St. Patrick's Day Festival

It's no secret that Savannah has one of the largest St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the country, and each consecutive year seeks to out-do the last! Filled with Irish heritage, live music, green beer, and a massive parade throughout Savannah's historic downtown, St. Patricks Day in Savannah 2020 is a festival you don't want to miss! This is everything you need to know about St. Patricks Day in Savannah, including: where to stay, what to do, parade route info, and more tips from our team of locals!

This year's St. Patrick's Day Parade in Savannah will be held on Sunday, March 17, 2024. The parade will begin at 10:15am and finish at 2:30pm.

Savannah St. Patrick's Day Events 2020

Greening of the Forsyth Park Fountain
Considered by many to be the official St. Patrick's day kickoff, hundreds of Savannahians gather around the Fountain at Forsyth Park as local officialls dye the water green on Friday, March 6th at 12pm noon. The fountain will remain green until the end of the festivities around Tuesday, March 17th.

Tybee Island Irish Heritage Parade
Just a short drive from downtown Savannah, Tybee Island hosts a family-friendly parade to celebrate Irish heritage on Saturday, March 14th. The parade starts at 3pm and goes until 5pm. Expect parade participants and onlookers donning green front head to toe - kilts encouraged. 

St. Patrick's Day Festival
Street vendors, bars, and live music (paired with thousands of all-green party-goers) fill every space between Savannah's City Market and River Street for the official St. Patrick's Day Festival in Savannah. This year's festival will be the weekend before St. Paddy's, March 13- 14th from 10am to midnight. Some of downtown is considered the "St. Patrick's Day Festival Zone" and will require the one-time purchase of a wristband. You can find more information on Savannah St. Patrick's Day wristbands (and how to pre-purchase wristbands) on the Savannah Waterfront Association website.

St. Patrick's Day Parade
The St. Patrick's Day Parade in Savannah is not only one of the biggest Irish celebrations in the country, but notably one of the biggest parades in the world behind Dublin and New York City. The parade prompty begins at 10:15 and lasts until 2:30pm, but you'll want to claim a good spot as early as 6:30am that morning. Expect Savannah's downtown streets (and balconies) chock-full of parade guests as they cheer on parade floats, live bands, dancers, and Irish families. If you're not wearing green, prepare to be pinched! Here's an updated St. Patrick's Day Parade Map 2020:

Irish Pubs in Savannah 

What's a St. Patrick's Day celebration without an Irish pub hop? Here's a list of our favorite local bars serving beer, bar food, and live music all weekend long:

McDonough's Restaurant & Lounge

Located on East McDonough St. between Drayton and Bull, McDonough’s has been voted “Best Karaoke in Savannah” for the past eight years. This full-service bar and restaurant offers hearty breakfasts, homemade soups, salads and sandwiches and fantastic lunch specials. And who doesn’t want to start their day with Bloody Mary's & Irish Breakfast Shots?

Molly MacPherson's Scottish Pub & Grill

“Where it’s more fun to eat in a pub than drink in a restaurant.” If their motto doesn’t ring true for you during your visit, something has gone drastically wrong. Molly’s has the largest whiskey collection on the East Coast, and they’ve been a local favorite since they opened in 2005. If you decide to stop by, try the Molly’s Favorite - roasted turkey breast with cheddar cheese and thinly sliced green apple served on grilled wheat bread drizzled with maple butter. You won’t be disappointed!

Where to Buy Green St. Patrick's Day Gear in Savannah

Wearing anything less than Kelly green on St. Patrick's Day is considered a serious offense (and yes, you will get called out for wearing lesser shades of "green"). Here's a list of local Savannah shops with St. Patrick's Day t-shirts, bowties, hats, and dresses so you're sure to fit right in!

Ladies, find your perfect St. Patrick's Day attire at Copper Penny, Harper, or Red Clover. Gents, grab a striped green bowtie or shamrock socks at Joseph's Clothiers. There's fun St. Patrick's Day t-shirts for the whole family at Savannah Memories & Gifts. Don't forget about Fido! Plenty of green treats and pet swag at Woofgang Bakery just next door. Looking for some serious St. Patrick's Day swag for the parade? Be sure to stop at Emily McCarthy & Co. for coasters, coozies, tumblers, and more!

Where to Stay in Savannah for St. Patrick's Day Parade

Get in on all the action and stay right in the heart of the St. Patrick's Day festivities! For those looking to stay in vacation rental homes on the St. Patrick's Day parade route, look no further. Want to be close to the action but prefer some space? Check out these vacation homes close to the St. Patrick's Day parade in downtown Savannah. Planning on bringing the whole crew? We have large 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-bedroom vacation rental homes near St. Patrick's Day Parade that are a must-see.