Every year, Jekyll Island hosts a calendar full of family-friendly events and festivals. From golf and music, to wining and dining, Jekyll Island has a special event waiting for everyone!

The mission of the Jekyll Island Authority Special Events Department is to produce family-friendly public events that showcase the natural and historic beauty of Jekyll Island. Whether its the annual Island Treasure game or the Shrimp & Grits Festival, annual Easter Egg Stroll or Beach Music Festival, the Special Events Department ensures all of our festivities create good times, great events and even better memories!

SUMMER CELEBRATIONS

Shag-A-Ganza & Jan and Dean Show

Start off the weekend on August 17 with the Shag-A-Ganza and Beach Party, featuring DJ Wayne Bennett and the Carolina Breakers, as well as several vendors, games and additional entertainment after the party portion has ended. That evening, join headliner Dean Torrence, of Jan & Dean Torrence, alongside the Surf City All-Stars for a sand-tastic concert at the Jekyll Island Convention Center. (Tickets for the concert are on sale now, here.) And don’t forget about the fireworks displays slated for sundown!

rodney

Rodney Atkins’ America’s Heroes Celebration

Make plans today for an exciting weekend. More Info to Follow.

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Beach Party

The following day, the Beach Party continues with more live entertainment, games and vendors, and throughout the weekend, the Wounded Warriors project will host several other events for soldiers, including a day at Summer Waves Water Park.  Plans for all these exciting events are currently be finalized, so stay tuned and check back often for more details!

4th of July Celebration

July 4, 2013 Fireworks and families from across the region will be present on Jekyll Island for the day-long showing of patriotism. Celebrate freedom. Celebrate America. Celebrate on Jekyll Island!

Horton House Living History

June 8, 2013 Experience the strategically important role of Jekyll Island in the struggle for British survival in colonial Georgia.  Visit with historic figures from the past, and sample the daily life of long ago through a variety of hands-on activities.  Musket demonstrations, 18th century crafts, period music, and colonial games offer active fun for everyone.  This event takes place at the Horton House Historic Site on Jekyll Island, Georgia on Saturday, June 8, 2013, 11 am to 3 pm.  Admission is free.  For more information call or visit the Jekyll Island Museum on Stable Road, 912-635-4036.

Turtle Crawl Triathlon & Nest Fest

May 18, 2013 Known as one of the most scenic triathlons on the East Coast, this USAT sanctioned event includes an Olympic Distance, Sprint Distance, and 5K Run. There is something for athletes of all skill levels. At the finish line, guests can take part in Nest Fest. This annual festival provides educational activities and exhibits, and culminates with the release of rehabilitated sea turtle from the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. More Info

SPRING CELEBRATIONS

U.S. Kids Golf Jekyll Island Cup

March 22 – 24, 2013 Golfers ages 6 to 14 gather on the greens to practice and play for this two-day showing of sports. See the golfing greats of tomorrow in action today as they compete for individual honors on Jekyll Island’s beautiful golf courses.

Shell-e-brate Earth Day

April 13 / 10 a.m. – 3p.m. Celebrate Earth Day with the Georgia Sea Turtle Center! This free (with paid admission) event highlights the overall education and conservation mission of the Center, giving children hands-on learning opportunities and plenty of fun games. Don’t forget to get a picture with our beloved mascot Scute!

Jekyll Island Art & Antiques Festival

2014 Dates TBA - Whether looking for antiqued décor, a hand-crafted sculpture or a scenic watercolor, a variety of crafts and artwork can be found in this combined-interested, weekend-long festival. Explore fine arts and beautiful antiques at this three-day festival celebrating the craftsmanship of yesterday and today.

Easter Egg Stroll

March 30, 2013 / 10 a.m.-1 p.m. A springtime staple, the Easter Egg Stroll features treats hidden and re-hidden throughout the Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark District. Of course, we’ll also have the Easter Bunny on hand. Have smaller tykes? No problem! We’ll have a special section for children under 3 years of age to find our hidden treats!

 

FALL CELEBRATIONS

“Under the Oaks” 10K Challenge & Half Marathon

The 13.1 Half Marathon will start at 7:00am at Great Dunes Park on Jekyll Island followed by a USATF (sanctioning pending) 10K at 7:30am and a 5K at 8:00am. Runners can feel good about this event knowing that their participation fee is helping expand a building for the students at Saint Simons Christian School and a portion of the proceeds will be given to the Jekyll Island Foundation which supports the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. The students have always made the Georgia Sea Turtle Center a part of their educational experience and are looking forward to being able to support the preservation and conservation efforts of the Foundation with funds raised from the additional 13.1 Half Marathon.

Participants can register now at www.active.com

Georgia-Florida Golf Classic

October 31 to November 1, 2013 Whether you’ll be calling the Dawgs or rooting for the Gators, start the weekend of the annual Georgia-Florida football showdown with this pre-game golf tournament on Jekyll Island’s beautiful golf courses. Now a 33-year-tradition, this all-inclusive golfing match-up provides the perfect mix of golf, food and friendly fan rivalry.

Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival

September 20 – 22, 2013 A coastal favorite, the Shrimp & Grits Festival combines the classic Southern dish with family-friendly entertainment and a Craft Brew Tasting. Come try your hand at a shrimp-eating contest, or sample our professional and amateur chef competitions. Crafts vendors, live music, celebrity chef cooking demos and plenty of tasty dishes come together to make this annual foodie fest a Jekyll favorite. We promise you won’t leave hungry!

 

WINTER CELEBRATIONS

Christmas Activities

November 24, 2012 – January 2, 2013

Every holiday season, Jekyll Island transforms for the Holiday Season. From Thanksgiving to New Years, the Island hosts a series of events and activities to celebrate the Christmas season. From Jingle Bell Bike Rides to Christmas Concerts, Jekyll Island holiday events provide opportunities for elves of all ages.

 

Island Treasures

January and February This two-month game of hide and seek has quickly become a Jekyll favorite. Every day in both January and February, Jekyll staff tuck away dozens of artisan glass orbs throughout the state park. Treasure seekers who successfully locate an orb in its hiding place get to keep it as their own. Come see what you’ll discover on Jekyll Island!

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