Things to Do in Savannah GA in October
With mild weather, fewer crowds, and a jam-packed events calendar, October is an excellent time of year to visit historic Savannah, Georgia and this year, in October 2021, there's a bustling list of festivals, races, and tours that can only be enjoyed in Savannah.
Highlighting the unique history and feel of the city, these activities will open your eyes to the diversity Savannah has to offer. The arts and culture scene, as well as food and fundraisers, are truly unparalleled. And, if you’re a Halloween-lover, there is no better place to be than Savannah in October.
October 2021 Events
There are so many things to do in Savannah this October 2021, but here are some of the most exciting events coming to town.
Savannah Film Festival
The largest university-run film festival in the world hosts a wide range of competitive film screenings, workshops, award ceremonies, and panels for everyone interested in film or simply those who enjoy a good movie. Pick from big-name productions to local student-created shorts to further expand your film palate. In October 2021, the Savannah Film Festival is hosting some high-profile celebrities like Samuel L Jackson, Millie Bobby Brown, Jennifer Hudson, and many more! The 8-day event runs from October 23 to 30.
5k Race
Get some exercise and accomplish a goal while running through the beautiful streets and most picturesque Savannah squares. This October Race gives you a choice between the Half Marathon or the 5k, both ending in front of Forsyth Park Fountain. Raise money for local charities will touring Savannah!
You can make a weekend of it by starting on Friday, October 8, for the Fitness Fashion Expo, running (or watching) the race on Saturday, and participating in yoga in the square on Sunday. Runners will enjoy the post-race party afterward, featuring live music and free beer and mimosas!
Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival
Foodies! It’s time to start planning your trip to Savannah for October 2021 because the Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival is an event you won’t want to miss! The three-day weekend event in Richmond Hill features seafood in all sorts of dishes and is one of the largest events of its kind in the southeast. If that wasn’t enough to convince you, the festival also has live music, rides, and arts and crafts for the whole family. The festival runs from October 15 to 17.
Savannah Music Festival - Fall Season
This October, The Savannah Music Festival Fall Season brings you a broad range of musical artistry ranging from country to jazz, from classical to punk and Africana. The Fall Season will run from October 14th to 24th with a variety of ticket options and bundles.
Phil the Park
Before the Savannah Musical Festival is another spectacular event for music lovers everywhere. Forsyth Park becomes alive with classical music on October 9. This free event features the full Savannah Philharmonic orchestra and the Philharmonic chorus playing you music from movies, hit songs, and beloved composers. The highlight of the evening is Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” with real live-firing cannons.
Travis Tritt Concert
Country artist Travis Tritt is coming to Savannah on October 14 for a fun-filled concert you won’t want to miss. Travis Tritt has won Country Music and Grammy Awards and has charmed listeners since the ‘90s with his classic hits like “It’s A Great Day to Be Alive” and “I’m Gonna Be Somebody.” With guest appearances from Texas Hill, you’ll be tapping your cowboy boots in Johnny Mercer Theatre come October.
Monkees Farewell Tour
Probably best known for their award-winning hit, “I’m a Believer,” the Monkees have been delighting crowds for over 55 years with their music. You’ll hear music from their 1966 self-titled album all the way through their 17 Billboard charting albums up till April 2020 in this farewell tour mix. Truly the end of an era, take advantage of hearing the band play live for the last time this October 15 in Savannah.
Living History: Yellow Fever in Savannah 1820
A unique approach to learning about the history of yellow fever in Savannah, this event in the Davenport House Museum is slightly spooky and very informative. You will be thrown into the account of 1820 as a dramatic re-enactment of the time will play out before you. The house will be candlelit as you can meet with citizens suffering from the psychological effects of loss as they grapple with the terrible consequences of the yellow fever epidemic. The event runs on Friday and Saturday evenings in October 2021.
Ghost Tours
It wouldn’t be October without a Ghost Tour. But did you know ghost tours are top-rated in Savannah year-round? Savannah has some decidedly spooky spots, and they become even more creepy in October.
There are many different ghost tours to choose from in October. From decidedly haunted events suitable for adults with a strong stomach to child-friendly ghost tours of town to the Ghost City Haunted Pub Crawl, you can learn about the sometimes-haunted history of Savannah on an October Savannah Ghost Tour.
To further Octoberize your visit to Savannah, we recommend booking a stay at a haunted house or hotel in October. Places like the Marshall House, Kehoe House, and the 17hundred90 Inn and Restaurant are famous for ghost sightings.
What Makes Savannah So Spooky?
With its whimsical streets and historic neighborhoods, you’d never know that some parts of Savannah were built on actual graveyards of Native Americans that came before. Add an extensive history of battles, fires, hurricanes, and epidemics and the city of Savannah boasts some pretty creepy stories and plenty of ghost sightings. This spooky history of Savannah makes it a prime spot for Halloween visits. It is, after all, considered by many to be the most haunted city in the US. A range of hauntedly fun events will keep the lover of ghost stories’ schedule full this October.
