Savannah Unveiled

Events & Festivals

Savannah's Calendar of Celebrations

From Savannah's nationally recognized St. Patrick's Day celebration to SCAD's creative showcases — there's always something on.

Savannah's event calendar is anchored by a handful of genuinely memorable occasions — and filled in between with gallery openings, film screenings, and street events that reflect the city's deep creative and cultural life. Event dates, locations and availability can change. Always confirm current information with the official event organizer before planning your trip.

Event dates, locations and availability can change. Always confirm current information with the official event organizer before planning your trip.

Savannah Highlights

Events Worth Planning a Trip Around

St. Patrick's DaySpring

Savannah's Nationally Recognized St. Patrick's Day Celebration

St. Patrick's Day

Around March 17 each year — confirm current dates with official organizers

Savannah's St. Patrick's Day celebration is one of the great American civic spectacles — a parade that draws enormous crowds to the Historic District each March, turning Bull Street and the surrounding squares into a sea of green. The fountains in the squares are dyed green. The city's Irish heritage runs deep — Savannah was founded in part by Irish immigrants — and the celebration reflects genuine civic pride as much as tourism. The festivities typically extend across several days around March 17.

Multi-day celebrationGreen-dyed fountainsBull Street parade routeDeep Irish heritage
SCAD EventsYear-round

When One of the World's Great Art Schools Opens Its Doors

SCAD Events

Year-round, with major events in spring and autumn — confirm current schedule at scad.edu

The Savannah College of Art and Design has transformed the city's cultural life over the past four decades, and its public events are among the best things happening in Savannah at any given time. The SCAD Museum of Art (SCAD MOA) hosts world-class exhibitions year-round. The annual SCAD deFINE ART conference brings leading artists and designers to campus for talks and exhibitions. The spring and autumn fashion shows are spectacular. Student degree shows are genuinely exciting showcases of emerging talent.

SCAD MOA world-class exhibitionsdeFINE ART conferenceDegree shows (spring & autumn)Free Sundays at SCAD MOA
Savannah Film FestivalAutumn

One of America's Top Collegiate Film Festivals

Savannah Film Festival

Typically held in autumn — confirm current dates at scad.edu/filmfest

The Savannah Film Festival, presented by SCAD, has grown into one of the most respected film festivals in the country — a week of screenings, panels, and awards that draws major filmmakers and industry figures to the city each autumn. Films screen in historic venues across the city, including the Lucas Theatre on Abercorn Street, a beautifully restored 1921 movie palace. The festival has a reputation for serious programming and genuine access to filmmakers.

Lucas Theatre screeningsMajor filmmaker appearancesHistoric venue programmingSCAD-presented
Savannah Jazz FestivalAutumn

Free Outdoor Jazz in the Heart of Savannah

Savannah Jazz Festival

Typically held in late September — confirm current dates with official organizers

The Savannah Jazz Festival is a beloved annual event that brings live jazz performances to Forsyth Park and other outdoor venues across the city. The festival celebrates Savannah's rich musical heritage and typically features a mix of local, regional, and national jazz artists performing across multiple days. Admission to many performances is free, making it one of the most accessible cultural events on the Savannah calendar.

Free outdoor performancesForsyth Park settingLocal and national artistsMulti-day event

Plan Your Visit

Month-by-Month Calendar

What's happening in Savannah every month of the year.

January

Quiet season — great for exploring without crowds. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations.

February

SCAD deFINE ART conference. Valentine's Day dinners at top restaurants. Mild weather.

March

St. Patrick's Day celebrations (around March 17). Peak spring crowds. Confirm current event details with official organizers.

April

Savannah Tour of Homes & Gardens (spring edition). Warm weather, azaleas in bloom. Easter weekend.

May

SCAD spring degree shows. Warm and increasingly humid. Memorial Day weekend.

June

Hot and humid. Fewer crowds. Outdoor concerts in the squares.

July

Fourth of July celebrations on River Street. Hot season — best for indoor attractions.

August

Quietest month. Hottest weather. Good time for museum visits and indoor dining.

September

Weather begins to ease. Savannah Jazz Festival (late September). City starts to wake up.

October

Savannah Film Festival (late October). Excellent weather. Ghost tours peak season. Busy.

November

Excellent weather — one of the best months to visit. SCAD Film Festival may extend into early November. Confirm current events with organizers.

December

SCAD degree shows. Christmas decorations throughout the Historic District. Confirm any seasonal tours or events with official organizers.

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