This week’s issue is running a little late — I’ve been painting my porch for PorchFest instead of writing about it. Priorities, right? From downtown’s First Friday buzz to pinball tournaments, car shows, and a sea of cowboy gnomes at PorchFest, the Golden Isles are brimming with music, motors, and a little bit of magic this weekend.

PS: Our band hits at 1 PM at 1127 Union Street, so come say hi if you’re roaming Old Town!

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Hometown Headlines 🏝️

🗳️ Mayor Cosby Johnson Wins Second Term

Brunswick Mayor Cosby Johnson cruised to reelection Tuesday night, winning a second four-year term with 70% of the city vote over challenger and former City Commissioner Vincent Williams.

Johnson called the result “an overwhelming victory” and said it reaffirmed “the city of Brunswick’s vision, one crafted through generations.” He pledged to continue focusing on expanding opportunities, boosting homeownership, and reimagining economic development and infrastructure.

City Commissioners Kendra Rolle and Felicia Harris were also reelected unopposed, and all three will begin new terms in January.

Voters also overwhelmingly approved a new homestead exemption, with 86% voting yes. The exemption provides long-term homeowners with increasing property tax discounts — starting at 5% for the first five years and eventually reaching 50% after 30 years of residency.

Voter turnout for the city election was around 18%, a notable jump from the single-digit turnout seen in this year’s primaries.

What’s Happening This Weekend

🌞 Friday, November 7

Storytime @ SSI Library
🕰️ 10:30–11:30 AM
🎯 St. Simons Casino Building, Room 108
Gather the kiddos for songs, stories, and crafts with the Marshes of Glynn Libraries team. It’s a cozy start to your weekend and a favorite for little bookworms.

November First Friday
🕰️ 5–9 PM
🎯 Newcastle Street, Brunswick
The streets of downtown come alive again! Stroll through shops, check out local vendors, catch live music, and grab a drink under the string lights. Brunswick’s favorite monthly block party never disappoints.
More info: https://discoverbrunswick.com/first-friday

First Friday Fish Fry Dinner
🕰️ 5:30–8 PM
🎯 Elks Lodge, 1509 Union St., Brunswick
Grab a classic southern plate — two fried fish fillets, cheese grits, coleslaw, hushpuppies, dessert, and tea — all for a $12 donation. Just steps from the First Friday action.

Blue Jean Ball
🕰️ 6–10 PM
🎯 Sinclair Plantation Dr., SSI
Boot scootin’ under the stars! The Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia’s biggest fundraiser of the year is back with live music, local cuisine, and both silent and live auctions. Proceeds support care and medical attention for over a thousand animals each year.
🎟️ Tickets: https://BlueJeanBall25.givesmart.com

ARTrageous Bras Live Auction
🕰️ 6 PM
🎯 Tipsy McSway, Brunswick
The wildest auction in town! Cheer on the top ten artistic bra creations while supporting the Southeast Georgia Health System Foundation. Golden Isles Belly Dance kicks off the night with flair — expect laughs, applause, and a crowd that knows how to have fun.

Stern Army Star Wars Pinball Launch Party
🕰️ 7–10 PM
🎯 The Pinball Palace, 3303 Hopkins Ave., Brunswick
Channel your inner Jedi! The Stern Army hosts a launch tournament for the new Star Wars pinball — compete for prizes, bragging rights, and the Force itself. $25 entry fee.

🌼 Saturday, November 8

Veterans Day 5K Beach Run / 1 Mile Walk
🕰️ 8 AM
🎯 1350 Ocean Blvd., SSI
Lace up and run for a cause that matters. This Veterans Day event honors those who’ve served while raising awareness for veteran mental health and recovery. Proceeds benefit Fairways for Freedom and VFW Post 4092. All runners receive a T-shirt and finisher medal.
🎟️ Registration: https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/SaintSimonsIsland/VeteransDay5KBeachRunSSI

Brunswick Harbor Market
🕰️ 8 AM–2 PM
🎯 Mary Ross Waterfront Park, Brunswick
The harbor comes alive with artisans, bakers, and makers from across the Golden Isles. Pick up fresh bread, art, jewelry, and a few local stories while you’re at it.

Ladies’ Fellowship
🕰️ 9 AM
🎯 Christian Renewal Church, 4265 Norwich St. Ext., Brunswick
A warm morning of encouragement, connection, and good food for women of faith. Breakfast is served — all are welcome.
Register: https://christianrenewal.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3235509

Golden Isles Alzheimer’s Walk
🕰️ 9 AM–12 PM
🎯 Neptune Park, SSI
Walk to remember and support those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. This annual community walk raises funds for Memory Matters Glynn and local support programs.
Register: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/xn6dft

Pet Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus
🕰️ 9:30 AM–3:30 PM
🎯 Gnat’s Landing, SSI
Santa and Mrs. Claus are back — and they’re ready to pose with your pups! $30 for one printed photo, $10 per extra dog or digital image. All proceeds benefit Glynn County Animal Services.
🎟️ Tickets: https://gcasallies.networkforgood.com/events/91751-photos-with-santa

Mission: Forever Home
🕰️ 10 AM–12 PM
🎯 The Facility, 136 Venture Dr., Brunswick
Grab a coffee, meet adoptable pets, and help support Glynn County Animal Services. There’ll be raffles, specialty drinks, and big hearts all around. Bring donations of pet supplies or blankets for discounts at the coffee shop!

Herbie’s Redfern 500 – Veterans Day Auto Show
🕰️ 11 AM–3 PM (Awards at 3 PM)
🎯 Redfern Village, SSI
A tribute to local veterans and a treat for car lovers alike! Expect gleaming chrome, live music, raffles, and prizes for Best in Show, Best Classic Car, and more. Free to attend, $10 to compete, with proceeds going to veterans’ charities.

Fall Festival
🕰️ 11 AM–2 PM
🎯 New Covenant Church, 2718 Reynolds St., Brunswick
A free, family-friendly day of games, live music, food, prizes, and plenty of community spirit. From food giveaways to fun for all ages, this event celebrates fellowship and giving back.

A Celebration of Rum & Chocolate Bonbons!
🕰️ 12–7:30 PM
🎯 Richland Rum Distillery, 1406 Newcastle St., Brunswick
Pair artisanal chocolates from Sugar Marsh Cottage with small-batch Richland Rum. Stop in for a taste or stay all day — this one’s pure indulgence.

Global Arts Initiative Presents: Wontanara Percussions
🕰️ 7 PM
🎯 Historic Ritz Theatre, Brunswick
An electrifying West African drumming and dance performance that will get your heart thumping. A must-see cultural experience that closes Saturday on a high note.

🎶 Sunday, November 9

Brunswick PorchFest 2025 – “Gnome on the Range”
🕰️ Noon–6 PM (Finale 5 PM @ Brunswick Manor | After-Parties 6 PM @ Silver Bluff, Bubba’s & Hootenanny’s)
🎯 Old Town Brunswick
Grab your gnome hat and hit the porches — PorchFest is back! Over 70 bands across 60+ porches, plus food trucks, kids’ activities, and a full day of front-yard fun. It’s Brunswick’s biggest and most beloved neighborhood festival.
More info: https://porchfestbwk.com

Fall Fun on the Farm Continues!
🕰️ 1–5:30 PM
🎯 Incacheetoo Plantation and Petting Zoo, 345 Boston Way W., Waverly
Autumn adventures aren’t over yet — head to the farm for hayrides, animal encounters, and fall-themed fun for all ages. Open every Sunday in November!

🎵 Friday, November 7

🎷 Founders Social (JI) – Lanie Mae – 5–8 PM
🎸 Tortuga Jack’s (JI) – Black Water Ramblers – 5–8 PM
🎹 Captain Stan’s Smokehouse (Woodbine) – Live Music TBD – 6:30 PM
🎤 The Hangout Bar & Grill (Bwk) – Colby Word – 6–9 PM
🎶 Eighty Ocean (JI) – Josh Nunn – 6–9 PM
🎸 Sanctuary Golf Club (Waverly) – Roy Gentry & Hired Guns – 6–9 PM
🎵 ECHO / The King & Prince Resort (SSI) – Josh Kirkland Trio – 6–9 PM
🎹 Georgia Sea Grill (SSI) – Jerry Gowen on piano – 6:30–9:30 PM
🎺 Silver Bluff Brewing (Bwk) – Suzy & The Bird Dogs – 7–10 PM
🎤 The Tipsy Zone @ Tipsy McSway’s (Bwk) – Thunderbird Blues Band – 7–10 PM
🎶 Tacocat Trio @ Ember/MAS Lounge (SSI) – 7–10 PM
🎸 Fish Dock Bar & Grill (Townsend) – Live Music – 7–10 PM
🎷 Toucan’s Ale House (Bwk) – Casey Robinson – 7–10 PM
🎸 Gnat’s Landing (SSI) – Sidetone – 7–10 PM
🎶 Wine Alley / Wine Body & Soul (SSI) – Fire Lounge with Rastar – 7–10 PM
🎸 Bubba’s at Mary Ross Park (Bwk) – The Vault – 7–10 PM
🎹 Union Station Brewing (Jesup) – Tim Akins – 7–10 PM
🎸 The Wharf (JI) – Live Music – 6–9 PM
🎤 Shore / Residence Inn (JI) – Jeff Allyn Szwast – 6–9 PM
🎶 LL Creek (Waycross) – The Pine Box Dwellers – 9 PM
🎸 Mullet Bay (SSI) – 3 Day Weekend – 8–11 PM
🎵 Village Inn & Pub (SSI) – Grumpy Monkey – 8 PM
🎶 Bennie’s Red Barn / Tree Bar (SSI) – Backbeat Boulevard – $5 – 9 PM
🎸 Reid’s Apothecary / The Study (Bwk) – Last Call – 9 PM (912.289.2679 for password)

🎸 Saturday, November 8

🎶 Tabby House Brewing Co. (Darien) – Sanders Ragsdale – 12–2 PM
🎷 King City Kitchen (SSI) – Live Music – 12–3 PM
🎸 Tortuga Jack’s (JI) – Last Call – 1–4 PM
🎶 Founders Social (JI) – Rob Willis – 1–4 PM
🎸 Hootenanny’s BBQ (Bwk) – Xuluprophet – 5–8 PM
🎤 Tribuzi’s Grille (JI) – Leo Dean – 6–9 PM
🎹 El Dorado (Jesup) – Altamaha Sound – 6–9 PM
🎶 The Wharf (JI) – Backbeat Boulevard – 6–9 PM
🎸 Fish Dock Bar & Grill (Townsend) – Live Music – 7–10 PM
🎷 Georgia Sea Grill (SSI) – Jerry Gowen on piano – 6:30–9:30 PM
🎸 Captain Stan’s Smokehouse (Woodbine) – Live Music TBD – 6:30 PM
🎵 1509 Brunswick – Dexter Jones – 7–10 PM
🎤 Boondox Tavern (Bwk) – Roy Gentry & Hired Guns – 7–10:30 PM
🎶 Toucan’s Ale House (Bwk) – Your Mom’s Favorite Band – 7–10 PM
🎸 Wine Alley / Wine Body & Soul (SSI) – Motown Get Down with Rastar – 7–10 PM
🎵 The Ritz Theatre (Bwk) – Global Arts Initiative presents Wontanara Percussions (West African percussion & dance ensemble) – 7 PM
🎟️ Tickets: https://goldenislesarts.org
🎤 Hudson Creek Lodge (Darien) – The Big Oak Jam – 12 PM gates / Music all day:
2 PM Brock Butler (acoustic), 3:30 PM Pine Box Dwellers, 5 PM The Page Brothers Band, 6:30 PM Brock Butler Band, 8:30 PM Bonnie Blue ft. The BB Horns playing The Band
($35/pp entry; $25 car camping)
🎶 Village Inn & Pub (SSI) – Hot Banana Coffee – 8 PM
🎸 Bar at Mallery (SSI) – Cody Marlowe – 8–11 PM
🎤 Mullet Bay (SSI) – Young Americans – 8–11 PM
🎸 Reid’s Apothecary / The Study (Bwk) – The Pine Box Dwellers – 9 PM (912.289.2679 for password)
🎵 Bennie’s Red Barn / Tree Bar (SSI) – Dakota Duo – $5 – 9 PM
🎶 Woodbine Opry – Electric Dance Band Show – Free admission – 7 PM (Dining room opens 5 PM)

🎶 Sunday, November 9

🎸 Bubba Garcia’s (SSI) – Live Music – 12–3 PM
🎷 Bubba’s at Mary Ross Park (Bwk) – Live Music – 12–3 PM
🎶 Coastal Kitchen (SSI) – Live Music – 12–3 PM
🎸 Historic Downtown Brunswick – PORCHFEST! – 12–6 PM
Download the PorchFestBWK app or visit https://porchfestbwk.com for the full performer map & schedule.
(Finale: South of Athens @ Brunswick Manor, 5 PM)
🎸 Tabby House Brewing Co. (Darien) – Sanders Ragsdale – 2–5 PM
🎤 Captain Stan’s Smokehouse (Woodbine) – Joe King – 3 PM
🎶 Mullet Bay (SSI) – Josh Nunn – 4–7 PM
🎸 Beachcomber BBQ (SSI) – Live Music – 5–8 PM
🎤 The Hangout Bar & Grill (Bwk) – Landon Laroche – 5–8 PM
🎸 Hootenanny’s BBQ (Bwk) – PorchFest After Party – Blossomin’, Bone, The Page Brothers, & The Pine Box Dwellers – 6–10 PM
🎶 Silver Bluff Brewing (Bwk) – PorchFest After Party – Braedon Harris – 6–9 PM
🎷 Village Inn & Pub (SSI) – Phil King – 7 PM

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