A new year doesn’t need fireworks to feel special — sometimes it just needs good music, familiar faces, and a reason to wander out the door. This weekend kicks off with smooth New Year’s Day jazz, rolls through bluegrass-filled nights, art walks, and First Friday energy, then lands in a packed Saturday of markets, workshops, plunges, and community gatherings. Whether you’re easing into 2026 or jumping in headfirst, there’s something happening at just about every pace — and every corner — of the Golden Isles.

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Brunswick Weighs Citywide Surveillance Camera Network

Brunswick’s finance committee has given preliminary approval to a proposed citywide surveillance camera network that would place 57 cameras around the city, funded largely by a $978,450 state public safety grant. The agreement still requires final approval from the Brunswick City Commission.

The plan is a three-way partnership between Brunswick, Axon Enterprises, and Georgia Power. In addition to the cameras, the funding would cover 66 new street lights and the electrical infrastructure to support them. Each camera site would include both a standard security camera and a license plate recognition (LPR) camera.

Assistant City Manager Jeremiah Bergquist told the finance committee that camera feeds would route directly into the countywide 911 dispatch center, forming a “real-time crime data center” designed to help police, firefighters, and EMTs respond more quickly and with better situational awareness. He noted that even short delays in officer response can mean missing key details such as suspect vehicles.

The Brunswick Police Department, which already uses Axon equipment for tasers and body cameras, would operate within strict access and audit controls. Bergquist emphasized that the cameras are exterior-only, will not look into homes, and will focus primarily on business areas. All data would be encrypted and access tightly tracked.

Mayor Cosby Johnson voiced support for the unified system, while Commissioner Felicia Harris raised questions about privacy and requested a full list of proposed camera locations before the plan returns to the commission. Bergquist said those locations are not finalized and remain open to community input.

A similar camera network is already in use by the Glynn County Police Department, which officials say has already aided in solving at least one homicide.

The City Commission is expected to take up the agreement and grant at a future meeting.

Zoning & Growth Conversations Head to SSI This Month

Two more public meetings on proposed changes to Glynn County’s zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations are coming to St. Simons Island, giving island residents a chance to see what’s being considered—and to speak up.

Earlier meetings held on the mainland in Brunswick drew small crowds, but the topics raised were big ones: growth, drainage, traffic, and how rural and residential areas are changing. County officials expect similar concerns from SSI residents, especially as the island continues to feel development pressure.

Among the proposed changes up for discussion:

• Smaller minimum lot sizes in some areas to support workforce housing

• New parking requirements for short-term rentals and four-bedroom homes

• Updates to tree protection rules, including stricter limits on removing large live oaks

• Clarified marsh and wetlands buffers

• New rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs)

• Updated regulations for livestock and backyard animals

• Revisions to sign, billboard, and site coverage requirements

• New traffic study thresholds and development plan language

The meetings will be held January 12, from 2–4 p.m. and again from 6–8 p.m., in Room 108 at the Casino Building, 550 Beachview Drive.

If zoning, growth, or the future shape of SSI matters to you, this is one of those rare moments where showing up early can actually make a difference.

What’s Happening This Weekend

Thursday, January 1 — New Year’s Day

Thirsty Thursday
🕰️ All day / evening
🎯 Arte Pizza, Brunswick
A classic midweek win: buy one beer, get the second free with the purchase of a meal. Pizza + beer math checks out every time.

Brunswick Art Loop
🕰️ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🎯 Historic Ritz Theatre, Brunswick
Official exhibit openings kick off the latest Brunswick Art Loop. Explore downtown galleries, specialty shops, and the Millie Wilcox Gallery at the Ritz while soaking up the local art scene. Free and open to the public.

A Special New Year’s Day Jazz Night at The Studio
🕰️ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🎯 The Studio, Darien
Ease into the new year with a smooth, intimate jazz set featuring Phil Morrison, Bill Smith, and Jason Wampler. Bring your own refreshments (sharing encouraged), settle in, and let the afternoon drift by on a mellow groove. $10 at the door or prepay online.
More info: https://darienstudio.com

New Year’s Bluegrass Festival
🕰️ 8:00 PM
🎯 Jekyll Island Convention Center, Jekyll
A full-on bluegrass celebration featuring Remedy Tree, Alaskan Sunnyside Sisters, Nothin’ Fancy, Kenny Stinson, and a Stanley Brothers tribute. Fiddles, harmonies, and stomp-worthy energy to kick off the year right.
Tickets: https://evansmediasource.com/events

Trivia Night at Side Pockets
🕰️ 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🎯 Side Pockets, Brunswick
Put your random knowledge to work. Every five questions, there’s a winner—meaning more chances to score bragging rights (and possibly drinks). Come early, grab food, and settle in for a fast, fun trivia hour.

Friday, January 2

Pirate Adventure Day Camp (Ages 5–12)
🕰️ 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
🎯 The Brick, Brunswick
Ahoy, mateys! Young adventurers set sail for a full day of swashbuckling fun at this pirate-themed day camp. Campers tackle obstacle courses, treasure hunts, team challenges, and creative activities designed to build confidence, teamwork, and imagination. From crafting pirate flags to navigating “shipwreck” courses, it’s a high-energy day packed with adventure and hands-on play.

Each day stands on its own, so families can register for one day or multiple sessions if available. Ideal for kids who love action, creativity, and a good pirate tale.

Cost: $59 (+ admin fees)
Ages: 5–12

January First Friday
🕰️ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎯 Newcastle Street, Brunswick
Downtown goes full festival mode. Streets close, music spills out, food trucks roll in, shops stay open late, and the whole district turns into one big block party. If you haven’t wandered First Friday in a while, this is your sign.

First Friday Fish Fry Dinner
🕰️ 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM (doors at 5:00)
🎯 Elks Lodge 691, Brunswick
A First Friday tradition that never misses: fried fish plates with two fillets, coleslaw, cheese grits, hushpuppies, dessert, and iced tea. $12 donation. One block from downtown festivities—fuel up before (or after) your stroll.

Jekyll’s Winter Bandit – A Cozy Winter Paint Night
🕰️ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎯 Jekyll Island Club Resort, Jekyll
A guided, beginner-friendly paint night inspired by one of Jekyll’s most charming locals. All supplies included, complimentary beverage, and a finished canvas to take home. Cozy, creative, and no experience required.
Tickets: https://www.jekyllclub.com/local-experiences

Friday Night Tarot with Nicole
🕰️ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎯 Spiral Wanderers Coffee Bar & Book Shop, Brunswick
A reflective, grounding way to start the new year. Nicole offers tarot readings focused on presence, insight, and intention. By-donation event with a $10 minimum—come curious, leave centered.

Late Night Fridays + Karaoke
🕰️ 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM
🎯 Downtown Cooter Brown’s, Brunswick
Late kitchen, drinks flowing, and karaoke from 10 PM to midnight. A downtown staple for night owls and brave singers.

Saturday, January 3

Multi Family Garage Sale
🕰️ 8:00 AM
🎯 Tommy’s Corner Food & Fuel, Brunswick
Multiple families, lots of household items, and the kind of early-morning digging that turns up unexpected treasures.

Brunswick Harbor Market
🕰️ 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🎯 Mary Ross Waterfront Park, Brunswick
Local produce, handmade goods, specialty vendors, and river breezes. A classic Saturday morning wander.

9th Annual Grace House Golf Tournament
🕰️ 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎯 Retreat at Sea Island Golf Club, SSI
A full-day tournament on the Retreat Course supporting Grace House of Brunswick and its work with women in recovery. Golfers, sponsors, donors, and volunteers all welcome.
Tickets: https://events.golfstatus.com/event/9th-annual-charles-kay-reeves-grace-house-golf-tournament

Kingsland Cars & Coffee
🕰️ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🎯 Harbor Freight Tools, Kingsland
The first Cars & Coffee of the year. Classics, customs, daily drivers, and Culture Driven merch awarded to Vehicle of the Month. Free to attend, easy vibes.

Horse Camp!
🕰️ 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
🎯 Pine Haven Stables, Brunswick
Hands-on horse experience for kids ages 8 and up. Riding basics, stable time, and outdoor learning.
More info: https://www.phstables.com

Celebrating Camellias in Bloom – PowerPoint Presentation
🕰️ 10:00 AM
🎯 Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, Brunswick
A seasonal presentation exploring camellias in bloom, hosted by Friends of Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation. Ideal for gardeners and history lovers.

Bubbly-Jock and Barley: Cooking a Highlander’s Fare
🕰️ 9:45 AM – 1:45 PM
🎯 Fort King George State Historic Site, Darien
Step back into the 1730s and explore Highlander food traditions. Learn what a bubbly-jock is, watch historic cooking methods, and maybe sample a bite. Standard admission applies.

2026 Habit Setting Workshop
🕰️ 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM
🎯 CrossFit Glynco, Brunswick
Skip resolutions and build real systems. This workshop focuses on habits that actually stick across health, organization, and daily life. One participant wins a copy of Atomic Habits.

2026 Polar Plunge
🕰️ 12:00 PM
🎯 Neptune Park Fun Zone, SSI
Cold water, loud cheers, and brave locals. Jump in or cheer from dry land at this free winter tradition.

Cornhole Tournament – Open to the Public
🕰️ 3:30 PM sign-up | Tournament at 4:00 PM
🎯 Walkabout Camp & RV Park, Woodbine
Open-to-all cornhole tournament with live music and food trucks keeping things lively.

Live Music & Food Truck – Open to the Public
🕰️ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎯 Walkabout Camp & RV Park, Woodbine
Andria Shinn Full Band brings the music, Kaleidoscope 17 handles the food, and the Tipsy Roo Bar is open. Stay for the whole evening or drop in.

FOSB Annual Meeting
🕰️ 6:00 PM
🎯 Sapelo Saltwater Fishing Club, Townsend
Friends of Shellman Bluff meet to select the theme and Grand Marshal for the 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Dinner provided and community input encouraged.

Saturday Evening BINGO
🕰️ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎯 American Legion Post 9, Brunswick
Speed games at 6:00, regular bingo at 6:30, weekly prizes up to $2,000, raffles, jackpots, and comfort food on-site.

Sunday, January 4

Beginners’ Yoga Series (Week 1 of 6)
🕰️ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
🎯 Balance Wellness Studio, Brunswick
A six-week series covering poses, breathwork, meditation, and yoga philosophy. Registration required.

Chat with a Chandler
🕰️ 12:45 PM – 3:45 PM
🎯 Fort King George State Historic Site, Darien
Watch candles made the 18th-century way and learn about the life of a traditional chandler. Standard admission applies.

Thursday, January 1 (New Year’s Day)

🎷 Jekyll Island Bluegrass Festival @ Jekyll Island Convention Center, Jekyll — 12:00 PM–9:30 PM
🎤 Last Call @ Mullet Bay, SSI — 4:30 PM
🎷 Phil Morrison, Bill Smith & Jason Wampler @ The Studio, Darien — 5:00–7:00 PM
🎸 WharfRatz @ Wee Pub Beach, Jekyll — 5:00 PM
🎸 Rider Duo @ The Wharf, Jekyll — 6:00–9:00 PM

Friday, January 2

🎷 Jekyll Island Bluegrass Festival @ Jekyll Island Convention Center, Jekyll — 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
🎤 Guy Harden @ Founders Social, Jekyll — 5:00–8:00 PM
🎸 Backbeat Boulevard @ Tortuga Jack’s, Jekyll — 5:00–8:00 PM
🎸 CJ @ King City Kitchen, SSI — 5:00–8:00 PM
🎤 Brody Williams & Emma Mac @ Bubba’s at Mary Ross Park, Brunswick — 6:00–9:00 PM
🎹 Jerry Gowen @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI — 6:30–9:30 PM
🎸 Live Music @ Captain Stan’s Smokehouse, Woodbine — 6:30 PM
🎸 Owen Plant @ Eighty Ocean, Jekyll — 6:00–9:00 PM
🎸 Austin Lane @ El Dorado, Jesup — 6:00–9:00 PM
🎤 Cliff Bragdon @ Sanctuary Golf Club, Waverly — 6:00–9:00 PM
🎸 Hunter Flanagan @ Tribuzio’s Grille, Jekyll — 6:00–9:00 PM
🎸 Live Music @ Ocean Lodge Resort, SSI — 6:00–9:00 PM
🎸 Common Ground @ Gnat’s Landing, SSI — 7:00–10:00 PM
🎤 Triple Shot @ Ember / Mas Lounge, SSI — 7:00–10:00 PM
🎷 Rhett Ammons @ The Strand Bistro & Chophouse, Jesup — 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 Fire Lounge w/ Rastar @ Wine Alley / Wine Body & Soul, SSI — 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Tipsy McSway’s, Brunswick — 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 Acoustic Bluegrass/Gospel Jam @ Woodbine Opry, Woodbine — 7:00 PM
🎤 Hot Banana Coffee @ Bar at Mallery, SSI — 8:00–11:00 PM
🎤 Saltwater Gypseas @ Mullet Bay, SSI — 8:00–11:00 PM
🎤 Rider @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI — 8:00 PM
🎤 Josh Nunn @ Reid’s Apothecary / The Study, Brunswick — 9:00 PM

Saturday, January 3

🎷 Jekyll Island Bluegrass Festival @ Jekyll Island Convention Center, Jekyll — 12:00–9:30 PM
🎤 Rider @ Founders Social, Jekyll — 1:00–4:00 PM
🎤 Cliff Bragdon @ Heritage Oaks Golf Club, Waverly — 5:00–8:00 PM
🎸 Pier Pressure @ Tribuzio’s Grille, Jekyll — 5:30–8:30 PM
🎸 Live Music @ Captain Stan’s Smokehouse, Woodbine — 6:30 PM
🎹 Jerry Gowen @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI — 6:30–9:30 PM
🎸 Backbeat Boulevard @ The Wharf, Jekyll — 6:00–9:00 PM
🎸 Hot Banana Coffee @ Gnat’s Landing, SSI — 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 3 Day Weekend @ The Hangout Bar & Grill, Brunswick — 7:00–10:00 PM
🎤 Josh Kirkland Trio @ Three Oaks Steak & Seafood, Brunswick — 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 Electric Dance Band Show @ Woodbine Opry, Woodbine — 7:00 PM
🎤 Cole Turner @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI — 8:00 PM
🎸 Your Mom’s Favorite Band @ Mullet Bay, SSI — 8:00–11:00 PM
🎸 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Reid’s Apothecary / The Study, Brunswick — 9:00 PM
🎤 Dakota Duo @ Bennie’s Red Barn / Tree Bar, SSI — 9:00 PM

Sunday, January 4

🎤 Brody Williams & Emma Mack @ Founders Social, Jekyll — 1:00–4:00 PM
🎸 Live Music @ Captain Stan’s Smokehouse, Woodbine — 3:00 PM
🎤 Still Blue Gospel @ Woodbine Opry, Woodbine — 5:00 PM
🎸 Live Music @ Beachcomber BBQ, SSI — 5:00–8:00 PM
🎸 Live Music @ The Hangout Bar & Grill, Brunswick — 5:00–8:00 PM
🎤 Rider @ Tigre Island Room, Fernandina — 8:00–11:00 PM
🎸 Live Music @ Tortuga Jack’s, Jekyll — 1:00–4:00 PM

Did we miss something? Have an event to share? Drop us a line at [email protected]!