St. Patrick’s Day brings a little extra energy to the Golden Isles this week, with green beer, live music, trivia nights, and plenty of reasons to head downtown. We’ve also got a few local updates — from a new coffee shop move to a new citizens academy giving residents a behind-the-scenes look at county government. And of course, we’ve rounded up the events happening around Brunswick, St. Simons, and Jekyll to help you plan the week.

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Brunswick coffee lovers have a new stop to add to their morning routine.

Wake Up Coffee drivethrough has officially moved to a new location inside Gather Thrift & Café, and the shop opened its doors at the new spot today. The move brings the popular local coffee stand into the Gather space, creating a spot where visitors can grab coffee while browsing the thrift shop and café.

If Wake Up Coffee was already part of your daily caffeine ritual, you can now find them at Gather Thrift & Café in Brunswick.

Expect the same quick coffee stop locals know—just in a new location.

Registration is now open for the 2026 Golden Isles Hardcourt Championships, a local tennis tournament scheduled for May 15–17 at Epworth Park on SSI.

The tournament will feature doubles competition across several skill levels, including 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and Open divisions. Men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles events will all be offered.

Organizers are encouraging players to register early. As an added incentive, the first 25 players who enter will be included in a drawing for a free case of 72 tennis balls.

The event will include a player towel, food trucks, a silent auction and a bake sale during the weekend. Proceeds from the tournament will support the Saint Francis Xavier School tennis team.

This year’s tournament is dedicated to the memory of longtime local tennis instructor Ken Thompson, who spent decades teaching the sport in the Golden Isles and mentoring generations of players in the community.

Players can register here:
https://playtennis.usta.com/Competitions/goldenislestennis/Tournaments/Overview/0b8916d5-c6ad-4279-9207-81fefc23d319

Want a behind-the-scenes look at how Glynn County government actually works?

County officials are launching the inaugural Glynn County Citizens Academy, a new 10-week program designed to give residents a deeper understanding of how local government operates and how key county services affect daily life in the Golden Isles.

The program runs April 8 through June 17, with weekly sessions held Wednesdays from 6–8 p.m. in the second-floor meeting room of the Harold Pate Building (1725 Reynolds St.) in Brunswick. Each session will include presentations from county departments, facility tours, and opportunities to ask questions directly to county staff.

Participants will also take part in off-site visits to locations such as the Public Safety Complex, Public Works, and the St. Simons Casino, offering a closer look at how county operations function.

Dinner will be provided during each session.

The academy is open to Glynn County residents, business owners, community leaders, and anyone interested in learning more about local government. Participation is free, but space is limited to 30 people, and enrollment will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must be available for all sessions and pass a basic background check for facility access.

According to Glynn County Communications Director Brittany Dozier, the goal of the program is to strengthen transparency and community engagement by giving residents direct access to the people and departments behind county services.

Applications can be found by searching “Glynn County Citizens Academy” on the county website or by visiting:
https://ifsight.jotformgov.com/260606513727052

The program concludes with a graduation ceremony on June 17.

The Brunswick Downtown Development Authority spent part of its monthly meeting discussing improvements to the popular First Friday downtown event, including changes to restroom access and food truck operations.

At the March event, the city replaced the traditional scattered porta-potties with a single climate-controlled restroom trailer placed in the eastern half of Machen Square. While the upgraded facility was generally viewed as an improvement, DDA board members said the change wasn’t communicated clearly enough to visitors.

Board member Susan Bates noted that the confusion led to long restroom lines at nearby businesses, including Tipsy McSway’s. The board supported adding clear signage around downtown directing attendees to the restroom trailer.

The DDA also reported that its new food truck registration system for First Friday is working well.

Previously, food trucks paid a $30 fee and arranged their own spaces with businesses along Newcastle or Gloucester streets. Under the new system, the DDA now designates 14 official food truck spaces along the two main streets, priced between $75 and $110, with the busiest corner locations commanding the highest rates.

Despite some early pushback from vendors, the demand remains strong. According to DDA events and marketing manager Brittany Rozier, all food truck spots for March’s First Friday were filled within 90 minutes of opening registration.

Beginning in April, food truck operators will also be able to reserve spots up to six months in advance.

The board also approved an agreement with the nonprofit Forward Brunswick to improve the pavilion at Mary Ross Waterfront Park, which hosts a farmers’ market on the second and fourth Saturdays each month.

Planned upgrades include new cooling fans for summer events and more secure electrical outlets, with additional improvements under consideration such as a brick enclosure for the nearby dumpster and upgrades to park restrooms.

Forward Brunswick Executive Director and Brunswick City Commissioner Lance Sabbe said the farmers market currently draws 150 to 200 visitors on average, and the group hopes to expand participation by attracting more local farmers.

Future plans include a community garden on Norwich Street and a greenhouse where residents could learn about hydroponics.

We spotted some lively local discussions online and pulled together the community’s favorite picks.

Who Has the Best Pizza in the Golden Isles?
https://goldenisleslantern.beehiiv.com/p/who-has-the-best-pizza-in-the-golden-isles

Where to Get the Best Fresh Local Seafood in Brunswick
https://goldenisleslantern.beehiiv.com/p/best-fresh-local-seafood-in-brunswick-ga

The Golden Isles Lantern continues to grow, and we’re opening a few spots for local sponsors who want to reach an engaged audience across Brunswick, St. Simons, Jekyll, and the surrounding area.

If you run a local business and would like to get in front of Lantern readers each week, I’d love to talk. Sponsorships help keep the newsletter free while supporting more local coverage, events, and community conversations.

Interested?
Email: [email protected]

🎬 Starlight & Splash Cinema Series
🕰️ 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Jekyll Island Club Resort, 371 Riverview Dr, Jekyll Island

Movie night under the coastal sky. The Starlight & Splash Cinema Series brings outdoor movies to Jekyll Island for a relaxed evening of film and fresh air. Grab a blanket or chair, bring the family, and enjoy a laid-back night watching a movie with the Atlantic breeze nearby.

🎨 Paint-a-Perch Craft Workshop
🕰️ 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Jekyll Island Club Resort, 371 Riverview Dr, Jekyll Island

Tap into your creative side with this fun afternoon craft session where guests paint and personalize their own decorative wooden birdhouse. With bright paints and plenty of imagination, you’ll create a colorful backyard piece that birds (and neighbors) will admire.

🎵 Music Bingo with Silver Bluff Brewing Company
🕰️ 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Silver Bluff Brewing Company, Brunswick

Bingo gets a musical twist at Silver Bluff Brewing Company. Instead of numbers, your bingo card fills up with songs as DJ’s spin crowd favorites throughout the evening. Match the tunes, win prizes, and enjoy great craft beer while you play.

Expect beer tickets, gift cards, and plenty of bragging rights for the winners.

🍀 St. Patrick’s Day Party at Tipsy McSway’s with Behold the Radio
🕰️ 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Tipsy McSway’s, 1414 Newcastle St, Brunswick

Downtown Brunswick turns green for St. Patrick’s Day at Tipsy McSway’s. The celebration includes Guinness, green beer, classic Irish favorites like corned beef and cabbage, and live music from Behold the Radio. Expect a lively crowd, festive drinks, and a full evening of St. Paddy’s fun.

🍀 St. Patrick’s Party with DJ Daryle
🕰️ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Downtown Cooter Brown’s, 1326 Newcastle St, Brunswick

Wear your green and get ready for a lively St. Paddy’s celebration in downtown Brunswick. DJ Daryle will keep the music pumping while the bar serves festive food specials including Fish & Chips and Irish Nachos with corned beef. Expect dancing, laughter, and plenty of shamrock-colored beverages.

🧠 Trivia with Cary Collins
🕰️ 6:00 PM
📍 Fish Tales Pub & Grill, 7445 Blythe Island Hwy, Brunswick

Think you’ve got the trivia chops? Put them to the test at Fish Tales Pub & Grill with host Cary Collins leading the questions. Bring a team, grab some food and drinks, and see if your random knowledge can earn bragging rights for the night.

🍀 St. Patrick’s Day Party with 3DW
🕰️ 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Three Oaks Steak & Seafood, 415 Palisade Dr, Brunswick

Three Oaks keeps the St. Patrick’s Day celebration going with live music from 3 Day Weekend (3DW). Expect a crowd-pleasing mix of songs, lively atmosphere, and plenty of green-themed fun for the evening.

🎉 GMEN Connections Brunswick Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
🕰️ 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
📍 GMEN Brunswick Office, 602 G Street, Suite 9, Brunswick

Celebrate the launch of GMEN Connections, a new initiative aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship and expanding business resources across coastal and rural Georgia.

The Georgia Micro Enterprise Network is opening a new engagement hub in Brunswick, and the community is invited to attend the ribbon cutting, meet local entrepreneurs and economic development leaders, and learn how the organization supports small businesses with training, financial literacy programs, and access to capital.

🎬 Film Screening — Conrack
🕰️ 3:00 PM – 4:45 PM
📍 St. Simons Casino Theater

Step back into coastal film history with a screening of the 1974 classic Conrack, based on Pat Conroy’s memoir The Water Is Wide. The film tells the story of a teacher working with students on a remote island off the South Carolina coast.

Even better — much of the movie was filmed right here in the Golden Isles, including scenes on St. Simons Island and in Brunswick. Local locations such as Taylor’s Fish Camp, Downtown Union Street and Cannon’s Point appear in the film, and several of the young actors were local students at the time.

Rated PG • 145 minutes
Admission: $5 at the door

🐾 Paws for Pizza Fundraiser
🕰️ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Mellow Mushroom, 440 Kings Way, St. Simons Island

Pizza night with a purpose. Paws for Pizza at Mellow Mushroom raises money for Glynn County Animal Services, helping support programs that care for local dogs and cats.

Ten percent of all sales during the event will be donated to the cause. You’ll also find adoptable dogs on-site, information about volunteering, and merchandise supporting the shelter.

Come hungry — and maybe leave with a new furry friend.

🍸 Millionaire’s Mixology Workshop (21+)
🕰️ 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Jekyll Island Club Resort, 371 Riverview Dr, Jekyll Island

Ever wanted to mix cocktails like a pro? This hands-on mixology class teaches participants how to muddle, shake, and craft seasonal cocktails while learning the basics of bartending technique.

Perfect for date night or a fun outing with friends — and yes, you’ll get to enjoy the drinks you create.

🧠 Trivia Night at Davis Love Grill
🕰️ 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Davis Love Grill, Sea Island

Join host Sydney Lack each Wednesday for a lively Trivia Night at Davis Love Grill. Teams compete through rounds of clever questions for a chance to win prizes while enjoying bar favorites and weekly specials.

🎭 Footloose: Youth Edition — Brunswick High School Production
🕰️ 7:00 PM
📍 BHS Auditorium, Brunswick High School

Brunswick High School’s Production Company brings the high-energy musical Footloose: Youth Edition to the stage. Based on the hit movie, the show tells the story of a teen who moves to a small town where dancing is banned — and leads a rebellion to bring music and freedom back.

Expect a lively performance packed with memorable songs, choreography, and a talented cast of local student performers.

Additional performances:
• March 19 – 7 PM
• March 20 – 7 PM
• March 21 – 2 PM & 7 PM

Tickets:
https://bhspc.ludus.com

📚 Author Talk — Beth Yarbrough
🕰️ 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 St. Simons Casino — Room 108

Join artist and photographer Beth Yarbrough for a talk about her newest book, The Grassroots Guide to Saving What Matters. Known for her evocative depictions of historic homes and Southern landmarks, Beth shares stories from her travels documenting architecture and preservation efforts across the South.

The talk offers insights into protecting historic buildings and the communities that cherish them.

Admission:
Free for members • $10 non-members
Annual membership: $15

Registration suggested via Eventbrite.

🤝 Super Connector Networking Event
🕰️ 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
📍 400 Dartmouth St, Brunswick

A lively networking gathering for entrepreneurs, real estate professionals, contractors, investors, and business owners. Expect casual conversation, mimosas, light appetizers, and a chance to meet others building businesses in the Golden Isles.

🎤 Velvet Thursday at Little Zooks
🕰️ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Little Zooks, 1503 Newcastle St, Brunswick

A cozy downtown evening of live music featuring Annie Akins. Expect stylish cocktails, relaxed vibes, and an intimate performance perfect for a midweek outing.

🎣 Fly Tying Night
🕰️ 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 On The Fly Outfitters, 1501 Newcastle St, Brunswick

Curious about fly fishing or looking to sharpen your skills? Fly Tying Night is a relaxed community event where anglers of all experience levels can learn how to tie flies.

Bring your own tools or purchase a beginner kit with instructions for $20.

To register:
📞 912-342-7086

🎭 Footloose: Youth Edition — Brunswick High School Production
🕰️ 7:00 PM
📍 BHS Auditorium, Brunswick High School

Another chance to catch Brunswick High School’s lively production of Footloose, featuring a cast of talented student performers and a soundtrack packed with classic hits.

Tickets:
https://bhspc.ludus.com

Easter Scavenger Hunt at Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation
🕰️ 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily (closed Mondays)
🎯 5556 US Hwy 17 North, Brunswick
📅 March 3 – April 5

This isn’t just a quick egg hunt — it’s a full month-long scavenger adventure.

Grab a map at the visitor center, explore the historic grounds, uncover secret clues, and reveal a hidden phrase to win a prize. Perfect spring outing for families who want fresh air with a side of mystery. 🌷

Admission:
$8.75 Adults
$6.50 Seniors (62+)
$5.50 Youth (6–17)
5 and under free

This week’s Live Music Roundup is sponsored by Dreamweavers DJ — a father-and-son DJ team helping couples celebrate across Brunswick, SSI, Jekyll, Savannah, and Jacksonville.
https://dreamweaversdj.com

🎹 Tim Akins @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI – 6–9 PM
🎸 Eddie Pickett @ Wee Pub Beach, Jekyll – 7 PM
🎤 Open Mic Night (hosted by Anthony Stubelek) @ Palm Coast Coffee, SSI – Sign-up 8 PM, music 8:30 PM (all ages, $5 for non-performers)
🎸 Rastar @ Rafters, SSI – 10 PM–12 AM

🎸 Joey Thigpen @ Tortuga Jack’s, Jekyll – 5–8 PM
🎻 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Tribuzio’s Grille, Jekyll – 5:30–8:30 PM
🎤 Tony Paquin @ The Firefly, St. Marys – 5:30–8:30 PM
🎹 Michaele Hannemann @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI – 6–9 PM
🎸 Behold! The Radio @ Tipsy McSway’s, Brunswick – 6–9 PM
🎸 3 Day Weekend @ Three Oaks Steak & Seafood, Brunswick – 7–10 PM
🎸 WharfRatz @ Wee Pub Beach, Jekyll – 8 PM
🎺 Tim Akins (bagpipes) @ Rafters, SSI – 8:30–9:15 PM

🎸 Eddie Pickett @ 24 Coastal Grill, Jekyll – 5–8 PM
🎻 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Boondox Tavern, Brunswick – 5–9 PM
🎹 Tim Akins @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI – 6–9 PM
🎸 Levi Moore @ Catch 228, SSI – 6–9 PM
🎸 Joey Thigpen @ Hilton Garden Inn / Garden Grill, Brunswick – 6–9 PM
🎸 Roy Gentry @ Mack’s Bar-B-Que, Brunswick – 6–9 PM
🎤 Taylor Martin @ Uptown Tap & Cigar, SSI – 6–8 PM
🎤 Tony Adams @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 6–8 PM
🎤 Open Mic Night @ Wine Alley / Wine, Body & Soul, SSI – Sign-up 6 PM, music 7 PM
🎸 Dan Vonk @ Captain Stan’s Smokehouse, Woodbine – 6:30 PM

🎸 Lanie Mae @ Tortuga Jack’s, Jekyll – 5–8 PM
🎸 Rider @ The Wharf, Jekyll – 6–9 PM
🎸 Roy Gentry @ Ocean Lodge Resort, SSI – 6–9 PM
🎤 Songbird Open Mic Night @ Hootenanny’s in the Yard, Brunswick – 6–8 PM
🎸 Live Music @ Fish Tales Pub & Grill, Brunswick – 6–9 PM
🎸 Jeff Szwast Trio @ Wee Pub Beach, Jekyll – 7–10 PM
🎤 Tony Adams @ Bennie’s Red Barn / Tree Bar, SSI – 7:30 PM
🎸 Crawford & Co Songwriters’ Round (Golden Isles Music Awards Takeover) @ Tipsy McSway’s, Brunswick – 7–10 PM
🎸 Live Music @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 8–11 PM
🎸 Backbeat Boulevard @ Mullet Bay, SSI – 8–11 PM

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