🎬Lights, Camera, Brunswick + Weekend Picks!

The red carpet is rolling out in the ‘Wick as the Golden Isles Film Festival returns to Historic Downtown Brunswick—and that’s just the opening scene. This week’s episode brings you everything from scrappy yard sales and sunrise stair climbs to dog pool parties, Bourbon & Blues, and a pinball wizard with a world ranking. Oh, and did we mention you can now report potholes by text? Scroll on for the hits, the heartwarming, and the hilariously hyperlocal.

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Hometown Headlines 🏝️

🎬 Lights, Camera, Brunswick: The Golden Isles Film Festival Returns!

The Golden Isles Film Festival (GIFF) is rolling out the red carpet once again—October 16–18, 2025—bringing indie cinema magic to the marsh-lined streets of Historic Downtown Brunswick. 🌴✨

This year’s lineup spans everything from powerful women-made shorts and haunting international features to laugh-out-loud comedies and bold, boundary-pushing debuts. It all kicks off with the evocative Shutter Bird on Thursday night, followed by a full weekend of screenings, filmmaker Q&As, industry forums, VIP receptions, and yes—even a late-night horror block. (Looking at you, Bring Her Back 👀.)

Whether you're a pass-holding film buff, a curious newcomer, or just here for the party (we see you, Little Zooks Happy Hour 🍻), GIFF is your backstage pass to stories that matter—set right here in The Golden Isles!

🎥 Highlights include:

• Withdrawal: A raw, music-driven drama about addiction, love, and survival.

• Rice & Grits: A heartfelt culinary exploration of Vietnamese American identity in the South.

• The Driving Test!: A comedic gem that redefines the DMV.

• Farewell, My Cornfield: A poetic coming-of-age tale from across the globe.

• A Cell Phone Movie: Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like—and it’s brilliant.

From fresh local voices to global visionaries, GIFF offers something for every flavor of film lover.

🎟️ More info and passes: goldenislesfilmfestival.com

📲 Got a Pothole? Just Text It In—Brunswick Makes Reporting a Breeze

No more wondering who to call or where to file a complaint—Brunswick just made reporting city issues as easy as sending a text.

Thanks to a new service powered by TextMyGov, residents can now text “HI” to 912-254-4424 to get instant help, report problems like potholes, missed trash pickup, overgrown weeds, code violations, and even ask about jobs or city services. Whether it’s about a cracked sidewalk or a barking dog, help is now just a few taps away.

💬 No app to download
⏱️ Available 24/7
🌟 Fast, easy, and actually kind of fun to use

It’s a major step forward for citizen engagement and a smart use of tech that brings local government a little closer to the people it serves. Just save the number in your phone and you’re ready to go.

What’s Happening This Weekend

Thursday, September 11

🎤 2025 Chautauqua Lecture Series: Daniel de Visé on B.B. King
🕰️ 6 PM
🎯 St. Simons Presbyterian Church, SSI
Explore how legends like B.B. King and Zora Neale Hurston left their mark on the Golden Isles. Daniel de Visé brings a fresh perspective in this insightful evening of storytelling and Southern history. Tickets: $30

🎤 Songbird Open Mic Night in the Yard
🕰️ 6 PM – 8 PM
🎯 Hootenanny’s BBQ, Brunswick
Bring your voice, your guitar, your kazoo, or your poetry notebook—it’s open mic under the stars. Sing your heart out or just kick back with some brisket and let the local talent serenade you.

🏈 Thursday Night Football at Downtown Cooter Brown’s
🕰️ Kickoff at 8:15 PM
🎯 1326 Newcastle St, Brunswick
Commanders vs. Packers on the big screen with cold drinks, bar food, and all the loud opinions you can handle. Come early for a good seat—stay late for the commentary from the regulars.

Friday, September 12

🧠 Brunswick Scrabble Club
🕰️ 10 AM – 12 PM
🎯 Marshes of Glynn Library, Brunswick
Flex your vocabulary muscles with the friendliest word warriors in town. All skill levels welcome—just bring your A-game and maybe a sneaky Q without a U.

⚾ Grand Opening of Golden Isles Sports Enhancement
🕰️ 5:30 PM – 7 PM
🎯 1510 Bay Street, Brunswick
Come see what the buzz is all about! Golden Isles Sports Enhancement is opening its doors with a celebration of strength, speed, and community spirit. Check out the space, test your skills, and meet the team that’s bringing performance to the next level.

🕹️ Friday Night Stern Army Pinball Tournament
🕰️ Friday, September 12, 7 PM – 10 PM
🎯 The Pinball Palace, Brunswick

Whether you're a casual flipper or a multiball master, it's time to step up to the glass! Join the Friday night Stern Army Tournament at The Pinball Palace for an evening of fast-paced match play, good vibes, and classic arcade adrenaline. Match play runs till 10 PM—then it’s finals time.

💥 Bonus hype: Local pinball wizard Nick Daniel just placed 3rd in the B Division at the PAPA 22 World Pinball Championships—yep, the biggest pinball tournament in the world. Representing The Pinball Palace in style, he competed among the best and made Brunswick proud, all while supporting suicide awareness through a tournament memorializing the late Lyman Sheats. Now that's flipping awesome.

Come out, cheer him on, and maybe challenge him to a round (if you dare). 🧙‍♂️✨

💃 Fun Friday Belly Dance for All Levels
🕰️ 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
🎯 1312 Newcastle St, Brunswick
Shake off the stress of the week with shimmies and smiles! Whether you’re a beginner or a belly dance boss, this all-levels class promises good vibes, fierce moves, and a room full of encouraging energy.

🎤 Late Night Fridays + Karaoke
🕰️ 9 PM ‘til late (Karaoke starts at 10 PM)
🎯 Downtown Cooter Brown’s, Brunswick
The Friday night vibes are strong downtown—come for the late night food menu, stay to belt out power ballads and Taylor Swift deep cuts until someone hands you the mic.

Saturday, September 13

🚒 Brunswick Fire Foundation’s 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
🕰️ Check-in at 8 AM | Climb begins at 8:46 AM
🎯 Glynn County Football Stadium, Brunswick
This powerful tribute to 9/11’s fallen heroes invites the community to climb 120 flights in honor of the FDNY firefighters. Hosted by the Brunswick Fire Foundation, the event is open to all—firefighters, families, supporters, and spectators. Come feel the impact, and help support local first responder programs.

🛍️ Community Yard Sale: Serenity Lane Takeover (Day 1)
🕰️ 8 AM – 3 PM
🎯 Serenity Lane, SSI
This isn’t your average yard sale—it’s a full-on neighborhood purge. Furniture, tools, art, outdoor gear, clothes from "Sunday best" to "yardwork ready," and lots of delightful randomness. Come early, dig deep, and bring a big trunk.

🧸 St. Simons UMC 2nd Annual Wheel-A-Thon
🕰️ 9 AM – 12 PM
🎯 St. Simons United Methodist Church, SSI
Trikes, scooters, strollers, oh my! Kids 12 and under take to the course in this fun, noncompetitive ride around the block. Plus: bounce houses, a toddler zone, silent auction, concessions, and more—all to support the SSUMC Preschool.

🛍️ Forward Brunswick Farmer's Market
🕰️ 9 AM – 1 PM
🎯 Mary Ross Waterfront Park, Brunswick
Fresh local produce, handmade goods, and that unmistakable waterfront breeze. Your Saturday morning just got sweeter.

🏍️ The Courage to Wish for More Benefit Ride
🕰️ 9:30 AM
🎯 Glynn County Fire Station 8, Brunswick
Rev up for a ride that matters. This charity motorcycle ride supports the Marty Lyons Foundation, helping grant wishes for children with terminal illnesses. Registration opens at 8:30 AM and kickstands go up at 9:30, ending with live music, raffle prizes, and more at Captain Stan's.

🛶 Satilla River Sandbar Paddle 4.0
🕰️ 10 AM – 3 PM
🎯 Meet at Satilla Grocery, Brunswick
Float down the tea-colored waters of the Satilla with sandbar picnics, good vibes, and personal coolers welcome. $20 per person with your own gear; rentals available. Bring your float, a snack, and an adventurous spirit for this mellow meander hosted by Latitude 29 Paddle Co.

🐾 Drool at the Pool
🕰️ 10 AM – 1 PM
🎯 Neptune Park Fun Zone, SSI
Yes, it’s real—and yes, it’s adorable. Dogs get to dive, splash, and doggie paddle their hearts out in this paw-some annual event. Just $2 per pup. Leashes required, but tails will be wagging free.

🍳 Brunch in the Beer Garden
🕰️ 11 AM – 3 PM
🎯 Silver Bluff Brewing Co., Brunswick
Breakfast Bowls. Waffle Platters. Beer-Mosas. Need we say more? Add some sunshine and Silver Bluff brews to make your weekend complete.

📚 Meet the Author & Photographers @ Goodyear Cottage
🕰️ 12 PM – 4 PM
🎯 Goodyear Cottage, Jekyll
Meet Sandy Malone, star of Wedding Island and author of the Gem of the Golden Isles series, as she shares her journey from journalist to TV personality to novelist. Also on hand: featured photographers Christine Dorrestein and Steve Kendall, discussing how they capture the coast so beautifully.

🐶 Downtown Brunswick Pup Crawl & Cat Walk
🕰️ 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM
🎯 Starts at Little Zooks & stops at Downtown Cooter Browns, 1509, Driftwood, Tipsy McSway's, Richland Rum, and Reid's Apothecary
Bring your pup (or just your love for furry friends) and sip your way through Downtown in this benefit for Glynn County Animal Services. $30 per human, pets drink free. Costumes? Highly encouraged.

🥃 Bourbon Bites & Blues 2025
🕰️ 6 PM – 9 PM
🎯 Village Creek Landing, SSI
An inaugural celebration benefiting Hospice of the Golden Isles. Expect flights of bourbon, culinary treats from Three Little Birds, and blues from The Pine Box Dwellers and The Gowen Family Band. SEC games on-screen, food stations flowing, and a raffle for a Sea Island Forge experience package. GA $150 | VIP $250
More info: https://bourbonbitesandblues.com

🐉 Dungeons & Dragons Adventure Night
🕰️ 6:30 PM – 9 PM
🎯 Spiral Wanderers Coffee Bar & Book Shop, Brunswick
Gather your party, grab a latte, and prepare for dice-fueled drama. Whether you're a chaotic good newbie or a dungeon master veteran, all are welcome to join the quest.

Sunday, September 14

🛍️ Community Yard Sale: Serenity Lane Takeover (Day 2)
🕰️ 8 AM – 3 PM
🎯 Serenity Lane, SSI
Day 2 = even better deals. Swing back through Serenity Lane and score what your neighbor didn’t grab on Saturday. It's your second chance at someone else’s forgotten treasure.

🍖 Founders Day BBQ – Golden Isles Veterans Village
🕰️ 11 AM
🎯 1403 G Street, Brunswick
Donors, sponsors, volunteers—you made the dream real, and now it’s time to celebrate. The Golden Isles Veterans Village invites you to a special appreciation BBQ. Bring your appetite and your pride. Parking is at Rise Risley.

🎉 Nautical Treasures Boutique 1-Year Birthday Bash
🕰️ 1 PM – 5 PM
🎯 107 Broad Street, Darien
It’s a boutique birthday blowout! Expect artist giveaways, DJ Angel spinning live, and plenty of snacks (popcorn, empanadas, baked goods). Raffles, shopping deals, and sweet vibes await in downtown Darien.

🎨 Craft Day at New Roots Glynn: Make a Sun Catcher
🕰️ 3 PM – 6 PM
🎯 1507 Reynolds Street, Brunswick
Channel your inner maker with a DIY suncatcher craft session. Supplies are provided, just bring a snack and your sparkle. RSVP required to Becky at (912) 324-0793.

🧘‍♀️ Restorative Yoga + Sound Bath
🕰️ 4 PM – 5:30 PM
🎯 Balance Wellness Studio, 1604 Newcastle St., Brunswick
Unwind your weekend with a guided stretch, deep breath, and immersive sound bath. It’s like therapy, but with chimes.
More info: https://balancebwk.com

🎵 Thursday, September 11

🎷 Jerry Gowen (piano) @ Georgia Sea Grill (SSI) – 6:30–9:30pm
🎸 Levi Moore @ The Hangout Bar & Grill (Bwk) – 6–9pm
🎤 Pinedas Duo @ Mexicali Fresh (formerly Cilantro’s, SSI) – 6–9pm
🎶 Roy Gentry @ Rooftop at Ocean Lodge (SSI) – 6–9pm
🎹 Crawford & Jim @ The Tipsy Zone at Tipsy McSway’s (Bwk) – 6–9pm
🎙️ Song Bird Open Mic (Family-friendly, originals encouraged) @ Hootenanny’s BBQ (Bwk) – 6–8pm
🎷 Jazz Night: Phil Morrison, Bill Smith, Jason Wampler @ The Studio (Darien) – 7–9pm ($10/BYOB)
🎸 Gabe Spell @ Village Inn & Pub (SSI) – 8–11pm
🎵 Brody Williams & Emma Mac @ Mullet Bay (SSI) – 8–11pm
🎶 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Tigre Island Room (Fernandina) – 8pm
🥁 Hot Banana Coffee @ Reid’s Apothecary / The Study (Bwk) – 9pm

🎵 Friday, September 12

🎸 Tony Adams @ Founder’s Social (JI) – 5–8pm
🎵 Live Music @ Beachcomber BBQ (SSI) – 5–8pm
🎸 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Hootenanny’s BBQ (Bwk) – 5–8pm
🎶 Jamie Walker @ Eighty Ocean Kitchen & Bar (JI) – 6–9pm
🎷 Annie Akins @ Sea Palms Resort / Sago (SSI) – 6–9pm
🎸 Ashton Rowland @ Shore / Residence Inn (JI) – 6–9pm
🎤 Chad Evors @ V Pizza (SSI) – 6–9pm
🎸 Michaele Hannemann @ Rooftop at Ocean Lodge (SSI) – 6–9pm
🎹 Jerry Gowen (piano) @ Georgia Sea Grill (SSI) – 6:30–9:30pm
🎵 Touch of Grey @ Captain Stan’s Smokehouse (Woodbine) – 6:30pm
🎶 Blossomin' Bone @ The Tipsy Zone at Tipsy McSway’s (Bwk) – 7–10pm
🎸 Dakota Duo @ Union Station Brewing Co (Jesup) – 7–10pm
🎤 Kurt Reifler @ Rafters (SSI) – 7–10pm
🎶 Defunk @ Gnat’s Landing (SSI) – 7–10pm
🎤 3 Day Weekend @ The Hangout Bar & Grill (Bwk) – 7–10pm
🎶 Your Mom's Favorite Band @ Toucan’s Ale House (Bwk) – 7–10pm
🎵 The Relics @ Tribuzio’s Grille (JI) – 6–9pm
🎷 Roy Gentry & Hired Guns @ Strand Bistro/Chophouse (Jesup) – 7:30–10pm
🎸 Habanero Bobby @ Bar at Mallery (SSI) – 8pm
🎸 Heather & James Duo @ Rafters (SSI) – 7–10pm
🎶 7 Street Band @ Mullet Bay (SSI) – 8–11pm
🎸 JayBone & Friends @ Bennie’s Red Barn / Tree Bar (SSI) – 9pm ($5 cover)
🥁 Last Call @ Reid’s Apothecary / The Study (Bwk) – 9pm
🎶 Rider @ Sanctuary Golf Club (Waverly) – 6–9pm
🎻 Trainwreck @ Sidetrax Bar (Jesup) – 9pm–1am ($10 cover)
🔥 Fire Lounge with Rastar @ Wine Alley / Wine Body & Soul (SSI) – 7–10pm
🎻 The Tide Kings @ Village Inn & Pub (SSI) – 8–11pm
🎸 Gabe Spell @ The Wharf (JI) – 6–9pm
🎻 Live Music @ Woodbine Opry (Bluegrass/Gospel Jam) – 7pm (free; dining opens at 5pm)

🎵 Saturday, September 13

🎤 Clara Easterlin @ Mary Ross Waterfront Park (Bwk – Farmer’s Market) – 9am–1pm
🎸 Kat Kincaid @ Hootenanny’s BBQ (Bwk) – 12–3pm
🎤 Ashton Rowland @ King City Kitchen (SSI) – 12–4pm
🎨 Clara Easterlin & Emma Mac @ Driftwood Wine & Cocktails (Bwk) – 1–3pm
🎸 Meet the Artists @ Goodyear Cottage (Jekyll) – 12–4pm
🎷 Blossomin’ Bone @ Bar at Mallery (SSI) – 8–11pm
🎤 Rider @ Bennie’s Red Barn / Tree Bar (SSI) – 9pm ($5 cover)
🎸 Zeke & the Begotten @ Boondox Tavern (Bwk) – 8–11pm
🎵 Live Music @ Brogen’s South (SSI) – 7–10pm
🎸 Tilt Williams @ Darien Waterfront Park – 7–9pm (Free concert! Bring canned goods)
🎸 Dooley & Baldwin Duo @ Fish Dock Bar & Grill (Townsend) – 7–10pm
🎵 Live Music @ Fish Tales Pub & Grill (Bwk) – 7–10pm
🎹 Michaele Hannemann @ Georgia Sea Grill (SSI) – 6:30–9:30pm
🎶 Squirt Gun @ Gnat’s Landing (SSI) – 7–10pm
🎸 Mike McDaniel @ The Hangout Bar & Grill (Bwk) – 6–9pm
🎤 Randall Dowling @ Mullet Bay (SSI) – 4–7pm
🎸 Grumpy Monkey @ Mullet Bay (SSI) – 8–11pm
🎤 Kurt Reifler @ Rafters (SSI) – 7–10pm
🎸 Defunk @ Reid’s Apothecary / The Study (Bwk) – 9pm
🎤 Last Call @ Tortuga Jack’s (JI) – 6–9pm
🎸 Cole Turner @ Toucan’s Ale House (Bwk) – 7–10pm
🎷 Rider @ V Pizza (SSI) – 6–9pm
🎸 Backbeat Boulevard @ The Wharf (JI) – 6–9pm
🎶 Bourbon, Bites & Blues (Hospice Benefit) @ Village Creek Landing (SSI) – 6–9pm
🎵 JayBone & Friends @ Village Inn & Pub (SSI) – 8–11pm
🔥 Fire Lounge Friday w/ Rastar @ Wine Alley / Wine Body & Soul (SSI) – 7–10pm
💃 Electric Dance Band Show @ Woodbine Opry – 7pm (Free; dining opens at 5pm)

🎵 Sunday, September 14

🎤 Michaele Hannemann & Mike Alongi @ Bubba Garcia’s (SSI) – 12–3pm
🎶 Live Music @ Barrier Island Brewing (SSI) – 12–3pm
🎶 Live Music @ The Wharf (JI) – 12–3pm
🎸 Rider Duo @ Heritage Oaks Golf Club (Bwk) – 12–3pm
🎤 Brody Williams & Emma Mac @ V Pizza (SSI) – 12–3pm
🎶 Josh Nunn @ Tabby House Brewing Co (Darien) – 2–5pm
🎤 Tim Akins @ Uptown Tap & Cigar (SSI) – 3–6pm
🎸 Ted Stuckey @ Captain Stan’s Smokehouse (Woodbine) – 3pm
🎤 Randall Dowling @ Mullet Bay (SSI) – 4–7pm
🎸 Drew Holloway @ The Hangout Bar & Grill (Bwk) – 5–8pm
🎶 Habanero Bobby @ Brogen’s North (SSI) – 5–8pm
🎷 Blossomin’ Bone @ Beachcomber BBQ (SSI) – 5–8pm
🎵 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Gnat’s Landing (SSI) – 6–9pm
🎤 Phil King @ Village Inn & Pub (SSI) – 7–10pm

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