Best Festivals in Savannah, GA - Seasonal Events for Every Traveler

Spring: When the City Comes Alive in Bloom and Beats

1. Savannah Music Festival (March–April)

Why Go:

Recognized as Georgia’s largest musical arts event, the Savannah Music Festival is a top-tier, multi-genre showcase featuring jazz, classical, bluegrass, folk, and global musicians. Held over 17 days, it’s hosted at stunning venues like the Lucas Theatre, Ships of the Sea Museum, and outdoor settings across the Historic District.

Highlights:

• Grammy Award-winning performers

• Free outdoor concerts and school outreach programs

• Intimate artist Q&A sessions

Local Tip:

Book tickets early, especially for headline acts. Some concerts sell out weeks in advance.

2. St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 17)

Why Go:

Savannah's St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the largest in the United States, second only to New York City. With over 300,000 attendees annually, the city turns green with pride—literally. Expect traditional Irish bagpipers, military units, dancers, and plenty of revelry.

Highlights:

• River Street and City Market parties

• Family-friendly floats and performances

• Green fountains in Forsyth Park

Pro Tip:

Arrive early—locals set up lawn chairs before dawn to claim the best parade-viewing spots.

3. SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival (April)

Why Go:

This one-day chalk art explosion is hosted by the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Held in Forsyth Park, it’s a kaleidoscope of creativity as students and alumni create vivid sidewalk masterpieces.

Highlights:

• Live music and food trucks

• Kid’s art zone

• View or vote for your favorite artworks

Summer: Sweet Southern Heat and Street Festivals

4. Savannah Bananas Baseball & Theme Nights (May–August)

Why Go:

While technically not a festival, attending a Savannah Bananas game is a cultural event in itself. This zany, family-friendly baseball team is known for epic theme nights, dancing players, and viral TikTok fame.

Highlights:

• “Banana Ball” rules that make games fun and fast-paced

• Costumed players and banana-shaped merch

• Nightly entertainment with music and audience games

Local Favorite:

Don't miss "Christmas in July" or “Luau Night”—fan favorites that blend humor with heart.

5. Fourth of July Fireworks on River Street

Why Go:

Celebrate Independence Day Savannah-style with a riverfront party featuring live music, food stalls, and one of the most scenic fireworks displays in the South.

Best Spots:

• Rousakis Plaza on River Street

• Plant Riverside District rooftop bars

• Hutchinson Island (across the river)

Fall: A Season of Art, Film, and Ghostly Fun

6. Savannah Jazz Festival (September)

Why Go:

A free, weeklong celebration of America’s original art form, the Savannah Jazz Festival brings smooth sounds to the city’s squares, concert halls, and parks.

Highlights:

• Legendary artists and up-and-coming talents

• Free performances in Forsyth Park

• Workshops and student showcases

7. Savannah Film Festival (Late October–Early November)

Why Go:

Hosted by SCAD, this is one of the premier film festivals in the Southeast. It attracts Oscar contenders, indie films, directors, and actors from around the world.

Highlights:

• Screenings of more than 100 films

• Q&A panels with filmmakers and stars

• Red carpet premieres and after-parties

Notable Alumni:

Past guests have included Olivia Wilde, Ethan Hawke, and Sir Ian McKellen.

8. Savannah Pride Festival (October)

Why Go:

Celebrate love and inclusion in the Hostess City with the vibrant Savannah Pride Festival, which includes parades, concerts, drag shows, and community events throughout the Historic District.

Highlights:

• Parade with floats and performers

• Local vendor markets and LGBTQ+ art exhibits

• After-hours parties and themed events

9. Halloween in Savannah (October 31)

Why Go:

Widely considered one of America’s most haunted cities, Savannah truly embraces the spooky season. Ghost tours, haunted pub crawls, and Halloween parades take over the cobblestone streets.

Best Experiences:

• Zombie Walk on River Street

• Themed bar crawls through haunted venues

• Candlelit walking tours through Bonaventure Cemetery

Winter: Lights, Magic, and Southern Cheer

10. Holiday Tour of Homes (December)

Why Go:

Savannah’s Historic District is a picture-perfect setting for the holidays. During the Holiday Tour of Homes, you’ll get an exclusive peek inside beautifully decorated private mansions, inns, and gardens.

Highlights:

• Guided walking tours

• Festive decor and refreshments

• Holiday shopping pop-ups

11. Plant Riverside District Christmas Market (November–December)

Why Go:

This European-style holiday market lights up the Plant Riverside District with artisan stalls, festive foods, holiday performances, and visits from Santa Claus.

Must-See:

The nightly Tree Lighting Ceremony and Gingerbread Village inside the JW Marriott lobby.

12. Savannah Harbor Boat Parade of Lights (Late November)

Why Go:

Kick off the holiday season with a magical boat parade featuring vessels adorned in dazzling Christmas lights, all cruising down the Savannah River.

Highlights:

• Fireworks finale

• Music and dance performances

• Best viewed from River Street or Hutchinson Island

Bonus: Local-Only Gems Worth Exploring

13. First Fridays & Saturdays on the River (Monthly)

Why Go:

Held on the first weekend of each month, this event brings live music, craft booths, food vendors, and themed celebrations to River Street.

Seasonal Themes:

• Mardi Gras (February)

• Lowcountry Boil Cook-Off (Summer)

• Oktoberfest (October)

14. Savannah Stopover Music Festival (Hiatus Status)

Note:

This indie music festival used to be a favorite among locals and touring artists on their way to SXSW. Keep an eye out—there are rumors of a revival!

Conclusion: Celebrate the Spirit of Savannah All Year Long

From world-class music and indie films to haunted Halloween nights and dazzling holiday parades, Savannah offers a rich tapestry of year-round celebrations that showcase its charm, culture, and community. No matter when you visit, you’re sure to encounter a festival that brings the city’s historic streets to life.