Savannah is a city that knows how to celebrate. From historic squares filled with music to riverfront fireworks and heritage festivals that bring the community together, the calendar stays full year after year. For visitors, these annual events offer a great way to experience Savannah beyond its architecture and food scene, adding rhythm and energy to a stay in every season.
This guide highlights Savannah’s most notable annual events in chronological order, helping travelers decide when to visit and what experiences are worth planning around. Whether you are booking a spring getaway, a summer celebration, or a fall cultural trip, Savannah delivers something memorable nearly every month of the year.
February: Culture, Stories, and Heritage
Savannah Book Festival
Held annually in February, the Savannah Book Festival draws authors, readers, and literary enthusiasts to the city’s historic theaters and public spaces. The festival features author talks, panels, and book signings, creating a thoughtful and engaging atmosphere that pairs beautifully with Savannah’s slower winter pace.
Savannah Black Heritage Festival
The Savannah Black Heritage Festival celebrates African American history, culture, and contributions through performances, exhibitions, and educational programming. This long-running festival offers visitors meaningful insight into Savannah’s past and present while highlighting voices and stories that shape the city today.
Planning a trip during this time allows visitors to experience Savannah through a deeper cultural lens while enjoying a quieter travel season.
March: One of Savannah’s Most Lively Months
Savannah Irish Festival and St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
March is one of Savannah’s most iconic months, thanks to its St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The city hosts one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country, along with weeks of cultural events, live music, and community gatherings leading up to the holiday.
Visitors should expect a lively atmosphere and plan accommodations well in advance. March weather is typically mild, making it an ideal time to enjoy outdoor festivities, historic squares, and riverfront views. For travelers who love high-energy celebrations and local tradition, this is one of Savannah’s most memorable times to visit.
Late March and Early April: Music and Gardens
Savannah Music Festival
Spanning late March through early April, the Savannah Music Festival is one of the city’s signature cultural events. Featuring jazz, classical, world, and contemporary music, performances take place at venues across Savannah, including historic theaters and outdoor spaces.
This festival attracts music lovers from around the country and transforms the city into a multi-genre concert destination. Spring weather enhances the experience, allowing visitors to pair performances with outdoor dining, evening walks, and time spent in Savannah’s squares.
NOGS Tour of Hidden Gardens
April also brings the NOGS Tour of Hidden Gardens, an annual event that opens private historic gardens in the Historic District to the public. Visitors gain rare access to beautifully maintained spaces that are typically unseen, offering a unique perspective on Savannah’s architecture and landscape design.
This garden tour is especially appealing to travelers who appreciate history, horticulture, and a quieter cultural experience. April’s mild temperatures and blooming flowers make it one of the most visually rewarding times to explore the city.
May: Heritage and Outdoor Celebration
Savannah Scottish Games and Celtic Festival
Held in May, the Savannah Scottish Games and Celtic Festival celebrates Scottish heritage through athletic competitions, music, dance, and traditional food. The event blends cultural pride with a family-friendly atmosphere and is typically held outdoors, making it a great fit for spring travel.
May is an excellent time to visit Savannah. The weather is warm but not overwhelming, and the city feels active without the intensity of summer crowds.
July: Summer Celebrations on the River
Savannah Waterfront Independence Day Celebration
Savannah’s Fourth of July festivities center around the historic riverfront, featuring fireworks, live music, and food vendors along the Savannah River. The event draws both locals and visitors who want to celebrate Independence Day with a coastal Southern backdrop.
Summer travelers planning around this event should expect higher temperatures and busier streets, but the payoff is a vibrant, festive atmosphere and one of the city’s most scenic fireworks displays.
September: Music and Community in the Fall
Savannah Jazz Festival
As summer transitions into fall, the Savannah Jazz Festival brings live performances to Forsyth Park and venues throughout the city. This long-running event celebrates jazz in all its forms and attracts both seasoned fans and casual listeners.
September offers slightly cooler temperatures and a more relaxed pace compared to midsummer. The Jazz Festival pairs well with outdoor evenings, park picnics, and exploring Savannah’s neighborhoods beyond the Historic District.
November: Lace up Those Running Shoes
Savannah Southern Half Marathon and 5K
Fall brings the Savannah Southern Half Marathon and 5K, a popular running event that takes participants through scenic city streets and historic neighborhoods. Even for non-runners, the event adds energy to the city and pairs well with a wellness-focused autumn trip.
November visitors benefit from comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, making it easy to enjoy the city before winter arrives.
Planning Your Visit Around Savannah’s Event Calendar
Savannah’s annual events span the entire year, making it easy to plan a trip around personal interests. Cultural festivals, music celebrations, heritage events, and seasonal gatherings ensure there is always something happening.
For travelers planning around these festivals, booking accommodations early is key, especially for spring and March events. Southern Belle Vacation Rentals offer comfortable, centrally located homes that make it easy to attend events while enjoying space to relax between activities.
Savannah’s event calendar reflects the city itself. Creative, historic, welcoming, and full of life. Whether you are visiting for a music festival, a heritage celebration, or a seasonal gathering, planning your trip around these annual events helps you experience Savannah at its most vibrant, no matter the time of year.