Savannah pairs Spanish moss and cobblestone squares with one of the busiest event calendars in the South. Annual Events in Savannah Georgia range from a world-famous parade to quieter literary and music traditions. Because the historic district anchors most of them, many sit within walking distance of each other.
Each February, the Savannah Book Festival fills the Historic District with authors and readers. Ticketed Headliner Addresses take place at the Trustees Theatre on select days. Meanwhile, Free Festival Saturday spreads free author talks across several historic squares. Past guests have included Stephen King, Al Gore, and James Patterson. Because of that lineup, seats for headliner events tend to sell quickly.
Every spring, the Savannah Music Festival brings dozens of concerts to venues citywide. The festival mixes jazz, classical, roots, and world music across roughly two weeks. Additionally, a lower-cost Noon30 series offers midday shows for all ages. Founded in 1989, the festival has grown into one of the region’s largest arts events. Tickets range widely, so popular headliners are worth booking early.
Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade dates back to 1824 and remains one of the largest in the country. The day begins with Mass at the Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Afterward, hundreds of units march through the Historic District, including bands and Irish societies. However, crowds can reach into the hundreds of thousands along the route. Before attending, consider reserving bleacher seating through the Parade Committee’s website.
SCAD transforms Forsyth Park into an open-air gallery each spring. Students, alumni, and local high schoolers fill hundreds of concrete squares with chalk art. The festival pairs with SCAD’s Family and Alumni Weekend each April. Plus, food trucks and live music keep the atmosphere festive throughout the day. Admission is free, and the artwork stays visible until park crews clean the sidewalks.
The Coastal Jazz Association has produced the Savannah Jazz Festival since 1981. Most concerts happen free of charge in historic Forsyth Park each September. Additionally, ticketed blues and Latin dance nights run earlier in the week at other venues. Over time, the festival has become one of the largest free music events in the region. Rain moves performances indoors to the Trustees Theater.
Savannah Pride Center hosts its annual Pride Festival in Forsyth Park each October. The event features live music, more than 100 vendors, and a themed celebration each year. Additionally, wedding and commitment ceremonies are offered on-site during the festival. As a result, the festival has grown from a small gathering into a full weekend of programming. Admission remains free and open to the public.
Savannah’s Waterfront closes out the year with its Lighted Christmas Street Parade each December. Floats, antique cars, and walking groups move along River Street after sunset. Beforehand, a Harbor Boat Parade of Lights fills the river with decorated vessels in late November. Plus, the Savannah Christmas Market runs nearby for several weeks. Check the Waterfront’s official site for the current year’s exact dates.
Savannah’s calendar stays busy from the historic squares to the riverfront. Details can shift from year to year, so confirm dates and locations on each event’s official page before attending.