Planning a major event takes a lot of work. Cancelling the largest event in the Golden Isles takes even more. On September 7, 2017, just eight days before the largest of Jekyll Island’s robust event schedule, the Jekyll Island Authority notified businesses, residents, and visitors that the Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival was cancelled. As Hurricane Irma bore down on the Florida Keys, she continued on a projected path that placed her on top of Jekyll Island just days before the Festival. “It wasn’t an easy decision,” said Nancy Kring Rowan, JIA Director of Events. “The Shrimp & Grits Festival is special to the entire community and has a huge economic impact on the Golden Isles.” Early reports from the Jekyll Island Authority showed a loss of approximately $1.5 million for the Authority alone. That estimate didn’t include losses felt by local lodging, restaurants, and Festival vendors.
By the time September 14 arrives, two years will have passed since the last Shrimp & Grits Festival and it seems like that is overdue. “People keep commenting that it’s been way too long,” said Kring Rowan. “The community has been really supportive, and everyone is ready to enjoy this fun-filled event.”
The 2018 Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival, presented by Southern Living is three days of food, art, live entertainment, kids activities, a cruise-in car show, and a Craft Brew Fest. But, the star of the weekend is definitely shrimp and grits, with two lawns dedicated to the coastal favorite. The event kicks off at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 14, with live music and tastings. “Friday night is half-price sample night,” said Kring Rowan. “It’s always popular, as guests like to try the different takes on shrimp and grits.” Grounds will be open until 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 15, gates will open at 10:00 a.m. The day’s festivities include the Georgia’s Best Shrimp & Grits cooking competition in which chefs from across the state compete for the title of best dish in the state, as well as a cash prize. The 2016 winner, Chef Andrew Smith of Atlanta’s West Egg Café in Atlanta, returns to defend his title against regional winners Aubri Lane’s of Milledgeville; Eagle Creek Brewing Company of Statesboro; Honey Café of Millen; Sweet Potato Café of Stone Mountain; and The LOCAL Kitchen:Bar of Tifton, and hometown favorites, Southern Soul Barbeque of St. Simons Island.
The always popular Southern Living Pavilion returns with a full weekend of cooking and lifestyle demonstrations from the title sponsor’s cabal of contributors. New this year, Go RVing will sponsor a family-friendly interactive recreation experience, Lay’s will debut a new chip flavor, exclusively available at the Festival, and main stage sponsor Georgia Lottery will host a special area with games and a free photo booth. Attendees of all ages will flock to the Kids Zone for family-friendly fun in the form of bounce houses, slides, crafts, and more. New in 2018 will be the addition of a cruise-in car show that’s sure to wow both auto enthusiasts and casual onlookers alike.
Fans of craft beer will be thrilled with the expanded Craft Brew Fest. This festival within the Festival will move locations, so it will now be on the river across from Indian Mound Cottage, to allow for an even better experience with an expanded selection of beers. With more than 50 craft brews from 20 different breweries, this is ticketed experience is sure to be a hit.
To upgrade your Shrimp & Grits experience, purchase VIP tickets for an exclusive taste of the best of the Festival in the VIP Lounge, sponsored by Atlanta Magazine. VIP Lounge guests will enjoy catered meals from area favorite Straton Hall, unlimited beer and wine, access to private air-conditioned restrooms, exclusive on-site parking, and prime views of the live music on the Main Stage.
Parking for the Festival will be easier than ever, thanks to a partnership with Glynn County Schools. For a second year, guests will park at the Jekyll Island Airport and catch a free, air-conditioned ride to the entrance gates. Busses will begin running an hour before the gates open and continue for 90 minutes after the close of each day’s events. Festival hours are Friday, September 14, from 4:00-9:00 p.m., Saturday, September 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sunday, September 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. General admission to the Festival is free, but a $10 parking fee for Jekyll Island will be in effect Friday through Sunday of the event.
“As we get closer to the Festival, the community support grows,” said Kring Rowan. “We’re expecting friends from near and far to come over for the day or weekend and enjoy this beloved event.” An overview of all festival activities, as well as ticket information for the VIP Lounge and Craft Brew Fest, can be found at jekyllisland.com/shrimpgrits.
