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Spring has officially arrived in the Golden Isles—and this weekend is absolutely loaded. We’ve got a full-blown rodeo in town 🐂, Easter egg hunts happening all over the place 🐣, markets under the oaks, live music everywhere, and yes… even tea readings that might know a little too much about your life. Whether you’re chasing funnel cake, fresh air, or a surprisingly accurate fortune, there’s no shortage of ways to get out and enjoy it.

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🍩 SSI’s Dulce Dough Named Best Doughnuts in Georgia

Big win for the island this week — Dulce Dough Donuts & Bakery has officially been crowned the best doughnut shop in Georgia by Foodie in its nationwide roundup of top spots in every state.

If you’ve ever waited in line there, this probably won’t surprise you.

What started as a humble Sunday pop-up inside a burger joint has grown into one of the Golden Isles’ most beloved food destinations — now open Wednesday through Sunday and consistently selling out of its signature brioche-style doughnuts. These aren’t your average donuts either: lighter, fluffier, and made with local ingredients, they’ve built a reputation that clearly stretches well beyond SSI.

Not bad for a small island bakery.

Safe to say… the rest of Georgia just got put on notice.

Support Local News (and Promote Your Business)

The Golden Isles Lantern continues to grow, and we’re opening a few spots for local sponsors who want to reach an engaged audience across Brunswick, St. Simons, Jekyll, and the surrounding area.

If you run a local business and would like to get in front of Lantern readers each week, I’d love to talk. Sponsorships help keep the newsletter free while supporting more local coverage, events, and community conversations.

Interested?
Email: [email protected]

What’s Happening This Weekend

Thursday, March 26

GATO Exhibition Opening – Steel to Salt
🕰️ 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
🎯 Glynn Visual Arts, SSI
A coastal-inspired exhibit blending steel, rhythm, and texture. Meet the artist, see the work first, and soak in some culture. Free admission.

Captain’s Talk featuring Capt. Aaron Joiner
🕰️ 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
🎯 On The Fly Outfitters, Brunswick
Learn the ins and outs of flood tide fishing from a local expert. This is part of an ongoing series—good stuff if you’re into fishing or want to be.

🎸 St. Marys Songwriters Festival
🕰️ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🎯 Captain Seagles Saloon, St. Marys

A full night of original music from a stacked lineup of regional songwriters—this one’s all about raw talent, storytelling, and that laid-back coastal vibe. Hosted by Heather & James, and best of all… it’s free (rain or shine).

Friday, March 27

🔮 Reading Tea & Drawing Good Fortunes
🕰️ 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Friday & Saturday)
🎯 Spiral Wanderers Coffee Bar & Bookshop, Brunswick

Looking to add a little mystery (and maybe some insight 👀) to your weekend? Head to Spiral Wanderers for tea readings and intuitive drawings—part art, part intuition, part “how did they know that?”

Set in one of downtown’s most unique and cozy spots, this is the kind of experience that turns into a story you’ll be telling later.

Editor’s note: I did this with two others—and we witnessed three fortunes in a row that were shockingly accurate. One of those moments where everyone just kind of looked at each other like… okay, what just happened? Definitely an experience we won’t forget anytime soon.

🤠 2026 Rodeo at the Beach (Day 1)
🕰️ 5:30 PM – 11:30 PM
🎯 Exchange Club Fair Grounds, Brunswick

The rodeo is back 🐂—barrel racing, bull riding, carnival rides, and all the fried food your weekend can handle.

🎶 Live concert after: Saltwater Gypsies
🎟️ https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-rodeo-at-the-beach

🎹 Bridge & Wolak (Golden Isles Live)
🕰️ 7:30 PM
🎯 Historic Ritz Theatre

Accordion and clarinet like you’ve never heard them—world-class musicianship with a playful twist.

🎟️ Adults $40 | Students/Child $20

Saturday, March 28

🚶 Walk the Frederica Greenway
🕰️ 8:30 AM
🎯 SSI

A guided walk through one of the island’s most scenic stretches. Learn the history, see protected land, and get your steps in early.

🛍️ St. Simons Market (Day 1)
🕰️ 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
🎯 Postell Park, SSI

Local makers, art, crafts, baked goods, and that classic under-the-oaks SSI vibe.

🐶 Community Volunteer Day: March Muttness Edition
🕰️ 10:00 AM
🎯 Glynn County Animal Services, Brunswick

Trade March Madness for March Muttness 🐾—help out shelter pets, get outside, and maybe meet your future best friend. New volunteers welcome.

🐣 Easter Eggsperience 2026
🕰️ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🎯 Pine Ridge Baptist Church, Brunswick

Walk through the Easter story, giant egg hunt, food, and prizes—great for families with younger kids.

🐰 Easter Egg Hunt
🕰️ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🎯 Marshes of Glynn Baptist Church, Brunswick

Face painting, bounce house, petting zoo, and more—basically a kid energy explosion in the best way.

🐰 Easter on the Farm at Incacheetoo!
🕰️ 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
🎯 Incacheetoo Plantation, Waverly

The big family event of the weekend—petting zoo, mini Highland cows, hay rides, pig races, slides, corn pit, and more.

🐣 Easter Bunny: 12–3 PM
💵 $16 per person

🧩 The Ultimate Escape (FREE)
🕰️ 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎯 Family Life Church, Brunswick

A live, immersive escape room experience—solve clues, race the clock, and work as a team. Free and open to everyone.

🎤 Filo the Leader Karaoke
🕰️ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎯 Tipsy McSway’s, Brunswick

Sing your heart out or cheer from the sidelines—either way, it’s guaranteed entertainment. Hosted by the amazing DJ Filo.

🎬 Free Outdoor Movie Night (Selden Park)
🕰️ 7:00 PM (Movie starts 7:50 PM)
🎯 Selden Park, Brunswick

Bring blankets and chairs for a movie under the stars.

🎥 Feature: Zootopia 2

🎤 Trial By Fire: Journey Tribute
🕰️ 7:00 PM
🎯 Historic Ritz Theatre

Journey fans—this is your night. Big vocals, big energy, and all the hits. Break those chains that bind you and don’t stop believin’!

🎸 South of Athens (Rodeo Concert Finale)
🕰️ 9:00 PM
🎯 Exchange Club Fair Grounds, Brunswick

The rodeo keeps rolling into the night with South of Athens closing things out.

Sunday, March 29

🛍️ St. Simons Market (Day 2)
🕰️ 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
🎯 Postell Park, SSI

Missed Saturday? Here’s your second shot.

🎉 CommUNITY Outreach (FREE Event)
🕰️ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🎯 Perry Park, Brunswick

Bounce houses, games, giveaways, health screenings, free clothes, and more—big community turnout expected.

🍔 March Last Sunday at The Galley Food Truck Park
🕰️ 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
🎯 The Galley Food Truck Park, Brunswick

A full lineup of food trucks serving everything from comfort food to sweet treats. Easy Sunday win.

🍳 Eggs and Kegs
🕰️ 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
🎯 92 Screven Street, Darien

Eggs, drinks, and a laid-back coastal vibe—worth the short drive.

🌿 Spring Picnic
🕰️ 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
🎯 Blythe Island Regional Park, Brunswick

Classic picnic setup—burgers, hot dogs, games, and an egg hunt for the kids. Bring a side and enjoy a relaxed afternoon outside.

🎬 Movie Night at Pine Haven
🕰️ 4:00 PM
🎯 Pine Haven Church, Brunswick

A cozy, family-style movie night with popcorn and snacks—perfect way to wind down the weekend.

🤠 Boots on the Ground for Safe Harbor
🕰️ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🎯 Ziggy’s

Line dancing, DJ, live music, and a Best Boots contest—all for a great cause.

🤠 2026 Rodeo at the Beach (Final Day)
🕰️ Evening events
🎯 Exchange Club Fair Grounds, Brunswick

Final chance to catch the rodeo before it rides out of town—expect a packed crowd and a strong finish.

Ongoing / Multi-Day

Easter Scavenger Hunt at Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation
🕰️ 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily (closed Mondays)
🎯 5556 US Hwy 17 North, Brunswick
📅 March 3 – April 5

This isn’t just a quick egg hunt — it’s a full month-long scavenger adventure.

Grab a map at the visitor center, explore the historic grounds, uncover secret clues, and reveal a hidden phrase to win a prize. Perfect spring outing for families who want fresh air with a side of mystery. 🌷

Admission:
$8.75 Adults
$6.50 Seniors (62+)
$5.50 Youth (6–17)
5 and under free

This week’s Live Music Roundup is sponsored by Dreamweavers DJ — a father-and-son DJ team helping couples celebrate across Brunswick, SSI, Jekyll, Savannah, and Jacksonville.
https://dreamweaversdj.com

Thursday, March 26

🎤 Cliff Bragdon @ Mellow Mushroom, SSI – 5:00–8:00 PM
🎸 Brody Williams @ Fish Tales Pub & Grill, Brunswick – 6:00–9:00 PM
🎤 Crawford, Jim & Jayson @ Tipsy McSway’s, Brunswick – 6:00–9:00 PM
🎤 Roy Gentry @ Ocean Lodge Resort, SSI – 6:00–9:00 PM
🎤 Rider @ The Wharf, Jekyll – 6:00–9:00 PM
🎤 Last Call @ Tortuga Jack’s, Jekyll – 6:00–9:00 PM
🎷 BHS Jazz Band & Percussion Ensemble @ Brunswick High School – 6:00 PM
🎤 Songbird Open Mic Night @ Hootenanny’s, Brunswick – 6:00–8:00 PM
🎸 Tony Adams & Tim Akins @ Bennie’s Red Barn/Tree Bar, SSI – 7:30 PM
🎸 Troubadour South @ Rafters, SSI – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 WharfRatz @ Wee Pub Beach, Jekyll – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 Ryan Wilson @ Strand Bistro/Chophouse, Jesup – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 Pine Box Dwellers @ Mullet Bay, SSI – 8:00–11:00 PM
🎸 Cody Marlowe & Tyler Key @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 8:00–11:00 PM
🎸 Hot Banana Boys @ Reid’s Apothecary/The Study, Brunswick – 9:00 PM
🎸 St. Marys Songwriters Festival @ Captain Seagle’s Saloon, St. Marys – 6:00–10:00 PM

Friday, March 27

🎤 Triple Shot @ Tortuga Jack’s, Jekyll – 5:00–8:00 PM
🎸 Altamaha Sound @ Tribuzio’s Grille, Jekyll – 5:30–8:30 PM
🎤 Jacob Sands @ Wee Pub South, St. Marys – 5:30 PM
🎸 Emma Mac @ Eighty Ocean Kitchen & Bar, Jekyll – 6:00–9:00 PM
🎤 Cliff Bragdon @ Sanctuary Golf Club, Waverly – 6:00–9:00 PM
🎤 Michael Hulett @ Ocean Lodge Resort, SSI – 6:00–9:00 PM
🎸 22LR @ Alec’s Sports Bar & Grill, Jesup – 6:00–9:00 PM
🎸 Banjo Brown & the Road Gators @ Captain Stan’s Smokehouse, Woodbine – 6:30 PM
🎹 Jerry Gowen @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI – 6:30–9:30 PM
🎸 Ashton Rowland @ Brogen’s South, SSI – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 Rider @ Gnat’s Landing, SSI – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 Your Mom’s Favorite Band @ The Hangout Bar & Grill, Brunswick – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 Squirt Gun @ Fish Tales Pub & Grill, Brunswick – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 Lanie Mae @ Rafters, SSI – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 Rastar @ Wine Alley/Wine Body & Soul, SSI – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 Bluff 5 Band @ Strand Bistro/Chophouse, Jesup – 7:30 PM
🎭 Bridge & Wolak @ The Ritz Theatre, Brunswick – 7:30 PM
🎸 Thunderbird Blues Band @ Ember/Mas Lounge, SSI – 8:30–10:00 PM
🎸 Backbeat Boulevard @ Mullet Bay, SSI – 8:00–11:00 PM
🎸 Brent Browning @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 8:00–11:00 PM
🎸 Habanero Bobby @ Bar at Mallery, SSI – 8:00–11:00 PM
🎸 Brody Williams Band @ Bennie’s Red Barn/Tree Bar, SSI – 9:00 PM
🎸 Cody Marlowe & Tyler Key @ Reid’s Apothecary/The Study, Brunswick – 9:00 PM
🎸 Saltwater Gypseas @ Rodeo at the Beach, Brunswick – 9:30 PM
🎸 Acoustic Bluegrass/Gospel Jam @ Woodbine Opry – 7:00 PM

Saturday, March 28

🎸 Clara Easterlin @ Mary Ross Waterfront Park (Farmers Market), Brunswick – 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
🎸 Live Music @ King City Kitchen, SSI – 12:00–4:00 PM
🎸 Rider @ Founders Social, Jekyll – 1:00–4:00 PM
🎸 Jacob Sands @ Tortuga Jack’s, Jekyll – 1:00–4:00 PM
🎸 Habanero Bobby @ Southern Soul BBQ (Crawfish Bop), SSI – 4:00–6:00 PM
🎸 Cliff Bragdon @ Heritage Oaks Golf Club, Brunswick – 5:00–8:00 PM
🎸 Ryan Wilson @ Hootenanny’s BBQ, Brunswick – 5:00–8:00 PM
🎸 Drew Holloway @ Tribuzio’s Grille, Jekyll – 5:30–8:30 PM
🎸 Rider @ Bubba’s at Mary Ross Park, Brunswick – 6:00–9:00 PM
🎸 Jeff Allyn Szwast @ Shore Restaurant/Residence Inn, Jekyll – 6:00–9:00 PM
🎹 Michaele Hannemann @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI – 6:30–9:30 PM
🎸 Bluff 5 Band @ Captain Stan’s Smokehouse, Woodbine – 6:30 PM
🎸 Your Mom’s Favorite Band @ Gnat’s Landing, SSI – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 Roy Gentry & Hired Guns @ The Hangout Bar & Grill, Brunswick – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 Neverly Brothers @ Rafters, SSI – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 Tacocat @ Captain Seagle’s Saloon, St. Marys – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 Thunderbird Blues Band @ Three Oaks Steak & Seafood, Brunswick – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 Live Music @ Toucan’s Ale House, Brunswick – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 Trial By Fire (Journey Tribute) @ The Ritz Theatre, Brunswick – 7:00 PM
🎸 Maple Street Band @ Mullet Bay, SSI – 8:00–11:00 PM
🎸 Brent Browning @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 8:00–11:00 PM
🎸 Cody Marlowe & Tyler Key @ Bar at Mallery, SSI – 8:00–11:00 PM
🎸 Frost Bros Band @ Bennie’s Red Barn/Tree Bar, SSI – 9:00 PM
🎸 Ryan Wilson @ Murphy’s Tavern, SSI – 9:00 PM–12:00 AM
🎸 South of Athens @ Rodeo at the Beach, Brunswick – 9:00 PM
🎸 Live Music @ Reid’s Apothecary/The Study, Brunswick – 9:00 PM
🎸 Electric Dance Band Show @ Woodbine Opry – 7:00 PM

Sunday, March 29

🎸 Live Music @ Bubba Garcia’s, SSI – 12:00–3:00 PM
🎸 Cody Marlowe & Tyler Key @ Bubba’s at Mary Ross Park, Brunswick – 12:00–3:00 PM
🎸 Brody Williams & Emma Mac @ Founders Social, Jekyll – 12:00–3:00 PM
🎸 Michael Hulett @ The Galley Food Truck Park, Brunswick – 12:00–3:00 PM
🎸 Pier Pressure @ Tortuga Jack’s, Jekyll – 1:00–4:00 PM
🎸 Tim Akins @ Uptown Tap & Cigar, SSI – 3:00–6:00 PM
🎸 Time Iz Tite @ Captain Stan’s Smokehouse, Woodbine – 3:00–6:00 PM
🎸 Tony Adams @ Mullet Bay, SSI – 5:00–8:00 PM
🎸 Kellie Parr @ Beachcomber BBQ, SSI – 5:00–8:00 PM
🎸 Live Music @ Fish Tales Pub & Grill, Brunswick – 5:00–8:00 PM
🎸 Lanie Mae @ The Hangout Bar & Grill, Brunswick – 5:00–8:00 PM
🎸 Jacob Sands @ JI Beach House – 6:00–9:00 PM
🎸 Brody Williams & Emma Mac @ Southern River Walk, St. Marys – 6:00–9:00 PM
🎸 The Vault (Soulful Sunday) @ Reid’s Apothecary/The Study, Brunswick – 7:00 PM
🎸 Live Music @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 7:00–10:00 PM

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

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