Local Summer Events Not to Be Missed in Brunswick, St. Simons, and Jekyll Island, Georgia

There are some hot summer events in Brunswick, St. Simons, and Jekyll Island - the Golden Isles of Georgia. And you'll find that most of them involve the beach!

Due to the heat and humidity, we've learned that summer in the Golden Isles is the best time to prop your feet up on the porch with a iced tea - that would be sweet tea, of course. But we're all for a little fun when it involves holiday celebrations, festivals, music, and ocean breezes.

Here are the local summer events in the Golden Isles of Georgia that natives and vacationers will agree are a big must-do.

Best Summer Music Events in the Golden Isles of Georgia - Brunswick, St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island

St. Simons Island, Georgia - On two Sundays each month during the summer, the grounds of the St. Simons Lighthouse are the place to be and be seen. It's similar to a family reunion as everyone grabs a blanket, lawnchair, and picnic basket and congregates to enjoy the ocean breeze and music by local and not-so-local musicians. While these events definitely have the support of the Golden Isles residents, vacationers will feel welcome, too.

A Little Light Music - When: 1st Sunday of the Month - sponsored by the Coastal Georgia Historical Society as a fund-raiser for the St. Simons Lighthouse. Time: 7p.m. Cost: Adult - $10; Child (6-12): $5; Under 6: Free.

Jazz in the Park - When: 3rd Sunday of the Month - sponsored by the Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association. Time: 7p.m. - 9p.m.; Cost: Adult - $10; Child (6-12): $5; Under 6: Free.

Both of these Golden Isles music events are hugely popular due to the picturesque setting. While you'll find some elaborate picnics laid out on the grounds of the St. Simons Lighthouse, you can easily join in by purchasing your own gourmet treats from the nearby Parkers Convenience Store or by ordering takeout from one of the restaurants in the St. Simons Pier Village.

Fourth of July Celebrations in Brunswick, St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island, Georgia

Picking a single Fourth of July Celebration to attend in the Golden Isles of Georgia is difficult. Each local event offers its own brand of fun.

Brunswick, Georgia - Emphasizes old-fashioned family fun (free watermelon, games, fireworks) in the historic downtown venue of Brunswick's Mary Ross Waterfront Park. The celebration begins on July 4th with a small parade at 6:30p.m. Events at Mary Ross Park begin at 7p.m. Normally sponsored by the Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association, the Downtown Development Authority, and the City of Brunswick. For more information visit the Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association Summer Events page.

St. Simons Island, Georgia - Plan to spend the day in Neptune Park or around the St. Simons Pier Village with activities such as the Sunshine Arts and Crafts Festival, exhibits, food vendors, and music. There are fireworks at 9p.m on the 4th of July - beautiful over the water at the St. Simons Island pier. Most events are held July 3-5, but exact dates may be dependent on whether July 4th is on a weekend or mid-week.

Jekyll Island, Georgia - The place to be on Jekyll Island for the Fourth of July is right on the beach. Tourists and natives flock to the waves to swim, listen to music, and wait for the fireworks. Some get restless and bring their own fireworks - you might want to be on the lookout for that! But the kids are cute waving sparklers in the air.

Coolest thing about the Jekyll Island Fourth of July Celebration is that you can see other fireworks displays in the distance from other towns up and down the coast. Date: July 4th. Where: The beach - you'll see where the crowd is going as you head toward the beach on Jekyll Island. Activities: Swimming, contests, some food vendors, music, fireworks.

Music Festivals on Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island, Georgia

There are music events during the summer in the Golden Isles of Georgia and then there are Music Festivals.

There is a difference.

Here are two Music Festivals on Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island, Georgia that you will not want to miss.

Georgia Sea Islands Festival, St. Simons Island - If you would enjoy learning more about Gullah-Geechee traditions in the barrier Sea Islands of Georgia, this is the festival for you. The music, in particular, featuring the Georgia-Sea Island Singers is not to be missed. Sponsored by the St. Simons African-American Heritage Coalition, the Georgia Sea Islands Festival includes music, food, and traditional crafts.

The Georgia Sea Islands Festival is normally held in the Pier area near the Casino on St. Simons Island. Usuallly held in June each year. For 2009, the dates are June 20-21, 2009. Sat 11am-6pm, Sun Noon-6pm. For more information, contact the St. Simons African-American Heritage Coalition. 634-0330.

Jekyll Island Beach Music Festival - You shouldn't leave the beaches of Georgia (or South Carolina, for that matter) without learning to shag dance or getting your fill of what we call "beach music". The Jekyll Island Beach Music Festival focuses on beach music of the southern coast and the shag dancing that goes right along with it.

Held in August each year, the Jekyll Island Beach Music Festival features such historically popular acts as the Swingin' Medallions. Paid events (including shag dance lessons) can be found on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, but the main event is the free beach music show during the day on Saturday. The free music for 2009 includes the Fantastic Shakers and the Second Chance Band.

Learn more about the Jekyll Island Music Festival and learn more about shag dance at Randy and Sue Shag Dance Tutorials.

Sources:
Coastal Georgia Historical Society
Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association
GlynnCounty.com
St. Simons African-American Heritage Coalition
Jekyll Island Music Festival