Things to Do in Savannah GA in March
Savannah in spring is one of the best times of the year to visit our historical city. The flowers are in bloom, the weather is warming, and a packed schedule of events graces the calendar. So, if you're deciding when to travel to historic Savannah, Georgia, March is a great time of year to visit.
The main reason to visit in March is that some of our city's most famous events occur in this month, making it the perfect opportunity to truly learn what makes Savannah so unique.
Perhaps the biggest event on the calendar every year in Savannah is St. Patrick's Day, as we host one of the largest parades in the country. The lead-up to the parade is grand as well: you can spend all month celebrating the Irish saint if you want to. At the end of March, the Savannah Music Festival also draws a large crowd as it is also one of the most inclusive concerts, with performances from a wide array of musical geniuses across all genres.
Here's everything you don’t want to miss when you visit Savannah, Georgia in March.
Everything Green
Starting with Savannah's largest event, the St. Patrick's Day festivities actually begin before March 17. In early March, city leaders and parade officials preside over the short Greening of the Fountain ceremony that kicks off the month of Irish celebrations.
The beautiful water fountain in Forsyth Park begins to flow with green water. Back in the 1970's, city officials initially tried to dye the river green, but the swift current made it impractical. The Forsyth Park Fountain works much better. Although the Greening Ceremony only lasts about 20 minutes, it is definitely worth attending.
There are plenty of things to do in Savannah while you wait for March 17. If you want to stick with Irish celebrations, we recommend going to the City Market Celebration. Enjoy live festive Celtic music for two days straight, and of course, plenty of beer and great food.
One of the newer events on the Savannah calendar in March is the Shamrock Ships Flotilla on the river. Last year during the COVID crisis, the Shamrock Ships Flotilla took the place of the St. Patrick's Day Parade. This year, the flotilla occurs prior to St. Paddy's day.
What's a flotilla, you ask? A Flotilla is a fleet of boats, and in this case, it's a water parade of powerboats, sailboats, and yachts outfitted with St. Patrick's day regalia. The event coordinators hope to make the flotilla a regular St. Patrick’s Day occurrence. The event is scheduled for March 12 in 2022.
The St. Patrick's Day Parade
The actual street parade is a three-to-four-hour affair, bringing in almost half a million visitors to watch one of the country's largest St. Patrick's Day parades. Began in 1813, the parade starts at 10:15 am, but people start lining the street at 6 am. You'll want to bring a chair, water, and snacks to stay comfortable during the event. If you want to look like a local, dress up in flamboyant costumes, with face and body paint and bright-colored wigs. Most importantly, don’t forget to wear green.
You’ll love the marching bands, Irish dancers, Clydesdale horses, and elaborate floats that pass by. You might even see the girls plant kisses on the cheeks of the parade. Apparently, those "Kiss me, I'm Irish" t-shirts do work in Savannah.
It wouldn't be St Patrick's Day celebrations without plenty of Irish beer and you can party at the many St Patrick's Day beer tents to enjoy a never-ending stream of Guinness and green beer. You’ll also enjoy the local corned beef and cabbage.
The next day if you’re looking to burn some calories, you can join the Annual Kilt and Kolor Run on Hutchinson Island. Even if you’re not up for the ½ mile run, the whole family will enjoy the music and kilts of the events.
Savannah Music Festival
Although St Patrick's Day is the major event in Savannah in March. There are plenty of other festivities throughout the month.
Don’t miss the Savannah Music Festival, a 17-day music festival that is Georgia’s largest musical arts event. Over 500 artists arrive at Savannah to play their diverse music. Each year highlights various genres of music from classical and bluegrass to African, Americana, and rock. You'll expand your musical palate and likely hear some types of music you've never experienced.
Tickets are sold individually or in bundles with different musical themes. You’ll be treated to world-class music in historic theaters like the Lucas Theater and Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum.
Savannah Boat Show
The Savannah Boat Show is also a fun event at the end of March once all the St Patrick’s festivities have come to a close. The show has been an annual event since 2003 and rings in the boating season. The best boat dealers of the area hit up the river with their newest products and services. While you can buy a boat at the boat show, it's also fun to just check out the options, especially if you're a boating or fishing enthusiast.
Flannery O’Connor Celebration
Also, at the end of March, the Flannery O’Connor Birthday Parade and Festival weaves its way through historic downtown Savannah. The event is a quirky tribute to the Savannah-born author Flannery O'Connor who often wrote dark characters in her short stories. Fans of her work dress up like her characters and live music, local reading of authors, and food and goods vendors line the streets.
Annual Savannah Tour of Homes and Gardens
As if that wasn't an already jam-packed March schedule, The Annual Savannah Tour of Homes & Gardens is every March. Savannah has one of the largest historic districts in the country, and this exciting event allows you to view the inside of some of the houses. You'll be amazed by the historic architecture, charming décor often hundreds of years old, and sweeping gardens. When you've experienced the home and garden tours, you'll be treated to excellent food and hospitality that is a trademark of the South. There are different events and packages to choose from, so pick one that suits your needs.
