It’s that magical time of year when Old Town’s porches turn into stages, guitars echo down Union Street, and gnomes roam free. 🎶 PorchFest 2025 — “Gnome on the Range” — is riding into Brunswick this Sunday with a full lineup of live music, local food, and front-yard fun. But before you grab your wagon and gnome hat, we’ve also got the scoop on fake $20 bills making the rounds, this week’s events, and a few good reasons to love where you live.

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🎶 PorchFest 2025: Gnome on the Range Rides Into Old Town This Sunday

If you hear guitars echoing down Union Street this Sunday — or spot a few gnomes dancing through Hanover Square — that can only mean one thing: Brunswick PorchFest is back!

Now in its seventh year, this beloved neighborhood tradition returns Sunday, November 9, from noon to 6 PM, turning the front porches of Old Town Brunswick into mini music stages for one glorious afternoon of live music, laughter, and local pride.

🎸 What Is PorchFest?

Imagine strolling through the historic streets of Old Town, cold drink in hand, as the sounds of rock, jazz, gospel, and bluegrass float through the air. Every porch is a stage, every corner a new surprise. Performers change on the hour, so you can wander from porch to porch discovering everything from local bands and singer-songwriters to dance troupes, storytellers, and kids’ ensembles.

It’s Brunswick’s biggest “choose-your-own-adventure” day — a free, family-friendly celebration where porches become stages and strangers become friends.

This year’s theme, “Gnome on the Range,” brings a playful twist to the festivities. Expect porches decked out in frontier-meets-fantasy style and plenty of gnome costumes wandering among the crowd.

🧒 For the Kids

Families will find plenty to keep little ones entertained at SPARK’s Kid’s Corral, a pop-up children’s museum hosted by the Golden Isles Children’s Museum in Hanover Square. Young explorers can get hands-on with art, crafts, storytelling, and even a mini “marshland obstacle course.”

🍔 Food, Drink & Finale

When hunger strikes, food trucks will be gathered around Halifax Square with everything from tacos to sweet treats, and drink vendors will keep things cool along Prince Street.
The day ends on a high note with a 5 PM finale performance by South of Athens at Brunswick Manor, followed by after-parties at Silver Bluff Brewing, Bubba’s Garcia’s, and Hootenanny’s BBQ.

Free trolley service will help festivalgoers zip between porches, while limited golf cart zones and new parking areas aim to keep the neighborhood pedestrian-friendly.

🌟 How It All Began

It might feel like a Brunswick original, but PorchFest actually started far away — in Ithaca, New York, back in 2007. The idea was simple: musicians playing on porches for neighbors passing by. Word spread, and soon PorchFests were popping up across the country.

In 2018, Old Town residents Angie Young and Susan Bates decided Brunswick needed one of its own. They rallied a group of neighbors (who soon dubbed themselves the Neighbor Gnomes) and launched the very first Brunswick PorchFest with 28 porches and performers.

And yes — it rained.
But in true Brunswick fashion, nobody went home. Bands played through the drizzle, kids danced barefoot in puddles, and a new local tradition was born.

By 2019, the event had nearly doubled in size, and the garden gnome became its unofficial mascot. After a brief pandemic pause in 2020, PorchFest returned stronger than ever, introducing yearly themes like “Yardigras” (a Mardi Gras-style celebration), “There’s No Place Like Gnome” (a Wizard of Oz nod), and “Porch of Call” (featuring nautical décor and yacht rock).

Last year’s theme, “The Gnoman Empire,” brought togas, laurel crowns, and record-breaking crowds — over 10,000 attendees and 74 performers across 62 porches. The debut of the PorchFest app made it easier than ever to navigate the day, while proceeds benefited local nonprofits like Mannah House and Amity House.

💛 A Festival With Heart

What makes PorchFest truly special is that it’s 100% volunteer-driven. The performers, porch hosts, and organizers donate their time and talent to make the day happen. Proceeds from merch sales go right back into the community, supporting downtown improvement projects and local charities.

It’s a celebration of what makes Brunswick Brunswick — the music, the neighbors, the porch swings, and that unmistakable small-town magic that makes strangers stop and chat like old friends.

So grab your wagon, your raincoat (just in case), and your best gnome hat — and come see why so many locals call PorchFest their favorite day of the year.

🎯 Old Town Brunswick
🕰️ Sunday, November 9 • Noon–6 PM
🎵 Finale 5 PM @ Brunswick Manor | After-Parties 6 PM @ Silver Bluff, Bubba’s & Hootenanny’s
📱 Download the Brunswick PorchFest app for maps, schedules, and performer info
💰 Tip your bands — they’re playing for love, not pay!
🌦 Rain or shine — because the show always goes on in Brunswick.

More info: https://porchfestbwk.com

💵 Fake $20 Bills Circulating in Brunswick — Here’s What to Know

Local businesses are on alert this week after reports surfaced of counterfeit $20 bills being passed around Brunswick and Glynn County. Posts from several business owners and bank employees on social media say they’ve spotted a wave of realistic-looking fakes — some good enough to slip past the usual pen test.

Multiple locations, from Papa John’s and Wendy’s to Dollar General, have reportedly received bogus bills since the weekend. One local banker wrote that her branch received “several from multiple businesses this morning,” noting that the fakes were “obviously fake up close — the eagle emblem is too blue, the paper feels wrong, and the portrait watermark is missing.”

What’s interesting — and not new — is the timing. Locals were quick to point out that this tends to happen every year when the fair is in town. It’s not clear whether there’s a direct link, but some former law enforcement and retail workers say it’s a common pattern: organized counterfeit teams follow fair circuits, using the busy crowds to pass off fake bills while breaking large denominations into smaller change.

One commenter who claimed to know an old counterfeiter even described the method: “They’d travel with fairs, break large bills, and one person would hold the stash while others made small purchases. They could make thousands a night.”

🕵️‍♀️ How to Spot a Fake $20 Bill

Whether you’re working a register, selling at a festival, or just grabbing dinner, here are a few quick checks to protect yourself:

1️⃣ Feel the texture — Real U.S. currency is a blend of cotton and linen, not plain paper. It should feel slightly rough, not smooth or waxy.

2️⃣ Look for the security strip — Hold the bill up to the light; you should see a thin embedded vertical strip that reads “USA TWENTY.”

3️⃣ Check for the watermark — A faint image of Andrew Jackson’s portrait should appear on the right side of the bill when held to the light.

4️⃣ Tilt for color-shifting ink — The numeral “20” in the lower right corner should change color from copper to green when tilted.

5️⃣ Watch for odd details — Blurry borders, mismatched fonts, missing microprinting, or blue-tinted eagles are all red flags.

6️⃣ Don’t rely on pens alone — The counterfeit detection markers can be fooled by treated paper. If something feels off, trust your instincts and double-check.

If you suspect you’ve received a counterfeit bill, don’t try to spend it. Contact the Brunswick Police Department or your bank. You can also report counterfeit currency directly to the U.S. Secret Service (the federal agency that handles currency crimes).

🗣️ Community Reminder

While the fair brings excitement (and funnel cakes) each year, it also brings large crowds and cash-heavy transactions — making it prime time for scammers to strike. Be cautious, take an extra moment to inspect your bills, and keep your small businesses safe.

As one commenter put it: “It happens every year when the fair is in town — so check twice, spend once.”

What’s Happening This Week

🏃 Monday, November 3

🏃 Monday Night Runs @ Game Changers (SSI)
🕰️ 6–7 PM
🎯 Game Changers Running Co., Redfern Village
Mondays aren’t for the couch! Join the weekly group run at Game Changers — open to runners, walkers, and everything in between. Meet friendly faces, enjoy the crisp evening air, and maybe reward yourself afterward with a bite in the Village.

🎨 Tuesday, November 4

🎨 World of Watercolor (GVA – SSI)
🕰️ 12–2 PM
🎯 Glynn Visual Arts
Unwind with color! Artist Deborah Jinkins leads this relaxed watercolor workshop for all skill levels. Drop in for creative inspiration or commit to a full four-week series — either way, expect good vibes and better brushstrokes.
More info: https://www.glynnvisualarts.org

📚 Book to Film Series: Stephen King
🕰️ 1–2 PM
🎯 Casino Building Room 114 (SSI)
The book? Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. The takeaway? Great discussion, followed later by the movie screening. Free, informal, and perfectly nerdy.

🐍 Snakes of the Southeast
🕰️ 3:30–4:30 PM
🎯 Casino Building Room 108 (SSI)
Get a fascinating up-close look at Georgia’s most misunderstood neighbors. Hosted by the Jekyll Island Authority — no worries, the venomous ones stay behind glass!

💍 Cunningham’s Jewelers Buying Event (Day 1)
🕰️ 9:30 AM–5:30 PM (continues through Thursday)
🎯 1510 Newcastle St., Brunswick
Cunningham’s hosts a 3-day estate-buying event where specialists evaluate jewelry, coins, silver, and fine art — and pay on the spot. Walk-ins welcome.
More info: https://www.nationalrarities.com

🍷 Ladies’ Night @ Driftwood
🕰️ 6:30–8:30 PM
🎯 Driftwood Wine & Cocktails, Brunswick
Driftwood transforms into a cozy escape for women who do it all. Expect bubbles, laughter, and luxe little touches (like complimentary champagne).
Vendors this month: Southern Blue Phoenix LLC & Love Joy Peace Yoga.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdjJsSuIrwh7xVpfUwSVwpatxSkStpBe9kS248uoudvQJB6ZQ/viewform

🎶 Music Bingo @ Silver Bluff
🕰️ 6–9 PM (Bingo starts 6:30)
🎯 Silver Bluff Brewing Co., Brunswick
DJ Saleem spins the tunes — you match the hits for prizes! Grab a pint, sing along, and test your pop-music memory.

🏘️ Tri-Area Neighborhood Planning Assembly
🕰️ 6 PM
🎯 Worth It Nation Intl Ministries, 1504 Fourth St. (Brunswick)
Have ideas for improving your neighborhood? Chair Odis Muhammad wants to hear them. Local voices make real change.
📧 [email protected]

☕ Wednesday, November 5

☕ Lucas Forum: Entrepreneurship & Coffee (Monthly)
🕰️ 9–10 AM
🎯 Lucas Center for Entrepreneurship, 209 Gloucester St., Brunswick
Wake up your brain — and your business ideas — at this monthly meetup for local entrepreneurs. The Lucas Forum is where founders, dreamers, and doers come together to share what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next. Whether you’re building a side hustle or scaling a startup, you’ll find friendly faces and plenty of caffeine.

More info: https://www.lucascenter.org

🪙 Cunningham’s Jewelers Buying Event (Day 2)
🕰️ 9:30 AM–5:30 PM
🎯 1510 Newcastle St., Brunswick
Turn unwanted valuables into instant cash — no appointment needed.

🧘 Free Yoga Wednesdays (SSI Library)
🕰️ 3–4 PM
🎯 St. Simons Library, Room 108 (Casino Building)
Stretch, breathe, and reset with instructor Bitsy Moores. Perfect for beginners; mats provided.

💇‍♀️ Meet the Team @ Sip & See
🕰️ 3–8 PM
🎯 Embraced Salon & Spa, Brunswick
Sip, snack, and meet the stylists keeping Brunswick beautiful. The first 10 guests snag door prizes; every purchase earns raffle entries for prizes (up to $300).

🌕 Moon Rise Dinner @ ECHO (SSI)
🕰️ 5–9 PM
🎯 The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort
A coastal classic! Enjoy oceanfront dining and cocktails as the full moon rises over the water.

📖 OHM Environmental Book Club – The Serviceberry
🕰️ 6:30 PM
🎯 One Hundred Miles Office, 7 Glynn Ave, Brunswick
Discuss Robin Wall Kimmerer’s The Serviceberry and explore coastal stewardship with fellow nature lovers.
Tickets / registration: https://donate.onehundredmiles.org/event/brunswick-ohm-environmental-book-club/e713209

🎨 Paints & Pints @ Silver Bluff
🕰️ 6–8 PM
🎯 Silver Bluff Brewing Co., Brunswick
Paint your own pottery with The Tinted Tide crew — one drink included! Pieces are kiln-fired and ready for pickup in 2 weeks.
🎟️ Tickets: https://www.firedflow.com/event-list

🍺 Trivia Night @ Tipsy McSway’s
🕰️ 7–9 PM
🎯 1414 Newcastle St., Brunswick
Grab your team (or play solo) for this fast-paced trivia brawl. Categories span pop culture, movies, and music — with cold drinks and prizes for champions.\

🪩 Trivia Night @ Rafters (SSI)
🕰️ 10–11:30 PM
🎯 Rafters, 315 Mallery St., SSI
Late-night trivia for the night owls! Hosted by Jeff Montaigne, this new event brings prizes for 1st and 2nd place — plus bragging rights.

💛 Thursday, November 6

💍 Cunningham’s Jewelers Buying Event (Final Day)
🕰️ 9:30 AM–5 PM
🎯 1510 Newcastle St., Brunswick
Last chance to trade gold, coins, or fine art for immediate payment.

🦃 Golden Isles MomCo Friendsgiving
🕰️ 9:45–11:45 AM
🎯 708 Mansfield St., Brunswick
A potluck-style brunch and “Seeds of Faith” lesson for moms of all ages. Childcare provided, friendships guaranteed, and Thanksgiving vibes strong.

🎨 Sip & Stitch (Marshes of Glynn Libraries)
🕰️ 10 AM
🎯 Casino Building Room 114, SSI
Bring your craft project and unwind over tea with fellow makers. Knitters, quilters, and stitchers welcome!

♻️ Torras Foundation / Rivers Alive Cleanup
🕰️ 4 PM
🎯 South Brunswick River Bridge (off Hwy 303)
Pitch in for the planet! All ages welcome for this Keep Golden Isles Beautiful cleanup event. Supplies and T-shirts available while they last.
More info: https://kgib.org

🛍️ Tonya’s Treasures Holiday Open House – Sip & Shop! (SSI)
🕰️ 4–8:30 PM
🎯 123 Mallery St., SSI
It’s the coast’s most festive shopping party! Enjoy snacks, beer, and wine while shopping for holiday gifts and entering raffles (up to $300). The first 50 guests get a free tote!
More info: https://www.tonyastreasures.com

🍷 Complimentary Wine Tasting (Uncle Don’s Local Market)
🕰️ 5–7 PM
🎯 Uncle Don’s Local Market (SSI)
Sip and sample a rotating selection of whites, rosés, and reds. Relaxed and local — just how we like it.

🌸 Fall Floral Centerpiece Class (Darien)
🕰️ 6–8 PM
🎯 The Studio, 111 N. Walton St., Darien
Design a seasonal centerpiece with instructor Allyson Gatlin — complete with a 7″ resin pumpkin and fresh flowers. All supplies included ($65).
🎟️ Tickets: https://darienstudio.com/book-a-class/ola/services/fall-floral-centerpiece-class-with-allyson

🎭 Sean of the South – Live at The Ritz (Brunswick)
🕰️ 7 PM (Doors 6 PM)
🎯 The Ritz Theatre
Beloved storyteller Sean Dietrich brings his music-filled one-man show to Brunswick. Expect heart, humor, and a few tears. Book signing after the show.

🎵 Monday, November 3

🎹 Tim Akins @ Georgia Sea Grill (SSI) – 6–9 PM
🎸 Ted Stuckey @ Wee Pub Beach (JI) – 7 PM
🎸 Ashton Rowland @ Mullet Bay (SSI) – 7–10 PM
🎻 Satilla Blue @ Woodbine Opry – 7 PM (Free admission; dining room opens at 5)
🎤 Open Mic Night hosted by Anthony Stubelek @ Palm Coast Coffee (SSI) – Doors 8 PM / Music 8:30 PM ($5 for non-performers)

🎵 Tuesday, November 4

🎤 Joey Thigpen @ Tortuga Jack’s (JI) – 5–8 PM
🎸 Levi Moore @ Downtown Cooter Brown’s (Bwk) – 6–9 PM
🎹 Michaele Hannemann (piano) @ Georgia Sea Grill (SSI) – 7–9 PM
🎹 Tim Akins @ Mullet Bay (SSI) – 7–10 PM
🎸 Ted Stuckey @ Wee Pub Beach (JI) – 7 PM

🎵 Wednesday, November 5

🎸 Eddie Pickett @ 24 Coastal Grill (JI Holiday Inn) – 5–8 PM
🎸 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Boondox Tavern (Bwk) – 5–9 PM
🎸 Rider Duo @ Tortuga Jack’s (JI) – 5–8 PM
🎤 Levi Moore @ Catch 228 (SSI) – 6–9 PM
🎹 Tim Akins (piano) @ Georgia Sea Grill (SSI) – 6–9 PM
🎤 Joey Thigpen @ Hilton Garden Grill (Bwk) – 6–9 PM
🎤 Roy Gentry @ Mack’s Bar-B-Que (Bwk) – 6–9 PM
🎷 Hot Banana Coffee @ Uptown Tap & Cigar (SSI) – 6–7:30 PM
🎤 Tony Adams @ Village Inn & Pub (SSI) – 6–8 PM
🎸 Live Music @ Captain Stan’s Smokehouse (Woodbine) – 6:30 PM
🎸 Open Mic Jam with The Red Shed Band @ The Jerk Shack (Bwk) – Starts 7 PM
🎸 Live Music @ Mullet Bay (SSI) – 7–10 PM
🎤 Open Mic Night in the Alley @ Wine Alley / Wine, Body & Soul (SSI) – Sign-up 6 PM / Music 7–10 PM
🎸 Trivia Night Afterparty Vibes @ Rafters (SSI) – Trivia 10–11:30 PM (with music to follow!)

🎵 Thursday, November 6

 🎤 Drew Holloway @ The Hangout Bar & Grill (Bwk) – 6–9 PM
🎤 Gypsy Joe hosts Acoustic Open Mic Jam @ The Jerk Shack (Bwk) – 6–9 PM
🎸 Crawford & Co. @ The Tipsy Zone / Tipsy McSway’s (Bwk) – 6–9 PM
🎸 Rob Willis @ Tortuga Jack’s (JI) – 6–9 PM
🎸 Roy Gentry @ Rooftop at Ocean Lodge (SSI) – 6–9 PM
🎷 Songbird Open Mic Night @ Hootenanny’s BBQ (Bwk) – 6–8 PM (Family-friendly, originals encouraged)
🎸 Live Music @ The Wharf (JI) – 6–9 PM
🎸 Live Music @ ECHO / The King & Prince Resort (SSI) – 6–9 PM
🎹 Jerry Gowen (piano) @ Georgia Sea Grill (SSI) – 6:30–9:30 PM
🎸 Tony Adams @ Bennie’s Red Barn / Tree Bar (SSI) – 7:30–10 PM
🎸 Live Music @ Village Inn & Pub (SSI) – 7–10 PM
🎸 WharfRatz @ Wee Pub Beach (JI) – 7–10 PM
🎸 Live Music @ Mullet Bay (SSI) – 8–11 PM
🎸 Taylor Martin & Josh Kirkland Trio @ Rafters (SSI) – 8–11 PM
🎷 Hot Banana Coffee @ The Study / Reid’s Apothecary (Bwk) – 9 PM (Password required – call 912.289.2679)
🎸 Backbeat Boulevard @ Taste of the Wild Fundraiser – Emma’s Driftwood Farm (Darien) – 9 PM (Tickets: bgcsega.org)

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