Annual Festivals

Music and Merlot

November 2011-March 2012

The 2011-2012 Music & Merlot Concert Series will feature a selection of fine music and delicious food. The concert series is produced by the Jekyll Island Authority, the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, and the Jekyll Island Art Association to benefit the Jekyll Island Foundation.

Each concert features a different style of music and a pre-concert VIP cocktail reception or dinner. General admission and VIP tickets available. VIP tickets include the pre-concert events, 1 glass of complimentary wine, and a ticket to the performance.

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Island Treasures

Saturday, January 01, 2012 - Monday, February 28, 2012
Jekyll Island commissions a group of highly skilled artisans from across the U.S. to create an array of stunning, handworked glass globes. During this 2 month long program, "Beach Buddies" hide these floats in various locations on Jekyll Island for lucky visitors to find.

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Jekyll Island Art & Antiques Festival

Friday, March 9, 2012 - Sunday, March 12, 2012
The annual Jekyll Island Arts Association's Arts Festival combines with the first annual antique show held at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel's Morgan Center. Come explore are variety of fine arts and beautiful antiques at this three day festival celebrating fine craftsmanship of yesterday and today.

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U.S. Kids Golf Jekyll Island Cup

Friday, March 23, 2012 - Sunday, March 25, 2012
Young golfers, ages 6 to 14, will compete for individual honors on Jekyll Island's beautiful golf courses. This tournament is one of several regional tournaments produced by the US Kids Golf Foundation.

Full details to come. Please check back.

Easter Egg Stroll

Saturday, April 7, 2012
A family friendly Easter gathering in the Jekyll Island Historic District. Search and find Easter Eggs hidden along Pier Road, get pictures with Easter Bunny, and enjoy pony rides and other activities. 10 AM - 2 PM. Free tram tours through the Historic District at 10:30 and 11:30. Eggs will be hidden and re-hidden throughout the festival. Special section for kids 3 and under.

Turtle Crawl Triathlon & Nest Fest

Saturday May 19, 2012
The Jekyll Island Turtle Crawl & Nest Fest is a USAT Sanctioned Olympic, Sprint Distance Triathlon, 5K Run, and 10K Run produced by Set-up Events as part of their Georgia Triathlon series. Events culminate with Nest Fest, educational activities and games for athletes and their families including the release of a rehabilitated sea turtle from the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Events benefit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island.

More information and registration »

Jekyll Island July 4 Celebration

Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Join your friends and family for a July 4 celebration on Jekyll Island. Whether spending the day at the beach, by the pool, or at Summer Waves Water Park, there is always a way to stay cool and enjoy July 4 on Jekyll Island.

Jekyll Island Beach Music Festival

Thursday August 16, 2012- Saturday, August 18, 2012
Dance all weekend to great music by some of today's best Beach Music bands. Hosted in conjunction with the Golden Isles Shag Club, the Beach Music Festival is a 28 year tradition of great music, good friends, and lots of dancing.

Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival

Friday, September 14, 2012 - Sunday, September 16, 2012
A weekend celebration of two of Georgia's most beloved foods - shrimp and grits. The festival features a cook-off, shrimp boat tours, cooking demonstrations, book signings, arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment and a kid‐friendly fun zone. This festival is a must-see for any food lover.

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The Georgia-Florida Golf Classic

Wednesday, October 24 to Friday, October 26, 2012
Whether you are a fan of the Bulldogs or the Gators, prepare for the annual Georgia-Florida Football Game in Jacksonville, FL with this pre-game golf tournament on Jekyll Island's beautiful golf courses. This 31 year tradition, provides the perfect mix of golf, food, and fun for an all-inclusive pre-game vacation.

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Holidays in History on Jekyll Island

Saturday, November 24, 2012 -January 01, 2013
Jekyll Island is transformed for the holiday season. The Historic District decorated in Christmas grandeur and special themed tours take guests back in time to Christmas during the Club era. The season begins with the Christmas Tree Lighting Festival the Saturday after Thanksgiving and continues with storytelling, caroling, craft workshops, and more.

The Jekyll Island Christmas Tree Lighting Festival rings in the holiday season on November 24 beginning at 4:30 PM and continuing until the lighting of the tree and fireworks finale at 7:30 PM. Kids and their families can enjoy activities such as face painting, carriage rides, candle making, Christmas card decorating, and pictures with jolly St. Nick himself. Live music and delicious food round out the evening. Plus, this year, guest can take home a beautifully decorated Christmas wreathe through a Christmas Wreath Silent Auction sponsored by the Jekyll Island History Center or shop amongst various Christmas vendors and at the shops along Pier Road. All activities take place in the Jekyll Island Historic District in front of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. Entry to the festival is free. Some activities do require a nominal fee.