There's Always Something to Explore on Jekyll Island!
The Events Calendar has now been updated with current 2023 information for upcoming events.
Choose from ongoing events on Jekyll Island, weekly events or our monthly calendar of current events. NOTE all events are published for convenience only and are subject to change without notice. Please check with each event organizer to confirm event dates and details.
Listing your event on the ExploreJekyllIsland.com website is FREE.
214 Stable Road
Jekyll Island, Georgia 912.635.4444
Features an interactive Exhibit Gallery and Rehabilitation Pavilion open to the public. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is a functioning hospital for ill and injured sea turtles and is the only hospital of its kind in the state of Georgia.
Hours of Operation
Open Daily 9am - 5pm
Holiday Schedule:
Thanksgiving Day: CLOSED
Christmas Eve Day: CLOSED
Christmas Day: CLOSED
New Year's Day: CLOSED
Join Village Creek Landing for an informative Eco Lecture Series. Each month they will have a new guest speaker discussing environmentally focused topics specifically geared to preserving Georgia's Coast. Come early and enjoy cocktails with Village Creek Landing's beautiful marsh view! $10 per person (includes your first drink), Bar opens at 5pm. Lecture starts at 6pm. Space is limited, so RSVP at Eco Lecture Series at Village Creek Landing or call 912.399.0063.
Visit the shops, galleries, restaurants of Historic Downtown Brunswick; art openings, live music, food and beverage pairing samples. 5-8pm.
January 2023
January
Jekyll Island Treasures
This two-month-long annual event on Jekyll Island is a favorite tradition spawned from a fishing legacy.
In the early 1900s, east coast fishermen used hollow glass balls, or floats, on their nets as markers. Occasionally, the floats would break loose and wash ashore for lucky beachcombers to find and keep. Collecting these rare, highly sought after glass floats became a hobby in the 1950s.
Today, Jekyll Island hand-picks artists from across the country to create one-of-a-kind clear globe floats for its annual Island Treasures event.
The globe floats are part of a hide-and-seek style game played on Jekyll Island throughout January and February. Each day, volunteers called Beach Buddies hide clear globe floats around the island for lucky guests to find and exchange for keepsake glass globes.
Each float is marked with a special tag and instructions for treasure finders to register their Island Treasures at the Jekyll Island Guest Information Center where they will receive a certificate of authenticity and artist biography for their one-of-a-kind float. The Center is open Monday-Saturday, 9am – 6pm and Sunday 10am – 5pm.
This annual run takes participants around the island and historic landmarks showcasing the natural splendor of Jekyll. Runners will pass under the canopies of the majestic live oaks, past the beauty of the salt marshes, and wide open beaches. The course will also transport runners to an earlier time when they pass through the Jekyll Island Club National Historic Landmark. This landmark is one of the largest ongoing restoration projects in the southeastern United States and attracts visitors from around the world. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or this will be your first you won't want to miss the opportunity to run the JIM!
Please visit our Registration Page for more information and to sign up.
February 2023
February
Jekyll Island Treasures
This two-month-long annual event on Jekyll Island is a favorite tradition spawned from a fishing legacy.
In the early 1900s, east coast fishermen used hollow glass balls, or floats, on their nets as markers. Occasionally, the floats would break loose and wash ashore for lucky beachcombers to find and keep. Collecting these rare, highly sought after glass floats became a hobby in the 1950s.
Today, Jekyll Island hand-picks artists from across the country to create one-of-a-kind glass floats for its annual Island Treasures event.
The glass floats are part of a hide-and-seek style game played on Jekyll Island throughout January and February. Each day, volunteers called Beach Buddies hide glass floats around the island for lucky guests to find and keep.
Each float is marked with a special tag and instructions for treasure finders to register their Island Treasures at the Jekyll Island Guest Information Center where they will receive a certificate of authenticity and artist biography for their one-of-a-kind float. The Center is open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Visit Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint on Jekyll Island Saturday, February 11th from 4-7 pm and enjoy live music by Josh Kirkland! The Juke Joint pays homage to a rich history of music, food, drink and socializing in the South. Dance and sing or dig into a plate of Southern Fried Chicken or St. Louis Ribs, paired with a unique moonshine cocktail. Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint is where the juke joints, honky-tonks, and cantinas of the past meet the present day.
The Southeast Georgia Health System Foundation Bridge Run has become a signature event for the Health System and the Golden Isles. Unique among bridge runs, the races take place on the 7,780-foot Sidney Lanier Bridge. At its center, the bridge measures 480 feet high above the Brunswick River, the tallest span in the state.
Certified by the U.S. Track and Field Association as the toughest 5K in Georgia, each year 5K runners start on the southbound side of the bridge, go over, and return back, crossing the bridge twice. The event is not for the timid, and should only be attempted by those who have properly trained.
The Bridge Run also includes a fun walk after the race is over, followed by a family-friendly festival featuring community vendors, food and drink, entertainment and children's activities. Proceeds benefit the Health System’s cancer and cardiac care programs.
Visit Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint on Jekyll Island Saturday, February 18th from 4-7 pm and enjoy live music by Dexter Jones! The Juke Joint pays homage to a rich history of music, food, drink and socializing in the South. Dance and sing or dig into a plate of Southern Fried Chicken or St. Louis Ribs, paired with a unique moonshine cocktail. Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint is where the juke joints, honky-tonks, and cantinas of the past meet the present day.
Visit Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint on Jekyll Island Saturday, February 25th from 4-7 pm and enjoy live music by Tanner Strickland! The Juke Joint pays homage to a rich history of music, food, drink and socializing in the South. Dance and sing or dig into a plate of Southern Fried Chicken or St. Louis Ribs, paired with a unique moonshine cocktail. Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint is where the juke joints, honky-tonks, and cantinas of the past meet the present day.
Introducing the 2023 Georgia Tribute Festival paying tribute to the King, Las Vegas legends, classic and modern country and Captain Fantastic in a weekend full of music for all ages!
Originally know as the “Georgia Elvis Festival,” the Original Georgia Tribute Festival has been held in the quaint seaside community of Brunswick, Georgia since 2013 and has delivered a tributes to the Elvis in Southern Georgia unlike any other event. This year’s festival has been expanded to include even more tributes to even more musical legends!
The festival will feature four Las Vegas-style headline shows and an Elvis tribute artist contest (a preliminary to the Images of the King World Championship in Memphis), after parties and more opportunities to enjoy great music with your friends and family!
Visit Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint on Jekyll Island Friday, March 10 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm and enjoy live music by Josh Nunn! The Juke Joint pays homage to a rich history of music, food, drink and socializing in the South. Dance and sing or dig into a plate of Southern Fried Chicken or St. Louis Ribs, paired with a unique moonshine cocktail. Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint is where the juke joints, honky-tonks, and cantinas of the past meet the present day.
Friday March 10: Noon - 5:00 pm
Saturday March 11: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday March 12: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Goodyear Cottage, 321 Riverview Drive, Jekyll Island, GA 31527
Phone: 912.635.3920
Website: jekyllartists.com
2023 is the 48th year of this annual festival. Celebrate the local art scene with paintings, pottery, arts and crafts from renowned local artists. Children's activities as well as music and food samples are all on hand. Join us for another great festival with the art show and sales, food, car show, music, interactive art, raffle and more. This event is free and open to the public. Juried art will remain on display through March 30.
A Juried Art Show in the Gallery. Juried items may be purchased. Festival and Pottery Sales Shops with thousands of artist items. Artist demonstrations with explanations of "How To". Interactive "Do it Yourself" adult and Youth Art opportunities. Glaze your own Raku pottery item. Good Food, Bake Sales. Raffle. Music.
Visit Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint on Jekyll Island Saturday, March 11 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm and enjoy live music by Dexter Jones! The Juke Joint pays homage to a rich history of music, food, drink and socializing in the South. Dance and sing or dig into a plate of Southern Fried Chicken or St. Louis Ribs, paired with a unique moonshine cocktail. Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint is where the juke joints, honky-tonks, and cantinas of the past meet the present day.
Visit Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint on Jekyll Island Friday, March 17 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm and enjoy live music by Tanner Strickland! The Juke Joint pays homage to a rich history of music, food, drink and socializing in the South. Dance and sing or dig into a plate of Southern Fried Chicken or St. Louis Ribs, paired with a unique moonshine cocktail. Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint is where the juke joints, honky-tonks, and cantinas of the past meet the present day.
Visit Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint on Jekyll Island Saturday, March 18 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm and enjoy live music by Chris Case! The Juke Joint pays homage to a rich history of music, food, drink and socializing in the South. Dance and sing or dig into a plate of Southern Fried Chicken or St. Louis Ribs, paired with a unique moonshine cocktail. Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint is where the juke joints, honky-tonks, and cantinas of the past meet the present day.
Visit Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint on Jekyll Island Friday, March 24 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm and enjoy live music by Leo Dean! The Juke Joint pays homage to a rich history of music, food, drink and socializing in the South. Dance and sing or dig into a plate of Southern Fried Chicken or St. Louis Ribs, paired with a unique moonshine cocktail. Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint is where the juke joints, honky-tonks, and cantinas of the past meet the present day.
Visit Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint on Jekyll Island Saturday, March 25 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm and enjoy live music by Tony Adams! The Juke Joint pays homage to a rich history of music, food, drink and socializing in the South. Dance and sing or dig into a plate of Southern Fried Chicken or St. Louis Ribs, paired with a unique moonshine cocktail. Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint is where the juke joints, honky-tonks, and cantinas of the past meet the present day.
March 25, 2023
11th Annual Albert’s Plein Air Affair
TIME: 9am-2pm
LOCATION:
Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation State Historic Site
5556 US Highway 17N
Brunswick, GA 31525
Located at intersection of US17 and GA99, one mile east of I-95 exit 42.
Admission: $8 for adults; $7 for seniors; $5 for youth. $30 for artists to register.
The Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation Plein Air is held annually to honor Hofwyl’s special friend Albert Fendig. This year’s version of the event will be held on March 25 from 9AM until 2PM.
Interested artists may join the event. Registration is $30. Checks should be made payable to: Friends of Hofwyl, Post Office Box 1801, Brunswick, Georgia, 31520 and received no later than March 17th. Visitors are welcome to come and view the event and thank Albert Fendig for his service to Hofwyl and the local community.
Other than the event, admission includes a guided tour of the 19th century home and non-guided tours of the plantation out-buildings and trails. An audio-visual presentation on rice cultivation and a museum at the visitor center are also included. Also occurring is our annual Easter Egg Scavenger hunt, which is being held daily until Easter Sunday.
Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation is owned and operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Call 912.264.7333 for more information, also you may visit gastateparks.org
Visit Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint on Jekyll Island Friday, March 31 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm and enjoy live music by Annie Akins! The Juke Joint pays homage to a rich history of music, food, drink and socializing in the South. Dance and sing or dig into a plate of Southern Fried Chicken or St. Louis Ribs, paired with a unique moonshine cocktail. Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint is where the juke joints, honky-tonks, and cantinas of the past meet the present day.
Visit Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint on Jekyll Island Saturday, April 1 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm and enjoy live music by Dexter Jones! The Juke Joint pays homage to a rich history of music, food, drink and socializing in the South. Dance and sing or dig into a plate of Southern Fried Chicken or St. Louis Ribs, paired with a unique moonshine cocktail. Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint is where the juke joints, honky-tonks, and cantinas of the past meet the present day.
You are cordially invited to the Annual Father-Daughter Purity Ball. This special event exists for the purpose of celebrating the relationship between father and daughter, providing an opportunity for dads to show their daughters just how precious they are. The event includes ballroom dance instruction, dinner, gifts, and a purity commitment/rose ceremony. Enjoy a date night with your daughter!
This annual tradition takes place every year in historic Darien, Georgia to "bless" the local shrimp boats with good fortune prior to the start of the shrimping season. This seafaring festival traces its origins to a Portuguese tradition that began in 1938 to commemorate the first appearance of The Blessed Virgin to three children near the town of Fatima, Portugal on May 13, 1917.
The Annual Blessing of the Fleet will take place at the Darien waterfront park. One of the best events that Coastal Georgia has to offer, we proudly offer a taste of fresh seafood, local culture, boating, water sports, the shrimping industry, arts, crafts and variety of leisure activities. The festival will feature fun and games for the kids, fabulous food, music, great family entertainment, and a variety of artists and displays.
Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Location: Mary Ross Waterfront Park, Brunswick, GA 31520
Phone: 912.262.3140
Georgia's Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) hosts this annual event in support of the 3-week national "CoastWeeks" event. The Georgia CoastFest is an educational-based event, with more than 70 environmental, research and resource exhibitors from around the southeast gathering at the GADNR Coastal Regional Headquarters near the Sidney Lanier Bridge in Brunswick. Interactive displays and hands-on exhibits are fun for adults and kids alike, with science experiments, reptiles and turtle shows, educational magic shows, military re-enactors, aquatic tanks with coastal Georgia sea life, and participatory crafting projects. For more information visit coastalgadnr.org.
There's plenty to see and do for people of all ages at CoastFest. Whether you're interested in fishing, sea turtles, birds of prey, or Coastal Georgia history, we have something for you! Bring your family, curiosity, and sense of adventure when you "Catch the Excitement" at CoastFest on Earth Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Mary Ross Waterfront Park in Brunswick, 100 F St., Brunswick, GA 31520.
CoastFest is a free-admission event and will happen rain or shine. We can't wait to see you there!
April 29, 2023
Georgia Sea Turtle Center Turtle Crawl Races
An annual weekend of races benefiting the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, attracting runners from around the world for 5K and 10K races, as well as a one-mile Fun Run on the beach and Ghost Crawler race. During the weekend activities, the Beach Village also hosts the Turtle Crawl Festival, which celebrates the start of the sea turtle nesting season. There will be games on hand as well as live music, food and drinks from local vendors. Click here for more information on this event. or click here to register online.
Turtle Crawl was created in 2003 as a fundraiser for the Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC) to support its mission of sea turtle research, rehabilitation, and education. In more than a decade of operation, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center has provided care for more than 3,000 patients, including a variety of sea turtle species and other coastal wildlife. Set on Jekyll Island's picturesque oceanfront and maritime forest, Turtle Crawl participants have raised more than $100,000 to help save sea turtles. These races are fast, flat, and a fun way to support the efforts of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. We sincerely appreciate your support for this event and GSTC, and hope you'll join us for Turtle Crawl in 2023.
May 2023
More information coming soon!
June 2023
June
Georgia Sea Islands Festival
An annual celebration of traditional African American music, crafts and food of Coastal Georgia culture. Highlighted by the world renowned Georgia Sea Island Singers. For more information about the Annual Georgia Sea Islands Festival please visit ssiheritagecoalition.org or call the St. Simons African American Heritage Coalition.
July 2023
July 4
4th of July Celebrations
Each year Coastal Georgia celebrates our nation's independence with fireworks and festivities happening on St. Simons Island, Brunswick, Jekyll Island and Sea Island.
St. Simons Island 4th of July Celebration
For more than 60 years, the annual St. Simons Island Sunshine Festival takes place in the Pier Village with a spectacular fireworks display that begins around 9pm as the day turns to night. Live music plays as well as an arts and crafts show, a 5K and 1-mile run, and family-friendly fun to be had all around.
Brunswick's Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration
Historic Downtown Brunswick celebrates each year at Mary Ross Waterfront Park, with a fireworks display, games for kids and adults like sack races, horseshoes, tug-of-war, hula-hoop contests and more. And of course free watermelon! Courtesy of the City of Brunswick.
Jekyll Island Independence Day Celebration
Jekyll celebrates the 4th of July with an old-fashioned parade through the Historic District starting at 9am, with local residents and visitors invited to decorate their bikes, golf carts, strollers, pets or themselves. The fun continues from 12pm to 6pm with the Red, White & Bounce held at the Jekyll Island Beach Village, with water slides, bounce houses, live music and local crafts and vendors on hand. A fireworks display takes place at 9pm.
Sea Island 4th of July Celebration
Guests and residents of Sea Island celebrate the holiday at The Cloister and Beach Club with family fun activities at a fireworks display at 9pm.
Visit Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint on Jekyll Island for karaoke night every Thursday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Enjoy 1/2 off bottles of house wine + some festive tunes all day long. Sing along to your favorite hits while enjoying delicious southern cooking. Forge new memories over musical moments with great food + drinks at the Juke Joint.
This annual PGA Tour golf tournament is hosted by pro golfer Davis Love III at Sea Island Golf Club, attracting top professional golfers from around the world. In 2010, the Davis Love Foundation partnered with the PGA TOUR to become the Host Organization of The RSM Classic, an Official PGA TOUR Event. The RSM Classic has raised more than $7 million to support charities focused on children and families in need. The funds benefit many organizations including Special Olympics (National, State and Local) and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Georgia. For more information visit rsmclassic.com.
October
St. Simons Island Food & Spirits Festival
An annual foodie fest featuring local restaurants, farmers and artisans with tasting tents, farm stand and market. This event is a fundraiser for Hospice of the Golden Isles.
October - November
Georgia-Florida Golf Classic
Bulldog and Gator fans alike gather on Jekyll Island each year for this traditional golf tournament held during the annual Georgia-Florida college football game. Tournament fee includes two rounds of golf at the Jekyll Island Golf Club, a practice round, and all the food and drinks you can handle. Net proceeds from the event benefit the Jekyll Island Foundation and supports the conservation, preservation and education efforts on Jekyll Island.
Whiskey, Wine & Wildlife artfully combines renowned beverage tastings and inspired cuisine from some of the South’s best chefs and local culinary superstars, with a chance to experience coastal wildlife up-close, all in one weekend!
The weekend’s events will raise funds and awareness for Vilano Beach Main Street and the GTM Reserve, with the Reserve’s research and education experts on-hand Friday and Saturday, showcasing some fun, interactive programs with coastal wildlife, from sea turtles to alligators!
It’s a culinary weekend experience like no other. Expect to sip and savor great whiskey, spirits, wine, beer and culinary tastings – all oceanside with music and a relaxed Vilano Beach vibe.
Time: Opening Day (Nov 25, 2022) 10am-6pm; Weekdays 12-4pm; Weekends 10am-4pm
Location: Goodyear Cottage, Jekyll Island, GA
Phone: 912.635.3920
Come shop on an island paradise. Visit the Goodyear Cottage, in the historic district on Jekyll Island, for one-of-a-kind gifts made by the artists of the Jekyll Island Arts Association. You will be sure to find the most unique gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Artists will be on-site demonstrating their crafts on weekends during the event.
November 2023
Annual Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival
Location: Historic District, Jekyll Island
This annual weekend food festival celebrating Coastal Georgia seafood traditions, with a cooking contest and demonstrations, shrimp boat tours, arts and crafts, live music and a kid zone. This event is free and open to the public, held in the Historic District of Jekyll Island.
December 2023
December
Holly Jolly Jekyll
Location: Historic District, Jekyll Island
The holiday season is magical on Jekyll Island with lights aglow in the Historic District and central main street areas of Jekyll Island. Come celebrate Christmas with this spectacular display of festive lights and decorations.
December
Jekyll Island Holidays in History
The holidays come alive each year as Jekyll Island celebrates the season and the Historic District is resplendent with Christmas lights and decorations. The celebration continues with caroling, craft workshops, themed tours and other seasonal activities.
All are welcome at St. Richard’s Episcopal Church at Faith Chapel for Christmas Day worship service. Please note that due to capacity limits at Faith Chapel, the doors will close when the chapel is full. Celebrate the true spirit of Christmas with us!
Exploring the natural splendor and marsh wetlands of Jekyll Island is the best way to take in all the unspoiled beauty that Coastal Georgia has to offer. Take a guided kayak tour of the Jekyll River and tidal marsh. Rent a canoe or pedalboat and enjoy fishing or a relaxing paddle on Rixen Pond. Learn about Jekyll's coastal ecosystems and wildlife as you explore Jekyll's beaches, forests and marsh.
View Jekyll Island Outfitters »
Jekyll Island offers a variety of dining options to choose from, from casual to fancy, as well as places to grab a quick bite or take the whole family. We've compiled a complete directory of all the local restaurants on Jekyll, along with contact information and an interactive map so you can easily find the one you're looking for.
View Jekyll Island Restaurants »
Terrapins are the only turtle species in the world known to live their whole life in brackish water (a mixture of salt and fresh water, common in the Golden Isles). Found in the marsh habitat of Georgia's Barrier Islands, they have webbed feet with claws on each toe, allowing them to swim well and also walk on land at low tide.
Diamondback terrapins are one of the most common turtles to see along the causeway. Female terrapins are almost twice as big as the males. Because of their hard shell, female terrapins can't expand their bodies to accommodate eggs. A female terrapin grows to about 8 to 10 inches long in comparison to a male and she lays 8 to 10 eggs which take about 65 days to incubate.
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