Because boys never grow out of their love for pyrotechnics, we’re giving you a sneak peek of what’s just around the corner for Independence Day in the Golden Isles. Check our website calendar and social media posts for more details and other holiday events that may pop up between now and then. Make your plans now for a fun and festive 4th of July so you can spend it playin’ with the boys.
St. Simons Island
The 41st Annual July 4th Sunshine Festival Race & 1 Mile kicks off Independence Day on St. Simons Island. Beginning and ending at St. Simons Park/Kings Park in the village, the 5K and Push Rim start at 7:00 a.m. and the 1 Mile starts at 8:00 a.m. Packet pick-up begins at 6:00 a.m. Walk-up registration and pre-Race Day packet pick-up is Wednesday, July 3 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at St. Simons Presbyterian Church. Awards Ceremony will take place around 8:30 a.m. and includes awards for best costume, best (largest) team, best team spirit, and best decorated homes along the race route. For more info/registration, visit goldenislestrack.club.
Crafts in the Village will be set up in Postell Park with 70 booths offering original art and handmade items from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday, July 4 and Saturday, July 5, and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, July 6. Shop original art, jewelry, decor, candles, soap, woodcrafts, birdhouses, and more. Kona Ice and other delicious treats will be for purchase.
The annual patriotic Pier Village Golf Cart Parade will take place at 11:00 a.m. on July 4th, with line-up in front of Mallery Park beginning at 10:30 a.m. To participate, there's a minimum donation of $20 with proceeds going to No-Kill Glynn County. No advance sign-up required. Stop in St. Simons Bait & Tackle or call 912.634.1888 for more information. There are typically neighborhood parades in Sea Palms and East Beach too.
There's been a new addition to the Independence Day lineup since we went to print. St. Simons Pier Village Events is presenting a FREE Oceanside Concert featuring country hit-maker Jon Langston at the St. Simons Casino Bandstand/Neptune Park at 7:00 p.m. Local musician Brody Williams will be opening the show. So, grab your lawn chairs, blankets, favorite snacks & beverages, and come out to Neptune Park to enjoy the music, then stay to watch the 9:00 p.m. fireworks display at the pier. Pro tip: bring glow sticks, necklaces, bracelets, or other light-up wands and toys for the kids!
Jekyll Island
On Jekyll Island, the night sky will light up with a fireworks display in celebration of Independence Day on July 4th. Fireworks will begin around 8:45 p.m., depending on lighting and weather conditions, when the sky offers the best background for this incredible pyrotechnic display. The fireworks displays are viewable across an oceanside section of the island. Ideal viewing locations include Great Dunes Park and Oceanview Beach Park. Please note the daily Jekyll Island parking fee will be increased an additional $5 on the 4th of July, annual passes are not impacted. For more info, visit jekyllisland.com.
Jekyll Island Club Resort has a star-spangled Independence Day weekend planned with events for all ages that include patriotic poolside games and festive barbeques to live music and other family-friendly entertainment. To see their lineup of activities that will make an unforgettable holiday getaway, visit jekyllclub.com/resort-activities/4th-of-july.
Historic Downtown Brunswick
Bring the family downtown on the 4th of July for an Independence Day celebration that begins with a festive First Friday on Gloucester Street and culminates with Old Fashion 4th of July fun and fireworks at Mary Ross Waterfront Park. The First Friday fun begins at 5:00 p.m. with food trucks, live music, car show and more on Newcastle and the surrounding area. Dress up your pups for a Pet Parade at 5:30 p.m. At 6:00 p.m., the old-fashioned patriotic celebration begins in Mary Ross Park with old-fashioned games for all ages, music, free watermelon, finally, the fireworks at dusk. For more information, visit discoverbrunswick.com.
Sea Island 4th of July Week
If you’re a Sea Island resident or guest, there’s a full week of festivities to celebrate the red, white, and blue. In addition to the flag raising ceremony at Summit Park the morning of July 4, the 25th Annual July 4th Parade, and the evening Red, White & Boom Beach Club celebration with fireworks at 9:15 p.m., there are family pool games, Veuve pop-ups, and more. Other events during the week include the yearly Firecracker 5K and Banana Split Challenge at Beach Club on Thursday, July 3, and Rainbow Island Supper on Saturday, July 5. For a full itinerary, visit seaisland.com and choose Fourth of July at Sea Island from the Special Events menu under the Experience tab.
