🌅 Start the Year Moving — Runs, Walks & Community Fun

Your Guide to the Golden Isles for Jan 5-Jan 8

January 05, 2026

A fresh year deserves a fresh start—and this week around the Golden Isles is all about getting out of the house and into the mix. Whether you’re lacing up for a group run, easing into Tai Chi, cheering on kids tackling Survivor-style challenges, or settling in for trivia, film, and live music, there’s something here to shake off the holiday dust. No resolutions required—just show up, move a little, and reconnect with your community.

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♻️ Just a Few Days Left for Christmas Tree Recycling

If your Christmas tree is starting to shed more than holiday cheer, now’s the time to send it off responsibly. The annual “Bring One for the Chipper” Christmas Tree Recycling Program runs through January 7, offering eight free community drop-off locations across the Golden Isles.

Only natural (non-artificial) trees are accepted—please remove all lights, decorations, and stands before dropping off. Most locations are open 24/7, with a few sites operating on limited weekday or weekend hours.

Collected trees will be recycled into mulch, fuel, or fish habitats, continuing a local tradition that’s been turning post-holiday trees into environmental good for more than 25 years.

Drop-off locations include:

  • Goodyear Park – Brunswick

  • Howard Coffin Park – Brunswick

  • Orange Park – Brunswick

  • Golden Isles Wood Products – Brunswick (limited hours)

  • Old Demere Road – SSI

  • Tidelands Nature Center – Jekyll

  • Fire Station Six – Exit 29

  • Republic Services – Glynn County (limited hours)

The program is sponsored by BWC Terminals and organized by Keep Golden Isles Beautiful.

More info: https://kgib.org
Questions? 912-279-1490 | [email protected]

🏛️ How Three Sisters Saved Brunswick City Hall

Before Brunswick City Hall became a symbol of civic pride, it nearly became rubble. In a moment when demolition was often mislabeled as “progress,” three local women—Margaret, Virginia, and Mary McGarvey—quietly stepped in and changed the city’s future.

This fascinating piece by local historian Josh Dukes tells the story of how the McGarvey sisters used persistence, public advocacy, and a brilliantly bold newspaper campaign to save the former U.S. Custom House from destruction in the 1960s. It’s a reminder that preservation doesn’t start with policy—it starts with people who refuse to let their city forget itself.

A must-read for anyone who loves Brunswick, local history, or stories where ordinary citizens do extraordinary things.

What’s Happening This Week

Monday, January 5

Monday Night Runs
🕰️ 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🎯 Game Changers Running Co., SSI
Mondays aren’t for the couch. Runners, walkers, and run-walkers of all levels head out together for movement, community, and zero pressure. Whether you’re training or just showing up, there’s a pace for you.

Brick Challenge Survivor Day Camp
🕰️ 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
🎯 Brick Challenge
Day one of a Survivor-style showdown for kids who like their fun with a side of grit. Expect physical challenges, teamwork tests, and confidence-building adventures. Each day stands alone, so one day or both works just fine.
Ages 5–12 • $59 per day

Tuesday, January 6

Food Truck Tuesday
🕰️ 10:00 AM
🎯 Mary Ross Waterfront Park, Brunswick
Lunch comes to the park with rotating food trucks serving everything from messy buns to shrimp and barbecue. Quick bite, waterfront views, and a great excuse to step outside.

Tai Chi (Adult Beginners)
🕰️ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
🎯 Ida Hilton Library, Darien
Slow, steady, and centered. This beginner-friendly Tai Chi class focuses on balance, breath, and gentle movement—perfect for easing into mindfulness without breaking a sweat.

Book Discussion: Alice in Wonderland
🕰️ 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
🎯 Marshes of Glynn Libraries
Fall down the rabbit hole with this book-to-film discussion as part of the Georgia Coastal Reads program. Literary analysis, film talk, and just enough whimsy to keep things delightfully strange. Free and open to the public.

HartYoga at Brunswick Library – Free
🕰️ 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
🎯 Brunswick-Glynn County Library
A gentle, all-levels yoga class focusing on stretch, breath, and meditation. No fee, no donation, no pressure—just a calm reset for your Tuesday afternoon.

Music Bingo with Silver Bluff Brewing Company
🕰️ 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎯 Silver Bluff Brewing Company, Brunswick
Bingo, but make it loud. Island Sound DJs spin the hits while you mark your card and chase prizes like beer tickets and gift cards. Come for one round or stay all night.

Trivia Tuesdays at Mack’s Bar-Be-Que
🕰️ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎯 Mack’s Bar-Be-Que, Brunswick
Brains meet brisket. Hosted by Scott Ryfun, this lively trivia night mixes sharp questions, full-bar energy, and prizes that might just cover your dinner.

Brick Challenge Survivor Day Camp
🕰️ 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
🎯 Brick Challenge
Round two of the Survivor experience with fresh challenges and new twists. Same high energy, same confidence-boosting fun.
Ages 5–12 • $59 per day

Wednesday, January 7

Guided Ranger Eagle Walks
🕰️ 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
🎯 Jekyll
A ranger-led walk through maritime forest and salt marsh habitats with a chance to observe an active bald eagle nest. Along the way, you’ll learn about local ecology, conservation efforts, and the island’s environmental history.
More info: https://www.jekyllclub.com/local-experiences

Winter Beginner Belly Dance with Elena
🕰️ 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
🎯 Golden Isles Belly Dance, Brunswick
A welcoming, judgment-free beginner class designed for anyone curious about belly dance. Learn foundational movements, isolations, and gentle combinations in an inclusive, supportive space.
More info: https://www.lenamikado.com/service-page/winter-beginner-belly-dance-with-elena

OHM Environmental Book Club: Carbon: The Book of Life
🕰️ 6:30 PM
🎯 One Hundred Miles, Brunswick
This month’s discussion dives into Paul Hawken’s Carbon: The Book of Life, exploring climate, ecology, and stewardship through a coastal lens. Thoughtful conversation encouraged—activism optional.
More info: https://donate.onehundredmiles.org/event/brunswick-ohm-environmental-book-club/e713209

Trivia Night @ Tipsy McSway’s
🕰️ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎯 Tipsy McSway’s, Brunswick
General knowledge trivia with prizes, cold drinks, and the occasional chug-off tiebreaker. Teams encouraged, solo players welcome.

Nightclub Shimmy Belly Dance Workout with Elena
🕰️ 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
🎯 Golden Isles Belly Dance, Brunswick
Think dance party meets workout. This high-energy class blends belly dance technique, shimmies, and feel-good music into a nonstop, gym-free sweat session. No experience needed—just show up ready to move.
More info: https://www.lenamikado.com/service-page/nightclub-shimmy-belly-dance-workout

Thursday, January 8

Master Your Garden
🕰️ 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
🎯 Glynn County Cooperative Extension, Brunswick
Always wanted Master Gardener-level knowledge without the volunteer commitment? This multi-week course covers seasonal topics to help prep your spring and summer garden.

Velvet Thursday at Little Zooks
🕰️ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎯 Little Zooks, Brunswick
Live music, glam vibes, fabulous cocktails, and a healthy dose of sequins. Annie Akins brings the soundtrack for a stylish Thursday night downtown.

Cinema Gourmet: High Noon (1952)
🕰️ 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
🎯 Historic Ritz Theatre, Brunswick
A classic Western paired with chef-curated food and an engaging pre-film talk. Dinner at 6:30, discussion at 6:50, screening at 7:30. Film lovers, this one’s for you.

Trivia Night at Side Pockets
🕰️ 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🎯 Side Pockets, Brunswick
Fast-paced trivia where every five questions has a winner. Come early for food and drinks, stay sharp, and play late.

Monday, January 5

🎸 Sean Clark & Nick Solomon @ Queen & Grant, Brunswick – 3:00–5:00 PM
🎸 Satilla Blue Country @ Woodbine Opry, Woodbine – 7:00 PM (free, dining opens 5:00 PM)
🎸 Eddie Pickett @ Wee Pub Beach, Jekyll – 7:00 PM
🎤 Open Mic Night (hosted by Anthony Stubelek) @ Palm Coast Coffee, SSI – 8:30 PM
Doors open for sign-up at 8:00 PM • All ages • $5 for non-performers • Inside tonight

Tuesday, January 6

🎸 Joey Thigpen @ Tortuga Jack’s, Jekyll – 5:00–8:00 PM
🎸 Brody Williams @ Downtown Cooter Brown’s, Brunswick – 6:00–9:00 PM
🎸 Eddie Pickett @ Wee Pub Beach, Jekyll – 7:00 PM

Wednesday, January 7

🎸 Eddie Pickett @ 24 Coastal Grill, Jekyll – 5:00–8:00 PM
🎸 Rider Duo @ Tortuga Jack’s, Jekyll – 5:00–8:00 PM
🎸 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Boondox Tavern, Brunswick – 5:30–9:00 PM
🎸 Tony Adams @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 6:00–8:00 PM
🎸 Levi Moore @ Catch 228, SSI – 6:00–9:00 PM
🎸 Cliff Bragdon @ Hilton Garden Inn / Garden Grill, Brunswick – 6:00–9:00 PM
🎸 Live Music @ Captain Stan’s Smokehouse, Woodbine – 6:30 PM

Thursday, January 8

🎸 WharfRatz @ Wee Pub Beach, Jekyll – 5:00 PM
🎷 Dexter Jones @ Brunswick Library (Sax in the Stacks), Brunswick – 6:00–7:00 PM
🎸 Rider Trio @ The Wharf, Jekyll – 6:00–9:00 PM
🎸 Brody Williams @ Strand Bistro / Chophouse, Jesup – 6:30–9:30 PM
🎸 Lanie Mae @ Tortuga Jack’s, Jekyll – 5:00–8:00 PM
🎸 Tony Adams & Tim Akins @ Bennie’s Red Barn / Tree Bar, SSI – 7:30 PM
🎸 Ryan Wilson @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Mullet Bay, SSI – 8:00–11:00 PM

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