Fall on the coast has its own rhythm. The summer crowds begin to thin, the evenings get a little cooler, and some of Sandbridge’s favorite annual traditions take center stage. One of those traditions is the Sandbridge Pig Pickin’, returning to Little Island Park on September 12, 2026.
For nearly 50 years, the Sandbridge community has gathered for this annual celebration of good food, live entertainment, and local spirit. Best of all, the event raises money for the Sandbridge Volunteer Rescue Squad, helping provide the equipment needed to serve the community throughout the year.
If you’ve never heard the term before, a Pig Pickin’ is a Southern-style gathering centered around BBQ and good company. Think plenty of food, cold drinks, music, and a laid-back afternoon spent with friends and neighbors.
The Sandbridge Pig Pickin’ takes that tradition to the beach with an afternoon of all-you-can-eat food and drinks, live music, local art, and family-friendly activities. It’s an easygoing event where you can grab a plate, listen to some music, browse local artwork, and enjoy time outside at Little Island Park.
Fix a Plate and Stay Awhile
Come hungry! Food is at the heart of the Sandbridge Pig Pickin’. Fix yourself a plate, find a spot to sit, and dig in while enjoying the laid-back community atmosphere that has made this event a Sandbridge tradition for nearly 50 years.
Grab a Beer or Glass of Wine
What pairs well with a plate from the Pig Pickin’? A cold drink! Stop by the beer truck for a refreshing pour or head over to the wine bar for a glass of wine. Grab your drink of choice, find a spot near the music, and settle in for the afternoon.
Enjoy Live Music
Live music keeps the energy going throughout the event and provides the perfect soundtrack for an afternoon at Little Island Park. Whether you’re listening from your table or making your way closer to the stage, it’s a big part of the fun and relaxed atmosphere of the Pig Pickin’.
Bring the Kids to Little Island Park
The Pig Pickin’ takes place at Little Island Park, making it a great event for the whole family. There’s plenty of space for kids to enjoy the park, and with the beach just steps away, you get to experience one of Sandbridge’s favorite community events in a setting that’s hard to beat.
Browse the Vendor Market
Make time to explore the vendor market while you’re there. Browse the different booths, discover local businesses and makers, and do a little shopping between enjoying the food, music, and other festivities.
Check Out the Silent Auction
Before the event is over, stop by the silent auction and see what’s up for grabs. Place a bid on your favorites while supporting the Sandbridge Volunteer Rescue Squad, which benefits from the funds raised during this annual community tradition.
Say Hi to Sandbridge Blue!
If you spot the Sandbridge Blue team while you’re enjoying the Pig Pickin’, be sure to stop by and say hi! We love getting out into the community, meeting our guests and neighbors, and being part of one of Sandbridge’s favorite annual traditions. We’d love to see you there!
Make plans to join the fun this September!
When: September 12, 2026, from 1:00–5:00 PM
Where: Little Island Park
Benefiting: Sandbridge Volunteer Rescue Squad
Your ticket includes all-you-can-eat food along with soft drinks, beer, and wine. You can also enjoy delicious sides while listening to live music throughout the afternoon.
Bringing the kids? Children under 10 get in free, and a bouncy house will be available to keep younger guests entertained.
While the Pig Pickin’ is certainly a celebration of food and fun, the event has an important purpose behind it.
The Sandbridge Volunteer Rescue Squad has been serving the community for nearly five decades and responds to more than 1,000 emergency calls each year. Funds raised through the Pig Pickin’ help purchase advanced lifesaving equipment, allowing the squad’s EMTs and paramedics to continue providing critical services to Sandbridge.
It’s one of those events where a fun afternoon can make a meaningful difference in the community.
The Pig Pickin’ is also a great excuse to plan a September getaway. With warmer days still lingering, fewer crowds, and cooler evenings, fall is a wonderful time to experience Sandbridge at a more relaxed pace.
Spend the morning walking along the beach, head to Little Island Park for the Pig Pickin’, and finish the day back at your vacation home with your group. You’ll get a taste of one of Sandbridge’s longstanding traditions while enjoying a quieter side of the beach.
If you’re planning to attend this year, be sure to mark September 12, 2026 on your calendar.
Ready to make a weekend of it? Find your Sandbridge vacation home with Sandbridge Blue and start planning your fall beach getaway.
