Savannah St. Patrick's Day: Everything You Need to Know
Savannah's St. Patrick's Day celebration is the second largest in the United States. Here's how to experience the parade, the parties, and the green fountains like a local.
Savannah St. Patrick's Day: Everything You Need to Know
Every March 17th, Savannah transforms into one of the great party cities in America. The city's St. Patrick's Day celebration is the second largest in the United States — behind only New York City — drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Historic District for a week of events culminating in a parade that has been running continuously since 1824.
If you're planning to attend, here's everything you need to know.
Why Savannah's St. Patrick's Day Is Special
Savannah's Irish heritage runs deep. The city has had a significant Irish-American community since the early 19th century, and the St. Patrick's Day celebration here is genuinely rooted in that history — not just a manufactured tourist event. The parade is organized by the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, a volunteer organization that takes the tradition seriously.
The city also dyes the Forsyth Park fountain green for the occasion — one of the most photographed moments of the entire celebration.
The Parade
The St. Patrick's Day Parade is the centerpiece of the celebration. It runs through the Historic District along a route that covers several of Savannah's most beautiful squares.
Parade route: The parade typically begins at Forsyth Park and proceeds north through the Historic District, passing through multiple squares before ending near City Hall on Bay Street.
Duration: The parade usually lasts 3–4 hours. It's one of the longest St. Patrick's Day parades in the country, featuring marching bands, military units, Irish dance troupes, floats, and civic organizations.
Viewing spots: The squares along the route offer excellent viewing. Arrive early — by 8 AM at the latest — to claim a good spot. Chippewa Square and Madison Square tend to have festive crowds and good sightlines.
What to wear: Green. All green. You will be in the minority if you don't.
The Week Before: Parade Week Events
The celebration doesn't start on March 17th — it builds for an entire week. Parade Week typically includes:
- Irish heritage events at local churches and cultural organizations
- Live music at bars and restaurants throughout the Historic District
- The Greening of the Forsyth Park Fountain — usually happens the morning of March 17th
- Celtic cross ceremony at Colonial Park Cemetery
- Midnight Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist on the eve of St. Patrick's Day
Check the official Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee website for the current year's schedule.
River Street on St. Patrick's Day
River Street is the epicenter of the street party. The cobblestone waterfront fills with vendors, live music stages, and enormous crowds. The bars open early (some as early as 7 AM) and the party continues well into the night.
Tips for River Street:
- Arrive very early if you want a spot near the water
- Expect long lines at every bar and food vendor
- Wear comfortable shoes — the cobblestones are uneven and you'll be on your feet all day
- The crowd is enormous — keep your group together and designate a meeting point
Practical Tips for Attending
Book Your Hotel Far in Advance
St. Patrick's Day weekend is the most in-demand hotel period in Savannah's entire year. Hotels book out 6–12 months in advance. If you're planning to attend, start looking for accommodations as soon as you know your dates.
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Expect Large Crowds
The Historic District will be extremely crowded on March 17th. Streets are closed to vehicle traffic, and some areas become nearly impassable in the afternoon. Embrace the crowd or plan to arrive very early and leave before peak hours (noon–6 PM).
The Open Container Rule Applies
Savannah's open container law is in full effect during St. Patrick's Day. You can carry your drink through the streets — just make sure it's in a plastic or paper cup, not glass.
Plan Your Transportation
Parking is extremely limited during St. Patrick's Day. If you're staying in the Historic District, you won't need a car. If you're staying outside the district, consider using a rideshare service or parking at a garage on the perimeter and walking in.
Stay Hydrated and Eat
It's a long day. Drink water between alcoholic beverages, and make sure you eat. Many restaurants offer special St. Patrick's Day menus, and food vendors line River Street and the parade route.
Beyond the Parade: Other March Events in Savannah
If you're visiting in March but not specifically for St. Patrick's Day, Savannah has plenty to offer. The weather in March is typically beautiful — warm days, cool evenings, and the azaleas beginning to bloom. It's one of the best months to visit the city.
Other March events often include:
- Savannah Tour of Homes and Gardens — a beloved annual tradition showcasing the city's historic private homes
- Savannah Book Festival (usually February, sometimes extending into March)
- Various outdoor concerts and events in Forsyth Park
Is St. Patrick's Day Worth the Crowds?
For the right traveler, absolutely. If you love a big, festive street party with genuine historical roots, Savannah's St. Patrick's Day is one of the best events in the American South. The combination of the beautiful Historic District, the parade tradition, and Savannah's unique open container culture creates an experience you won't find anywhere else.
If you prefer a quieter Savannah experience, consider visiting in late March after the crowds have dispersed — the weather is still beautiful and the city returns to its usual unhurried pace.
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