Things are getting a little weird this week—in the best possible way. Between Tipsy's Against Humanity, open mic nights popping up all over the Golden Isles, late-night reggae, piano performances, karaoke, and more than 50 live music shows, there's no shortage of ways to escape the couch. Whether you're looking to take the stage yourself or simply enjoy a cold drink while someone else does the entertaining, this week's lineup has you covered.

Over 4 million people have had the same lightbulb moment.

Morning Brew is a free daily newsletter that breaks down what's happening in business, finance, and tech — clearly, quickly, and with enough personality to make it the best email in your inbox.

No yelling. No filler. Just the news, finally making sense.

Try it for free

One of St. Simons Island's most beloved community gathering spots is about to receive a major upgrade.

A $3.5 million renovation project is scheduled to begin this summer at Mallery Park, bringing significant improvements to the youth sports complex and surrounding facilities. The project is being supported by several prominent local donors, including former MLB star Adam Wainwright, who played youth baseball at the park while growing up in Glynn County.

Planned improvements include three reconfigured youth baseball fields, upgraded dugouts and seating areas, improved lighting and irrigation systems, enhanced walkways and accessibility features, and infrastructure upgrades throughout the park.

Supporters say the project will help preserve an island tradition that has created memories for generations of local families while providing a safer and more modern experience for future players, parents, and visitors.

County officials praised the partnership between local philanthropic leaders, community organizations, and the county, calling the renovation an investment in children, families, and the future of one of the island's most treasured public spaces.

When one local went searching for a truly ridiculous plate of nachos, dozens of Golden Isles residents jumped into the conversation with their favorite recommendations.

See which spots made the list:
https://goldenisleslantern.beehiiv.com/p/nachos-in-brunswick

Looking for more crowd-sourced local favorites? Browse all of our Locals Recommend articles:
https://goldenisleslantern.beehiiv.com/t/locals-recommend

Coffee Talk and Tasting with Roastmaster Charlie Mustard and Painted Bunting Researcher Diane Klement
🕰️ 4:00 PM–5:30 PM
🎯 Jittery Joe's, SSI

Coffee lovers and bird nerds, your worlds are about to collide. Jittery Joe's is hosting an afternoon tasting featuring its new Morning Chorus blend, certified Bird Friendly® by the Smithsonian and developed in partnership with UGA's Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. Sample coffee, enjoy an affogato, browse birding books from Righton Books, and hear from legendary roastmaster Charlie Mustard and painted bunting researcher Diane Klement.

Monday Night Runs
🕰️ 6:00 PM–7:00 PM
🎯 Game Changers Running Company, SSI

Mondays aren't for the couch. Whether you're training for a race or just trying to balance out the weekend, this welcoming community run is open to all paces and experience levels.

Line Dancing at Ziggy's
🕰️ 6:30 PM
🎯 Ziggy Mahoney's, SSI

Grab your boots and hit the dance floor. Ziggy's weekly line dancing night is all about easy steps, upbeat music, and plenty of laughs along the way.

Glynn Academy Youth Football Camp
🕰️ 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
🎯 Glynn Academy Practice Fields, Brunswick

Future Red Terrors can spend two mornings learning football fundamentals, teamwork, and skill development from Glynn Academy coaches and players.

Cost: $75 per camper

2026 Summer Kid Show Series
🕰️ 9:15 AM
🎯 GTC Glynn Place Cinemas, Brunswick

Family-friendly summer movies return for just $2 admission, with $2 popcorn, drinks, and candy to match.

Adopt a Dino
🕰️ 2:00 PM
🎯 Ida Hilton Public Library, Darien

Summer Reading kicks off with a roar. Kids can hatch a dinosaur egg, adopt their own dino friend, and start logging their summer reading adventures.

More info: trrl.beanstack.org

Trivia Tuesdays at Mack's Bar-Be-Que
🕰️ 7:00 PM–9:00 PM
🎯 Mack's Bar-Be-Que, Brunswick

Bring your smartest friends, your appetite, and maybe a lucky guess or two. Scott Ryfun hosts this weekly trivia battle featuring prizes, bragging rights, and plenty of barbecue.

Lucas Forum
🕰️ 9:00 AM–10:00 AM
🎯 Golden Isles Development Authority, Brunswick

Hear local entrepreneurs share lessons learned, business insights, and startup stories over coffee at this free monthly networking event.

More info: https://www.lucascenter.com

Water Aerobics at Courtyard Jekyll Island
🕰️ 9:00 AM–10:00 AM
🎯 Courtyard by Marriott, Jekyll

A refreshing way to stay active while beating the summer heat. Jump in and get moving.

Soft Opening at Newcastle Bakery
🕰️ 12:00 PM–6:30 PM
🎯 Newcastle Bakery, Brunswick

A new bakery is opening its doors on Norwich Street. Stop by to sample fresh-baked treats and get a first look at one of downtown's newest additions.

Global Running Day Fun Run 5K
🕰️ 6:00 PM
🎯 Silver Bluff Brewing, Brunswick

Celebrate Global Running Day with a free downtown 5K followed by refreshments at Silver Bluff. No pressure, no awards, just good company and a good excuse for a post-run beverage.

Tipsy Against Humanity
🕰️ Evening
🎯 Tipsy McSway's, Brunswick

What happens when trivia collides with Cards Against Humanity? Apparently this. Tipsy's is throwing a one-night-only adults-only game night featuring custom prompts, questionable answers, and plenty of laughs. Maybe not exactly kid-friendly, but definitely memorable.

Reservations recommended: 912-267-9991

Film: Wild Rose
🕰️ 7:00 PM–9:41 PM
🎯 St. Simons Casino Theater, SSI

This acclaimed drama follows a determined young woman chasing her dream of becoming a country music star. Expect great music and a powerful story.

Admission: $5 at the door

Author Talk & Book Signing with Matt Cashion
🕰️ 10:30 AM–11:30 AM
🎯 St. Simons Casino Theater, SSI

Award-winning author Matt Cashion returns to the Golden Isles to discuss his newest collection of short stories, How We Do Things Here.

Admission: Free for members, $10 for non-members.

First Thursday at Brown Butter Shoppe
🕰️ 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
🎯 Brown Butter Shoppe, Brunswick

Downtown's monthly First Thursday celebration returns with shopping, art, conversation, and community. This month's featured artist is Kristen Hobbs Harper (Lavender Hill), whose exhibit explores healing, resilience, and transformation.

Brunswick Art Loop
🕰️ 5:00 PM–7:00 PM
🎯 Downtown Brunswick

Gallery hopping season is alive and well. Explore exhibits, meet artists, browse creative spaces, and discover why downtown Brunswick's art scene continues to grow.

Green Drinks: Twitty Park BYOP
🕰️ 5:30 PM–7:30 PM
🎯 Twitty Park, SSI

Bring a picnic basket, a reusable cup, and your curiosity. This community gathering combines lawn games, environmental conversation, and updates about the future of one of Brunswick's most beloved green spaces.

More info: forms.gle/TEhze41mk3iSpqNT9

Karaoke Night at Driftwood Wine & Cocktail
🕰️ Evening
🎯 Driftwood Wine & Cocktail, Brunswick

Whether you're secretly the next Chris Stapleton or just brave enough after a cocktail, Thursday night karaoke welcomes everyone to the microphone.

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 – 6-9pm
🎤 Conni Laine Open Mic/Karaoke @ La Playa Park, Brunswick – 6-9pm
🎸 Eddie Pickett @ Wee Pub Beach, Jekyll – 7pm
🎙️ Open Mic Night @ Palm Coast Coffee, SSI – Sign-up 8pm, music 8:30pm
🎶 Rastar @ Rafters, SSI – 10:30pm-2am

🎸 Joey Thigpen @ Tortuga Jack's, Jekyll – 5-8pm
🎤 Lanie Mae @ Downtown Cooter Brown's, Brunswick – 6-9pm
🎵 Live Music @ Fish Tales Pub & Grill, Brunswick – 6-9pm
🎹 Michaele Hannemann @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI – 7-9pm
🎸 Eddie Pickett @ Wee Pub Beach, Jekyll – 7pm

🎸 Eddie Pickett @ 24 Coastal Grill, Jekyll – 5-8pm
🎸 Brody Williams @ Mellow Mushroom, SSI – 5-7pm
🪕 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Boondox Tavern, Brunswick – 5-9pm
🎵 Live Music @ Tortuga Jack's, Jekyll – 5-8pm
🎸 Dexter Jones @ Cactus Mexican Restaurant, Brunswick – 6-9pm
🎸 Levi Moore @ Catch 228, SSI – 6-9pm
🎹 Tim Akins @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI – 6-9pm
🎸 Joey Thigpen @ Hilton Garden Inn/Garden Grille, Brunswick – 6-9pm
🎤 Roy Gentry Open Mic Night @ Mack's Bar-BE-Que, Brunswick – 6-9pm
🎵 Live Music @ Uptown Tap & Cigar, SSI – 6-8pm
🎸 Tony Adams @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 6-8pm
🎸 Rob Willis @ Captain Stan's Smokehouse, Woodbine – 6:30pm
🎤 Open Mic in the Alley @ Wine Body & Soul, SSI – Sign-up 6pm, music 7-10pm

🎸 Ryan Wilson @ Strand Bistro/Chophouse, Jesup – 5-7pm
🎸 Rob Willis @ Tortuga Jack's, Jekyll – 5-8pm
🎸 Crawford & Jim @ Tipsy McSway's, Brunswick – 6-9pm
🎸 Rider @ The Wharf, Jekyll – 6-9pm
🎤 Songbird Open Mic Night @ Hootenanny's BBQ, Brunswick – 6-8pm
🎸 Tony Adams @ Bennie's Red Barn/Tree Bar, SSI – 7pm
🎸 WharfRatz @ Wee Pub Beach, Jekyll – 7-10pm
🎤 Little Gracie @ Mullet Bay, SSI – 8-11pm
🎵 Live Music @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 8-11pm
☕ Hot Banana Coffee @ Reid's Apothecary/The Study, Brunswick – 9pm

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]

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