Spring Events in Savannah, Georgia: 2026 Guide

As locals describe it, “Spring is the showtime for Savannah.” The winter chill is gone, the oak trees trade their sparse look for a thick canopy of green, and the city’s 22 squares explode into a pink riot of azaleas. If you’re planning a trip between March and May, you’re hitting the sweet spot of the Southern calendar.

Savannah sees around 15 million visitors annually and a good chunk of them arrive right when the flowers bloom. Most people visit Savannah for the azaleas, but they stay for the festivals and the food. 

I’ve been leading tours here for over 16 years, and while I’m known for my seersucker suit and bowtie, I’m even better known for cutting through the fluff. If you want the real story of the city – minus the dry textbook facts, join me for a Historic Savannah Walking Tour. We’ll walk the cobblestones, share some stories and I’ll tell you exactly where to eat afterward.

Key Spring Dates: 2026

Savannah Antiques & Architecture Weekend March 5–7 Historic District	Orange Crush Festival April 9–18 Tybee Island & Savannah	SCAD Sand Arts Festival May 1 Tybee Island
The Official Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl March 14	Publix Women’s Half Marathon April 11 Forsyth Park	Savannah Scottish Games May 2 Bethesda Academy
202nd St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 17 Downtown Route	NOGS Tour of Hidden Gardens April 17–18 North of Gaston Street	Memorial Day on the Waterfront May 22–25 River Street
Savannah Music Festival  25th March  – 5th April Various Historic Venues	SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival April 26 Forsyth Park

March: Parades, Pints, and Preservation

March in Savannah is dominated by one thing: Green. Everything begins with the “Greening of the Fountain” in Forsyth Park, a tradition that signals the city is ready for its favorite holiday. But before the beer starts flowing, we have a few other things on the docket.

Savannah Antiques & Architecture Weekend (March 5–7): For those who prefer a more refined pace, this 10th-anniversary event features world-renowned designer India Hicks. It’s a spectacular tribute to British influence on Southern lifestyle and benefits the preservation of our historic houses.

The Official Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl (March 14): If you want to experience the “Irish spirit” before the actual parade, the Saturday bar crawl through the Historic District is a high-energy way to see the best bars on the waterfront.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 17): 2026 marks the 202nd Anniversary of this legendary event. It is one of the largest parades in the world, featuring elaborate floats, Irish heritage societies, and enough bagpipes to make a Scotsman weep.

Savannah Music Festival (25th March – 5th April): Georgia’s largest musical arts celebration kicks off in late March. New for 2026 are the VIP Weekender Wristbands, allowing you to hop between 30+ shows across the first weekend.

Spring is the best time for alfresco eating. If you want a real local recommendation on where to find the best mint julep or a solid fried green tomato, just ask me during your tour. You can also find my latest picks on my Advice Page.

April: Hidden Gardens and Sidewalk Masterpieces

April in Savannah is characterized by milder temperatures and the pink snow that locals know all too well. It is arguably the most beautiful month for photography.

Orange Crush Festival (April 9–18): A massive, high-energy 3-day event featuring beach parties and live music. It moves between Tybee Island and the mainland, bringing a legendary weekend of movement and culture.

Publix Women’s Half Marathon (April 11): This race takes runners through 12 of Savannah’s legendary squares. Even if you aren’t running, the energy in Forsyth Park at the finish line is infectious.

NOGS Tour of Hidden Gardens (April 17–18): North of Gaston Street opens its iron gates. This is a rare chance to see the private, lush sanctuaries hidden behind our historic mansions. It’s a must-do for garden enthusiasts.

SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival (April 26): Watch Forsyth Park transform into a canvas. SCAD students and alumni use chalk to create mind-blowing masterpieces directly on the concrete paths.

If you want to know which squares offer the best views during these events, our guide to  Savannah’s Most Iconic Sites will help you find the right spot.

May: Highland Games and Coastal Creativity

By May, we start feeling the first hints of summer warmth, making the river breezes and coastal trips to Tybee Island even more appealing.

SCAD Sand Arts Festival (May 1): Take a short drive to Tybee’s North Beach to see SCAD students compete in sand sculpting. These aren’t just sandcastles; they are massive works of temporary art.

Savannah Scottish Games (May 2): Head out to the beautiful Bethesda Academy for a day of heavy athletics (caber tossing!), dancing, and clan genealogy. It is a fantastic family-friendly event.

Memorial Day on the Waterfront (May 22–25): Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of the summer season. Expect River Street to be packed with live entertainment, street vendors, and patriotic tributes at the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial.

Spring Weather & What to Wear

Savannah weather in the spring is unpredictable. You’ll have a 50° morning and an 80° afternoon.

• March: Average highs of 70°F. Layers are your best friend.
• April: Highs near 77°F. This is peak seersucker and sundress season.
• May: Highs can reach 84°F. Breathable fabrics like linen are essential.

For a full breakdown of what to pack, check the Visitor’s Guide to Savannah’s Weather.

Final Thoughts

Spring in Savannah is more than just a season; it’s a feeling of being exactly where you ought to be. Whether you are here for the thunder of the St. Paddy’s drums or the quiet beauty of a hidden garden, this city has a way of getting under your skin in the best way possible.

But remember, while the events bring the crowds, the stories bring the city to life. Don’t just walk past our monuments, understand the people who built them. Put on your most comfortable walking shoes, don your finest bowtie (optional, but encouraged!), and join me for an unforgettable stroll through 290 years of history.

Book your Savannah Dan Walking Tour today and let’s make some memories in the most beautiful city in the South!