Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Things to do in Georgia in October

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When it’s October, fall festival season is in full swing. October  means seafood festivals, lots of football, fall festivals, Oktoberfest and then we top it all off with Halloween.

Pirate Fest, Tybee Island, GA

 

Oktoberfest on the River – Savannah, GA

September 30 – October 3, 2011
This year the Oktoberfest actually starts in September. Savannah has a wonderful Oktoberfest on Riverstreet. This festival has everything you expect from beer garden, to Oompah band and Wienerdog race. Visit our special events page for Oktoberfest on the River

Tybee Island Pirate Fest -Tybee Island, GA

October 6 – 9, 2011
Quickly change from lederhosen to peg leg and eye patch because as soon as the Oompah band stops playing, the pirates take over the whole island of Tybee. It’s time for the popular Pirate Fest on October 6 – 9, 2011. Check out our special events page for Tybee Island Pirate Fest.

Hand on learning

 

CoastFest 2011 – Brunswick, GA

October 1, 2011

Learn more about the coastal landscape, the marshes, and the life in the ocean in this very special annual festival perfect for families with young children. Touch tank, arts & crafts, living history events and lots of learning for free. Read more here.

 

 

Rock Shrimp Festival – St Marys, GA

October 1, 2011
This annual festival celebrates the Rock shrimp with a big party in downtown St. Marys. Lots of fun for the whole family with parade, 5K run, arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment and more. The highlight is of course the rock shrimp dinner! Watch our video from the festival here.

 

The Great Ogechee Seafood Festival – Richmond Hill, GA

October 14-16, 2011
There’s another seafood festival in Georgia in October. This time, head to Richmond Hill outside Savannah for lots of fun for the whole family. Find out more here – The Great Ogechee Seafood Festival.

 

Rockin’ Brunswick Stewbilee – Brunswick, GA

Shalom Y'All Jewish Food Festival

 October 22, 2011

There are so many fun food festivals on the Georgia coast in the month of October. This is one of our favorites – the Brunswick Stewbilee. This event is complete with Pooch Parade, arts & crafts and of course a Brunswick Stew competition. You can find out more about the event here.

Shalom Y’all – Jewish Food Festival – Savannah, GA

October 30, 2011
There is another food festival in Georgia this month. This festival takes place in Forsyth Park. Come explore Jewish food. Find out more on our special page for Shalom Y’all – Jewish Food Festival – Savannah

 

Savannah Film Festival

October 29 – November 5, 2011
This festival is getting bigger and bigger every year. The festival kicks off at the end of October, check out our special events page for Savannah Film Festival.

 

Wait… There is more to read…

Datil Pepper Festival

Georgia vs. Florida Football Classic

Concourse d’Elegance – Hilton Head Island, SC

Things to do in Florida – September

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It is safe to say that festival season is in full swing, just look at our list of upcoming events. It won’t be difficult to find something fun to do, but it will be difficult to choose where to go.

With September comes a couple of music festivals, first out the inaugural Blues Festival at the Main Beach in Amelia, there’s another jazz festival in New Smyrna. Jacksonville also has a Beer Cup, while Daytona starts early with Oktoberfest. But there is a lot more happening on the coast. Just take a look at the list below.

 


Yoga in the Park – Metropolitan Park, Jacksonville

September 10, 2o11

This inaugural event on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 8:00 am – 2 pm will feature world-renowned Guru Yogi Amrit Desai and Chandrakant John Heister. The group yoga session overlooking the St. John’s River will be followed by an enlightening speech by Yogi Desai. Funds generated from the event will benefit In the Pink…a boutique for women living with all types of cancer, a local non-profit 501c3 organization. Admission is $10. Call (904) 372-0029

 

9 -11 Heros Run Jacksonville

September 10, 2011

The 2011 9/11 Heroes Run is bringing communities together throughout the country this September 11th. Our goal is to never forget the sacrifices of all of the Heroes of September 11th – veteran, first responder, and civilian.

September 10, 2011 at 6PM at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall

Race costs:  5K: $25/Person – 1 Mile Fun Run: $15/Person 
Family Rate: $50.00 (minimum of 3 family members, maximum of 6)

 

Founder’s Day Celebration – St Augustine, Fl

September 10, 2011

Witness the reenactment of the landing of St. Augustine’s founder, Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles, along the same shoreline where Spanish colonists came ashore in 1565. Following the reenactment of the Spanish settler’s arrival there will be a presentation about St. Augustine and America’s Spanish history, then a celebration of Mass at the Mission’s outdoor altar. After the Celebration of Mass, there will be informative presentations guest speakers. Following the formal ceremonies, Menendez and his men will lead a procession from the Mission grounds to the historic encampent at the Fountain of Youth Park.

Call 904.824.2809 for more information or visit the website.

 

Northeast Florida Beer Cup – Florida Theatre, Jax

September 15, 2011

This is the inaugural Northeast Florida Beer Cup, a new fundraiser featuring the region’s top craft brewers serving a variety of tasty ales, lagers, stouts and more. Plus there will be live music and we’ll be serving eats from favorite area pubs.

The event will be held at the Florida Theatre. The list of participating brewers and restaurants is growing, but here are those confirmed; Intuition Ale Works, Mojo #4, Engine 15, Sweetwater, Bold City, French Fry Heaven, River City Brewing Co., European Street, Hornsby’s Hard Cider, Green Room Brewing.

Event Time: 6:30 PM
Ticket Prices: $35 (Advance); $40 (Day of Event) The event benefits Dreams Come True. More info at 904. 389-3622 . Click here for tickets.

 

Amelia Island Blues Festival

September 16 -17, 2011

The Inaugural Amelia Island Blues Festival includes two days of outstanding music great food, beer, wine and more, taking place at the Main Beach in Fernandina.

The all-star lineup features great blues artists such as Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Albert Castiglia, Karl W. Davis, Sean Carney, Bill Sheffield, The David Gerald Band from Detroit, Michigan, Gainesville’s 6th St. Rhythm & Blues Review and South Florida’s Albert Castiglia. 

 

BeerFest – Daytona Beach, Fl

September 17, 2011

3:00pm-11:00pm, South Beach Street Historic District, Daytona Beach.

Daytona is celebrating Oktoberfest already in September with a craft beer festival with a special Oktoberfest theme.  The event will showcase craft beers and import beers and is held in the riverfront park across from McK’s Tavern. 

The Oktoberfest tent are will feature some of the best Oktoberfest style beers not only from Germany but from some of the best American breweries as well. There will be live German music by the world famous Swinging Bavarians and to top of the Oktoberfest theme there is even authentic German Style Food.

QuiltFest of Jacksonville

September 22 – 24, 2011

Quiltfest 2011 is the largest all-volunteer quilt show in the Southeast featuring over 400 quilts,Raffle Quilts from the 7 Sister Guilds, Quilt Sales, Silent Auction, Kids Corner, Free Demonstrations,Quilt Appraiser and Charity Corner. The event takes place at the Prime Osborne Convention Center. For hours and show information, visit the website.

MOSH After Dark – Jacksonville, Fla.

September 22, 2011

Learn about the stars shining over Jacksonville while enjoying a live musical performance under the stars of the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium. The museum will open at 6 p.m. for guests to explore; a star show will take place in the planetarium at 7 p.m. immediately followed by a live musical performance; and rooftop stargazing and wine tasting will be from 8 to 9 p.m. Music Under the Stars is part of MOSH After Dark and is a collaboration between the MOSH and Friday Musicale.

Call (904)396-MOSH for more information.

 

Daytona Beach Home, Garden & Boat Show

September 23 – 25, 2011

Daytona knows how to put on a big show, and by combining home, garden and boat into one show, this event promises to be a big deal.  The event will feature HGTV celebrity Brandie Malay, expert contractors willon-hand to answer questions and lead “how to” seminars, and the latest model boats and yachts. www.daytonabeachhomeshow.com.  407.273.7469

 

Florida Heritage Book Festival – St Augustine, Fla

September 23 -24, 2011

The festival will feature a wide array of events and activities including workshops, readings, and book signings by popular authors. On Friday, writer’s workshops take place at the Casa Monica Hotel in historic St. Augustine, then the Literary Legends Awards Banquet takes place at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village. On Saturday, panel discussions take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ringhaver Student Center at Flagler College in downtown St. Augustine. Read more about the Florida Heritage Book festival here.

 

New Smyrna Beach Jazz Festival

September 23 – 25, 2011

If you love the sweet sound of live jazz?  Then this festival featuring performances by popular regional artists is for you! www.newsmyrnabeachjazzfestival.com.  Call 386.423.9760.    

 

Festival di San Marco – Jacksonville, Fla

September 24, 2011

Festival di San Marco is a free fine arts festival that will take place September 24, 2011 in beautiful San Marco, Jacksonville. Come out and enjoy San Marco’s rich heritage, live music, prizes, food, fun and even a kid’s zone for children of all ages. Call  (904) 860-6170 for more information or visit their website for updated info and a video to watch.

 

Daytona Beach Classic Bodybuilding Tournament

September 24, 2011  
This competition’s final show will take place at Peabody Auditorium and will feature guest poser, professional bodybuilder Hidetada Yamagishi, who competes in the International Federation of BodyBuilders.   www.daytonabeachclassic.com.  386.671.3462. 

 

Heartland Poker Tour – Daytona Beach 

September 30 – October 9, 2011
The Daytona Beach Kennel Club & Poker Room will host a stop on the nationally-televised seventh season of Heartland Poker Tour.  HPT will film two episodes of the poker show at a tournament which is open to the public.  Qualifying rounds start September 30 for those who hope to win their way into the main event.  Seats are available for the taping.  www.daytonagreyhound.com/poker.  386.252.6484.

Things To Do in Georgia — September

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It is definitely the start of the action-packed fall festival season, and when you see the list of some of the upcoming events below, you will know why I call it that. 

Fall is my favorite time of year, especially here on the coast and it’s definitely a busy time of year for us. It’s hard to choose where to go and what to do, there is simply to much going on at the same time. The best way to handle it is to get the calendar out and making plans early. Just take a look at these events.

 

day at the beachSavannah Ocean Exchange

The month of September, 2011

Through four Public Exchanges – Culture & Cuisine, Events & Excursions, Presentations & Performances and Vessels & Viewings – participants can see, hear, taste, smell and touch to explore the wonders of our coast and ocean.  Each Exchange hosts specific venues throughout the month of September at different locations in and around Savannah and on Tybee Island. Most are free and open to the public. Events vary from boat building, to learning about the Right Whale, Cockspur Lighthouse dedication, boat parade, performance by McIntosh Shouters and much more.  Please visit the Savannah Ocean Exchange website for details. 

 

Taste of Savannah

September 9, 2011

This food event takes place at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center from 7 – 10 pm. 

General Admission Tickets $60 per person, $85 for VIP.

700 Drayton at the Mansion on Forsyth Park, Aqua Star at the Westin Savannah Harbor, Belford’s Savannah Seafood & Steaks, DeSoto Grill at the Hilton Savannah DeSoto, Garibaldi , Ruth’s Chris Steak House, The Olde Pink House,  Uncle Bubba’s Seafood & Oyster House, and many more. For more details visit the website.

 

Fiesta Latina – Savannah, GA

September 10, 2011

This annual festival takes place every year at Rousakis Plaza, River Street. Performances will showcase a variety of Latino cultures through folkloric song and dance, as well as music ranging from salsa to reggaeton. This is a free festival. Read more about the festival here.

 

Lucas Theatre Open House – Savannah, GA

September 10, 2011

Learn more about the historic theatre with self-guided tours and archival posters and documents, as well as what is in store for the coming season. Try our 90th Anniversary ice cream flavor from Leopold’s, snack on some popcorn, or just enjoy the air-conditioning. From Noon until 4:30 p.m., the main level will be open to explore.

Starting at 4:30 p.m., you can also watch the Savannah Philharmonic as they rehearse for their Patriot’s Day concert. Until 7:30 p.m., this open rehearsal will be viewable from the balcony seating. 

Free and open to the public. No reservation needed.  912.525.5040

 

9th Annual Food & Wine Festival

September 10, 2011

Taste food from 12 restaurants/food tables (including Lulu’s Chocolate Bar, Vic’s on the River, Garibaldi’s, Olympia Cafe, Driftaway Cafe, Edible Arrangements, Taste of India, Toucan Cafe, Crystal Beer Parlor, 45 Bistro, River House Seafood, Papa’s Barbeque and Seafood) and over 50 wines for one incredibly low price.

Tickets are $25 in advance, and $30 at the door. The Food & Wine Festival will be held at the Hellenic Center of the St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, 14 W. Anderson St., on Saturday, September 10 (no one under 21 admitted.)

 

Shrimp n’ Grits Festival – Jekyll Island, GA

September 16 – 18, 2011

This food festival in the historic district of Jekyll Island, is one of the most popular festivals in Coastal Georgia every year. Chefs compete in making the best shrimp n’ grits. There is also lots of arts & crafts vendors, live entertainment and more.  You can watch our video and get more details on the special events page for Shrimp n’ Grits Festival on Jekyll Island, GA.

 

Omotunde Festival – Savannah

September 16 – 18, 2011

“Omotunde” is a Yoruba word which means “The child has returned”. This name is an appeal to a common African heritage which was born in Africa and transplanted in America during the tragedy of African enslavement. The Omotunde Festival is a recurring celebration that calls forth a cultural renaissance among African descendents in America in order to do their part to meet the challenges of the hanging world. The festival takes place at River Street & Savannah State University. 

For more information, call 404.348.4040 

 

Savannah Jazz Festival

September 18 – 25, 2011

Savannah Jazz Festival is one of the most anticipated events for the Fall in the city.  All concerts are free and open to the public. Watch a video from the festival and check out this year’s line up on our special events page for Savannah Jazz Festival.

 

Jazz in the Park — St Simons Island, GA

September 25, 2011

This is the last performance for the season at the St. Simon Light House where Julie White and the Bohemian Dream Band will be performing. The concert will remind you of a hip 1930s Parisian night club. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on, a picnic, and your favorite beverage. All concerts are from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, and free for kids under 6. Call 912-262-6934 to purchase.
St. Simons Lighthouse, 12th St. at Beachview, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Ph: (912) 262 – 6934 or visit www.goldenislesarts.org

 

Oktoberfest on the River – Savannah, GA

September 30 – October 2, 2011

With the month of October comes Oktober Fest in Savannah. This fun event on Riverstreet includes all the October “musts” – wienerdog race, oompah bands, bratwurst and sauerkraut. So don your lederhosen and get ready for a good time. Watch our video from the wienerdog race here.

Other stories to read:
title=”talk like a pirate day” target=”_blank”>Talk Like a Pirate Day – September 19
Amelia Island Jazz Festival
Green Fair in Charleston, SC

Charleston Oktoberfest

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When fall rolls around, it’s hight time for Oktoberfest on the coast and Charleston Oktoberfest is next in line. This event returns to Blackbaud Stadium on Sunday, October 25 from Noon- 5 PM with Oompah bands, sauerkraut, bratwurst and of course German beer.

Charleston Oktoberfest also has authentic German dancers performing, a big selection of German beers and a wide variety of delicious food. Come early, because the first 1000 festival attendees will receive a free commemorative beer stein.

Blackbaud Stadium will be transformed into an authentic Bavarian-style beer hall for the festival with big tents and beer trestle-tables. The main beer vendors will be placed on the concourse. Oktoberfesters are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn-chairs.
This Oktoberfest is organized by Charleston Battery, and they have remembered the children as well. Kid’s activities include mini-soccer games on the stadium field, a Mountain Slide, an inflatable combination game, a Hot-Shot Power-Kick game and a jump castle. Charleston Oktoberfest will benefit a local charity with a portion of the proceeds going to Live 5 News’ Debi’s Kids and The Salvation Army Angel Tree.

The 2009 Oktoberfest Corporate Challenge, the German Cup, will take place with local teams competing in tug-o-war, barrel races, three-legged races and bratwurst eating competitions. This sounds like great entertainment!

Tickets to Charleston Oktoberfest 2009 are only $5 in advance ($7 day of event) and can be purchased at the Blackbaud Stadium box office or by calling (843) 971-4625 (843) 971-4625, tickets are also available online at www.charlestonbattery.com. There is no charge for parking; for more information or for directions to Blackbaud Stadium call 971-4625 or visit www.charlestonbattery.com.

Charleston Oktoberfest is presented by The Charleston Battery with additional support from 95 SX, The Wolf 96.9 and WTMA 1250.
beer

Oktoberfest in Savannah, GA

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Dust off the Tyrolean hat and lederhosen – it’s time for the party of the season in Savannah. We visited last year, and we can assure you that River Street in Savannah knows how to celebrate Oktoberfest. This festival takes place on October 2-4, 2009.

There will live performances, clogging, games, fireworks, arts and crafts and Bratwurst tasting. Speaking of sausage, our all-time favorite event is back – Wiener Dog Racing. Oktoberfest would not be complete without.

beerI don’t know how anyone can resist such a magnificent celebration of German heritage. This festival has it all; oompah band, bratwurst, wiener dogs and to top it all off – they even promise that you get to participate in the chicken dance.

New for this year is the River Street Beer Garden, it’s the perfect spot to show off your Oktoberfest fashion.

Judging from what the action-packed program has to offer, plan to come early and stay late.

The 10th Annual Wiener Dog Races will take place at Morrell Park (near the Waving Girl) again this year. Registration begins at 8am and the races begin at 10am!

For more information about the festival, visit http://www.riverstreetsavannah.com