How Locals Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah
Is green your favorite color? We sure hope it is because you’ll be swimming through a sea of green during St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Savannah, Georgia. The holiday turns downtown Savannah into the biggest party of the year. A lot is going on over the next week, so we compiled a list of some of our favorite local events and traditions for those new to Savannah.
Greening of the Fountain
When: Friday, March 10th at noon
Where: Forsyth Park Fountain
Nothing is quite as classic in Savannah as the annual Greening of the Fountain. What started as a prank years ago has turned into a yearly tradition, with families and children flocking to the Forsyth Park fountain on March 10th.
20th Annual Tybee Island Heritage Parade
When: Saturday, March 11th at 3 p.m.
Where: Tybee Island
You don’t think Savannah’s the only place with a parade blowout, right? Tybee Island has been putting on its own version of the parade since 2003 and it’s just getting better with age. Hit the beach island before 3 p.m. and meet at Tybee Island City Hall to enjoy great music, family-friendly floats, and more!
St. Patrick’s Day Rugby Tournament
When: Saturday, March 11th at 8 a.m.
Where: 1301 E. Victory Drive
We’re not joking when we say this is the LARGEST rugby tournament in the country. 75 teams come from all over the United States, as well as the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Canada come to Savannah just for this sporting event. This is a huge deal for rugby fans, and it happens in Daffin Park, one of the most family-friendly spots in the city.
St. Puppies Day
When: Sunday, March 12th from 4-7 p.m.
Where: Starland Yard
Don’t pass this over because it’s an adoption event, ok? There’s nothing more fun than going to an open-air bar market to enjoy a beer and look at cute puppies sporting green regalia. Plus, Starland Yard is donating $1 to One Love Animal Rescue for every draft beer purchased!
Shamrocks and Shenanigans
When: Saturday, March 11th-Sunday, March 19th
Where: Plant Riverside District
This one is for those really looking to party. Plant Riverside hosts this nine-day-long event featuring more than 30 bands on two stages, festive food and drink options. Test your luck and see how many different St. Patrick’s Day-themed merchandises you can take home.
St. Patrick’s Day Charcuterie Class
When: March 15th, 6pm – 7:30pm
Where: Plant Riverside District
Trust us, you’re gonna get real hungry real quick when you go downtown for the parade. We highly suggest taking advantage of Sarandipity Fare and Finches Charcuterie Class. You’ll get to create your own box full of delicious Irish classics to enjoy while watching the floats ride by.
St. Patty’s Day Party for Seniors
When: Thursday, March 16th, 10am – 4pm
Where: J.F. Gregory Park Pavilion
Sure, Richmond Hill is not downtown Savannah, but you’ll be doing plenty of partying there for the next few days. Take your elderly loved one and allow them to enjoy a more laid-back version of St. Patrick’s Day, including lunch, music, games, and more!
Remembering the Real Reason for St. Patrick’s Day
When: Friday, March 17th, starting at 8am
Where: Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
This is the reason to come to Savannah for St. Patrick’s Day. We highly suggest you go get right with the powers that be before you descend onto the hostess city’s streets with your adult beverages. Plus, take a moment to look around when you get inside. The chapel is gorgeous and dates back to 1876.
The Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is for Everyone
When: Friday, March 17th starting at 10:15am
Where: Downtown Savannah (see the parade route here)
Whether you plan to attend with family or party with friends, the Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Around 280 floats, businesses, soldiers, families and more participate in the parade, which weaves throughout the squares in downtown Savannah. Kids will love the chance to see the local Alee Temple’s famous “belly dancing man” or the famous Budweiser Clydesdales, which typically participate in the parade. Young adults will feel like they are at the most epic tailgate ever. While families tend to head home after the parade, those who like to party head to the bars and restaurants to continue celebrating throughout the weekend.
If you’re planning to attend the parade for the first time, make sure to head downtown early and stake your spot. The squares fill up quickly with parade watchers, their chairs and tents. More details about the parade can be found at https://www.savannahsaintpatricksday.com/savannah-saint-patricks-day-parade.