The Golden Isles is full of change this week. We're taking a look at the upcoming closure of the Brunswick YMCA and inviting readers to share what should come next, celebrating nine years of one of downtown's favorite restaurants, and rounding up another packed week of live music, community events, and local happenings. Whether you're looking for something to do or something to talk about, we've got you covered.

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Downtown Brunswick has plenty of great places to eat, but few have built the kind of loyal following that Indigo Coastal Shanty has earned over the past nine years.

Known for creative coastal dishes, consistently excellent food, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere, The Shanty has become a favorite for both locals and visitors alike. Whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth, you're almost always greeted with a smile and a meal that lives up to the reputation.

In an industry where consistency is one of the hardest things to achieve, The Shanty has quietly done just that—year after year.

Congratulations to the entire team on nine years in Historic Downtown Brunswick, and here's to many more.

For generations, the YMCA has been more than a place to work out. It's where children learned to swim, seniors stayed active, friendships were formed, and families found a sense of community.

With the Brunswick YMCA set to close on September 6, many local residents are sharing memories, asking tough questions, and discussing what they'd like to see take its place. We gathered some of those voices and want to hear yours.

What role has the YMCA played in your life? And what should the future of community fitness in Glynn County look like?

Read the conversation here: What Should Replace the YMCA?

Service Industry Night with Silver Bluff Brewing
4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎯 Silver Bluff Brewing Company, Brunswick

Hospitality workers, first responders, healthcare professionals, and teachers can enjoy 30% off draft beer every Monday evening. Grab takeout from your favorite downtown restaurant and head to Silver Bluff for a laid-back way to kick off the week.

Annual Market Sale at Cunninghams
August 3 – August 7
🎯 Cunninghams, Brunswick

One of downtown Brunswick's favorite annual shopping events is back. Cunninghams is clearing space for new arrivals with 10–50% off in-stock merchandise throughout the store. If you've been eyeing jewelry, gifts, or home décor, this is one of the best times of the year to browse.

2026 Brunswick PorchFest Kickoff
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎯 Tipsy McSway's, Brunswick

PorchFest season officially begins! Celebrate the return of one of Brunswick's favorite annual traditions with an evening of live music from The Pine Box Dwellers, raffle prizes, special 2026 PorchFest announcements, and plenty of community spirit. Whether you're a longtime PorchFest fan or discovering it for the first time, this kickoff party is the perfect way to get excited for November's festival.

Admission is $10 at the door. Past PorchFest sponsors receive complimentary admission.

More information: porchfestbwk.com

🎵 Musical Bingo
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎯 Live Oak Tavern, St. Simons Island

It's bingo... with your favorite songs instead of numbers. DJ Michael King keeps the music rolling while players compete for prizes. Sing along, grab a drink, and see how many songs you can recognize before anyone else.

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

Bring your smartest friends—or at least your funniest ones—for an evening of trivia hosted by local radio personality Scott Ryfun. Great barbecue, cold drinks, prizes, and plenty of friendly competition make this a fun Tuesday tradition.

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

Start your morning with inspiration and free coffee at this monthly gathering hosted by the Lucas Center for Entrepreneurship. Two local entrepreneurs share their stories, lessons learned, and practical advice, followed by networking and audience Q&A. Admission is free and no RSVP is required.

More information: www.lucascenter.com

Cards, Cocktails & Competition
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
🎯 Driftwood Wine & Cocktails, Brunswick

Grab a cocktail and settle in for a rotating lineup of classic card games including Spades, Hearts, Gin Rummy, and more. Whether you're competitive or just looking for a relaxed evening downtown, it's a fun midweek excuse to gather with friends.

Pool Tournament at Ziggy's
Sign-ups: 7:00 PM • Tournament: 8:00 PM
🎯 Ziggy Mahoney's, Brunswick

Rack 'em up every Wednesday night at Ziggy's. Sign-ups begin at 7:00 PM before players battle it out for bragging rights on the tables. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or just looking for a fun night out, everyone is welcome.

Trivia at Tipsy McSway's
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🎯 Tipsy McSway's, Brunswick

Every Wednesday brings a different trivia theme, so no two nights are exactly alike. Past topics have included general knowledge, sitcoms, decades, fantasy, Family Feud-style games, and more. Expect laughs, a little friendly rivalry, and plenty of chances to show off your random knowledge.

Moonshiners Brunswick 10-Year Anniversary
9:00 PM
🎯 Moonshiners Brunswick, Brunswick

Help Moonshiners celebrate a decade in Brunswick with drinks, friends, and a night of anniversary festivities. Raise a glass to ten years and join the celebration.

KGIB Clean & Green Golf Tournament
Registration & Breakfast: 8:00 AM • Shotgun Start: 9:00 AM
🎯 Brunswick Country Club, Brunswick

Hit the links while supporting a cleaner, greener Golden Isles. Keep Golden Isles Beautiful's 18th Annual Clean & Green Golf Tournament features a four-person scramble, breakfast before play, lunch after the tournament, and fun games throughout the course. Registration is limited to the first 20 teams, and sponsorship opportunities are still available for those who want to support KGIB's beautification efforts.

More information: KGIB.org

Author Talk & Book Signing: Hafeez Lakhani
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
🎯 St. Simons Casino Theater, St. Simons Island

Meet debut novelist Hafeez Lakhani as he discusses Abundance, a multigenerational novel exploring family, identity, and the pursuit of the American dream. The presentation will be followed by a book signing.

Admission is free for members and $10 for non-members. Seating is limited, and advance registration is encouraged.

More information:

Karaoke & Open Mic
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🎯 Driftwood Wine & Cocktails, Brunswick

Whether you're ready to belt out your favorite song or perform something original, Thursday nights at Driftwood are all about taking the stage. Karaoke sign-ups happen onsite, open mic performers are welcome, and the featured food special is discounted chicken nachos. Even if you never touch the microphone, it's one of downtown's most entertaining nights.

Live shows data courtesy of I’m With the Band

🎹 Tim Akins @ Georgia Sea Grill, St. Simons Island – 6–9 PM
🎙️ Open Mic/Karaoke @ La Playa Park, Brunswick – 6–9 PM
🎸 Gypsy Trane @ Side Pockets, Brunswick – 6–9 PM
🎶 Live Music @ Mullet Bay, St. Simons Island – 7–10 PM
🎸 Andy Johnson @ Wee Pub Beach, Jekyll Island – 7 PM
🎙️ Open Mic hosted by Anthony Stubelek @ Palm Coast Coffee, St. Simons Island – Sign-up 8 PM, music 8:30 PM

🎸 Joey Thigpen @ Tortuga Jack's, Jekyll Island – 5–8 PM
🎸 Crawford Perkins & Jayson Lee Sabo @ Downtown Cooter Brown's, Brunswick – 6–9 PM
🎸 Cliff Bragdon @ Catch 228, St. Simons Island – 6–9 PM
🎸 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Tipsy McSway's, Brunswick – 6 PM
🎹 Michaele Hannemann @ Georgia Sea Grill, St. Simons Island – 7–9 PM
🎸 Andy Johnson @ Wee Pub Beach, Jekyll Island – 7 PM
🎶 Live Music @ Mullet Bay, St. Simons Island – 8–11 PM

🎸 Eddie Pickett @ 24 Coastal Grill, Jekyll Island – 5–8 PM
🎶 Live Music @ Mellow Mushroom, St. Simons Island – 5 PM
🎸 The Pine Box Dwellers @ Boondox Tavern, Brunswick – 5 PM
🎸 Levi Moore @ Catch 228, St. Simons Island – 6–9 PM
🎸 Austin Lane @ Fish Tales Pub & Grill, Brunswick – 6–9 PM
🎹 Tim Akins @ Georgia Sea Grill, St. Simons Island – 6–9 PM
🎸 Joey Thigpen @ Hilton Garden Inn/Garden Grill, Brunswick – 6–9 PM
🎸 Caden Benton @ Toucans Ale House, Brunswick – 6–9 PM
🎸 Brody Williams @ Uptown Tap & Cigar, St. Simons Island – 6–8 PM
🎸 Tony Adams @ Village Inn & Pub, St. Simons Island – 6–8 PM
🎶 Live Music @ Captain Stan's Smokehouse, Woodbine – 6:30 PM
🎙️ Open Mic @ Wine, Body & Soul, St. Simons Island – Sign-up 6 PM, music 7–10 PM
🎶 Live Music @ Mullet Bay, St. Simons Island – 8–11 PM

🎸 Lanie Mae @ Tortuga Jack's, Jekyll Island – 5–8 PM
🎸 Brody Williams @ Fish Tales Pub & Grill, Brunswick – 6–9 PM
🎙️ Songbird Open Mic hosted by Ayron Moleen @ Hootenanny's BBQ, Brunswick – 6–8 PM
🎶 Live Music @ Ocean Lodge Resort, St. Simons Island – 6–9 PM
🎸 The Three Lees @ Tipsy McSway's, Brunswick – 6–9 PM
🎸 Rider Trio @ The Wharf, Jekyll Island – 6–9 PM
🎸 Tony Adams @ Bennie's Red Barn/Tree Bar, St. Simons Island – 7–9 PM
🎸 Wharf Ratz @ Wee Pub Beach, Jekyll Island – 7–10 PM
🎶 Live Music @ Mullet Bay, St. Simons Island – 8–11 PM
🎸 Ryan Wilson @ Village Inn & Pub, St. Simons Island – 8–11 PM
🎸 Last Call @ Rafters, St. Simons Island – 9 PM–12 AM
🎸 Hot Banana Coffee @ Reid's Apothecary/The Study, Brunswick – 9 PM

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