First Friday may start on Newcastle Street, but it definitely doesn't end there. After downtown winds down, La Playa Park keeps the party rolling with RASTAR's First Friday After Party under the stars. Add in Harbor Market, Into the Woods, beach cleanups, fishing tournaments, pottery camps, Latin Night, and more than 80 live music performances across the Golden Isles, and you've got one of the busiest weekends of the summer so far.
A word from our sponsor…
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What’s Happening This Weekend
Friday, June 5
2026 Contentment Bluff Kingfish 1000 Blowout
🕰️ Begins Friday at 1:00 PM
🎯 Contentment Bluff, Townsend
The annual Kingfish 1000 Blowout returns with a weekend of offshore competition, captain's meetings, weigh-ins, and plenty of fishing stories. Anglers will be chasing kingfish, cash prizes, and bragging rights along the Georgia coast.
DJ Jose Latin Night (First Friday)
🕰️ 4:00 PM–12:00 AM
🎯 Driftwood Wine & Cocktail, Brunswick
Start First Friday with a little extra rhythm. DJ Jose will be spinning Latin beats all evening while Driftwood serves up handcrafted cocktails and good vibes. Whether you're hitting the dance floor or just enjoying the atmosphere, it's a lively way to kick off the weekend in the Golden Isles.
June First Friday
🕰️ 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
🎯 Newcastle Street, Brunswick
Downtown Brunswick's biggest monthly street party returns with live music, food trucks, local vendors, shopping specials, classic cars, and plenty of people-watching. Newcastle Street closes to traffic and opens up to one of the most popular community gatherings of the month.
Jake Bradley Band at Tipsy's First Friday
🕰️ 7:00 PM
🎯 Tipsy McSway, Brunswick
Tipsy's is bringing live music to First Friday with the Jake Bradley Band. Whether you know Jake from his community work, his aviation adventures, or his Nashville music connections, this should be a fun stop during your downtown stroll. Bring a chair, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.
Friday Night Pinball Tournament
🕰️ 7:00 PM
🎯 The Pinball Palace, Brunswick
Silverball bragging rights are on the line. Whether you're a seasoned pinball wizard or just looking for something different to do on a Friday night, this weekly tournament offers plenty of friendly competition and flashing lights.
Music Bingo / Early Bird Dance Club Mashup
🕰️ 7:00 PM
🎯 Tree Bar at Bennie's Red Barn, St. Simons Island
Music Bingo meets dance party at Bennie's. Play for prizes, enjoy some snacks and drinks, then stick around as the dance floor takes over. No cover charge and a guaranteed good time.
Into the Woods
🕰️ 7:30 PM
🎯 The Encore Company, Brunswick Mall
The Tony Award-winning Stephen Sondheim musical arrives in Brunswick. Classic fairy tale characters collide in a clever, funny, and surprisingly thoughtful story about wishes, consequences, and happily-ever-afters. Suitable for ages 10+.
🔗 Tickets: www.theencoreco.com
First Friday After Party with RASTAR
🕰️ 9:00 PM–12:00 AM
🎯 La Playa Park, Brunswick
When Newcastle Street starts winding down, La Playa Park is just getting started. RASTAR brings reggae rhythms and island vibes to the outdoor stage while food trucks stay open late and the drinks keep flowing. A perfect way to keep the First Friday energy going.
Saturday, June 6
Trout Tournament
🕰️ 6:00 AM
🎯 Marsh Pirate, Darien
Early risers and anglers take note. The Marsh Pirate Trout Tournament returns with a $2,000 grand prize on the line, plus Calcutta and additional prize opportunities. A mandatory captains meeting will be held Friday evening, and a fish fry follows the tournament. Fishing, competition, and fried seafood — that's a pretty good Saturday.
St. Simons Island World Ocean Day Beach Cleanup
🕰️ 8:00 AM
🎯 East Beach / Coast Guard Station Area, St. Simons Island
Help keep one of our favorite places beautiful. Volunteers will gather at the former Coast Guard Station beach access for a morning of shoreline cleanup in partnership with Keep Golden Isles Beautiful. Community service hours are available for students, and all ages are welcome with adult supervision.
Jekyll Island World Oceans Day Beach Cleanup
🕰️ 8:00 AM–9:00 AM
🎯 Hampton Inn & Suites, Jekyll Island
Prefer your beach cleanup with a side of island scenery? Join Keep Golden Isles Beautiful, Beach.com, and the Hampton Inn team for a World Oceans Day cleanup on Jekyll. Supplies are provided, volunteers of all ages are welcome, and participants who register in advance can receive an official event t-shirt.
🔗 More Info: beach.com/cleanups/2026-jekyll-island-beach-cleanup/
Brunswick Harbor Market
🕰️ 8:00 AM–2:00 PM
🎯 Mary Ross Waterfront Park, Brunswick
One of downtown Brunswick's favorite Saturday traditions returns to the waterfront. Browse local produce, baked goods, crafts, specialty foods, art, and handmade treasures while enjoying views of the marsh and river. It's a great excuse to grab a coffee and spend the morning wandering among local vendors.
Paws in the Park
🕰️ 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
🎯 Brunswick Dogs, 6284 Old Jesup Rd, Brunswick
Dog lovers, this one's for you. Brunswick Dogs Private Dog Park is hosting a community day featuring local vendors, food from Flip Flop Foods, pet-related businesses, and plenty of opportunities for pups to make new friends. Admission is free to the public, and leashed dogs are welcome.
Crafts in the Village
🕰️ 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
🎯 Postell Park, St. Simons Island
More than 70 artists, makers, and craftspeople will fill Postell Park for another Crafts in the Village weekend. Expect coastal artwork, jewelry, pottery, photography, handmade gifts, specialty foods, soaps, candles, home décor, and all kinds of locally crafted treasures.
Reclaiming Human Health
🕰️ 10:30 AM–11:45 AM
🎯 CrossFit Glynco, Brunswick
CrossFit Glynco hosts an educational workshop exploring modern health challenges and lifestyle factors that contribute to chronic disease, fatigue, obesity, and other common issues. Expect practical discussion focused on nutrition, movement, sleep, recovery, and building healthier habits.
Hands Up! A Dance Celebration
🕰️ 4:00 PM–5:30 PM
🎯 Christian Renewal Church, St. Simons Island
An uplifting afternoon of dance, music, storytelling, and community presented by Christina's Dance World. Featuring choreography, live performances, and inspiring messages, the event aims to bring people together through creativity and encouragement.
Mosaic Frame Class
🕰️ 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
🎯 The Studio, Darien
Get creative with an evening mosaic workshop in Darien. Participants will create their own decorative mosaic picture frame, with all supplies included. Feel free to bring refreshments and enjoy a relaxed night of arts and crafts.
Into the Woods
🕰️ 7:30 PM
🎯 The Encore Company, Brunswick Mall
Another opportunity to catch this acclaimed musical production featuring classic fairy tale characters, memorable songs, and a story that explores what happens after happily-ever-after.
🔗 Tickets: www.theencoreco.com
The Natural Selection Band & DJ
🕰️ 8:00 PM–11:30 PM
🎯 Little Zooks, Brunswick
Live indie rock followed by an Indie Sleaze dance party? That's not a combination you see every weekend around here. The Natural Selection kicks things off with a live set before handing things over to a DJ spinning dance-floor favorites late into the night. No cover charge.
Sunday, June 7
Intro to Pottery Wheel – Summer Camp
🕰️ 9:30 AM–12:30 PM
🎯 Glynn Visual Arts, St. Simons Island
Get muddy! This immersive pottery wheel camp introduces young artists to the fundamentals of wheel throwing, shaping clay, studio safety, and ceramic techniques. Professional potter Deborah Karwisch will guide students through the process with plenty of hands-on instruction. Space is limited and finished projects will be available for pickup a few weeks after the camp concludes.
Into the Woods
🕰️ 2:30 PM
🎯 The Encore Company, Brunswick Mall
A Sunday matinee performance of Stephen Sondheim's beloved musical. Perfect for theater lovers looking for an afternoon outing before the work week begins.
🔗 Tickets: www.theencoreco.com
Coastal Georgia Audubon Annual Picnic
🕰️ 4:00 PM–6:00 PM
🎯 Pavilion #1, Blythe Island Regional Park, Brunswick
The Coastal Georgia Audubon Group gathers at Blythe Island Regional Park for its annual summer picnic and member meeting. The main dish will be provided, while attendees are encouraged to bring a side dish to share. A casual afternoon of food, conversation, and community in one of the area's prettiest parks.
Live shows data courtesy of I’m With the Band
Friday, June 5
🎸 Frost Bros Band @ Bubba's at Mary Ross Park, Brunswick – 5:30-8:30pm
🎸 Thunderbird Acoustic Duo @ SoGlo Theatre, Brunswick – 5:30-7:30pm
🎸 Josh Nunn @ Founder's Social, Jekyll Island – 5-8pm
🎸 Bill Lukitsch @ Cactus Mexican Restaurant, Brunswick – 6-9pm
🎸 Jerry Gowen (Piano) @ Georgia Sea Grill, St. Simons Island – 6:30-9:30pm
🎸 Levi Moore @ The Hangout Bar & Grill, Brunswick – 6-9pm
🎸 Mike McDaniel @ Ocean Lodge Resort, St. Simons Island – 6-9pm
🎸 Chas Crawford @ Shore Restaurant, Jekyll Island – 6-9pm
🎸 Backbeat Boulevard @ Tortuga Jack's, Jekyll Island – 6-9pm
🎸 22LR @ Tribuzio's Grille, Jekyll Island – 6-9pm
🎸 Triple Shot @ Captain Stan's Smokehouse, Woodbine – 6:30pm
🎸 Josh Kirkland @ Brogen's South, St. Simons Island – 7-10pm
🎸 Your Mom's Favorite Band @ Captain Seagle's Saloon, St. Marys – 7-10pm
🎸 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Ember / Mas Lounge, St. Simons Island – 7-10pm
🎸 Common Ground @ Gnat's Landing, St. Simons Island – 7-10pm
🎸 Jake Bradley Band @ Tipsy McSway's, Brunswick – 7-10pm
🎸 Johnny White @ Three Oaks Steak & Seafood, Brunswick – 7-10pm
🎸 Roy Gentry @ Toucans Ale House, Brunswick – 7-10pm
🎸 Acoustic Bluegrass & Gospel Jam @ Woodbine Opry – 7pm
🎸 Rambler Kane @ Silver Bluff Brewing Co., Brunswick – 7:30-10:30pm
🎸 Blossomin' Bone @ Bar at Mallery, St. Simons Island – 8-11pm
🎸 Hot Banana Coffee @ Mullet Bay, St. Simons Island – 8-11pm
🎸 Squirt Gun @ LL Creek, Waycross – 8:30-11:30pm
🎸 Brody Williams Band @ Rafters, St. Simons Island – 9pm-midnight
🎸 Last Call @ Reid's Apothecary / The Study, Brunswick – 9pm
🎸 Rastar @ La Playa Park, Brunswick – 9pm-midnight
Saturday, June 6
🎸 Hot Banana Coffee Duo @ King City Kitchen, St. Simons Island – 12-4pm
🎸 TacoCaT @ Tortuga Jack's, Jekyll Island – 1-4pm
🎸 Cody Marlowe @ Founder's Social, Jekyll Island – 1-4pm
🎸 Ted Stuckey @ 24 Coastal Grill, Jekyll Island – 5-8pm
🎸 Josh Nunn @ Coastal Cucina, Jekyll Island – 5-8pm
🎸 Tim Akins @ Heritage Oaks Golf Club, Brunswick – 5-8pm
🎸 Jacob Sands @ The Firefly, St. Marys – 5:30-8:30pm
🎸 Dexter Jones @ 1509 Brunswick – 6-9pm
🎸 Hot Banana Coffee Duo @ Bubba's at Mary Ross Park, Brunswick – 6-9pm
🎸 Aldair Pérez @ Cactus Mexican Restaurant, Brunswick – 6-9pm
🎸 Ryan Wilson @ Hootenanny's BBQ, Brunswick – 6-8pm
🎸 Cody Marlowe @ La Playa Park, Brunswick – 6-9pm
🎸 Michaele Hannemann @ Ocean Lodge Resort, St. Simons Island – 6-9pm
🎸 Owen Plant @ Shore Restaurant, Jekyll Island – 6-9pm
🎸 Dan Vonk @ Tribuzio's Grille, Jekyll Island – 6-9pm
🎸 Backbeat Boulevard @ The Wharf, Jekyll Island – 6-9pm
🎸 On the Rocks @ Captain Stan's Smokehouse, Woodbine – 6:30pm
🎸 Lanie Mae @ Brogen's South, St. Simons Island – 7-10pm
🎸 Wasabi Rush @ Gnat's Landing, St. Simons Island – 7-10pm
🎸 3 Day Weekend @ The Hangout Bar & Grill, Brunswick – 7-10pm
🎸 Trent Wainright & Travis Thrift @ The Local, Nahunta – 7-10pm
🎸 Kirk Whalen @ Silver Bluff Brewing Co., Brunswick – 7-10pm
🎸 Brody Williams Band @ Southern Riverwalk, St. Marys – 7-10pm
🎸 Thunderbird @ Three Oaks Steak & Seafood, Brunswick – 7-10pm
🎸 Casey Robinson @ Toucans Ale House, Brunswick – 7-10pm
🎸 Electric Dance Band Show @ Woodbine Opry – 7pm
🎸 Hatton Still (Acoustic) @ LL Creek, Waycross – 7pm
🎸 Hatton Still (Full Band) @ LL Creek, Waycross – 8:30pm
🎸 Your Mom's Favorite Band @ Mullet Bay, St. Simons Island – 8-11pm
🎸 Tyler Brumfield @ Village Inn & Pub, St. Simons Island – 8-11pm
🎸 Taylor Martin, Josh Kirkland & Peyton Sanders @ Bar at Mallery, St. Simons Island – 9pm-midnight
🎸 Last Call @ Bennie's Red Barn Tree Bar, St. Simons Island – 9pm
🎸 Live Music @ Reid's Apothecary / The Study, Brunswick – 9pm
🎸 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Murphy's Tavern, St. Simons Island – 10pm
🎸 Josh Nunn Duo @ Bubba's Up, St. Simons Island – 10pm
🎸 Rastar's Sunset Lounge @ Wine, Body & Soul, St. Simons Island – 6-10pm
Sunday, June 7
🎸 Amanda Moore @ The Firefly, St. Marys – 11:30am-2:30pm
🎸 The Pine Box Dwellers @ La Playa Park, Brunswick – 11am-2pm
🎸 Roy Gentry @ Marshside Grill, Brunswick – 11:30am-2:30pm
🎸 Gypsy Joe @ Bubba Garcia's, St. Simons Island – 12-3pm
🎸 Willis Gore @ Bubba's at Mary Ross Park, Brunswick – 12-3pm
🎸 Joey Thigpen @ Coastal Kitchen, St. Simons Island – 12-3pm
🎸 Blossomin' Bone @ Hootenanny's BBQ, Brunswick – 12-3pm
🎸 Brody Williams & Emma Mac @ Founder's Social, Jekyll Island – 1-4pm
🎸 Sidetone @ Tortuga Jack's, Jekyll Island – 1-4pm
🎸 Gravity Bomb @ Uptown Tap & Cigar, St. Simons Island – 3-6pm
🎸 Jamie Clark @ Captain Stan's Smokehouse, Woodbine – 3-6pm
🎸 Live Music @ Beachcomber BBQ, St. Simons Island – 5-8pm
🎸 Rider Trio @ Coastal Cucina, Jekyll Island – 5-8pm
🎸 Dexter Jones @ Jekyll Island Beach House – 5-8pm
🎸 Live Music @ Mullet Bay, St. Simons Island – 5-8pm
🎸 Josh Kirkland Band @ Gnat's Landing, St. Simons Island – 6-9pm
🎸 Tony Adams @ Village Inn & Pub, St. Simons Island – 7-10pm
📣 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.
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