October Edition of Savannah’s Festival Season
We’ve said it before, fall is Savannah’s Festival Season. Many of our favorite area organizations and entities host gatherings and events as the temperature cools down for the autumn season. Locals can’t wait to get outside to enjoy the many events around Savannah this time of year. The month of October in Savannah is jam-packed with not only festivals but also opportunities to delve into our diverse cultures and make friends within our community. If you’re new to the area or made it a goal to get out and have new experiences, Savannah’s October events and happenings are perfect for you.
Oktoberfest at the Plant Riverside District
📍400 W River Street, Savannah, GA
🗓️Each Saturday in October 2023 from 1pm-4pm
Those of us who like beer and wiener schnitzels find a good time at one of the many local Oktoberfests happening around downtown Savannah. The most well-known, longstanding Oktoberfest is the series of events that take place on River Street at the Plant Riverside District. The month-long event features wiener dog racing, plenty of German foods, polka dancing, live entertainment, and more.
Tybee Island Pirate Festival
📍South Beach Parking Lot 1 Tybrisa St., Tybee Island
🗓️October 5-7, 2023
Escape the ordinary and set sail for a weekend of swashbuckling adventure at the annual Tybee Island Pirate Fest! The multi-day event typically takes place in October every year and is Tybee’s unique way of celebrating its distinct and quirky island lifestyle. We don’t know what we like most about the Tybee Island Pirate’s Fest. It could be thelive music, thrilling pirate acts, the annual parade, tha many dressed as Jack Sparrow, or all of the hidden treasures along the way. The Tybee Island Pirate Fest is a blast for young buccaneers too. Kids of all ages enjoy the parade and costume contests, and especially the family-friendly zone with top-notch entertainment for the littlest raiders..
Savannah Greek Festival
📍Hellenic Community Center, 14 West Anderson Street, Savannah, GA
🗓️October 5-7, 2023
Opa! The Savannah Greek Festival has been a tried and true Savannah tradition every fall for the past 71 years. The event is a three-day celebration of Savannah’s Greek heritage and features Greek dancing, Greek music, and amazing Greek foods. Locals can pre-order their favorite savories and desserts ahead of time for pick up during the event, which we highly recommend.
TerrorVision’s 10th Annual Film Festival; Fright Fest
📍Savannah Cultural Arts Center, 201 Montgomery St, Savannah, GA
🗓️October 6-7, 2023
Get ready for the 2023 Terror Vision Fright Fest Film Festival! They’ve got an amazing lineup of chilling films, including Halloween 4, American Nightmare, and Nightmare on Elm Street 4. The night begins with a special Freddy’s Nightmares pilot episode. The guest list is equally thrilling featuring hosts like Aurora Gorealis and talented actors like Debbie Rochon, Chris LaMartina, and Andrew Divoff.
Phil the Park Music Festival– Movies in Concert
📍Forsyth Park, on the East Lawn
🗓️October 7, 2023 from 4p-8p
Phil the Park is Savannah’s largest free concert bringing together Savannah friends and families for special performances from local musicians and the Savannah Philharmonic. The October event always features a picnic competition with the “best-dressed” picnic spread winning a surprise grand prize. Food trucks, cocktail bars, and raffle prizes make the evening extra special. The night culminates with the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra performing songs from blockbuster movies. Phil the Park marks the start of the Savannah Philharmonic’s full season, which focusses on amore accessible approach to programming and expands its regional impact through free community concerts.
Savannah Pride Festival
📍First City Pride Center
🗓️October 19 – 22, 2023
The Savannah Pride Festival is run by First City Pride Center and is the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year. With multiple events throughout the city, there is something for everyone. Last year’s festival included an open mic night at The Sentient Bean, a masquerade at Starland Yard, a Pride Parade in Downtown Savannah and more.
** Featured in our recent blog, Savannah’s 2023 Festival Season
📍Downtown Savannah
🗓️October 21 – 22, 2023
Trick-or-treating isn’t just for kids…dogs can participate too! Over the years, the Renegade Paws Rescue fundraising event has morphed into an entire spooky season for pups. During a Wag-O-Weekend, participating pets can walk from store to store in the downtown Savannah area collecting dog treats. Funds raised help to support local animal rescues, community spay and neuter programs, and support community educational programs.
** Featured in our recent blog, Savannah’s 2023 Festival Season
SCAD Savannah Film Festival
📍Downtown Savannah
🗓️October 21 – 28, 2023
Every October, the SCAD Savannah Film Festival happens, and it’s the biggest university-run film fest worldwide. More than 60,000 folks show up for eight days of amazing movies and fun. Big Hollywood stars come to speak on panels and are honored with awards. Past attendees and honorees have included Eddie Redmayne, John Boyega, Emily Blunt, Samuel L. Jackson, John Krasinski, Janelle Monae, Selma Hayek Pinault, Ron Howard, and more. Locals with tickets can experience cool competition films, big premieres, special shows, and even take workshops from experienced directors, actors and industry specialists.. It’s an incredible experience in the South’s prettiest city where the film industry is booming.
Don’t forget to check out what’s going on the rest of the year in our Savannah’s 2023 Festival Season blog. Keep an eye out next month to see what November events Savannah has coming up.