Everything you need to know about attending one of Savannah's most charming fall festivals.

There's something particularly special about Savannah in October, and one of our favorite ways to experience the season is to venture a little beyond downtown.

Just outside the Historic District, the waterfront neighborhood of Isle of Hope is home to moss-draped oaks, historic cottages, winding streets, and some truly beautiful Lowcountry scenery.

And on Saturday, October 24, 2026, this lovely little neighborhood comes together for its annual Isle of Hope Arts + Music Festival.

Whether you're visiting Savannah for the weekend or looking for something different to do while you're in town, we've put together everything you need to know to enjoy the festival like a local.

The Festival at a Glance

When: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Art & Vendors: 10 AM–5 PM
Live Music: 10 AM–8 PM
Where: Isle of Hope Waterfront, Savannah, GA
Admission: Free!

The festival stretches throughout the neighborhood, including Bluff Drive, Rose Avenue, Paxton Park, and the Isle of Hope Marina.

Expect a full day of local art, live performances, delicious food, family-friendly activities, and beautiful waterfront views. For a full overview check the event website.

Getting to Isle of Hope from Downtown Savannah

If you're staying in Savannah's Historic District, you'll need to plan a little transportation.

Isle of Hope is approximately 20–30 minutes from downtown by car under typical conditions, although festival traffic may add additional travel time.

Our recommendation? Take a rideshare.

Uber and Lyft are options for getting to the neighborhood, and arranging a ride allows you to enjoy the afternoon without worrying about navigating festival traffic or finding parking.

Use the following address as your general navigation reference:

Isle of Hope Marina
50 W Bluff Drive
Savannah, GA 31406

Keep in mind that this is the festival's central location, not a guaranteed vehicle drop-off point. Roads within the festival grounds close to vehicles beginning at 8:45 AM, so follow posted signs and your driver's instructions for a safe drop-off.

If you're planning to stay through the evening performances, allow extra time when requesting your return ride.

What About Parking?

Parking is limited, so arriving early or carpooling is encouraged.

The festival has designated parking at three Isle of Hope churches and the Isle of Hope School.

Even better, festival volunteers offer golf-cart rides between designated parking areas and the festival grounds.

We recommend reviewing the official festival parking map before leaving your accommodations rather than relying on GPS to navigate directly to the marina.

Be mindful that Isle of Hope is a residential neighborhood. Please respect driveways, private property, and posted parking restrictions.

Start Your Day With the Artists

If shopping local is your love language, you'll want to arrive while the artists and vendors are still set up!

From 10 AM until 5 PM, the neighborhood transforms into an open-air celebration of local creativity.

Wander along Bluff Drive, explore Rose Avenue, and make your way through Paxton Park to discover everything from original artwork and handmade jewelry to ceramics, accessories, and locally crafted goods.

It's a wonderful opportunity to find something special to take home from your Savannah getaway. Click here for a map of vendors.

Come Hungry: What to Eat at the Festival

One of the best parts of a local festival? The food!

This year's announced food vendors include:

ARK ROYAL BURGERS
THE NAKED DOG
CHICK-FIL-A OF VICTORY Drive
CONE RANGER
COUSINS MAINE LOBSTER
KING OF POPS
KONA ICE
KRAZIAN
OH CREPE!
SLOW FIRE BBQ
STARSHIP ICE CREAM
THAT SOUTHERN SLAP
THE BIG CHEESE LEGEND
THE CORN DOG COMPANY
THE RED TACO TRUCK
TRAVELIN TOM’S COFFEE TRUCK
VIDA FRESH BY LATIN CHICKS

With plenty of options throughout the festival grounds, we'd recommend making lunch part of your visit.

There are also cash bars located at Paxton Park and the marina parking lot.

Stay for the Live Music

While the artists and vendors wrap up at 5 PM, the music continues until 8 PM.

The festival features two performance areas: the Marina Main Stage and the Paxton Park Stage.

Some of this year's scheduled performers include the Mendenhall Sisters, Justin Vreeland, Jay Rudd Band, Candi Jenkins, Dallas Wax, and Lamont Landers.

Our suggestion? Spend the morning exploring the artists, grab lunch, and leave plenty of time to enjoy the music.

Bringing the Kids?

Absolutely!

The festival is family-friendly, with a dedicated children's area located in Paxton Park near the Isle of Hope pool.

Activities and vendors include The Creative Bus, Mr. Puppet, The Little Gym Savannah, and plenty of sweet treats.

It's an easy way to turn the festival into a family outing.

A Few Helpful Things to Know Before You Go

The festival is free to attend.
It is a rain-or-shine event.
Pets are welcome on leashes.
Restrooms are available throughout the festival area, including an accessible restroom in the marina parking lot.
A first-aid tent is located in the marina parking lot.
Bring comfortable walking shoes.
Carry a little cash for shopping and food, just in case.
Remember that the art vendors close at 5 PM, even though music continues into the evening.

For the latest maps, artist information, music schedules, and event announcements, visit the official festival website.

Make a Day of It: Our Suggested Itinerary

10:00 AM: Arrive early and begin browsing the artists along Bluff Drive.

11:30 AM: Explore Rose Avenue and discover more local makers.

12:30 PM: Grab lunch from one of the food trucks.

1:30 PM: Make your way toward Paxton Park for more shopping, music, and family-friendly activities.

3:00 PM: Enjoy the afternoon performances and explore the waterfront.

4:30 PM: Make one last pass through the art vendors before they close.

5:00–8:00 PM: Stay for the evening music, including Lamont Landers on the Marina Main Stage at 6 PM.

Experience a Little More of Savannah

We love introducing our guests to everything that makes Savannah special, from the historic streets and beautiful architecture downtown to the smaller communities and local traditions just beyond the city center.

The Isle of Hope Arts + Music Festival is a wonderful opportunity to experience a different side of Savannah, meet local makers, and spend a Saturday enjoying the Lowcountry.

And if you're planning a Savannah getaway, we'd love to host you!

Explore our collection of thoughtfully curated vacation rentals in Savannah's Historic District at hostingsavannah.com.

With love from your local hosts, Hosting Savannah.

Official festival information: https://www.iohartandmusicfestival.com/