One lucky ticket holder could walk away with $10,500 this fall—and every ticket sold helps care for homeless dogs and cats right here in Glynn County. The Big Paws Payout raffle combines the excitement of a major cash prize with the opportunity to support local animal rescue efforts, giving residents a fun way to make a real difference while taking a shot at winning big.

A word from our sponsor…
🎧 This Week's Newsletter is Brought to You by Dreamweavers DJ
Dreamweavers DJ isn't a national chain or a booking website—it's a local father-and-son team that's been helping Golden Isles couples throw unforgettable weddings for the past three years.
From ceremony sound and reception lighting to packed dance floors and stress-free planning, we bring the experience, energy, and music knowledge needed to keep your wedding running smoothly from the first guest arrival to the last dance.
Serving Brunswick, St. Simons, Jekyll, Savannah, Jacksonville, and beyond.

🐾 Win Big While Helping Glynn County's Homeless Pets
Feeling lucky? Here's a chance to support a great local cause and potentially take home a five-figure prize.
Grateful Cats, Canines, Allies & Supporters (GCAS) has launched its Big Paws Payout raffle to benefit Glynn County Animal Services. Only 350 tickets will be sold at $100 each, giving participants far better odds than most raffles.
If every ticket is sold, prizes include:
🥇 $10,500 Grand Prize
🥈 $5,250 Second Prize
🥉 $1,750 Third Prize
(If fewer than 350 tickets are sold, prize amounts adjust proportionally based on ticket sales.)
Tickets are available through September 12, and winners will be drawn live during GCAS's upcoming Sip & Stroll fundraiser in Downtown Brunswick—a fun evening pub crawl that will also be livestreamed for those following along from home.
Whether you're hoping to hit the jackpot or simply want to help homeless animals in Glynn County, every ticket supports a worthy cause.
More information & tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/gcass-big-paws-payoff
💻 Need a Place to Study or Work After 5 p.m.?
A local college student asked the community where she could spend a few hours studying in the evening without feeling like she was overstaying her welcome. The response was overwhelming, with dozens of recommendations ranging from cozy coffee shops to bookstores and cafés. One place, however, stood out above the rest—and after trying it herself, she called it "PERFECT" with "absolutely AMAZING espresso."
Read the full roundup:
https://goldenisleslantern.beehiiv.com/p/place-to-study-in-the-evening
Browse all of our Locals Recommend articles:
https://goldenisleslantern.beehiiv.com/t/locals-recommend
What’s Happening This Week
Tuesday, July 28
🌺 Coastal WildScapes: Little St. Simons Island Hibiscus Field Trip
7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
🎯 The Lodge at Little St. Simons
This guided field trip offers a rare opportunity to see the spectacular large-flowered hibiscus blooming in its natural freshwater wetland habitat on Little St. Simons Island. Hosted by Coastal WildScapes, the excursion is perfect for native plant enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone looking to experience one of Coastal Georgia's unique natural treasures.
More information:
https://www.coastalwildscapes.org/EVENTS
Tai Chi
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
🎯 Ida Hilton Public Library, 1105 North Way, Darien
Looking to improve your balance, flexibility, or simply slow down for an hour? Join this beginner-friendly Tai Chi class led by Ms. Sandra Double. No experience is necessary—just wear comfortable clothes and come ready to move.
Issue Investigation: What Can My Community Do About Data Centers?
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
🎯 One Hundred Miles Office / Online, 7 Glynn Ave., Brunswick
Data centers are becoming one of Coastal Georgia's biggest growth stories—and one of its most debated topics. This free educational session from One Hundred Miles explores what residents can do when large-scale data center projects are proposed in their communities. Whether you're simply curious or already following the conversation, this webinar offers practical information and real-world examples from around the coast. Registration includes access to the full four-part series, and recordings will be available afterward.
More information:
https://donate.onehundredmiles.org/event/issues-investigation-data-center-series/e811302
Create Your Own Petroglyphs
4:00 PM – 5:45 PM
🎯 Woodbine Public Library, 103 E. 8th Street, Woodbine
Kids can travel back thousands of years by creating their own petroglyph-inspired artwork using terra-cotta air-dry clay. The afternoon begins with a reading of The Runaway Mummy by Michael Rex before everyone gets hands-on with an archaeological-themed craft. A fun mix of storytime, creativity, and history.
🧘 Hot Yoga
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
🎯 Balance Wellness Studio, 1604 Newcastle St., Brunswick
Turn up the heat with this energizing Vinyasa/Hatha-style yoga class led by Staton Laws. The heated room is designed to help improve flexibility, build strength, and leave you feeling refreshed from head to toe. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or looking for a new fitness challenge, be prepared to sweat.
Admission: $20
🎵 Musical Bingo
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎯 Live Oak Tavern, 2463 Demere Rd., St. Simons Island
Think you know your music? Instead of numbers, you'll mark your bingo card with songs as DJ Michael King spins everything from classics to today's hits. Expect prizes every round, good food, cold drinks, and plenty of sing-along moments.
🧠 Trivia Tuesday at Mack's Bar-Be-Que
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎯 Mack's Bar-Be-Que, 6900 New Jesup Hwy., Brunswick
Grab a team, order some barbecue, and see if you've got what it takes to outsmart the competition. Local radio personality Scott Ryfun hosts this weekly trivia night featuring plenty of laughs, friendly competition, and prizes that just might pay for dinner.
Wednesday, July 29
🎬 Summer Movie Series: The Bad Guys 2
11:00 AM, 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM
🎯 Casino Theatre, St. Simons Island
Need to beat the heat? The Glynn County Recreation & Parks Department continues its affordable summer movie series with The Bad Guys 2 (PG). Admission is just $2 per person, concessions are available, and you can choose from three showtimes throughout the day. (Cash only.)
🍷 Legacy Lounge
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🎯 Driftwood Wine & Cocktails, 205 Gloucester St., Brunswick
Because great conversations, friendships, and memories don't retire. Legacy Lounge is a welcoming weekly gathering designed especially for retirees and senior adults looking to enjoy a relaxed afternoon in great company. Sip a glass of wine or your favorite beverage, enjoy light bites, and connect with old friends—or make a few new ones—in one of downtown Brunswick's coziest gathering spots.
❓ Trivia Night: Censored Edition
7:00 PM
🎯 Tipsy McSway's, 1414 Newcastle St., Brunswick
Think you know your pop culture, history, and current events? This week's themed trivia dives into the world of things that have been banned, censored, or otherwise controversial. Michael Hall hosts another fun evening of friendly competition, and reservations are recommended if you're bringing a team.
Reserve a table: 912-267-9991
Thursday, July 30
🫖 High Tea with Gray Benko
12:30 PM
🎯 The Grand Dining Room, Jekyll Island Club Resort
Spend an elegant afternoon with Magnolia Network star Gray Benko at this special High Tea event. Guests will enjoy handcrafted tea sandwiches, fresh-baked scones, decadent desserts, and lively conversation in the historic setting of the Jekyll Island Club. A unique opportunity for fans of design, entertaining, and Southern hospitality.
📚 Book Club: West With Giraffes
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
🎯 Ida Hilton Public Library, 1105 North Way, Darien
Join fellow readers for a discussion of Lynda Rutledge's bestselling novel West With Giraffes. Attend in person or join virtually through Google Meet if you can't make it to the library.
Google Meet:
https://meet.google.com/kpv-rthx-dvs
🎨 Holding Space: Glimpses of the Divine
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
🎯 Glynn Visual Arts, Portman Gallery, 106 Island Dr., St. Simons Island
Experience the opening reception for local artist and author Randy Siegel's newest multimedia exhibition. Blending paintings, sculpture, conceptual art, and live performance, the exhibit explores themes of personal and spiritual growth. During the reception, visitors are invited to participate in Siegel's interactive "Holding Space" performance, offering silent presence, intention, and reflection. Admission is free, and the exhibition remains on display through September 4.
🎤 Karaoke Night
Evening (Weekly Thursdays)
🎯 Driftwood Wine & Cocktails, 205 Gloucester St., Brunswick
Grab your favorite cocktail, warm up those vocal cords, and take the stage! Whether you're ready to belt out an '80s anthem or just cheer on friends, Thursday nights at Driftwood are all about good music, great vibes, and having fun. No experience required—just bring your best performance (or your best applause).
😂 Comedy Night at Rafters
8:00 PM
🎯 Rafters, 315 Mallery St., St. Simons Island
Get ready for a night of stand-up as Die Laughing Comedy brings another showcase to Rafters. Expect a professionally curated lineup featuring touring comedians with credits from Netflix, Hulu, Don't Tell Comedy, Comedy Dynamics, and major comedy clubs around the country. Grab dinner, order a craft cocktail, and settle in for 90–120 minutes of laughs.
Tickets:
https://rafters.bar/tickets

Live shows data courtesy of I’m With the Band
Monday, July 27
🎙️ Open Mic/Karaoke @ La Playa Park, Brunswick – 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
🎸 Jacob Sands @ Fish Tales Pub & Grill, Brunswick – 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
🎹 Tim Akins @ Georgia Sea Grill, St. Simons Island – 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
🎸 Gypsy Trane @ Side Pokkets, Brunswick – 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
🎤 Eddie Pickett @ Wee Pub Beach, Jekyll Island – 7:00 PM
🎸 Johnny White @ Mullet Bay, St. Simons Island – 7:00 PM–10:00 PM
🎙️ Open Mic Night hosted by Anthony Stubelek @ Palm Coast Coffee, St. Simons Island – Sign-up 8:00 PM, music 8:30 PM
Tuesday, July 28
🎤 Joey Thigpen @ Tortuga Jack's, Jekyll Island – 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
🎸 Cliff Bragdon @ Catch 228, St. Simons Island – 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
🎸 Josh Bruen @ Downtown Cooter Brown's, Brunswick – 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
🎤 Eddie Pickett @ Wee Pub Beach, Jekyll Island – 7:00 PM
🎹 Michaele Hannemann @ Georgia Sea Grill, St. Simons Island – 7:00 PM–9:00 PM
🎶 Live Music @ Mullet Bay, St. Simons Island – 8:00 PM–11:00 PM
Wednesday, July 29
🎸 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Boondox Tavern, Brunswick – 5:00 PM
🎤 Brody Williams @ Mellow Mushroom, St. Simons Island – 5:00 PM
🎶 Live Music @ Tortuga Jack's, Jekyll Island – 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
🎤 Eddie Pickett @ 24 Coastal Grill, Jekyll Island – 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
🎹 Tim Akins @ Georgia Sea Grill, St. Simons Island – 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
🎤 Joey Thigpen @ Hilton Garden Inn/Garden Grill, Brunswick – 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
🎸 Levi Moore @ Catch 228, St. Simons Island – 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
🎸 Cody Marlowe @ Uptown Tap & Cigar, St. Simons Island – 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
🎤 Tony Adams @ Village Inn & Pub, St. Simons Island – 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
🎤 Soulful Dave (Full Moon Party) @ Ocean Lodge Resort, St. Simons Island – 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
🎶 Live Music @ Captain Stan's Smokehouse, Woodbine – 6:30 PM
🎙️ Open Mic Night @ Wine Body & Soul, St. Simons Island – Sign-up 6:00 PM, music 7:00 PM–10:00 PM
🎶 Live Music @ Mullet Bay, St. Simons Island – 8:00 PM–11:00 PM
🎸 Rider @ Rafters, St. Simons Island – 9:00 PM–12:00 AM
Thursday, July 30
🎤 Rob Willis @ Tortuga Jack's, Jekyll Island – 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
🎸 Cody Marlowe @ Fish Tales Pub & Grill, Brunswick – 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
🎙️ Songbird Open Mic Night @ Hootenanny's BBQ, Brunswick – 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
🎸 Rider Trio @ The Wharf, Jekyll Island – 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
🎤 Brody Williams @ Three Oaks Steak & Seafood, Brunswick – 6:30 PM–9:30 PM
🎸 Tony Adams & Friends @ Bennie's Red Barn/Tree Bar, St. Simons Island – 7:00 PM–9:00 PM
🎸 Wharf Ratz @ Wee Pub Beach, Jekyll Island – 7:00 PM–10:00 PM
🎸 Cliff Bragdon @ Village Inn & Pub, St. Simons Island – 8:00 PM–11:00 PM
🎸 SideTone @ Mullet Bay, St. Simons Island – 8:00 PM–11:00 PM
🎤 Roy Gentry @ Ocean Lodge Resort, St. Simons Island – 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
🎸 The Three Lees @ Tipsy McSway's, Brunswick – 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
🎸 Hot Banana Coffee @ Reid's Apothecary/The Study, Brunswick – 9:00 PM (Call 912-289-2679 for the password.)

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