If you’ve been waiting for a weekend to actually get out and do something—this is it. First Friday takes over downtown, Derby hats come out in full force, and the live music scene is absolutely stacked from SSI to Brunswick and beyond. Whether you’re bouncing between bands, sipping something cold under the lights, or just trying to decide where to start…there’s no shortage of options. Pace yourself.

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Glynn County residents now have a faster, no-lines-required option for renewing vehicle tags and driver’s licenses—and it’s not at the courthouse.

A new self-service kiosk has been installed inside the Publix, allowing residents to handle renewals during regular store hours—including nights and weekends when the tax office is closed.

According to Glynn County Tax Commissioner Jeff Chapman, the process is quick and easy—taking less than a minute in some cases to renew and print registration and decals on the spot.

The kiosk includes built-in security features like facial recognition to ensure only the correct person completes the transaction. It’s maintained by a private vendor and designed to be simple enough for anyone to use without assistance.

Even better: Georgia residents can use any kiosk across the state, not just the one in Brunswick.

If the kiosk proves popular, there’s already talk of expanding to additional locations—possibly even SSI in the future.

For anyone tired of waiting in line at the courthouse annex, this might be the most convenient upgrade to local government services in a while.

ArtTrends Gallery 11th Anniversary Exhibition Opening
🕰️ 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🎯 ArtTrends Gallery, SSI

A big one for the local arts scene. ArtTrends is celebrating 11 years with a new exhibition featuring nine regional artists—and welcoming five new artists into the fold. Expect a strong mix of styles, fresh work, and a great crowd. If you’ve been meaning to “get more into art,” this is a perfect entry point.

More info: (Visit Website button shown in event listing)

Community + Coffee Event
🕰️ 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
🎯 The Facility Coffee, Brunswick

Coffee, conversation, and a good cause. This one supports Golden Isles Veterans’ Village and brings together folks looking to connect, network, or just enjoy a relaxed evening out. Bonus: bring a business card and you might walk away with some range passes.

Anchored in Excellence: Alumni Networking Mixer
🕰️ 6:00 PM
🎯 Don Que’s Southern BBQ, Brunswick

Calling all CCGA alumni—this is your night to reconnect, network, and support one of your own. Hosted at Don Que’s, this mixer blends professional networking with casual Southern BBQ energy. Whether you’re there for connections or just the food, it’s a strong play for a Thursday night.

Bike Sale at Bike Jekyll
🕰️ 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
🎯 Bike Jekyll, Jekyll
Beach cruiser upgrade, anyone? Used bikes in good condition going for $50–$150. First come, first served—these will move.

Field Trip: Beginner Birding at CCGA Campus
🕰️ 9:00 AM
🎯 College of Coastal Georgia, Brunswick
Kick off the morning with some fresh air and a little nature. Great intro to birding with local experts—binoculars available if you need them.

Boys & Girls Clubs of SEGA Steve Holt Golf Classic
🕰️ 12:00 PM (Shotgun ~12:30 PM)
🎯 Jekyll Island Golf Club, Jekyll
A full afternoon on the greens supporting a great cause, plus transportation and an after party to keep things going.

Friday Wine Tasting at JP’s
🕰️ 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
🎯 JP’s Wine & Spirits, Brunswick
Easygoing wine tasting—perfect pre–First Friday warm-up.

Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival (Day 1)
🕰️ 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM (food) | 5:00 PM – dusk (vendors)
🎯 Fernandina Beach
Worth the short drive—food booths, vendors, kids zone, and a drone show after the Pirate Invasion. Big festival energy.

May First Friday
🕰️ 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎯 Downtown Brunswick
The monthly takeover—live music, vendors, food trucks, cars, and a packed downtown. One of the best nights of the month.

First Friday Pinball Tournament
🕰️ 7:00 PM
🎯 Pinball Palace, Brunswick
Friendly competition, flashing lights, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting.

Imani Milele Children’s Choir
🕰️ 7:00 PM
🎯 College Place Methodist Church, Brunswick
High-energy, uplifting performance from an internationally known choir. Free and worth your time.

Best of America Small Works (Opening Event)
🕰️ 7:00 PM
🎯 Anderson Fine Art Gallery, SSI
A quieter, more refined stop featuring top-tier small works from artists across the country.
More info: https://showsubmit.com/show/noaps-9th-annual-small-works-best-of-america

Leader of the Pack (Musical)
🕰️ 7:30 PM
🎯 The Island Players, SSI
A nostalgic ride through Ellie Greenwich’s hits—“Be My Baby,” “Chapel of Love,” and more.

Stars & Sips
🕰️ 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🎯 Wine Body & Soul, SSI
Wine, astrology, and a little cosmic curiosity.
More info: https://bit.ly/4tuXnrz

Late Night Fridays (Karaoke)
🕰️ 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM
🎯 Downtown Cooter Brown’s, Brunswick
Grab the mic and go—karaoke starts at 10PM and things escalate quickly.

Late Night Mack’s
🕰️ 9:00 PM – 11:59 PM
🎯 Mack’s Bar-Be-Que, Brunswick
Pool tables, music, and late-night hangs.

Golden Isles Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale
🕰️ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🎯 Madge Merritt Teaching Garden, Brunswick
One of the best plant events of the year. Over 1,000 plants—natives, herbs, veggies, trees—selected for coastal success. Master Gardeners on-site, plus a makers market happening at the same time. Come early for the best picks.

Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival (Day 2)
🕰️ 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
🎯 Fernandina Beach
Full festival day—food, vendors, live entertainment, and a packed kids zone.

Kentucky Derby Mahjong Social
🕰️ 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
🎯 Golden Isles Olive Oil Culinary Center, SSI
Mahjong, wine, charcuterie, and Derby hats. A very specific—and very fun—afternoon.

Auditions – Island Players Workshop
🕰️ 1:00 PM
🎯 SSI
Free workshop auditions—show up ready to move and have some fun.

Frederica Academy Derby Day
🕰️ 5:00 PM
🎯 Frederica Academy, SSI
Big hats, mint juleps, and one of the season’s signature social events.
More info: https://e.givesmart.com/events/N3Z

Kentucky Derby Watch Party
🕰️ Afternoon / Evening
🎯 Live Oak Tavern, SSI
Derby specials, drinks flowing, and the race on the big screen.

Trivia & Live DJ Night
🕰️ 6:30 PM – Late
🎯 Driftwood Wine & Cocktails, Brunswick
Brains + beats = a solid Saturday combo.

Fresh As A Mother – Ladies Night Out
🕰️ 7:30 PM
🎯 Studio South Performing Arts Center, Brunswick
Dance, laughs, and bouquet-building—equal parts fun and chaos (the good kind).
More info: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/fresh-as-a-mother-hip-hop-ladies-night

Archaeology & Tea with the Guale Native Americans
🕰️ 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
🎯 Fort King George, Darien
A relaxing mix of history, nature, and herbal tea with a coastal Georgia twist.

Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival (Final Day)
🕰️ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎯 Fernandina Beach
Last chance to catch the food, vendors, and festival atmosphere.

Highway Sound Community Cookout
🕰️ 12:00 PM
🎯 Altamaha River Park
Hotdogs, hamburgers, and a community gathering supporting those impacted by recent wildfires.

Coastal Impressions Art Exhibit – Meet the Artists
🕰️ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
🎯 Jekyll Island Arts Association, Jekyll
Meet the artists behind this coastal-inspired exhibit of paintings and ceramics.

From Rockabilly to Rhinestones
🕰️ 4:00 PM
🎯 Woodbine Opry, Woodbine
A young Elvis tribute artist covering every era of The King.
More info: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bcsentertainment/2037476

Auditions – Island Players Workshop
🕰️ 6:30 PM
🎯 SSI
Final shot for auditions this weekend.

Saint Mary’s Ghost Walk & Ghost Hunt
🕰️ Evening
🎯 St. Marys
Part history, part paranormal—guided tour plus hands-on ghost hunting.
More info: https://app.promotix.com/events/details/Saint-Marys-Ghost-Walk---Flashlight-tour-tickets

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

🎸 Lanie Mae @ Tortuga Jack’s, Jekyll – 5-9pm
🎸 Rider @ The Wharf, Jekyll – 6-9pm
🎤 Songbird Open Mic @ Hootenanny’s in the Yard, Brunswick – 6-8pm
🎸 Cliff Bragdon @ Mellow Mushroom, SSI – 6-9pm
🎹 Roy Gentry @ Ocean Lodge Resort, SSI – 6-9pm
🎸 Crawford & Jim @ Tipsy McSway’s, Brunswick – 6-9pm
🎸 Josh Nunn & Mike Alongi @ Fish Tales Pub & Grill, Brunswick – 6-9pm
🎷 Rick Joyce Trio @ Wee Pub Beach, Jekyll – 7-10pm
🎸 Tony Adams @ Bennie’s Red Barn, SSI – 7:30pm
🎸 Austin Miller @ Rafters, SSI – 8-11pm
🎸 Little Gracie @ Mullet Bay, SSI – 8-11pm
🎹 Tim Akins @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 8-11pm
🎤 Hot Banana Coffee @ Reid’s Apothecary / The Study, Brunswick – 9pm
🎸 Uncle Dave’s Campground Concert @ Swamptown Getdown, Waycross – 7pm

🎸 Brody Williams @ Beachcomber BBQ, SSI – 5-8pm
🎸 Gabe Spell @ The Wharf, Jekyll – 6-9pm
🎸 Live Music @ Eighty Ocean Kitchen & Bar, Jekyll – 6-9pm
🎸 Jerry Gowen (piano) @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI – 6:30-9:30pm
🎸 Your Mom’s Favorite Band @ Bubba’s at Mary Ross Park, Brunswick – 6-9pm
🎸 Live Music @ The Hangout Bar & Grill, Brunswick – 6-9pm
🎸 Tony Adams @ Sago, SSI – 6-9pm
🎸 Captain Stan’s Smokehouse Live Music, Woodbine – 6:30pm
🎸 Thunderbird @ Ember / Mas Lounge, SSI – 7-10pm
🎸 Common Ground @ Gnat’s Landing, SSI – 7-10pm
🎸 The Long Stride @ Tipsy McSway’s, Brunswick – 7-10pm
🎸 Live Music @ Toucan’s Ale House, Brunswick – 7-10pm
🎸 Live Music @ Brogen’s South, SSI – 7-10pm
🎸 Ryan Wilson @ Strand Bistro, Jesup – 7-10pm
🎸 Emma Mac @ Three Oaks, Brunswick – 7-10pm
🎸 Frost Bros. Band @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 8-11pm
🎸 Bluff 5 Band @ Mullet Bay, SSI – 8-11pm
🎸 TacocaT @ Cumberland Breeze, St. Marys – 8pm-12am
🎸 Live Music @ Bar at Mallery, SSI – 8-11pm
🎸 Rider @ Tigre Island Room, Fernandina – 10pm-1am
🎤 Hot Banana Coffee @ Reid’s Apothecary / The Study, Brunswick – 9pm
🎸 Lanie Mae @ Brackish Beer, St. Marys – 5:30-8:30pm
🎸 Live Music @ Tribuzio’s Grille, Jekyll – 5:30-8:30pm
🎸 Swamptown Getdown Full Lineup @ Waycross – starts 5pm
🎻 Bluegrass/Gospel Jam @ Woodbine Opry – 7pm

🎸 Live Music @ King City Kitchen, SSI – 11am-3pm
🎸 Live Music @ Founders Social, Jekyll – 1-4pm
🎸 Triple Shot @ Tortuga Jack’s, Jekyll – 1-4pm
🎸 Live Music @ Tribuzio’s Grille, Jekyll – 5:30-8:30pm
🎸 TacocaT Duo @ The Firefly, St. Marys – 5:30-8:30pm
🎸 Michael Hulett @ Ocean Lodge Resort, SSI – 6-9pm
🎸 Josh Nunn @ Shore Restaurant, Jekyll – 6-9pm
🎸 Bubba’s Live Music @ Mary Ross Park, Brunswick – 6-9pm
🎸 Jerry Gowen (piano) @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI – 6:30-9:30pm
🎸 Captain Stan’s Smokehouse Live Music, Woodbine – 6:30pm
🎸 Sidetone @ Gnat’s Landing, SSI – 7-10pm
🎸 Live Music @ The Hangout Bar & Grill, Brunswick – 7-10pm
🎸 Live Music @ The Fish Dock, Townsend – 7-10pm
🎸 Live Music @ Toucan’s Ale House, Brunswick – 7-10pm
🎸 Live Music @ Brogen’s South, SSI – 7-10pm
🎸 Arcostrum @ The Ritz Theatre, Brunswick – 7-8:30pm
🎸 SaltWater Gypseas @ Strand Bistro, Jesup – 8-11pm
🎸 Live Music @ Three Oaks, Brunswick – 7-10pm
🎸 Your Mom’s Favorite Band @ Mullet Bay, SSI – 8-11pm
🎸 Live Music @ Bar at Mallery, SSI – 8-11pm
🎸 Bluff 5 Band @ Bennie’s Red Barn, SSI – 9pm
🎸 Brody Williams Band @ Rafters, SSI – 9pm-12am
🎤 Live Music @ Reid’s Apothecary / The Study, Brunswick – 9pm
🎸 Swamptown Getdown Full Lineup @ Waycross – starts 2pm
🎻 Electric Dance Band Show @ Woodbine Opry – 7pm

🎸 Bubba’s Live Music @ Mary Ross Park, Brunswick – 12-3pm
🎸 Brody Williams @ Founders Social, Jekyll – 12-3pm
🎸 Rob Willis @ Bubba Garcia’s, SSI – 12-3pm
🎸 Pier Pressure @ Tortuga Jack’s, Jekyll – 1-4pm
🎸 Rider @ Green Turtle Tavern, Fernandina – 2-5pm
🎸 Hot Banana Coffee @ Uptown Tap & Cigar, SSI – 3-6pm
🎸 Gypsy Joe @ Captain Stan’s Smokehouse, Woodbine – 3-6pm
🎸 Live Music @ Mullet Bay, SSI – 5-8pm
🎸 Live Music @ JI Beach House – 5-8pm
🎸 Lanie Mae @ The Hangout Bar & Grill, Brunswick – 5-8pm
🎸 Blossomin’ Bone @ Beachcomber BBQ, SSI – 5pm
🎸 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Tigre Island Room, Fernandina – 5pm
🎸 Brody Williams & Emma Mac @ Southern River Walk, St. Marys – 6-9pm
🎸 Georgia Heat @ Gnat’s Landing, SSI – 6-9pm
🎹 Jody Frost @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 7-10pm

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]

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