🚨 Buc-ee’s Opens, Pirate’s Passage is Closing, & SCHMAWS Hits the Screen

It’s a week of big arrivals and heartfelt farewells in the Golden Isles. Buc-ee’s will be officially opening its doors in Brunswick—bringing brisket sandwiches, beaver nuggets, and plenty of curious fans. Meanwhile, we’re preparing to say goodbye to a true island legend: Pirate’s Passage at Summer Waves Water Park will retire this August after 30 years of splashy thrills. But the week isn’t all nostalgia—art lovers can celebrate the opening of The Big Photo Show, and foodies have a new wine bar to toast, with Driftwood Wine & Cocktails now open downtown. Summer’s in full swing—and there’s plenty to explore.

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💦 Farewell to a Legend: Pirate’s Passage Takes Its Last Plunge

After 30 splash-filled summers, the time has come to bid a heartfelt "see ya on the other side" to a true Jekyll Island icon: Pirate’s Passage at Summer Waves Water Park will officially retire this August.

First opened in 1992, Pirate’s Passage was once a cutting-edge thrill, plunging riders in double tubes down dramatic drops before a soaking splashdown finale. If you’ve ever gripped the handles of one of those tubes, heart pounding, stomach in your throat, you’re not alone—it’s been a rite of passage for generations of Golden Isles families.

But like all good pirate tales, this one must come to an end. Following a 2020 study and a vote earlier this year, the ride will be replaced by a new four-slide racer-style attraction—promising even more thrills and a lot less wait time. The new slides, still under the working name Mat Racer, will feature loops, steep drops, and even built-in timers to spark friendly competition among riders.

Before we turn the page on this beloved chapter, the Jekyll Island Authority invites you to take one final voyage at the Pirate’s Last Passage celebration on Friday, August 2. Brave the plunge one last time and go home with a commemorative “I Took the Last Passage” t-shirt—a keepsake for your memories and a toast to summers well spent.

Let’s be honest: Pirate’s Passage wasn’t just a ride. It was a summer tradition, a squealing first for many kids, a cool relief on a hot day, and a way to feel just a little bit brave. So here’s to the swashbucklers who rode it again and again… and to the new adventures ahead.

⚓ Thanks for the memories, Pirate’s Passage. You gave us butterflies, big splashes, and a treasure chest of good times.🏴‍☠️

What’s Happening This Week

🌟 Monday, June 30

🍻 Service Industry Night @ Silver Bluff Brewing
🕰️ 4:00–9:00 PM
Hospitality workers, first responders, and healthcare heroes—this one’s for you! Score 30% off drafts and bring your favorite downtown takeout.

🧠 Trivia Mondays @ Bubba’s (Mary Ross Park)
🕰️ 7:00 PM
Compete for prizes and ultimate brain bragging rights. Hosted by Irie 1 Trivia!

🎨 Tuesday, July 1

🍾 Mahjong & Mimosas @ Two Friends Boutique (SSI)
🕰️ 10:00 AM
Stylish morning of sips, tile flips, and friendly competition.
More info: https://www.twofriends2.com/products/mahjong-and-mimosas

📚 Author Talk: Kimberly Brock @ St. Simons Casino Room 108
🕰️ 10:30–11:30 AM
Hear the award-winning author of The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare discuss The Fabled Earth—a story rich in Southern mythology.

🎨 Brunswick Library’s Art in the Library (Ages 4–12)
🕰️ 10:30 AM
A guided kids’ craft where found objects become stamp art.

🎉 Grand Opening: Buc-ee’s in Brunswick!
🕰️ 11:00 AM
Beaver nuggets and brisket sandwiches, y’all! Celebrate the opening of Georgia’s 3rd Buc-ee’s.
📍 7156 Hwy 99, Brunswick, GA

🖼️ The Big Photo Show (Opening Day) @ SoGlo Gallery
🕰️ All day
🎯 July 1–August 1
A five-category exhibit of award-winning and amateur photographers.

🖌️ First Tuesday Gallery Showcase (Downtown Brunswick)
🕰️ 5:00–7:00 PM
Three art venues, one walkable downtown night of local talent.

🎶 Music Bingo @ Silver Bluff Brewing
🕰️ 6:30 PM
Sing it, match it, win it—music and bingo collide in this upbeat bar game night.

☕ Wednesday, July 2

💼 Lucas Forum – Entrepreneurship & Coffee
🕰️ 9:00–10:00 AM
Two founders share stories and lessons in this monthly gathering of local innovators.
📍 211 Gloucester St, Brunswick

📚 Brunswick Library’s Summer Storytime
🕰️ 10:30–11:00 AM
For ages 0–6. Fun, friendly storytelling with room to wiggle and giggle.

👟 Line Dancing @ Ziggy’s (SSI)
🕰️ 6:30–7:30 PM
Learn a new step each week and kick up your heels island-style!

🧠 Trivia Night @ Tipsy McSway’s
🕰️ 7:00 PM
Reserve a table for laughs, drinks, and head-scratching questions.

🎉 Driftwood Wine & Cocktails Grand Opening (Downtown Brunswick)
🕰️ 4:00 PM
Chandeliers are hung, wine is chilled—it’s go time! Come toast Driftwood’s big debut.
📍 205 Gloucester St, Brunswick

🐙 Thursday, July 3

🎨 Art in the Atrium @ St. Simons Library
🕰️ 10:30 AM
Hands-on guided art class using repurposed objects for kids & families.

🔎 Diamond Heist Murder Mystery Dinner @ Jekyll Island Club
🕰️ 5:30–8:00 PM
A jewel thief is on the loose! Solve the case between courses in the Grand Dining Room.
More info: https://www.jekyllisland.com/events-calendar/

🎲 Dungeons & Dragons Night @ Spiral Wanderers (Brunswick)
🕰️ 6:30–9:00 PM
Roll your dice and sip your coffee—it’s campaign night for local adventurers.

🦈 SCHMAWS! Movie Night @ Tipsy McSway’s
🕰️ Evening
Crawford’s got a private gig, so instead it’s time to celebrate 50 years of JAWS—ahem, SCHMAWS—with themed drinks and shark-sized nostalgia.

🎵 Monday, June 30

🎹 Tim Akins @ Georgia Sea Grill (SSI) – 6–9 PM
🎸 Braedon Harris @ Mullet Bay (SSI) – 7:30–10:30 PM
🎤 Open Mic hosted by Anthony Stubelek @ Palm Coast Coffee (SSI) – 8:30 PM ($5 cover for non-performers; sign-up at 8 PM)
🎶 Eddie Pickett @ Wee Pub Beach (JI) – 7 PM
🎼 Lee O’Neal @ Founder’s Social (JI) – 1–4 PM

🎵 Tuesday, July 1

🎹 Michaele Hannemann @ Georgia Sea Grill (SSI) – 7–9 PM
🎸 Court Taylor @ Mullet Bay (SSI) – 7:30–10:30 PM
🎶 Brody Williams @ Founder’s Social (JI) – 1–4 PM
🎷 Joey Thigpen @ Tortuga Jack’s (JI) – 5–8 PM
🎶 Eddie Pickett @ Wee Pub Beach (JI) – 7 PM

🎵 Wednesday, July 2

🎹 Tim Akins @ Georgia Sea Grill (SSI) – 6–9 PM
🎤 Rob Willis @ Mullet Bay (SSI) – 7:30–10:30 PM
🎸 Levi Moore @ Catch 228 (SSI) – 6–9 PM
🎹 Live Music @ Rooftop at Ocean Lodge (SSI) – 6–9 PM
🎤 Tony Adams @ Village Inn & Pub (SSI) – 6–8 PM
🎶 Open Mic Night in the Alley @ Wine Alley/Wine, Body & Soul (SSI) – 7–10 PM (sign-up at 6 PM)
🎶 Rob Willis @ Founder’s Social (JI) – 1–4 PM
🎸 Rider Duo @ Tortuga Jack’s (JI) – 5–8 PM
🎸 Eddie Pickett @ 24 Coastal Grill / Holiday Inn (JI) – 5–8 PM
🎸 Willis Gore @ Skippers’ Fish Camp (Darien) – 6–9 PM
🎸 Dan Vonk @ Captain Stan’s Smokehouse (Woodbine) – 6:30 PM
🎸 Roy Gentry @ Mack’s Bar-Be-Que (Bwk) – 6–9 PM

🎵 Thursday, July 3

🎤 Tony Adams & Tim Akins @ Bennie’s Red Barn / Tree Bar (SSI) – 7:45–10:30 PM
🎸 Maple Street Band @ Bubba Garcia’s (SSI) – 8–11 PM
🎸 Court Taylor @ Founder’s Social (JI) – 5–8 PM
🎹 Jerry Gowen @ Georgia Sea Grill (SSI) – 6:30–9:30 PM
🎸 Drew Holloway @ The Hangout Bar & Grill (Bwk) – 6–9 PM
🎶 Song Bird Open Mic @ Hootenanny’s BBQ (Bwk) – 6–8 PM (family-friendly, originals encouraged)
🎷 Hot Banana Coffee @ Mullet Bay (SSI) – 8–11 PM
🎸 Acoustic Thursday @ Rafters (SSI) – 8–11 PM
🎸 The Leftovers @ Reid’s Apothecary / The Study (Bwk) – 9 PM (password required: 912.289.2679)
🎸 Roy Gentry @ Rooftop at Ocean Lodge (SSI) – 6–9 PM
🎸 Rob Willis @ Tortuga Jack’s (JI) – 6–9 PM
🎸 Cole Turner Duo @ Village Inn & Pub (SSI) – 8–11 PM
🎸 WharfRatz @ Wee Pub Beach (JI) – 7–10 PM
🎷 Joey Thigpen @ Salty’s Poolside, The Westin (JI) – 6–9 PM
🎶 Rider @ The Wharf (JI) – 6–9 PM

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