Savannah Georgia is one of the South’s most famous cities. It is a city that thrives on tourism, bringing in millions from visitors every year. The city is a small melting pot of cultural diversity and history. Visitors can come without worry of finding nothing to do because there is always something coming up around the corner. One of the biggest closes of summer events is the Savannah Labor Day Festival and Brewfest hosted every year on Labor Day weekend and this year’s festival is going to be another busy one!
Beginning Friday September 2nd, Old Fort Jackson and the River Street Riverboat Company have partnered to kick off Savannah’s 150th Civil War anniversary, hosting the Civil War Experience Dinner Cruise and Fort Tour. Old Fort Jackson and the River Street Riverboat Company have partnered to kick off Savannah’s 150th Civil War anniversary commemoration. As the boat follows the path of the original soldiers toward Old Fort Jackson, guests will experience live period music while they dine on a delicious and authentic southern dinner buffet. Upon their arrival to Old Fort Jackson, guests will be welcomed by the fort’s honor guard and escorted inside the fort. This cruise package is unique to Savannah, as well as the entire Southeast. Everyone is invited to come to Savannah and enjoy this unique commemoration. Like the initial voyage of the soldiers 150 years ago, this is surely an event that will not be forgotten. Tickets can be purchased in advance. For more information, contact the Savannah Riverboat Company or see the website information below.
Also, Friday kicks off Savannah’s Craft Brewfest. The schedule begins on Friday, September 2, with the Craft Brew Dinner, held at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center across the river on Hutchinson Island from 6-9pm. Attendees will have an opportunity to enjoy the tastes of great Coastal cuisine while sampling their favorite craft brews from Stoudt’s Brewing Company. The main event, the Grand Tasting Event, will feature more than 120 different craft brews to sample from Noon until 5pm. overlooking the Savannah River and beautiful Historic Savannah. Sunday will feature two events: The International Craft Brew Tasting and the Beer vs. Wine Dinner Challenge. The International Craft Brew Tasting will allow attendees to experience craft beers from around the world. These beers represent Old World and other International brewers who are continuing the centuries-old brewer’s art. Please see website information below.
Come to River Street on Friday evening to enjoy Savannah’s First Friday on the River. First Fridays and Saturdays occur every first weekend of the month. Come and experience great live entertainment as you browse local shops, bars and tasty eateries. You’re sure not to leave without a souvenir. Local artists will have displayed works set up along the river. It’s also a great time to sign up for one of Savannah’s spooky ghost tours. Be sure to look for tour vendors along River Street. If you’re in the mood for oysters, hop on one of Savannah’s free ferry rides and cross the river to Hutchinson Island, home of Savannah’s Westin Hotel and join guests in a Lowcountry tradition: First Friday and Savannah Oyster Roasts. The first Friday of each month, the Westin Savannah Harbor hosts a riverside evening celebration with live music, full bar and great food at this relaxed resort setting from 7pm-10pm.
Fresh succulent oysters from the cool New England waters, tasty grill items, a full bar and s’mores by the firepit satisfy the young and old, as well as landlubbers and seafarers alike. Adventure Radio, one of Savannah’s premier radio groups curates live local bands chosen to suit the fun, casual, riverside atmosphere. Be sure not to leave all the festivities before dark because the evening culminates with a Fireworks Extravaganza presented by the Savannah Waterfront Association and sponsored by Savannah’s very own Wet Willie’s. You can get to Hutchinson Island by complimentary water ferry from River Street or take advantage of easy parking at the resort, validated with purchase. Buckets of oysters, a bar and a band is a great way to jump start your weekend experience!
The party has just begun on Friday. Continue to Saturday by making a visit back to River Street for Savannah’s Labor Day Festival. Visit a plaza full of great artisans selling unique and distinctive works ranging from simple craft to fine art, plus DJ’s-to-Go, Repicci’s Italian ices, Savannah Popcorn’s kettle corn, cold beverages and more! Amble along Rousakis Riverfront Plaza enjoying the sights and sounds while browsing exhibitor booths of art and chatting with the artists themselves. There is something for everyone as the price points and medium are wonderfully varied. Also make sure you check out the hot new stuff up and down River Street in over one hundred shops, restaurants and pubs!
These events, along with several additional events will be hosted in downtown Savannah from Friday September 2nd until Saturday September 4th. You can visit Exploregeorgia.org for more information. Hope to see you there!