Thursday, June 18, 2026
Good morning!
New face (or name, I suppose) here! I’m Daneen Khan, one of The Current’s summer fellows. As I get sucked into the wonderful whirlwind that is Coastal Georgia, I’m hoping to get more involved in the community this summer. If you’re feeling the same way, then this is a great week to do so — Juneteenth is right around the corner.
Let us know how we’re doing or send a suggestion to staff@thecurrentga.org.
CHATHAM COUNTY
Juneteenth on Tybee: This is the sixth year of the Tybee MLK Juneteenth Celebration. The family-friendly, three-day festival begins at noon on Friday, June 19 at the island’s Tybrisa Street Pavilion. It’s a great chance to recognize the holiday (while also enjoying local vendors and live music, of course).
Savannah Juneteenth Festival: This Juneteenth celebration kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, at Wells Park. Admission is free; anyone can bring their family out to enjoy the festivities. Can’t make it? There are also Juneteenth events at Daffin Park and River Street this weekend.
Help seniors keep cool: Donate a fan to help keep homebound older adults stay safe and comfortable through the hot summer. You can donate new 20-inch box fans (still in the box) or contribute funds to purchase them on your behalf. Donate online here or 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays at Senior Citizens Inc., 3026 Bull St., in Savannah.
CAMDEN COUNTY
Juneteenth Jubilee: The NAACP’s Camden County branch is hosting its annual Juneteenth Jubilee from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, at Cornelia Jackson Memorial Park in Woodbine. Come out to pick up books about African American history and culture, enjoy a free lunch and watch a stage program featuring nationally recognized civil rights attorney Gerald A. Griggs.
“The Importance of Being Earnest”: To all theater lovers: Sunday is the last chance to see Saltwater Performing Arts’ performance of Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest.” The play begins at 2 p.m. on June 21, at Pigmental Studios Auditorium in St. Marys. Adult tickets are $20.
Georgia reptiles: When I was a kid, my mom took me to the library to see snakes and lizards. I am deathly afraid of snakes. It did not go well. But if your kids are braver than me, Ranger Gavin Harper from Crooked River State Park is happy to introduce them to Georgia’s reptiles at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23, at St. Mary’s Public Library.
BRYAN COUNTY
Mobile food pantry: Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia is hosting a mobile food pantry beginning at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23, at Pembroke Christian Church. Anyone who meets their food assistance guidelines is welcome to stop by.
Juneteenth Prayer Breakfast: Join the Bryan County NAACP from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, at J. Dixie Harn Community Center. This year’s special guest is Hamida Sharif of Sweet Valley Farms. Admission to the breakfast is free, but donations are appreciated.
GLYNN COUNTY
Pride beach party: We’re halfway through Pride Month and what better place to celebrate than the beach? All are welcome at St. Simons Island’s Pride Beach Party. The festivities stretch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at East Beach. Snacks and drinks will be provided potluck-style, so bring contributions if you can. Pack your own beach gear, though.
Georgia Artists with Disabilities: I will happily spend all day exploring art galleries. If you’re also an art aficionado, you only have until June 26 to see this multimedia exhibit featuring artists from across the state with disabilities. Check out their beautiful work at the Mille Wilcox Gallery in the Historic Ritz Theater in Brunswick.
The Sounds of Freedom: The Phil Morrison-Ken Trimmins Jazz Collective is performing a special Juneteenth concert to celebrate the holiday and the Golden Isles’ possibilities for the future. Doors open at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 19, at The Ritz Theatre. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for students.
LIBERTY COUNTY
26th Annual Walk to Dorchester: Dorchester Academy has a long and rich history around education and civil rights. In its early years, Black students would walk miles to attend its classes. Later, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders convened at the school to prepare for their historic Birmingham March. This year’s 9.5-mile Walk to Dorchester begins at 6 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, at Briar Bay Park.
Unbounded Ode to Joy: This family-friendly Juneteenth “freedom celebration” features an ancestors remembrance ceremony, as well as a light show, youth talent show and fashion show. Stop by from 4 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, June 19, at Susie King Taylor Freedom Park in Midway.
MCINTOSH COUNTY
Juneteenth in Darien: McIntosh County’s Juneteenth Celebration kicks off at noon and goes until 6 p.m. on Friday, June 19, at Columbus Square. If you have a small business, it looks like the organizers are still looking for vendors; reach out to 919-946-4623 for more details.
Fathers Day Nine Pins tournament: I’ve never played nine-pin bowling (maybe it’s a dad thing?) but if you have, or you’re just feeling confident, this is a chance to show off your skills to prove you are, in the tournament’s own words, “The Best Dad Ever.” Compete between 10:00 a.m. and noon on Saturday, June 20, at Fort King George Historical Site in Darien.
Enter the Powder Room: If you’re not into bowling, Fort King George Historical Site will also have 16th-18th century weaponry on display—and for demonstration. Stop by the site between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 21, to learn all about the historic instruments.
ALONG THE COAST
Protect yourself: All branches of the Coastal Health District are offering free testing for sexually transmitted infections this month. One in five people in the U.S. are infected yet often don’t realize it until long-term serious damage develops. Protect yourself and the ones you love—get checked. See the schedule by county for an STI testing event near you.
Back to school checkups: Children entering pre-K, kindergarten, 7th grade, or 11th grade may need screenings and immunizations to enroll in school this fall. County health departments are holding back to school checkups in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh Counties. Check the times and locations nearest you.
Flu shots available: Health departments in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh counties now offer updated 2025-2026 flu vaccine. Supplies limited in some locations. Call your local health department to confirm availability and schedule an appointment. A yearly flu vaccine is the best way to prevent serious flu-related illness for everyone age 6 months and older. Insurance usually covers costs. Low-cost options available if you’re uninsured.
Cast Net features nuggets from Coastal Georgia that we hope you’ll find interesting, fun or useful. All that said, we’ll need to hear from you to make sure we’re on the right track.
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