🎃 Shrimp, Spirits & Spooky Streets: A Jam-Packed Weekend

Your Guide to the Golden Isles for October 23-26

October 23, 2025

Is this the most jam-packed weekend we’ve ever seen? We think so! From shrimp feasts to spooky campfires, Halloween parties to yoga flows, it’s a non-stop parade of fun all across the Golden Isles. Whether you’re in the mood for music, mischief, or mystery, this weekend’s lineup is bursting at the seams.

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Hometown Headlines 🏝️

🦐 Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival Returns Oct. 24–25

Jekyll Island’s biggest weekend is back! The Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival, presented by the Jekyll Island Authority, celebrates the South’s most beloved dish with two full days (and one dazzling night) of food, music, art, and family fun in the Historic District.

🎯 Location: Historic District, Jekyll
🕰️ Friday, Oct. 24: 4–9 p.m.
🕰️ Saturday, Oct. 25: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

✨ Highlights

  • Fireworks: Friday night around 7:15 p.m. — a coastal sky show you won’t want to miss.

  • Food Heaven: From classic shrimp & grits to funnel cakes, BBQ, lobster rolls, and frozen pops — more than 20 local favorites and food trucks serving nonstop.

  • Handmade Market: Dozens of regional makers offering everything from pottery, woodwork, and jewelry to honey, soaps, and sauces.

  • Artists Market: Paintings, photography, glasswork, and gifts from across the Southeast — shop while the live bands play!

🎶 Live Music Lineup

Main Stage
Friday, Oct. 24
4–6 p.m. Backbeat Blvd.
6:30–7:15 p.m. 14K GOLD Band
7:30–9 p.m. The Tams

Saturday, Oct. 25
10–11:30 a.m. The Vibe
11:50 a.m.–1:20 p.m. South of Athens
1:40–3:10 p.m. Squirt Gun
3:30–5 p.m. Billy Gunther & The Midwest Riders
5:30–7 p.m. The Willis Gore Band
7:30–9 p.m. Electric Avenue – 80’s Tribute Band

Skeet House Stage
Friday, Oct. 24
4–5:30 p.m. Joe King
5:45–7:15 p.m. Scott Pallot
7:30–9 p.m. Carpetbaggers

Saturday, Oct. 25
10–11 a.m. Eddie Pickett
11:15 a.m.–12:45 p.m. Michaele Hannemann
1–2:30 p.m. Paul Ivey
2:45–3:45 p.m. Conni Laine
4–5:30 p.m. Andy Johnson
5:45–7:15 p.m. Micah Bonn
7:30–9 p.m. Pine Box Dwellers

🍤 Don’t Miss

  • Shrimp & Grits cook-offs and samplers from top Golden Isles chefs

  • Scenic views under the oaks with live music and art all around

  • Kid-friendly fun, local brews, and southern hospitality in every bite

⛳ Great Dunes Golf Course Reopens with Ocean Views & Historic Flair

After a year-long restoration, Jekyll Island’s Great Dunes Golf Course is open again — and better than ever. Designed by famed amateur golfer Walter Travis in 1926, the course has been reimagined by architects Bryan Ross and Jeff Steinto honor its Golden Age roots while adding new ocean vistas and natural beauty.

🎯 Location: Jekyll Island
🕰️ Now open for tee times (1–4 players, $100–$135)
💻 Book at: https://jekyllisland.com/activities/golf/book-tee-time

The restored course now incorporates nine holes from the Oleander layout and brings back Travis’s original dune-side design philosophy — “you’ll never feel like you’ve left the dunes until you head back to the clubhouse,” said Stein.

Highlights include:

  • 🌊 Expansive ocean views visible from multiple holes

  • 🌾 Native dune restoration with brackish-water irrigation that supports wildlife habitats

  • 🐦 Conservation corridor running the length of the island for ospreys, deer, and other local species

  • 🎩 Historic touches drawn from 1920s photos and telegrams found in JIA’s archives

Deputy Director Noel Jensen called the rebuild a “testament to Travis’s skill,” blending challenge, history, and preservation into one scenic experience.

What’s Happening This Weekend

🎯 Thursday, October 23

Wine Tasting @ Uncle Don’s Local Market
🕰️ 5–7 PM
🎯 Uncle Don’s Local Market, SSI
Sample local wines for $10 — and if you buy a bottle, your next tasting fee is free.
Contact: [email protected]

Prime Chophouse Supper Club
🕰️ 5:30–8:30 PM
🎯 The Grand Dining Room, Jekyll Island Club
An elegant night of steakhouse favorites and fine dining in the island’s most iconic setting. Adults $75++, children $45++.

Mile Marker Party on St. Simons Sound
🕰️ 6–9 PM
🎯 550 Beachview Dr., SSI
Join One Hundred Miles for a night of food, drinks, music, and an auction supporting coastal conservation. Celebrate the beauty of our 100-mile coast!
Tickets: https://donate.onehundredmiles.org/event/mile-marker-party-on-st-simons-island-2025/e715966

Dungeons & Dragons Night
🕰️ 6–9 PM
🎯 Spiral Wanderers Coffee Bar & Book Shop, Brunswick
Roll for initiative! An inviting night of fantasy quests, coffee, and camaraderie — all adventurers welcome.

Kids Belly Dance Class
🕰️ 6:30–7:30 PM
🎯 1510 Bay St., Brunswick
For ages 7–12 — a six-week belly dance class hosted by Golden Isles Belly Dance. Includes recital performance at the Ritz Theatre in November!

Golden Isles Tiki Society Meetup
7:00 PM
🎯 Little Zooks, Brunswick
Dust off your best tiki mug and join the crew for island vibes, tropical attire, and conversation that only gets better with rum.

Friday, October 24

Making POUR Decisions! 🍑🍷
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
🎯 Cabana Lounge, Jekyll
Spend your Friday sipping Georgia wines and hard ciders — peachy, boozy, and perfectly laid-back.

Shrimp & Grits Hospitality Hall
3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎯 Morgan Center, Jekyll
Chill out indoors with comfy seating, vintage games, and cocktail stations. The ultimate festival lounge.

Salty's Spooktacular Glow Run
5:00 PM
🎯 College of Coastal Georgia – Brunswick Campus
Glow sticks, costumes, a DJ dance party, and a fun run that raises money for scholarships and Breast Cancer Awareness.
More info: https://www.ccga.edu/saltysglowrun

Art Heist! Murder Mystery Party
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
🎯 Makers BWK, Brunswick
Someone's dead and everyone’s a suspect. Join this immersive murder mystery where only the clever survive.
💵 $45

Parents Night Out: Brick-O-Ween Bash
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
🎯 The Brick, Brunswick
Drop the kids off for games, candy, and pizza while you go enjoy some grown-up Halloween fun.
💵 $35

Ghosts & Legends of Hofwyl-Broadfield
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
🎯 Hofwyl Plantation, Brunswick
Lantern-lit ghost tours through one of Georgia’s most storied plantations. Spooky, scenic, and packed with Southern lore.
💵 $20 – Call 912-264-7333

In The Tipsy Zone with The Thunderbird Blues Band
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🎯 Tipsy McSway’s, Brunswick
Slide into the weekend with guitar licks that sizzle. Dave channels Hendrix and Stevie Ray like nobody else — raw, soulful, and electric. Pair it with a cold drink and a crowd that knows good music when they hear it.

Friday Night Tarot with Nicole
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎯 Spiral Wanderers, Brunswick
Find your path with a candlelit tarot reading. Suggested donation $10.

Screamz – Ozzy Tribute Night
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🎯 Screamz Haunted Forest, Hoboken GA
Ozzy tribute show, haunted walk, fireworks, monster parade, and DJ. It’s full-on fright fest.
💵 $20 at the gate (cash only)
More info: https://screamzhaunt.com

Fireworks @ Shrimp & Grits Festival
7:15 PM
🎯 Jekyll Island
Grab your shrimp and look up — the skies are lighting up over Jekyll.

🔥 Haunted Campfire @ Crooked River State Park (St. Marys)
🕰️ 8 PM
🎯 6222 Charlie Smith Sr. Hwy, St. Marys

Gather 'round the fire ring behind campsite 11 for spine-tingling tales and gooey s’mores under the stars. A real park ranger will be your spooky storyteller for the evening. Campers and day visitors welcome—just remember to BYOC (Bring Your Own Chair)!

Late Nights at Downtown Cooter Brown's
9:00 PM – 12:00 AM
🎯 1326 Newcastle Street, Brunswick
Karaoke kicks off at 10 and the kitchen’s serving up special late-night eats ‘til midnight.

Saturday, October 25

Shrimp & Grits Boat Tour
9:00 AM
🎯 Brunswick → Jekyll
Start the day with a scenic boat ride that drops you off right at the festival gates. Hosted by Ruff's Custom Coastal Adventures. BYO sea legs.

Forward Brunswick Farmer’s Market
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
🎯 Mary Ross Waterfront Park, Brunswick
Fresh veggies, local vendors, handmade goods, and riverfront vibes. The perfect way to Saturday.
More info: https://forwardbrunswick.org/farmersmarket

Trunk or Treat + Bake Sale
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🎯 Lord of Life Lutheran Church, SSI
Get the kiddos dressed up and bring your sweet tooth for this church-hosted candy run and bake sale.

Books & Blooms
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
🎯 1614 Newcastle St, Brunswick
Create a fresh bouquet while browsing gently loved books. It smells good and reads well.

Shrimp & Grits Festival Day 2
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
🎯 Jekyll Historic District
The big day: food, live music, vendors, and all the Southern coastal charm you can handle. Bring stretchy pants.

Fall Family Fun on the Farm
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🎯 Incacheetoo, Waverly
Hayrides, pig races, slides, mini cows, and the largest non-exotic petting zoo in Georgia.

St. Simons Island Wine Festival
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
🎯 130 Gary L Moore Ct, SSI
Swirl, sip, and support local arts at this relaxing fundraiser for Glynn Visual Arts.
More info: https://ssiwinefestival.com

Pop-Up Book Signing
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
🎯 Tabby House Brewing, Darien
Grab a pint and meet Paul Meacham, author of Abandoned Coastal Georgia. He’ll be signing books and chatting history.

Glynn County Tigers Trunk or Treat
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎯 2900 Albany St, Brunswick
Games, candy, bounce houses, and good vibes. Great for families, even better for sugar lovers.

First Annual Trunk or Treat
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎯 I-95 Toyota, Brunswick
Decorate your trunk, win prizes, bounce to the DJ’s beat, and help raise money for Safe Harbor.

Shrimp & Grits Garden Party
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🎯 371 Riverview Dr, Jekyll
An enchanting evening with unlimited chef-crafted bites, top-shelf cocktails, full bar, desserts, and live music under the oaks.
💵 $75+ Adults | $45+ Children

Echoes on the Altamaha: Candle Lantern Tour
6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
🎯 Fort King George, Darien
Haunting colonial tales brought to life under candlelight. Ghosts from Georgia’s past await.
💵 $10 – Call 912-437-4770

Spooktacular Movie Night
7:00 PM
🎯 The Canopy Restaurant, Darien
Outdoor movie, bonfires, popcorn, games, and a costume contest under the stars.

Haunted Hotel History Tour
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎯 Jekyll Island Club
Tales from the eerie halls of the Clubhouse. An elegant fright with just the right amount of spooky.
More info: https://www.jekyllclub.com/local-experiences

Ghouls Night Out: Hip-Hop Dance Party
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎯 Studio South Performing Arts Center, Brunswick
BYOB, wear a costume, and get ready to move. It’s hip-hop with Halloween flair.
💵 Suggested donation: $25
More info: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/halloween-girls-night-out-hip-hop-class

Little Zooks 80s Party
8:00 PM
🎯 Little Zooks, Brunswick
The neon is calling. Come relive the 80s with retro jams and big hair energy.

Sunday, October 26

Fall Family Fest
10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
🎯 Golden Isles Church of God, Brunswick
Service starts the day, followed by hayrides, pony rides, bounce houses, snow cones, and a Big Baller Wipeout course. Bring the kids and comfy shoes.

NFL Sundays at Downtown Cooter Brown's
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🎯 1326 Newcastle Street, Brunswick
Bottomless mimosas, wing specials, and wall-to-wall football screens. It’s brunch + blitz.

Sunday Funday with Hootenanny’s BBQ
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
🎯 1708 Ellis Street, Brunswick
Kids under 6 eat free, entrees are discounted, and the smell of smoked meat fills the air.

Howl-O-Ween Trick or Treat
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
🎯 The Dog Stop, Brunswick
Free treats for dogs and discounts for their humans. Costumes encouraged!

Golden Isles Children’s Business Fair
11:00 AM
🎯 Mary Ross Waterfront Park, Brunswick
Support young entrepreneurs selling everything from handmade crafts to snacks. These kids mean business!

Shrimp & Grits After Party
12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
🎯 24 Coastal Grill, Jekyll
Wrap the weekend with live music, beach games, beer tastings, and last bites by the sea.

Lobster Dogs @ Silver Bluff Brewing
12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
🎯 1325 Newcastle St, Brunswick
Lobster rolls + local brews = Sunday sorted.

Witches & Wizards Bike Ride
1:30 PM
🎯 Mallery Park, SSI
Throw on your cloak or your conical hat and join this magical group bike ride across the island.

All Hallows’ Eve Festival
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
🎯 Christ Church Frederica, SSI
Games, food trucks, hayrides, haunted house, and a Phantom of the Organ performance. Yes, seriously.

Tailgate Sunday
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🎯 Christian Renewal Church, Brunswick
Inflatables, grilled food, football, and fun. Just like a neighborhood block party with a spiritual twist.

Thursday, October 23

🎤 Crawford & Jim @ The Tipsy Zone at Tipsy McSway’s (Bwk) – 6pm
🎤 Songbird Open Mic Night @ Hootenanny’s BBQ (Bwk) – 6–8pm (family-friendly, originals encouraged)
🎤 Joey Thigpen & Keith Dean @ Echo / The King & Prince Resort (SSI) – 6–9pm
🎸 Rider @ The Wharf (JI) – 6–9pm
🎤 Charlie Judd @ The Hangout Bar & Grill (Bwk) – 6–9pm
🎤 Acoustic Open Mic Jam w/ Gypsy Joe @ The Jerk Shack (Bwk) – 6–9pm
🎸 Roy Gentry @ Rooftop at Ocean Lodge (SSI) – 6–9pm
🎹 Jerry Gowen @ Georgia Sea Grill (SSI) – 6:30–9:30pm
🎷 Jazz Night ft. Phil Morrison, Bill Smith & Jason Wampler @ The Studio (Darien) – 7–9pm (BYOB, $10 cover)
🎤 Live Music @ Strand Bistro / Chophouse (Jesup) – 7–10pm
🎸 The Vibe @ Village Inn & Pub (SSI) – 7–10pm
🎸 WharfRatz @ Wee Pub Beach (JI) – 7–10pm
🎸 Little Gracie @ Mullet Bay (SSI) – 8–11pm
🎸 Billy Gunther & The Midwest Riders @ Rafters (SSI) – 8–11pm
🎸 Hot Banana Coffee @ Reid’s Apothecary / The Study (Bwk) – 9pm (Call 912.289.2679 for password)

Friday, October 24

🎸 Backbeat Boulevard @ Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival (Main Stage) – 4–6pm
🎤 Joe King @ Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival (Skeet House Stage) – 4–5:30pm
🎸 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Hootenanny’s BBQ (Bwk) – 5–8pm
🎸 Live Music TBD @ Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival (Skeet House Stage) – 5:45–7:15pm
🎤 Josh Nunn @ Driftwood Wine & Cocktails (Bwk) – 6–9pm
🎸 Jamie Walker @ Shore / Residence Inn (JI) – 6–9pm
🎸 Mark Dennison @ Eighty Ocean Kitchen & Bar (JI) – 6–9pm
🎸 Gypsy Joe @ The Jerk Shack (Bwk) – 6–9pm
🎸 Squirt Gun @ Tortuga Jack’s (JI) – 6–9pm
🎸 The Vibe (duo) @ Sago at Sea Palms Resort (SSI) – 6–9pm
🎸 Live Music @ The Wharf (JI) – 6–9pm
🎷 Phil Morrison Trio @ SSI Casino Room 108 – 6–8pm (Single release celebration for “The Martyr’s Rose”)
🎹 Jerry Gowen @ Georgia Sea Grill (SSI) – 6:30–9:30pm
🎸 Common Ground @ Captain Stan’s Smokehouse (Woodbine) – 6:30pm
🎸 14K Gold Band @ Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival (Main Stage) – 6:30–7:15pm
🎻 Acoustic Bluegrass/Gospel Jam @ Woodbine Opry – 7pm (Free, dining room opens at 5pm)
🎸 Andy Johnson @ Boondox Tavern (Bwk) – 7–10pm
🎸 Live Music @ Brogen’s South (SSI) – 7–10pm
🎸 Your Mom’s Favorite Band @ Fish Tales Pub & Grill (Bwk) – 7–10pm
🎸 Backbeat Boulevard @ Gnat’s Landing (SSI) – 7–10pm
🎸 Dallas Rodgers @ The Hangout Bar & Grill (Bwk) – 7–10pm
🎸 Brian Ashley Jones & Melanie Jean @ Rafters (SSI) – 7–10pm
🎸 Thunderbird Blues Band @ The Tipsy Zone at Tipsy McSway’s (Bwk) – 7–10pm
🎸 Whiskey Heart Duo @ Toucan’s Ale House (Bwk) – 7–10pm
🎸 Touch of Grey @ Ember / Mas Lounge (SSI) – 7–10pm
🎷 Fire Lounge w/ Rastar @ Wine Alley / Wine Body & Soul (SSI) – 7–10pm
🎸 Altamaha Sound @ Smoke’s 82 Bar & Grill (Golden Isles Speedway) – 7–10pm
🎸 The Tams @ Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival (Main Stage) – 7:30–9pm
🎸 Carpetbaggers @ Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival (Skeet House Stage) – 7:30–9pm
🎸 Brent Browning @ Village Inn & Pub (SSI) – 8–11pm
🎸 Hot Banana Coffee @ Bennie’s Red Barn / Tree Bar (SSI) – 9pm
🎸 Derrick Flowers @ LL Creek (Waycross) – 9pm
🎸 Peyton Chambless @ Reid’s Apothecary / The Study (Bwk) – 9pm (Call 912.289.2679 for password)

Saturday, October 25

🎸 Jeff Tucker @ Hootenanny’s BBQ (Bwk) – 12–3pm
🎸 Ashton Rowland @ King City Kitchen (SSI) – 12–4pm
🎸 Josh Nunn @ Tortuga Jack’s (JI) – 1–4pm
🎸 Rider @ SSI Wine Festival Grand Tasting (SSI/McKinnon Airport) – 2–5pm
🎸 Eddie Pickett @ Jekyll S&G Fest (Skeet House Stage) – 10–11am
🎸 The Vibe @ Jekyll S&G Fest (Main Stage) – 10–11:30am
🎸 Michaele Hannemann @ Jekyll S&G Fest (Skeet House Stage) – 11:15am–12:45pm
🎸 South of Athens @ Jekyll S&G Fest (Main Stage) – 11:50am–1:20pm
🎸 Paul Ivey @ Jekyll S&G Fest (Skeet House Stage) – 1–2:30pm
🎸 Trainwreck w/ Zeke & the Begotten @ Okefenokee Fairgrounds (Waycross) – 1–6pm
🎸 Squirt Gun @ Jekyll S&G Fest (Main Stage) – 1:40–3:10pm
🎸 Conni Laine @ Jekyll S&G Fest (Skeet House Stage) – 2:45–3:45pm
🎸 Billy Gunther & the Midwest Riders @ Jekyll S&G Fest (Main Stage) – 3:30–5pm
🎸 Andy Johnson @ Jekyll S&G Fest (Skeet House Stage) – 4–5:30pm
🎸 The Willis Gore Band @ Jekyll S&G Fest (Main Stage) – 5:30–7pm
🎸 Pine Box Dwellers @ Jekyll S&G Fest (Skeet House Stage) – 7:30–9pm
🎸 Electric Avenue (80s Tribute) @ Jekyll S&G Fest (Main Stage) – 7:30–9pm
🎸 Uncle Dave Griffin @ Boondox Tavern (Bwk) – 5pm
🎸 Jamie Walker @ Bubba’s @ Mary Ross Park (Bwk) – 6–9pm
🎸 Backbeat Boulevard @ The Wharf (JI) – 6–9pm
🎸 Joey Thigpen (piano) @ Georgia Sea Grill (SSI) – 6:30–9:30pm
🎸 Touch of Grey @ Captain Stan’s (Woodbine) – 6:30pm
🎸 Levi Moore @ Fish Dock Bar & Grill (Townsend) – 7–10pm
🎸 3 Day Weekend @ Gnats Landing (SSI) – 7–10pm
🎸 Jenn Burns Trio @ Rafters (SSI) – 7–10pm
🎸 Motown Get Down with Rastar @ Wine Alley (SSI) – 7–10pm
🎸 Dakota Duo @ Toucans Ale House (Bwk) – 7–10pm
🎸 Roy Gentry & Hired Guns @ The Hangout Bar & Grill (Bwk) – 8–11pm
🎸 Brent Browning @ Village Inn & Pub (SSI) – 8–11pm
🎸 Tide Kings @ Mullet Bay (SSI) – 8–11pm
🎸 Common Ground @ Reid’s Apothecary / The Study (Bwk) – 9pm
🎸 Josh Nunn @ Murphy’s Tavern (SSI) – 10pm

Sunday, October 26

🎸 Joey Thigpen @ Coastal Kitchen (SSI) – 12–3pm
🎸 Cliff Bragdon @ Bubba’s @ Mary Ross Park (Bwk) – 12–3pm
🎸 Ashton Rowland @ Bubba Garcia’s (SSI) – 12–3pm
🎸 Live Music @ The Wharf (JI) – 12–3pm
🎸 Brody Williams & Emma Mac @ Founders Social (JI) – 1–4pm
🎸 Rider @ Tortuga Jack’s (JI) – 1–4pm
🎸 Andy Johnson @ Captain Stan’s (Woodbine) – 3pm
🎸 Tim Akins @ Uptown Tap & Cigar (SSI) – 3–6pm
🎸 Billy Gunther & the Midwest Riders ft. Eddie Pickett @ 24 Coastal Grill (JI Holiday Inn) – 3–6pm
🎸 Roy Gentry @ The Hangout Bar & Grill (Bwk) – 5–8pm
🎸 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Brogen’s North (SSI) – 5–8pm
🎸 Live Music @ Beachcomber BBQ (SSI) – 5–8pm
🎸 Brent Browning @ Mullet Bay (SSI) – 4–7pm
🎸 Phil King @ Village Inn & Pub (SSI) – 7–10pm
🎸 Musical Performances by Kaylee Michelle, Clara Easterlin, Alienation @ Golden Isles Children's Business Fair (Mary Ross Park, Bwk) – 11am–3pm

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