the Fleet festival. Gorgeous shrimp boats decorated for the festival “parade” by Mary Ross Waterfront Park to celebrate the time-honored tradition of blessing the fleet of our local shrimpers prior to the season.
Taps at Twilight — St. Simons Island, May 26
Taps at Twilight is a cherished Memorial Day tradition in the Golden Isles that brings the community together in Neptune Park on St. Simons Island to honor the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country. The free outdoor program, presented by the St. Simons Rotary Club, features patriotic music, an honor guard, wreath presentation, and culminates with the solemn bugle call of “Taps” as twilight falls.
Summertime Concert Series – St. Simons Island & Historic Brunswick
A variety of local arts and culture organizations host their annual summertime concert series, held all throughout the Golden Isles. These live music performances officially kick off in May and last through the summer season. The Coastal Georgia Historical Society hosts A Little Light Music, held on the lighthouse lawn; The Downtown Development Authority hosts the Brunswick Music District, a free weekly concert series held in each of the Signature Squares along Newcastle Street in Brunswick; and Golden Isles Arts & Humanities hosts Sounds by the Sea, which takes place at Neptune Park near the St. Simons Pier. Check our live music schedule for upcoming performances and more information.
June
Taste of Gullah – St. Simons Island, Date TBD
Celebrate African American tradition and culture of the coastal barrier islands at the annual Taste of Gullah. At this special event you can listen to musicians perform songs passed down from ancestors and taste traditional Gullah cuisine. There will also be a special performance by the Gullah Geechee Ring Shouters.
July
Brunswick’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration – Brunswick, July 4
Every 4th of July, Brunswick hosts an independence day celebration, complete with family-friendly games, contests, and a fireworks show over the East River and Oglethorpe Bay. Best of all, it’s free! Fireworks begin around 9 p.m.
4th of July Sunshine Festival – St. Simons Island, July 4
Celebrate the 4th of July at a family-friendly event filled with an arts and crafts show, 5K race, and fireworks of course! Fireworks begin around 9 p.m.
Jekyll Island Independence Day Celebration – Jekyll Island, July 4
Watch the night sky light up as Jekyll Island celebrates Independence Day with a stunning fireworks display. The fireworks will begin around 8:45 p.m. and ideal viewing locations include Great Dunes Beach Park and Oceanview Beach Park.
August
Southern Grown Concert – Sea Island, Date TBD
Sea Island commemorates the distinctive culture of the South during Southern Grown, where history and hospitality entwine. This weekend event is made up of an oceanside concert with Gavin DeGraw and St. Paul & The Broken Bones, live at the Sea Island Beach Club, as well as a weekend filled with activities curated by Garden & Gun, celebrating all things that make the south unique, with luxury accommodations at The Cloister or The Lodge.
Explore more art festivals, live music, First Friday events, and more on our full events calendar to see what fits into your vacation!
