This might be the most stacked weekend we’ve seen all year. Woodbine’s Crawfish Festival is bringing the crowds (and the étouffée), downtown Brunswick is buzzing with events, and live music is basically everywhere you turn — from waterfront stages to tucked-away bars. Whether you’re chasing crawfish, cold drinks, or a band you didn’t know you needed to hear, this is one of those weekends where you’ll wish you could clone yourself.

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Officials with the Brantley County Sheriff's Office provided a 9:00 a.m. update Friday on the ongoing wildfire response, noting that while conditions have stabilized somewhat, the situation remains fluid.

The fire is currently about 15% contained and has burned approximately 5,000 acres. The number of structures lost remains at 54. Crews report the fire has held steady since early morning hours near Browntown, though shifting winds could quickly change conditions.

Community support has poured in—but officials say physical donations have now reached capacity.

Instead, those looking to help are being asked to make monetary donations through Georgia VOAD at: https://www.gavoad.org

Donors can designate funds to either the American Red Cross or Salvation Army and should note that contributions are for Brantley County.

Officials emphasized that many displaced residents currently do not have places to store physical items, making financial support the most effective way to help right now.

Several road closures remain active:

Residents with non-emergency questions can call 912-462-2480 or 912-462-2481.

Authorities are also urging the public to stay out of impacted areas, noting that smoke and dust are significantly reducing visibility and creating dangerous conditions for both civilians and emergency crews.

An unexpected but powerful presence popped up in downtown Brunswick this week—Kyndal Edwards, known as A Walking Testimony, stopped at Mary Ross Waterfront Park as part of his cross-country journey to raise awareness for mental health and addiction recovery.

Edwards is literally walking across America, spreading a simple but impactful message: “You Matter and We Do Recover.”

Currently making his way toward Savannah with plans to continue up the East Coast, Edwards has already logged thousands of miles on foot and is nearing another major milestone in his journey. Along the way, he hosts meetups, speaks with locals, and connects with anyone willing to have a conversation about recovery, struggle, and hope.

His mission goes beyond awareness. Edwards is also raising funds for Never Alone Recovery, a nonprofit focused on helping individuals and families overcome addiction and mental health challenges. The campaign aims to support recovery programs, outreach efforts, and community-based resources for those in need.

Locals who stopped by his Brunswick meetup were greeted not just with conversation, but with encouragement—bracelets reading “You Matter,” and a reminder that no one has to face these challenges alone.

Edwards plans to reach Savannah next before continuing north, with a long-term goal of completing a journey that spans the entire East Coast.

As he puts it: every step has purpose—and every mile carries a message of hope.

Learn more or donate: https://donorbox.org/a-walking-testimonywalking-2500-miles-so-no-one-walks-alone

Cash or Venmo Three Day Sale at Rummage!
🕰️ 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
🎯 Rummage Brunswick Upscale Resale, Brunswick

A full-store sale with 10% off everything—but here’s the twist: cash or Venmo only. If you’ve been eyeing something in the shop, this is your window. Runs through the weekend, but early birds get the good stuff.

39th Annual Woodbine Crawfish Festival (Day 1 Kickoff)
🕰️ 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎯 Waterfront Park & Riverwalk, Woodbine

If you’re looking for that classic coastal Georgia festival energy, this is it. 🦞 The Woodbine Crawfish Festival kicks off Friday evening with food, live entertainment, and plenty of reasons to make the short drive north. Expect crawfish in all forms (étouffée included), vendors, and a laid-back, family-friendly crowd getting the weekend started right.

Free entry makes this an easy “why not?” stop—and a great way to ease into a packed weekend.

More info: www.WoodbineCrawfish.com

Golden Isles Fly Fishing Festival (Day 1)
🕰️ 5:30 PM Kickoff (runs through Sunday)
🎯 On The Fly Outfitters + Downtown Brunswick

One of the bigger specialty events of the weekend. Film screenings, raffles, after-parties, and a full lineup of fishing culture and coastal lifestyle events. Even if you don’t fish, the energy, vendors, and community vibe make it worth checking out.

CABARET 2026 | Amalfi Amore – Love, Laughter, and Limoncello
🕰️ 6:00 PM
🎯 Frederica Golf Club, SSI

A full-on Italian escape right here in the Golden Isles. Think lemon groves, coastal romance, cocktails, and a night of music featuring nationally recognized performers. Add in a Mediterranean-inspired dinner and live + silent auctions, and this one leans upscale, immersive, and memorable.

More info: www.coastalsymphonyofgeorgia.org/buy-ticket.php

Coastal Legends Music Bingo
🕰️ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎯 College of Coastal Georgia, Brunswick

Music trivia meets bingo chaos—expect throwbacks, crowd energy, and prizes every round. Perfect for groups who think they know their hits… and are ready to prove it.

HART’s 10th Annual Toast to the Coast
🕰️ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎯 Waterfront Wine & Gourmet, Darien

Wine, BBQ, live magic, and a good cause—this one checks a lot of boxes. This annual fundraiser supports local animal rescue efforts, and the vibe leans social, lively, and just a little bit fancy without being stuffy.

Friday Night Muster with Lt. Col. Allen West (Ret.)
🕰️ 6:00 PM
🎯 The Facility, Brunswick

An evening of conversation, camaraderie, and community with Lt. Col. Allen West. Expect a mix of storytelling, perspective, and connection with fellow locals and veterans. Light refreshments included.

More info: https://events.theacru.org/friday-night-muster-with-lt-col-allen-west

April 24 Sip N Paint
🕰️ 6:30 PM
🎯 American Legion Post 9, Brunswick

Mocktails, guided painting, and a laid-back creative night. Whether you’ve got artistic chops or just want to relax and try something new, this is a fun, low-pressure way to spend your Friday evening.

PEACE, LOVE & NATIVE PLANTS DANCE
🕰️ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎯 905 E. Broad Street, Darien

A surprisingly cool mix of nature + nightlife 🌿 This one starts earlier in the day with a native plant pre-sale (3–7 PM), then turns into a full-on community dance party. Expect DJ music, good vibes, and a crowd that actually wants to talk about plants and biodiversity… and then dance about it. Free, unique, and very “Golden Isles energy.”

Music Concert w/ Friends (Broadway Tribute)
🕰️ 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
🎯 SoGlo Gallery & Brunswick Actors Theatre, Brunswick

A local stage showcase featuring singers and dancers performing Broadway classics. Also doubles as a send-off tribute to longtime SoGlo arts leader Lynda Gallagher. Intimate, artsy, and one of those “you’ll be glad you went” nights.

Late Night Mack’s!
🕰️ 9:00 PM – Midnight
🎯 Mack’s Bar-Be-Que, Brunswick

New pool tables, late-night energy, and no need to cross town. Mack’s is leaning into the “stay out late” crowd with music, drinks, and a casual hang that goes till midnight.

2026 John Willis Football Kickoff Classic
🕰️ 8:30 AM
🎯 126 Clipper Bay, Brunswick

Golf, community, and Pirate pride. This tournament supports Brunswick High football and brings together locals, businesses, and fans for a full day on the course.

More info: https://forms.gle/5XXzx5ooJLmqp3em9

Forward Brunswick Farmer’s Market
🕰️ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
🎯 Mary Ross Waterfront Park, Brunswick

Fresh produce, local goods, and that classic waterfront market vibe. One of the best ways to start your Saturday—grab coffee, wander, and maybe leave with way more than you planned.

Spring Wellness Festival
🕰️ 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🎯 Mary Ross Waterfront Park, Brunswick

Live music, food trucks, bounce houses, vendors—this one’s a full-on family-friendly takeover of the waterfront. Health + community + sunshine. Expect a crowd and plenty to do.

🎉 Year One → WON! Celebrate ONE Year! YOU’RE invited!
🕰️ 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🎯 Flo & Glo IV Wellness Lounge, Brunswick

A one-year anniversary celebration packed with gratitude, giveaways, and good vibes. Expect a mix of wellness, community, and celebration energy as they mark a big milestone downtown.

Sidewalk Chalk Trail Art Festival (Celebrate Trails Day)
🕰️ 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
🎯 MLK/Altama Path (meet at 1412 Gloucester St), Brunswick

Downtown turns into an open-air canvas 🎨 Come create chalk art along the trail or just walk through and enjoy the creativity. Free, interactive, and a great “pop in anytime” event throughout the day.

More info: https://bikewalkgoldenisles.org/event/bwgi-celebrate-trails-day-events/

You Pick – Blueberries
🕰️ 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🎯 Oglesby Family Farm, Brunswick

It’s officially blueberry season—grab a bucket and go to work. Family-friendly, low-key, and about as local as it gets. Come early if you want the best pickings.

Downtown Cooter Brown’s 1-Year Anniversary Block Party
🕰️ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
🎯 Downtown Cooter Brown’s, Brunswick

They’re turning ONE and doing it the right way—block party style. Live music, outdoor food and drink service, and a full-on celebration spilling into the street. Bring a chair, settle in, and expect a strong crowd.

More info: https://cooterbrownsbwk.com

Community Paint: Let’s Give This Old Piano New Life
🕰️ 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
🎯 Makers BWK, Brunswick

This is one of the cooler, more creative events of the weekend. A real piano turned public art project—drop in, grab a brush, and add your touch. No experience needed, just show up and be part of something that’ll stick around downtown.

Pins for Paws presented by Buchan Heating & Air
🕰️ 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
🎯 Golden Isles Strike Zone, Brunswick

Bowling for a cause 🐾 Unlimited bowling, team lanes, and a fun crowd—all supporting local shelter animals. Whether you’re competitive or just there for laughs, this one’s all about doing good while having a blast.

More info: https://gcasallies.networkforgood.com/events/96566-pins-for-paws-2026

7 Bridges: The Ultimate EAGLES Experience (Live at Crawfish Festival)
🕰️ 7:30 PM
🎯 Satilla River Waterfront Park, Woodbine

A full tribute to the Eagles—think “Hotel California,” “Take It Easy,” and all the hits. Big stage, big sound, and a great way to cap off a festival day.

Sunday Supper (Food Truck Park)
🕰️ 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
🎯 The Galley Food Truck Park, Brunswick

Live music, rotating food trucks, and a laid-back Sunday crowd. Bring a chair and ease into the afternoon.

Spring Market
🕰️ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
🎯 4 Retreat Pl, SSI

Local vendors, shopping, food, and a mix of pop-up experiences. A casual stop-and-browse kind of Sunday outing.

Music Concert w/ Friends (Final Show)
🕰️ 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
🎯 SoGlo Gallery & Brunswick Actors Theatre, Brunswick

Second showing of the Broadway-style performance—if you missed Friday night, this is your encore opportunity.

Last Sunday at Glynn Place Mall
🕰️ 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎯 Glynn Place Mall, Brunswick

Food trucks, crafts, and a growing community market vibe taking over the mall grounds. Expect local makers, eats, and a steady crowd throughout the afternoon and evening.

Concert in the Park
🕰️ 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
🎯 Neptune Park, SSI

Free outdoor concert from the Golden Isles Youth Orchestra. Bring a blanket, sit by the lighthouse, and enjoy a relaxed hour of music.

Golden Isles Fly Fishing Festival (Final Day)
🕰️ Morning events through early afternoon
🎯 Downtown Brunswick + On the Water

Wrap-up day with on-the-water experiences, community meetups, and a more laid-back close to one of the weekend’s biggest specialty events.

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

🎸 Johnny White @ Fish Tales Pub & Grill, Brunswick – 6–9pm
🎸 Roy Gentry @ Ocean Lodge Resort, SSI – 6–9pm
🎸 Crawford & Jim @ Tipsy McSway’s, Brunswick – 6–9pm
🎷 Songbird Open Mic Fire Benefit @ Hootenanny’s, Brunswick – 6–8pm
🎸 Rider @ The Wharf, Jekyll – 6–9pm
🎸 Tony Adams @ Bennie’s Red Barn/Tree Bar, SSI – 7:30pm
🎸 Cliff Bragdon @ El Dorado, Jesup – 7–10pm
🎸 Ryan Wilson @ Strand Bistro/Chophouse, Jesup – 7–10pm
🎸 Pier Pressure @ Wee Pub Beach, Jekyll – 7–10pm
🎸 Last Call @ Mullet Bay, SSI – 8–11pm
🎸 Troubadour South @ Rafters, SSI – 8–11pm
🎸 Cody Marlowe @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 8–11pm
🎸 Hot Banana Coffee @ Reid’s Apothecary/The Study, Brunswick – 9pm
🎸 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Reed’s Ponderosa, Tarboro – 6:30pm
🎹 Phil Morrison Trio @ The Studio, Darien – 7–9pm

🎸 Founders Social Live Music @ Founders Social, Jekyll – 5–8pm
🎸 Eric Culberson Band @ Boondox Tavern, Brunswick – 5–9pm
🎸 Black River Ramblers @ Tortuga Jack’s, Jekyll – 5–8pm
🎸 Emma Mac @ Eighty Ocean Kitchen & Bar, Jekyll – 6–9pm
🎸 Jerry Gowen (piano) @ Georgia Sea Grill, SSI – 6:30–9:30pm
🎸 The Vibe @ Alec’s Sports Bar & Grill, Jesup – 6:30–9:30pm
🎸 Yoko Says No @ Captain Stan’s Smokehouse, Woodbine – 6:30pm
🎸 Triple Shot @ Sago, Sea Palms Resort, SSI – 6–9pm
🎸 Brody Williams @ The Local, Nahunta – 6–9pm
🎸 Gabe Spell @ The Wharf, Jekyll – 6–9pm
🎸 Squirt Gun @ Gnat’s Landing, SSI – 7–10pm
🎸 Lanie Mae @ Rafters, SSI – 7–10pm
🎸 Opal Moon @ Ember/Mas Lounge, SSI – 7–10pm
🎸 Colby Word @ The Hangout Bar & Grill, Brunswick – 7–10pm
🎸 Roy Gentry @ Strand Bistro/Chophouse, Jesup – 7:30–10:30pm
🎸 Braxton Sykes @ Three Oaks Steak & Seafood, Brunswick – 7–10pm
🎸 3 Day Weekend @ Toucans Ale House, Brunswick – 7–10pm
🎸 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Tipsy McSway’s, Brunswick – 7–10pm
🎸 Brent Browning @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 8–11pm
🎸 Hot Banana Coffee @ Bar at Mallery, SSI – 8–11pm
🎸 Backbeat Boulevard @ Mullet Bay, SSI – 8–11pm
🎸 Randall Dowling Band @ Bennie’s Red Barn/Tree Bar, SSI – 9pm
🎸 Blossomin’ Bone @ Reid’s Apothecary/The Study, Brunswick – 9pm
🎸 Restless Natives (ABB Tribute) @ LL Creek, Waycross – 9pm
🎸 Grumpy Monkey @ Sidetraxx Bar, Jesup – 9pm
🎻 Woodbine Opry Bluegrass/Gospel Jam @ Woodbine Opry – 7pm
🎤 ACS Cureoke Fundraiser @ Village Creek Landing, SSI – 6pm

🎸 Clara Easterlin @ Mary Ross Waterfront Park, Brunswick – 9am–1pm
🎸 Live Music @ King City Kitchen, SSI – 11am–3pm
🎸 Rider Trio @ Founders Social, Jekyll – 1–4pm
🎸 3 Day Weekend @ Downtown Cooter Brown’s, Brunswick – 1–4pm
🎸 Peyton Chambless & The Backshift @ Captain Stan’s Smokehouse, Woodbine – 1:30pm
🎸 Uncle Dave Griffin @ Boondox Tavern (inside), Brunswick – 2–5pm
🎸 Restless Natives @ Boondox Tavern (outdoor), Brunswick – 5–9pm
🎸 Ryan Wilson @ Hootenanny’s, Brunswick – 5–8pm
🎸 Josh Nunn @ Shore Restaurant Courtyard, Jekyll – 6–9pm
🎸 Dexter Jones @ Ocean Lodge Resort, SSI – 6–9pm
🎸 Soulful Dave @ Mellow Mushroom, SSI – 6–9pm
🎸 Rider @ Rafters, SSI – 7–10pm
🎸 Frost Bros. Band @ Gnat’s Landing, SSI – 7–10pm
🎸 Roy Gentry & Hired Guns @ The Hangout, Brunswick – 7–10pm
🎸 Your Mom’s Favorite Band @ Fish Tales Pub & Grill, Brunswick – 7–10pm
🎸 Brody Williams @ Toucans Ale House, Brunswick – 7–10pm
🎸 Hot Banana Coffee @ Three Oaks Steak & Seafood, Brunswick – 7–10pm
🎸 Brent Browning @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 8–11pm
🎸 Wasabi Rush @ Mullet Bay, SSI – 8–11pm
🎸 Cody Marlowe @ Bar at Mallery, SSI – 8–11pm
🎸 Austin Lane Band @ LL Creek, Waycross – 9pm
🎸 Live Music @ Reid’s Apothecary/The Study, Brunswick – 9pm
🎸 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Rafters, SSI – 11pm–2am
🎻 Woodbine Opry Electric Dance Band @ Woodbine Opry – 7pm

🎸 Cliff Bragdon @ Bubba Garcia’s, SSI – 12–3pm
🎸 Cody Marlowe @ Bubba’s at Mary Ross Park, Brunswick – 12–3pm
🎸 Rider @ Tortuga Jack’s, Jekyll – 1–4pm
🎸 Emma Mac @ Founders Social, Jekyll – 1–4pm
🎸 Coastal Highway Band @ The Galley Food Truck Park, Brunswick – 1–4pm
🎸 CJ @ SSI Lifestyle Spring Market, SSI – 1–4pm
🎸 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Uptown Tap & Cigar, SSI – 3–6pm
🎻 Golden Isles Youth Orchestra @ Neptune Park, SSI – 5–6pm
🎸 CJ @ Beachcomber BBQ, SSI – 5–8pm
🎸 Landon Laroche @ The Hangout, Brunswick – 5–8pm
🎸 Mike McDaniel @ JI Beach House – 5–8pm
🎸 Your Mom’s Favorite Band @ Side Pokkets, Brunswick – 5–8pm
🎸 Live Music @ Mullet Bay, SSI – 5–8pm
🎸 Josh Kirkland Band @ Gnat’s Landing, SSI – 6–9pm
🎸 Dexter Jones @ Cactus, Brunswick – 6–9pm
🎸 Rob Willis @ Village Inn & Pub, SSI – 7–10pm

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]!