Can’t-Miss 2026 Events in Georgia’s Beloved Golden Isles

If trip planning is one of your love languages, the Golden Isles — made up of St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, and the historic port city of Brunswick — should be at the top of your 2026 list. Georgia’s coast is gearing up for one of its most eventful years yet, filled with treasure hunts, oyster roasts, cultural celebrations, coastal races, and more. With a celebration for every type of traveler, this list of eight Golden Isles events is your sign to book the trip.

For the Treasure Hunter at Heart:
Island Treasures — January & February 2026

Each winter, Jekyll Island transforms into a real-life treasure map during Island Treasures. This beloved two-month tradition invites visitors to scour the beaches, historic paths, and village green for hidden glass-float tokens.

What began as a nod to the hand-blown floats once used by fishermen in the Pacific Northwest has become one of the most enchanting annual events on the Georgia coast. Volunteers hide clear plastic globes throughout the island’s most popular areas, and when you find one, you can exchange it for an artist-made glass float created just for that season.

Mornings are prime time, when the light is soft, and the island is still waking up. You’ll often see families, couples, and committed collectors fanning out with coffee cups in hand, hoping to spot a glint of treasure among the dunes.

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For the Foodie Who Never Skips a Festival:
Brunswick Rockin’ Stewbilee — January 31, 2026

There’s no better place to celebrate Brunswick stew than its namesake city, and the annual Rockin’ Stewbilee proves it. Held at Mary Ross Waterfront Park, this lively winter festival kicks off with a brisk morning 5K before the main attraction begins: dozens of stew-cooking teams from across the country vying for bragging rights.

As the pots bubble and the judges taste their way through the entries, visitors enjoy live music, a classic-car show, a costumes-encouraged pooch parade, arts and crafts vendors, and of course, endless samples of that rich, smoky stew that Brunswick claims as its own.

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For the Traveler Who Loves a Good Cause (and Good Food):
St. Simons Land Trust Oyster Roast — February 21, 2026

Few events capture the spirit of the Golden Isles quite like the St. Simons Land Trust Oyster Roast. Set beneath the sweeping branches of the live oaks at Gascoigne Bluff Park, this February tradition brings together more than 50 food and beverage purveyors for an evening of coastal flavors and community.

Visitors and locals mingle over steaming oyster buckets, seafood chowders, barbecue plates, and craft cocktails, while live music plays against the backdrop of the Frederica River. The Oyster Roast is both a celebration and a fundraiser, supporting the Land Trust’s mission to preserve coastal ecosystems and treasured landscapes.

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For the Architecture Admirer:
Christ Church Tour of Homes — March 2026

Each spring, visitors have the rare opportunity to step behind the gates of some of Sea Island’s most extraordinary private homes during the Christ Church Tour of Homes. This longstanding tradition highlights distinctive architecture, exquisite gardens, and thoughtfully designed interiors across several estates, all selected for their historical, aesthetic, or cultural significance.

Docents share stories about each home’s design and legacy, and the event supports the outreach ministries of St. Simons’ historic Christ Church (one of the oldest churches in Georgia), pictured below.

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For Curious Nature Lovers of All Ages :
CoastFest — March 21, 2026

CoastFest is one of the Golden Isles’ most family-friendly traditions, drawing thousands to the Brunswick waterfront for a full day of hands-on exploration of Georgia’s natural ecosystems. The festival features marine life touch tanks, wildlife demonstrations, educational exhibits, art tents, children’s activities, and live entertainment, all hosted by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Now approaching its 29th year, CoastFest continues to grow in scope and creativity, offering visitors a chance to engage directly with the coastal environment that makes this region so special.

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For the Ones Who Always Pack Running Shoes:
Turtle Crawl — April 25, 2026

Every spring, the start of sea turtle nesting season is celebrated with one of the Golden Isles’ most meaningful traditions: the Turtle Crawl. Part fitness event, part conservation initiative, the Jekyll Island race series offers multiple distances, ranging from a kid-friendly fun run to 5K and 10K coastal routes.

Proceeds support the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, and many participants make a full weekend out of it with beach walks, wildlife encounters, and visits to the Center’s rehabilitation hospital.

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For the Maritime History Buff:
Blessing of the Fleet — May 10, 2026

Dating back to 1938, Brunswick’s Blessing of the Fleet is one of coastal Georgia’s most cherished traditions. Held at Mary Ross Waterfront Park, this spring festival honors the shrimping boats and captains who make up the region’s maritime heart.

The day includes local seafood, live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, children’s activities, and plenty of waterfront fun, but the highlight remains the ceremonial blessing of the boats as they pass along the river. It’s a moving celebration of heritage, livelihood, and community, and an unforgettable event for visitors curious about the working culture of the coast.

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For the Food Lover Who Craves a Story With Every Bite:
Taste of Gullah — June 2026 (Date TBA)

Summer in the Golden Isles begins with one of the region’s most powerful and culturally significant events: Taste of Gullah. Held at Village Creek Landing on St. Simons Island, this celebration of African American Gullah/Geechee heritage features traditional dishes, storytelling, art, and music passed down through generations.

Performances by the Gullah Geechee Ring Shouters are a highlight each year, offering visitors yet another deeply moving glimpse into the resilience and history of the coastal communities that have shaped the region.

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For more information on planning your vacation, including events, dining, and lodging, visit goldenisles.com.

This article was made possible by Golden Isles.

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