Fall in Savannah: Festivals + Events You Don’t Want to Miss in 2026
Magnolia Hall is a beautiful historic guest house owned and operated by the Savannah College of Art and Design, sitting in one of the prettiest spots in the city—right across from Forsyth Park.
There’s something about fall in Savannah that just feels good.
Now, will you necessarily be wearing a sweater while sipping something warm and watching the leaves change? Probably not. September and October in Savannah can still feel very much like summer.
But Savannah does fall in its own way.
The weather finally starts to cool down just enough to make spending an entire afternoon outside sound appealing again. Forsyth Park fills with music. River Street turns into Oktoberfest. Tybee gets taken over by pirates. Isle of Hope fills with artists and food trucks. And suddenly, almost every weekend has something happening.
It’s honestly one of my favorite times of year to be in Savannah.
So whether you’re planning a fall trip or you’re local and looking for an excuse to get out and enjoy the city, here are some of the Savannah fall festivals and events I’m most excited about in 2026.
Savannah Jazz Festival
September 18–20, 2026
This one will always make my Savannah fall list.
There are few things better than spreading out a blanket under the oaks in Forsyth Park and listening to live jazz as the sun goes down.
The 45th Savannah Jazz Festival kicks off September 18, with the main Friday and Saturday performances happening in Forsyth Park. Friday night begins at 6:30 PM, while Saturday's lineup starts at 3 PM and continues into the evening. Sunday brings School Band Day to District Live.
And yes—you can bring your lawn chairs, blankets and coolers to Forsyth Park. Food trucks and beverage vendors will also be available.
HOSTING SAVANNAH TIP: Make an afternoon of it. Grab brunch or coffee nearby, wander the Design District, pick up a few things for your picnic at Provisions or Asher + Rye and then claim a spot in Forsyth before the music starts.
Savannah Oktoberfest
October 3–11, 2026
You don't have to travel to Germany to get a little Oktoberfest experience this fall.
Savannah's riverfront celebration returns to Plant Riverside District October 3–11, with most of the festival activities happening over the weekends of October 3–4 and October 10–11.
Expect Bavarian-inspired food and drinks along with games like stein holding, keg bowling and pretzel fishing—all happening along the Riverwalk and around MLK Park.
And then there's arguably the most important event of Oktoberfest...
The Wiener Dog Races
October 10 at 11 AM
Yes. Tiny dachshunds racing through MLK Park at Plant Riverside District.
Need I say more?
The annual Wiener Dog Races return Saturday morning as part of Oktoberfest, and this is exactly the kind of wonderfully random Savannah event that deserves a spot on your itinerary.
HOSTING SAVANNAH TIP: Spend the morning at the races, walk the riverfront afterward and turn it into a downtown lunch + shopping day.
Tybee Island Pirate Fest
October 8–11, 2026
Only Tybee could pull off Pirate’s Fest!
For one weekend every fall, Tybee Island fully embraces its pirate side with live music, costumes, children's activities, entertainment and an entire parade of pirates making their way across the island.
The main festival grounds are open Friday through Sunday, with free admission. One of the biggest events is Saturday's Pirate Victory Parade from 3–5 PM. There's also a Little Matey's Cove with activities geared toward kids.
If you want to start the weekend early, the annual Buccaneer Ball takes place Thursday evening at The Crab Shack.
HOSTING SAVANNAH TIP: Make this your Tybee day. Go out early, spend some time near the beach, grab lunch and stay for the parade and festival.
Savannah Greek Festival
October 8–10, 2026
Another longtime Savannah tradition, the Savannah Greek Festival celebrates Greek food and culture with traditional dishes, music, dancing, church tours and a marketplace.
The 2026 festival runs October 8–10.
And really, sometimes an entire festival centered around eating really good food is all the convincing I need.
Isle of Hope Arts + Music Festival
October 24, 2026
This might be one of the prettiest fall events on the list.
The Isle of Hope Arts + Music Festival takes place beneath the oaks along the Isle of Hope waterfront, with artists and makers stretching from the marina through Rose Avenue, Bluff Drive and Paxton Park.
This year's festival runs 10 AM–8 PM, with art vendors from 10–5 and live music continuing until 8. You'll find local and regional artists, makers, musicians and food vendors throughout the neighborhood.
If you've never wandered Bluff Drive before, this is also a really good excuse to see one of the most beautiful little pockets outside downtown Savannah.
HOSTING SAVANNAH TIP: Give yourself time to wander. This isn't one I'd rush through.
Wag-O-Ween
October 24–25, 2026
Savannah loves dogs, Halloween and walking around downtown, so naturally we've found a way to combine all three.
The 21st annual Wag-O-Ween takes over the Downtown and Starland districts October 24–25. Dogs and their humans dress up and trick-or-treat at participating businesses around Savannah, while the event raises money to support local animal rescues and community spay-and-neuter programs.
Even if you aren't participating with a dog, the people—and puppy—watching alone is pretty fantastic.
SCAD Savannah Film Festival
October 24–31, 2026
By late October, Savannah starts feeling a little bit like Hollywood.
The SCAD Savannah Film Festival returns October 24–31 for eight days of screenings, premieres, panels, workshops and special events at historic venues throughout downtown Savannah.
The festival draws filmmakers, actors and industry professionals to the city each year and includes everything from major studio releases to documentaries, shorts and independent films.
Passes are already available, while individual event tickets go on sale October 2, 2026.
Savannah R&B Wine on the River
November 21, 2026 | The Park at Eastern Wharf
If your idea of a perfect fall afternoon involves wine, live R&B and being outside along the Savannah River, put this one on your calendar.
Savannah R&B Wine on the River is happening Saturday, November 21, 2026, at The Park at Eastern Wharf, bringing together R&B and wine in one of Savannah’s prettiest riverfront settings.
I especially love adding this one to the list because by late November, Savannah is finally starting to give us those cooler days that make outdoor events along the river even better.
Make an afternoon of it. Wander Eastern Wharf, enjoy the riverfront, grab a drink or dinner nearby, and settle in for the music.
HOSTING SAVANNAH TIP: Eastern Wharf is just east of the Historic District and connected to downtown by the Riverwalk, so this would be an easy event to pair with a day exploring Savannah without needing to venture far from downtown.
Tickets and additional event details are available through the event organizer.
Planning a Fall Trip to Savannah?
Fall may not always mean sweaters and changing leaves around here, but it does mean some of the best weekends of the year.
Come for the jazz. Stay for Oktoberfest. Watch dachshunds race. Spend an afternoon under the oaks on Isle of Hope. Dress your dog like a tiny pumpkin. Or simply grab a coffee and wander Savannah when the weather finally starts cooperating again.
And if you're looking for somewhere to stay while you're here, our Hosting Savannah collection puts you right in the middle of it all, with thoughtfully curated stays throughout Savannah's Historic District.
We'll keep updating this guide as more fall events are announced, so save it before your trip.
—Unit the next Check-In
Alyssa
Savannah, GA | Savannah Fall Events | Savannah Festivals | Things to Do in Savannah | Savannah in October | Savannah Fall Travel | Savannah Georgia Events | Visit Savannah
