6 Can't-Miss Events in Savannah
Mark your calendar and book your hotel early for these Savannah events throughout the year.
Visit Savannah any time of the year, and you're sure to be blown away by the scenery, hospitality and energy of the historic city. But, if you want to take that experience to a whole new level, visit during one its big annual events and join the fun in the parks, on River Street and in the host venues.
Check the Savannah events calendar for things to do throughout the year, and be sure to make plans early to attend these must-see festivals.
Savannah Stopover Festival, March
The Savannah Stopover Festival in early March brings in musicians on their way to Austin’s South by Southwest (SXSW) festival. What started as a creative way to capitalize on Savannah’s logistical good fortune has grown into a sought-after gig and major music festival.
If you love discovering new and up-and-coming bands and seeing them play in unique venues, this festival is a must. Make plans to attend March 11-12, 2022.
Photo courtesy of @visitsavannah
St. Patrick's Day, March
On March 17, Savannah hosts one of the largest St. Patrick's Day parades in the United States. What started as a private observance of St. Patrick's Day by Savannah's Hibernian Society in 1813 is now a three-to-four-hour parade drawing visitors from all over the world.
But the fun isn't limited to just one parade – Savannah also hosts the largest St. Patrick's Day party in the South over several days. You'll want to get an early start in Savannah, as the excitement starts to build days before celebrations begin.
Start planning your trip with this guide to St. Patrick's Day in Savannah.
Savannah Music Festival, March-April
The Savannah Music Festival (SMF) in late March through mid-April also hosts big acts every spring and fosters arts education. SMF is Georgia's largest musical arts event and one of the most distinctive cross-genre music festivals in the world.
Performers from around the world gather in Savannah for the two-week festival held in venues throughout Savannah's historic district, including theaters, arts centers, gardens and churches. Listen online to some of the previous performers, and plan to attend March 24 - April 9, 2022.
Savannah VOICE Festival, August
The Savannah VOICE Festival in August emphasizes opera, musical theater and song. The festival brings classical vocal excellence to Savannah through a three-week celebration of concerts, events and educational presentations during August and throughout the year.
Attendees enjoy concerts featuring artists from around the world, who share operatic stories from the past and present, and modern songs of today. Some festival events are free, and some individual events are ticketed.
SCAD Savannah Film Festival, October
SCAD Savannah Film Festival in late October honors actors, directors and films. Each year, thousands of people attend, including celebrities, making it one of Savannah's best fests of the fall season. It includes competition film screenings, special screenings, workshops, panels and lectures. Plan to attend Oct. 22-29, 2022.
Savannah Pride, Oct. 27-29
In Savannah, Halloween belongs to Pride! Start the party with Masqueerade on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022, when the streets will be filled with people in costume and drag. Then, join the Savannah Pride Parade Friday, Oct. 28 as it winds through downtown Savannah to the Savannah Pride Festival in Ellis Square. You’ll find music, performances, food and drinks, and more at the festival Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29.
