This weekend is shaping up to be one of the busiest of the summer. We've rounded up 80+ live music performances, local festivals, art markets, family activities, and plenty of ways to enjoy the Golden Isles. We also stumbled onto what may be our new favorite seafood restaurant—one that served the best fried oysters and shrimp we've had in years. Whether you're looking for great food, live entertainment, or something fun for the kids, we've got your weekend covered.

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If you've been searching for outstanding fried seafood in the Golden Isles, stop looking—B&J's Steak & Seafood in downtown Brunswick absolutely delivers.

My wife declared it the best fried seafood she's ever had, and after one meal, I can't argue with her.

The oysters were the real standout. Too often restaurants serve tiny oysters hidden beneath a mountain of breading, but not here. B&J's serves big, plump, juicy oysters with a light, crispy coating that lets the seafood shine. The shrimp were just as impressive—perfectly cooked with a delicate breading that was crisp without being greasy. Every bite tasted fresh, hot, and expertly prepared.

We ordered the Shrimp & Oyster Dinner to split, and honestly, we underestimated the portion size. Even after two seafood lovers dug in, we still had enough leftovers to make a generous lunch the next day. If you're looking for value, B&J's definitely delivers.

The service was warm and friendly, making us feel welcome from the moment we walked in. The dining room has a comfortable, unpretentious atmosphere that's focused on what matters most: great food, generous portions, fair prices, and excellent service. They also offer beer and wine, though no cocktails.

We've found a new favorite, and we'll definitely be back.

📍 B&J's Steak & Seafood
1600 Newcastle St.
Brunswick, GA 31520

Lantern Rating: 🏮🏮🏮🏮🏮
Lantern Verdict: Saves us a trip to Darien for seafood.

2026 Igbo Worldwide Festival of Arts & Culture
1:00 PM–11:00 PM
🎯 Selden Park, Brunswick (plus activities at Igbo Landing, St. Simons Island)

One of the Golden Isles' signature cultural events celebrates the history and heritage of the Igbo people with music, dance, art, food, educational programs, traditional ceremonies and special guests from Nigeria. The festival commemorates the 1803 Igbo Landing story while celebrating the enduring connections between West Africa and Coastal Georgia. Activities continue all day Saturday with additional events at historic Igbo Landing.

More information: https://www.cisandiigbo.org/

Slime Making
3:00 PM
🎯 Ida Hilton Public Library, Darien

Kids can create their own slime during this free end-of-summer event. It's also the final opportunity to complete Beanstack badges for prizes and special invitations.

More information: https://trrl.beanstack.org/

Trivia Night
6:30 PM
🎯 Driftwood Wine & Cocktails, Brunswick

Round up your smartest friends for General & Music Trivia with Jamie Eubanks. No registration is required—just grab a drink and join the fun.

Anders Thomsen Trio
7:00 PM
🎯 Tipsy McSway, Brunswick

One of the area's favorite honky-tonk acts returns for an evening of classic country, rockabilly and Americana. Expect plenty of toe-tapping tunes and a lively Friday night crowd.

Brunswick Harbor Market
8:00 AM–2:00 PM
🎯 Mary Ross Waterfront Park, Brunswick

Browse local artists, handmade goods, specialty foods, fresh produce and waterfront vendors while enjoying one of downtown Brunswick's favorite recurring markets.

2026 Igbo Worldwide Festival of Arts & Culture
8:00 AM–11:00 PM
🎯 Selden Park & Igbo Landing

The celebration continues Saturday with a full day of cultural performances, educational programming, ceremonies and community events honoring the rich heritage of the Igbo people.

More information: https://www.cisandiigbo.org/

Crafts in the Village
10:00 AM–5:00 PM
🎯 Postell Park, St. Simons Island

Spend the day browsing dozens of talented artists and makers beneath the live oaks in Pier Village. From coastal artwork and handcrafted jewelry to pottery, photography, candles and specialty foods, there's something unique around every corner.

Adult Improv Comedy Workshop
12:00 PM–2:00 PM
🎯 Encore Theater, Brunswick Mall

Ready to think on your feet? Savannah's Front Porch Improv brings a fun, beginner-friendly workshop to Brunswick with games and exercises designed to build confidence while keeping everyone laughing.

More information: https://www.theencoreco.com/

Porch Vibes & Summer Vibes: Paint & Sip Porch Leaner Party
7:00 PM–9:00 PM
🎯 Paint & Positivity Art Studio, Brunswick

Paint your own custom porch leaner while enjoying a complimentary drink, music and step-by-step instruction. Choose from cheerful watermelon or lemonade-themed designs and head home with a colorful addition to your front porch.

Saturday Night with DJ Jamie Eubanks
Evening
🎯 Driftwood Wine & Cocktails, Brunswick

Keep the weekend rolling with DJ Jamie Eubanks spinning crowd favorites, dance hits and party classics all evening long.

Open House at The Farm at Oatland North
2:00 PM–4:00 PM
🎯 The Farm at Oatland North, St. Simons Island

Meet rescued horses, donkeys, goats, pigs and cats during this weekly open house at the nonprofit sanctuary. Learn the animals' stories, enjoy a peaceful afternoon on the farm and support one of the Golden Isles' most unique community organizations. Admission is free, and donations are always appreciated.

Live shows data courtesy of I’m With the Band

🎤 Live Music @ Founders Social, JI – 5:00–8:00 PM
🎸 Cliff Bragdon @ Coastal Cucina, JI – 5:00–8:00 PM
🎸 Caleb Swain @ Eighty Ocean, JI – 6:00–9:00 PM
🎸 Tony Paquin @ Alec's Sports Bar, Jesup – 6:00–9:00 PM
🎸 Dexter Jones @ Sago at Sea Palms, SSI – 6:00–9:00 PM
🎸 Mark Dennison @ Shore Restaurant (Residence Inn), JI – 6:00–9:00 PM
🎸 The Firefly featuring Brody Williams & Emma Mac, St. Marys – 6:00 PM
🎸 Brent Browning @ Tribuzio's Grille, JI – 6:00–9:00 PM
🎸 Triple Shot @ Tortuga Jack's, JI – 6:00–9:00 PM
🎶 Live Music @ Captain Stan's Smokehouse, Woodbine – 6:30 PM
🎹 Jerry Gowen @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI – 6:30–9:30 PM
🤠 Woodbine Opry Country & Bluegrass Jam, Woodbine – 7:00 PM
🎸 Anders Thomsen Trio @ Tipsy McSway's, Brunswick – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 Chuck Ferrell @ Live Oak Tavern, SSI – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 Lanie Mae @ El Dorado, Jesup – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 Soulful Dave @ Ember/Mas Lounge, SSI – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 Squirt Gun @ Fish Tales Pub & Grill, Brunswick – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 The Rider Band @ Gnat's Landing, SSI – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 Mike McDaniel @ Rafters, SSI – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 Uncle Dave Griffin @ The Fish Dock Bar & Grill, Townsend – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 Grey City Limits @ Strand Bistro/Chophouse, Jesup – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 Jack Brumfield @ Wine Body & Soul, SSI – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 Backbeat Boulevard @ Mullet Bay, SSI – 8:00–11:00 PM
🎸 Blossomin' Bone @ Bar at Mallery, SSI – 8:00–11:00 PM
🎤 Hot Banana Coffee @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 8:00–11:00 PM
🎸 Josh Kirkland Band @ River's Edge Bar & Grill, Darien – 8:00–11:00 PM
🎸 Little Satilla Band @ LL Creek, Waycross – 8:30 PM
🎸 The Long Stride @ Bennie's Red Barn/Tree Bar, SSI – 9:00 PM
🤘 Last Call @ Reid's Apothecary/The Study, Brunswick – 9:00 PM
🤘 Defunk @ Bubba's Up, SSI – 10:00 PM
🤠 Cody Marlowe Band @ Rafters, SSI – 11:00 PM–2:00 AM

🎸 Twig & Leaf @ Hootenanny's BBQ, Brunswick – 12:00–3:00 PM
🎶 Live Music @ King City Kitchen, SSI – 12:00–4:00 PM
🎸 Ted Stuckey @ 24 Coastal Grill, JI – 5:00–8:00 PM
🎶 Live Music @ Tribuzio's Grille, JI – 5:30–8:30 PM
🎤 Brandon Wheeler @ The Firefly, St. Marys – 6:00–9:00 PM
🎸 Brody Williams @ Shore Restaurant (Residence Inn), JI – 6:00–9:00 PM
🎸 Josh Kirkland Band @ Tortuga Jack's, JI – 6:00–9:00 PM
🎶 Live Music @ Captain Stan's Smokehouse, Woodbine – 6:30 PM
🎹 Jerry Gowen @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI – 6:30–9:30 PM
🤠 Woodbine Opry Electric Dance Band, Woodbine – 7:00 PM
🎸 Lanie Mae @ Brogen's South, SSI – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎶 Live Music @ Toucans Ale House, Brunswick – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 Roy Gentry & The Hired Guns @ Three Oaks Steak & Seafood, Brunswick – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 The Stringrays @ Gnat's Landing, SSI – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 Uncle Dave Griffin @ The Fish Dock Bar & Grill, Townsend – 7:00–10:00 PM
🎸 Casey Robinson @ Strand Bistro/Chophouse, Jesup – 7:30 PM
🎸 Your Mom's Favorite Band @ Mullet Bay, SSI – 8:00–11:00 PM
🎤 Rider Trio @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 8:00–11:00 PM
🎸 Cody Marlowe Band @ Bar at Mallery, SSI – 8:30 PM
🎸 Hatton Still @ LL Creek, Waycross – 8:30 PM
🎸 SideTone @ Bennie's Red Barn/Tree Bar, SSI – 9:00 PM
🤘 Apostle of Funk @ Rafters, SSI – 9:00 PM–2:00 AM
🤘 Hot Banana Coffee @ Reid's Apothecary/The Study, Brunswick – 9:00 PM

🤠 Roy Gentry @ Marshside Grill, Brunswick – 11:30 AM–2:30 PM
🎶 Live Music @ Bubba's at Mary Ross Park, Brunswick – 12:00–3:00 PM
🤘 Hot Banana Coffee Duo @ Hootenanny's BBQ, Brunswick – 12:00–3:00 PM
🎸 Cody Marlowe @ Beachcomber BBQ, SSI – 1:00–4:00 PM
🎤 Emma Mac @ Founders Social, JI – 1:00–4:00 PM
🎸 Pier Pressure @ Tortuga Jack's, JI – 1:00–4:00 PM
🎸 Young Americans @ Uptown Tap & Cigar, SSI – 3:00–6:00 PM
🎶 Live Music @ Captain Stan's Smokehouse, Woodbine – 3:00–6:00 PM
🤘 Defunk @ Beachcomber BBQ, SSI – 5:00–8:00 PM
🎶 Live Music @ Coastal Cucina, JI – 5:00–8:00 PM
🎶 Live Music @ JI Beach House – 5:00–8:00 PM
🎸 The Rider Band @ King and Prince Resort, SSI – 5:00–8:00 PM
🎶 Live Music @ Mullet Bay, SSI – 5:00–8:00 PM
🎸 Brandon Wheeler @ Brogen's North, SSI – 6:00–8:00 PM
🎸 CJ Duo @ Live Oak Tavern, SSI – 6:00–9:00 PM
🎸 TacoCat Trio @ Gnat's Landing, SSI – 6:00–9:00 PM
🎤 Rob Willis @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 7:00–10:00 PM

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