Brunswick conversations have been heating up lately — and not just about the weather. This week we’re diving into the big question many locals are asking: why rent prices seem to be climbing so quickly across the Golden Isles. We also look at a new downtown dining event that’s turning March into a month-long food tour, plus everything happening around town this weekend — including First Friday, art walks, live music, and a surprisingly packed lineup of community events.

Peru, Bhutan and Cambodia. That’s where Intrepid, the world’s largest adventure travel company, has launched three new Women’s Expeditions.

These small-group trips are designed exclusively for women, creating space to connect, explore and support local women-led businesses along the way.

Trek the lesser-known Chinchero to Urquillos route in the Peruvian Andes with an all-female crew. Discover Cambodia’s street food scene on a women-run tuk tuk tour. Unwind with a traditional herbal hot stone bath at a women-owned farmhouse in Bhutan.

Every trip is led by an expert female guide and built around meaningful, immersive experiences.

Explore Women’s Expeditions

💬 Community Conversation

Why Is Rent So High in Brunswick?
https://goldenisleslantern.beehiiv.com/p/why-is-rent-so-high-in-brunswick

Rents hitting $1,600… $1,900… even $2,000+ a month. For many locals, the big question is simple: why?

We dug into a massive community debate where residents pointed to everything from FLETC housing allowances and tourism to short-term rentals and coastal demand. The result? A complicated picture of how a small coastal city is changing — and why people see the housing situation very differently depending on where they stand.

⭐ Locals Recommend

Best Internet Providers in Brunswick & Golden Isles
https://goldenisleslantern.beehiiv.com/p/best-internet-providers-in-brunswick-golden-isles

When one local saw their Xfinity bill jump from $70 to $140, they asked the community: what’s actually the best internet around here?

Dozens of residents chimed in with their experiences — and one provider came up again and again. If you’re shopping for reliable internet in Brunswick, SSI, or the surrounding areas, this roundup of local recommendations is a good place to start.

Downtown Brunswick’s restaurant scene will take center stage this March with a new culinary event called Brunswick Spice, a month-long dining program designed to showcase local restaurants and encourage people to explore the downtown food scene.

Organized by the Brunswick Downtown Development Authority, the event runs March 1 through March 31, with special menus available Monday through Thursday at participating restaurants.

The program features prix-fixe meals — multi-course menus offered at fixed prices — making it easy for diners to try new places without the typical price uncertainty.

Here’s how the pricing works:

• Lunch: Appetizer + main course for $15 or less
• Dinner: Appetizer + main course for $25 or less
• Elevated Dinner: Three courses (appetizer, main, dessert) for $35 or less

Several downtown favorites are participating, including:

1509 Brunswick
Arte Pizza
Basil Thai & Sushi
Bubba Garcia’s
Cactus Mexican Restaurant
Driftwood Wine & Cocktails
Hootenanny’s at The Yard
Indigo Coastal Shanty
Tikal Taqueria
Tipsy McSway’s
Bollywood Indian Bistro

Downtown Main Street Manager Lina Bareno said the event was created to highlight the diversity of Brunswick’s food scene while supporting local restaurants.

“Our downtown restaurants are offering multi-course meals at fixed prices,” Bareno said. “Honestly, it’s about supporting our local restaurants and showcasing downtown Brunswick as a true culinary destination.”

The Downtown Development Authority hopes Brunswick Spice will give residents and visitors a new reason to come downtown during the week and try restaurants they may not have visited before.

To add a little extra incentive, diners can also participate in a Brunswick Spice Passport program, earning points at participating restaurants that can be redeemed for prizes such as:

• A $100 gift card
• VIP parking for First Friday
• Downtown Development Authority merchandise

Organizers say the goal is to make the event an annual tradition celebrating Brunswick’s growing culinary scene.

Menus and details can be found at:
https://brunswickspice.com

A new land swap between the City of Brunswick and Glynn County Schools will shift ownership of several historic and strategic properties — including Edo Miller Park and Lanier Field — while giving the school district room to expand its workforce training programs.

Under the agreement announced Wednesday, the school system will receive 18 acres of land next to the Golden Isles College and Career Academy (GICCA). Officials say the space could support future career training and workforce development programs tied to local industries.

In exchange, the City of Brunswick will take ownership of several properties, including:

• Edo Miller Ballpark
• Lanier Field
• A parcel on Habersham Street

Edo Miller Ballpark carries deep local history. The field once hosted the Brunswick Pirates minor league team and served for years as the home baseball field for Glynn Academy and Brunswick High School before both schools built newer sports complexes.

Mayor Cosby Johnson called the agreement part of a broader effort to reinvest in underused city assets.

“The city of Brunswick is committed to building a future that honors our past while fostering new opportunities,” Johnson said in a statement announcing the deal.

City leaders say the partnership could help revitalize key corridors while supporting education and workforce training in the community.

The swap also continues a long history of cooperation between the city and school board. A similar land exchange in 2007 helped make possible the construction of Glynn Middle School, as well as housing developments and public space improvements in downtown Brunswick.

Officials described the new agreement as a model of cooperation between local governments aimed at strengthening education and encouraging smart growth.

Brunswick Art Loop

🕰️ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🎯 Downtown Brunswick Galleries & Shops

Start the weekend early with one of Brunswick’s most creative monthly traditions. The Brunswick Art Loop takes place the first Thursday of every month, bringing together downtown galleries, artists, and creative spaces for an evening of art and conversation.

Participating locations include the Mildred Huie Wilcox Gallery at the Historic Ritz Theatre, the Brunswick Library SoGlo Gallery, and other downtown art spaces. Visitors can meet artists, explore new exhibitions, and experience the creative side of Brunswick’s historic downtown.

Admission is free, and the relaxed gallery atmosphere makes it a perfect early-evening stroll before dinner downtown.

Ritz Theater Reception – Georgia Coastal Artists Guild Art Display
🕰️ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🎯 The Ritz Theatre, Brunswick

Art + Art Loop + Historic Theater vibes. 🎨✨

During the Brunswick Art Loop (happening alongside the SSI Art Stroll), The Ritz hosts a reception celebrating the opening of the Georgia Coastal Artists Guild exhibit. Stop in, meet artists, and make it part of your downtown gallery crawl evening.

Master Your Garden
🕰️ 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
🎯 Glynn County Extension Office, 325 Old Jesup Rd., Brunswick

Want Master Gardener knowledge without the full volunteer commitment? This shorter-format class helps you prep your spring and summer garden like a pro.

$5 per class.
Call 912-554-7577 or email [email protected] to register.

Marsh Moon Rising Soundbite by Coastal Symphony of Georgia
🕰️ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎯 Village Creek Landing, SSI

Marsh views. ’90s soundtrack. Rising moon. 🌅🎶

An outdoor concert celebrating the music of the ’90s in one of SSI’s most beautiful marshfront settings. Bring friends, grab a drink, and settle in for golden-hour live music.

Admission: $10 (payable at the door)
Cash bar + food trucks on site

Tickets:
https://www.coastalsymphonyofgeorgia.org/buy-ticket.php

CornHole Tournament at Fish Tales Pub & Grill
🕰️ 7:00 PM
🎯 7445 Blythe Island Hwy, Brunswick

Grab a partner or come solo and get matched up. All skill levels welcome. Cash prizes for top teams. Pub energy + friendly competition = solid Thursday plan.

Glynn Academy Band Annual Golf Tournament

🕘 9:00 AM Shotgun Start
🎯 Heritage Oaks Golf Club, Brunswick

Hit the links for a great cause. The Glynn Academy Band Golf Tournament helps support the Pride of the Golden Isles marching band, which is largely self-funded.

The tournament features a 4-man scramble, raffle prizes, mulligans, a silent auction, and lunch for players. Sponsorships and team entries help keep the music playing for one of Glynn County’s most beloved school programs.

Jekyll Island Arts Festival

🕰️ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎯 Goodyear Cottage Gallery & Shop, Jekyll Island

Color, creativity, and coastal inspiration fill the island this weekend at the Jekyll Island Arts Festival.

Artists from around the region showcase work in painting, pottery, sculpture, jewelry, photography, and woodworking. Visitors can browse artist booths, watch demonstrations, and even try hands-on art experiences themselves.

Highlights include:

• Juried art exhibits and gallery sales
• Live artist demonstrations
• DIY art opportunities for adults and youth
• Glaze-your-own Raku pottery
• Bake sales and festival food
• Car show and raffle

Admission is free, and the juried art show remains on display through March 28.

Friends of Historic Jekyll Island Online Auction

🕰️ Opens Friday
🌐 Online Event

Support preservation on Jekyll Island while bidding on some great experiences. The Friends of Historic Jekyll Island Online Auction launches Friday with 100+ items available.

Auction items include vacations, local experiences, dining packages, and family adventures across the Golden Isles.

Proceeds help restore and maintain historic buildings in the Jekyll Island Historic District.

More info:
https://2026fohji.charityauction.bid/

March First Friday

🕰️ 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎯 Newcastle Street, Downtown Brunswick

Downtown Brunswick’s favorite street festival returns. First Friday closes Newcastle Street to traffic and fills downtown with live music, food trucks, local vendors, shopping specials, and a car show.

Grab dinner from a food truck, listen to music drifting across the squares, and explore downtown shops and galleries.

Tipsy McSway’s 14th Anniversary Party

🕰️ Evening during First Friday
🎯 Tipsy McSway’s, Downtown Brunswick

One of Brunswick’s favorite neighborhood bars is celebrating 14 years this First Friday.

Expect a lively crowd, squirt-gun fun, and $5 margaritas as Tipsy McSway’s throws a birthday party right in the middle of the First Friday festivities.

Fortunes & Tea at Spiral Wanderers

🕰️ 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎯 Spiral Wanderers Coffee Shop & Bookstore, Downtown Brunswick

If you're wandering through First Friday, stop by Spiral Wanderers Coffee Shop and Bookstore where a special guest will be drawing fortunes and spilling tea.

The cozy bookstore-coffee shop combo recently expanded into a larger space and is inviting visitors to stop in, relax, and explore one of downtown’s most eclectic gathering spots.

First Friday Fish Fry Dinner

🕰️ 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
🎯 Elks Lodge 691, Brunswick

Classic Brunswick comfort food. The Elks Lodge’s First Friday Fish Fry includes two fillets, cheese grits, coleslaw, hushpuppies, dessert, and iced tea for a $12 donation.

Located just a block from the downtown festivities, it’s an easy dinner stop while enjoying First Friday.

Paint & Sip

🕰️ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎯 Jekyll Island Club Resort

Spend the evening painting and relaxing in one of the island’s most historic settings. An instructor guides guests step-by-step through creating a painting while participants sip their favorite beverage.

All supplies are included, and you’ll leave with your own finished artwork.

NWTF Golden Isles Longspurs Hunting Heritage Event Banquet

🕰️ 6:00 PM
🎯 Brunswick Shrine Club

A lively evening celebrating conservation and hunting heritage. The banquet includes dinner, raffles, auctions, and prize tables packed with outdoor gear.

More info:
https://events.nwtf.org/EVT-20117/tickets

First Friday Pinball Tournament

🕰️ 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🎯 The Pinball Palace, Brunswick

Arcade lovers gather for a competitive evening of classic and modern pinball machines — including the chance to try the new Beetlejuice pinball game.

Dogwood Winter – Opening Weekend

🕰️ 7:30 PM
🎯 The Island Players Theatre, St. Simons Island

The Island Players present Dogwood Winter, a heartfelt stage comedy set in Savannah.

The story follows newly divorced Grace Vaughn as she returns home to rebuild her life with the help of her mother Ruby and Ruby’s outspoken group of friends. Together they navigate life’s “cold snaps” with humor, honesty, and a little Southern sass.

Performances run on select evenings through March 22.

More info & tickets:
https://www.theislandplayers.com

Brunswick Harbor Market

🕰️ 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🎯 Mary Ross Waterfront Park

Browse fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and local art while enjoying views of the Brunswick harbor.

Golden Isles Spring Classic Pickleball Tournament

🕰️ Beginning at 8:00 AM
🎯 North Glynn Park & Recreation Complex

Pickleball players from around the region compete in this two-day tournament.

Saturday features men’s and women’s doubles, while mixed doubles take place Sunday.

Marsh Madness Coastal Cleanup

🕰️ 10:00 AM
🎯 Liberty Ship Park

Volunteers gather to help clean up marsh areas along the Brunswick waterfront. Gloves and supplies are provided — just bring boots and a willingness to get a little muddy for a good cause.

Seed Swap

🕰️ 10:00 AM
🎯 Glynn County Extension Office

Gardeners bring seeds to trade and discover new varieties for spring planting while connecting with other local growers.

Kids Crusade + Nerf & Nachos

🕰️ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
🎯 Abundant Life Fellowship

Kids enjoy a lively afternoon service followed by a Nerf battle and nachos. Participants should bring their Nerf blasters — foam ammo provided.

Riverside Live – Southern Rock Night

🕰️ 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎯 Jekyll Island Historic District

An outdoor concert celebrating the legacy of the Allman Brothers Band, who famously performed at Gould Auditorium in 1970.

Opening set by Blossom’n Bone followed by Allman Brothers tribute band Restless Natives.

More info:
https://jekyllisland.com/events

F3 St. Simons – 10 Year Anniversary Celebration

🕰️ 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🎯 Uptown Tap & Cigar

Celebrating a decade of sunrise workouts and community with friends and fellowship.

Fire in the Hem: Skirt Technique Dance Series

🕰️ 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
🎯 1510 Bay St, Brunswick

A dance workshop exploring dramatic folkloric skirt movement and expressive choreography.

More info:
https://www.lenamikado.com/service-page/fire-in-the-hem

Patti O’Furniture’s Pot O’ Gold Drag Show

🕰️ 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
🎯 Tipsy McSway’s

A lively night of drag performances, comedy, music, and big personalities celebrating St. Patrick’s season.

Tickets:
https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/tipsy-mcsways/drag-show

Sunday Funday & Live Music with Blossomin’ Bone

🕰️ 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
🎯 Hootenanny’s BBQ, 1628 Newcastle Street, Brunswick

Wrap up the weekend with some good food and live music at Sunday Funday at Hootenanny’s BBQ.

Enjoy special pricing on entrées while the band Blossomin’ Bone brings live music starting at noon. It’s a relaxed afternoon perfect for grabbing lunch, hanging out with friends, and enjoying the downtown Brunswick vibe.

Families are welcome — kids under 6 eat free.

Come hungry and stay for the music.

Time Travelers Renaissance Festival

🕰️
Friday: 3 PM – 9 PM
Saturday: 11 AM – 9 PM
Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM

🎯 Produce on the Patch, Darien

Step through the gates and into another era at this immersive three-day festival featuring:

• Full-combat jousting
• Viking battle reenactments
• Sword fighting and sword swallowing
• Fire-breathing entertainment
• Falconry demonstrations with birds of prey
• Live music from the Piper Jones Band
• Costumed characters roaming the grounds

From young knights and princesses to seasoned Renaissance festival fans, it’s a weekend of medieval adventure.

Tickets & info:
https://eventsbycourtneykaye.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

🎸 Will Gore @ The Salty Cowboy, Shellman Bluff – 5–7 PM
🎸 Hunter Flanagan @ Fish Tales Pub & Grill, Brunswick – 6–9 PM
🎤 Songbird Open Mic Night @ Hootenanny’s In The Yard, Brunswick – 6–8 PM
🎸 Crawford, Jim & Jason @ Tipsy McSway’s, Brunswick – 6–9 PM
🎸 Colby Word @ Tortuga Jack’s, Jekyll – 6–9 PM
🎸 Rider @ The Wharf, Jekyll – 6–9 PM
🎸 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Reed's Ponderosa, Tarboro – 6:30 PM
🎸 Tony Adams @ Bennie’s Red Barn / Tree Bar, SSI – 7:30 PM
🎷 WharfRatz @ Wee Pub Beach, Jekyll – 7–10 PM
🎸 Randall Dowling Band @ Mullet Bay, SSI – 8–11 PM
🎷 Jenn Burns Trio @ Rafters, SSI – 8–11 PM
🎸 Ryan Wilson @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 8–11 PM
🎹 Hot Banana Coffee @ Reid’s Apothecary / The Study, Brunswick – 9 PM

🎸 Rider @ Bubba’s, Mary Ross Park, Brunswick – 5:30–8:30 PM
🎤 Lanie Mae @ Founders Social, Jekyll – 5–8 PM
🎸 Uncle Dave Griffin @ The Local, Nahunta – 6 PM
🎸 Hunter Flanagan @ Fish Tales Pub & Grill, Brunswick – 6–9 PM
🎸 Jacob Sands @ The Hangout Bar & Grill, Brunswick – 6–9 PM
🎸 Tim Akins @ JI Beach House, Jekyll – 6–9 PM
🎸 Josh Nunn @ Eighty Ocean Kitchen & Bar, Jekyll – 6–9 PM
🎸 Gabe Spell @ The Wharf, Jekyll – 6–9 PM
🎸 Backbeat Boulevard @ Tortuga Jack’s, Jekyll – 6–9 PM
🎸 Peyton Chambless & The Backshift @ Tribuzio’s Grille, Jekyll – 6–9 PM
🎹 Jerry Gowen (piano) @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI – 6:30–9:30 PM
🎤 Live Music @ Captain Stan’s Smokehouse, Woodbine – 6:30 PM
🎸 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Ember / Mas Lounge, SSI – 7–10 PM
🎸 Squirt Gun @ Tipsy McSway’s First Friday & 14th Anniversary, Brunswick – 7–10 PM
🎤 Live Music @ Toucan’s Ale House, Brunswick – 7–10 PM
🎷 Rastar @ Wine Alley / Wine Body & Soul, SSI – 7–10 PM
🎻 Acoustic Bluegrass & Gospel Jam @ Woodbine Opry, Woodbine – 7 PM
🎹 Hot Banana Coffee @ Bar at Mallery, SSI – 8–11 PM
🎸 Big Money & The Womp Rats @ Mullet Bay, SSI – 8–11 PM
🎸 Frost Bros Band @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 8–11 PM
🎤 Rachel Thompson @ Strand Bistro / Chophouse, Jesup – 8–11 PM
🎸 Your Mom’s Favorite Band @ Reid’s Apothecary / The Study, Brunswick – 9 PM
🎸 The Crowded Table @ Murphy’s Tavern, SSI – 10 PM

🎹 Hot Banana Coffee Duo @ King City Kitchen, SSI – 11 AM–3 PM
🎸 Randall Dowling Band @ Barrier Island Brewing, SSI – 12–3 PM
🎸 The Stringrays @ Rotary Red Hot Chili Cookoff, Postell Park, SSI – 11:30 AM–2 PM
🎸 Eric Culberson Blues Band @ Boondox Tavern, Brunswick – 5–8 PM
🎸 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Hootenanny’s BBQ, Brunswick – 5–8 PM
🎸 Brent Browning @ Tribuzio’s Grille, Jekyll – 5:30–8:30 PM
🎸 Ryan Wilson @ The Local, Nahunta – 6 PM
🎸 Michael Hulett @ Ocean Lodge Resort, SSI – 6–9 PM
🎸 Josh Nunn @ Shore Restaurant Courtyard / Residence Inn, Jekyll – 6–9 PM
🎸 Backbeat Boulevard @ The Wharf, Jekyll – 6–9 PM
🎸 Squirt Gun @ Tortuga Jack’s, Jekyll – 6–9 PM
🎤 Live Music @ Captain Stan’s Smokehouse, Woodbine – 6:30 PM
🎸 Uncle Dave Griffin @ Fish Dock Bar & Grill, Townsend – 6:30 PM
🎻 Irish Music Night ft. Robert Spann, Maroun Mazaar & Jason Cherne with Harry O’Donoghue @ St William Parish Hall, SSI – 6:30 PM
🎸 Charlie Fog Duo @ Rafters, SSI – 7–10 PM
🎸 3 Day Weekend @ The Hangout Bar & Grill, Brunswick – 7–10 PM
🎹 Jerry Gowen (piano) @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI – 6:30–9:30 PM
🎸 Hot Banana Coffee @ Gnat’s Landing, SSI – 7–10 PM
🎸 The Long Stride @ Three Oaks Steak & Seafood, Brunswick – 7–10 PM
🎻 Electric Dance Band Show @ Woodbine Opry, Woodbine – 7 PM
🎸 Roy Gentry & Hired Guns @ Bennie’s Red Barn / Tree Bar, SSI – 9 PM
🎤 Live Music @ Reid’s Apothecary / The Study, Brunswick – 9 PM
🎸 Your Mom’s Favorite Band @ Mullet Bay, SSI – 8–11 PM
🎸 Rider Trio @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 8–11 PM
🎸 Classic Albums Series: Young Americans (Stone Temple Pilots “Core”) & Kicklighter (Nirvana “Nevermind”) @ Murphy’s Tavern, SSI – 10:30 PM–1:30 AM

🎸 Brody Williams & Emma Mac @ Founders Social, Jekyll – 12–3 PM
🎸 Blossomin’ Bone @ Hootenanny’s BBQ, Brunswick – 12–3 PM
🎸 Rider @ Tortuga Jack’s, Jekyll – 1–4 PM
🎸 Tim Akins @ Uptown Tap & Cigar, SSI – 3–6 PM
🎸 Uncle Dave Griffin @ Captain Stan’s Smokehouse, Woodbine – 3–6 PM
🎸 Mike McDaniel @ The Hangout Bar & Grill, Brunswick – 5–8 PM
🎤 Live Music @ Beachcomber BBQ, SSI – 5–8 PM
🎸 Tony Adams @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 7–10 PM

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