Any time of year is a great time in Savannah. However, there is something magical about our city in the fall. The trees glow in bronzed colors, the air smells of firewood, and the sounds of leaves crunching under your feet bring back memories of childhood. Whether you’re looking for a fun weekend activity to get out and about to enjoy the beautiful city, are planning a fun first date, or want to treat the kids to a fun and educational experience, Savannah has many options for you. Read on to learn about our list of the top fall events in Savannah, Georgia.
Savannah Jazz Festival
The Savannah Jazz Festival is a local favorite and tradition. Stemming from the Coastal Jazz Association, a grassroots organization in 1981, the Jazz Festival we know today in Savannah features live performances, a focus on artistic expression and musical education, and fun family events. The festival has a storied past and has featured such influential and celebrated musicians like James Mercer, Ben Tucker, James Moody, Irene Reid, and Teddy Adams. While music is the festival’s focal point, it is not the only reason to go.
Visit the Hall of Fame Exhibit, where the history of jazz and relics significant to the culture of Savannah are cared for and displayed for the community to see and learn about. At the festival, feast on traditional fair food, like nachos, funnel cakes, and cotton candy. Or, visit the stands of local vendors and artisans to help the local economy and small business owners.
Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased in advance online. Visit the website for an accurate and updated account of the performances lined up for this season. For more information, call 912-228-3158 or fill out the online contact form.
Oktoberfest
The Oktoberfest at Plant Riverside District is an annual event that celebrates new and old traditions with family-friendly events the whole crew can enjoy. Beginning in October, you can expect a fun schedule of different events and entertainment to keep you busy during the weekend. On Saturdays, you can typically find free live music in the Pavilion Tent area, along with events like free keg bowling and bratwurst eating contests. Throughout the duration of Oktoberfest, you’ll also find local restaurants serving up some of your favorites to keep your appetite in check.
To learn more about Oktoberfest or to find an accurate schedule of events, be sure to check the website for updates.
Savannah College Of Art And Design Savannah Film Festival
The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Savannah Film Festival has the distinction of being the largest university-run film festival in the world. This year, the film festival runs from Oct. 22 through Oct. 29. To celebrate the cinematic creativity of working professionals in the film industry and emerging student filmmakers, the festival hosts a wide variety of competition film screenings, workshops, panels, and lectures. Years prior, it has welcomed over 63,000 attendees.
Some film showcase categories include narrative, documentary, professional, student, and animated shorts. More than 100 films are selected for the competition of over 1,500 submitted films. Other programming includes Southern Voices, a collection that celebrates the authentic representation of regional stories. Ticket sales for the 2022 season go on sale on Oct. 3. Passes are on sale now and can be purchased online. Choose from the day pass starting at $100, the Bronze Pass for $275, the Silver Pass for $375 with access to all screenings, panels, and receptions, and the Gold Pass for $500 with reserved seating. To learn more. call 912-525-5050.
Ghosts And Gravestones Tour
Get into the spirit of the season and grab yourself a scare. The Ghosts and Gravestones Tour celebrates Savannah’s unique history in a fun and exciting way. Long being regarded as one of the most haunted locations in America, Savannah’s dark past is explored throughout your journey on this tour. While with us, you’ll learn about historic ghost tales and some of Savannah’s unique history.
Guided by your own trained and well-informed ghost host, you and the other tour participants will journey through Savannah’s historic district and see some of Savannah’s most haunted sites. You’ll hear eerie and fantastical legends, and explore the past of some of Savannah’s most notorious figures and frightening residents. The trolley will drive you past ancient cemeteries, antebellum mansions, old plantations, and live oaks decorated with beautiful Spanish moss. You’ll visit some of the locations that were host to Savannah’s bloodiest battles, and maybe hear the ghostly cries of old fallen spirits on the battlegrounds.
Tour guests will experience a night tour of the Andrew Low House, where it is said that spirits inhabiting it throw furniture, walk the halls, and haunt guests. Your ghost host will also take you to the old Perkins and Sons Ship Chandlery. Regarded as one of the most haunted locations in Savannah, don’t be surprised if you feel your senses tingle and even see some paranormal activity!
Tickets for this fun adventure begin at $34.51 per person. You can take a daytime tour for $39.60 with live narration and unlimited re-boarding from 15 different stops. It is a great way to experience the Savannah culture and learn a little history. For more information or to learn about booking a group tour, call 866-955-1674.
So there you have it. Vaden Chevrolet Pooler has enjoyed sharing with you our list of the top fall events in Savannah. There is something for everyone, so be sure to check out at least some of these must-do events before fall closes out and we welcome winter with open arms and warm jackets. So what do you think of our list of suggestions? Did we miss your favorite annual festival to visit? If we did, please let us know. Leave us a message sharing your thoughts and we’ll be happy to check out your ideas. You may even find your suggestions featured on our list in the future.
Saxophone by Chris Waits is licensed with CC BY 2.0
