Calendar of Events
2007-2008

June 2 - First Saturday on the River 9am-6pm

July 4 - Fantastic Fourth of July on the River 5pm-10pm

July 6 - First Friday Fireworks on the River 9:30pm

July 7 - First Saturday on the River 9am-6pm

Aug 3 - First Friday Fireworks on the River 9:30pm

Aug 4 - First Saturday on the River 9am-6pm

Sept 1 - First Saturday on the River 9am-12am

Sept 7 - First Friday Fireworks on the River 9:30pm

Oct 5 - First Friday Fireworks on the River 9:30pm

Oct 5,6,7 - Oktoberfest on the River 9am-12am

Oct 29-Nov 5 - Savannah Film Festival

Oct 31 - Haunting of River Street 7pm-10pm

Nov 2 - First Friday Fireworks on the River 9:30pm

Nov 2,3,4 - Savannah Seafood Festival 9am-12am

Nov 24 - Parade of Lights (Boat Parade) 6pm-10pm

Dec 1 - Christmas on the River 9am-8pm

Dec 1 - Lighted Christmas Parade 5:30pm

Dec 7 - First Friday Fireworks on the River 9:30pm

2008

Mar 13-16 - St. Patrick’s Day Festivities 9am-12pm

Mar 14 - St. Patrick’s Day Parade 9am-12pm

Mar 20- Apr 4 - Savannah Music Festival

Mar 27-30 - Tour of Homes and Gardens

The Forts of Savannah

.: Old Fort Jackson

In 1808 our relationship with Britain had worsened.   Authorized by President Thomas Jefferson, Fort Jackson was built in Thunderbolt to protect the city from naval attack.   Named for James Jackson, it was not the first fort to occupy this site.   In 1776 Savannah residents built an earthen fort, which was destroyed by the construction of Fort Jackson.   The fort was manned almost continuously during the first months of the War of 1812.   Residents of Savannah turned to Fort Jackson for protection from the Union Navy during the War Between the States (The Civil War).   In addition the Fort Jackson, there were ironclads, the Georgia and the Savannah, and a line of obstructions.   The Navy never made it inland from Fort Pulaski.   General Sherman did, though, after completing his March to the Sea.   On December 17,1864, General William T. Sherman demanded the surrender of "the surrender of the city of Savannah and its dependent forts."   The surrender demand was received by General William Hardee, who commanded the Confederate forces in Savannah.   Rather than fight ( Hardee was overwhelmingly outnumbered), the Confederates pulled back from the city.   On December 20,1864, Sherman captured the city of Savannah and Fort Jackson.

Directions: Take I-16 East to Montgomery St. (Exit 167B, Savannah/ Civic Center/ Downtown- Last exit).   In .8 miles turn right on Liberty St.   Turn left on Randolph, then make an almost immediate right on President St.   This becomes President St. Extension.   In 1.9 miles, turn left on Woodcock Road, for .3 miles.   Turn right on Old Fort Jackson Road and continue for .2 miles.   Enter through the "Tybee Depot".

Address:1 Fort Jackson Road .: Phone #: 912-232-3945  

.: Fort Pulaski

The defining events of Fort Pulaski occurred during the American Civil War.   In April of 1862, Union troops directed rifled cannon fire at the fort breaching the southeast angle.   The quick success of this experimental cannon surprised military strategists.   The accuracy and range of the rifled cannon rendered brick fortifications obsolete.   Immediately after capturing the fort, Union Major General David Hunter, ordered the release of area slaves.   Many were recruited into the Union army comprising the First South Carolina Colored Regiment. Fort Pulaski today has tours available and parks to picnic in.   The park includes scenic marsh and uplands that support a variety of animal life usually found on southern barrier islands.   White-tailed deer, alligators, raccoons, and migratory birds grace the landscape.   Spanish moss drapes the hardwood and pine trees.  

Directions: Take I-16 until it ends on Montgomery Street.   Take Montgomery Street until it ends on Bay Street.   Turn right on Bay Street.   Take Bay Street until it ends on President St.   Turn left on President Street.   President Street turns into Islands Expressway, which turns into Highway 80 East.   Take Highway 80 East towards Tybee Island.   You'll go over the Bull River Bridge and continue east.   On your left you'll see the entrance to Fort Pulaski.

Address: East Highway 80 .: Phone #: 912-786-5787

Oatland Island Education Center

Oatland Island Education Center is a unit of the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, and the premier environmental education center in the southeast.   Located just east of Savannah on a marsh island, the Center features a 1 ¾ mile "Native Animal Nature Trail" that winds through maritime forest, salt marsh, and freshwater wetlands.   Along the way, visitors can observe native animals such as Florida panthers, Eastern timber wolves, alligator, and many more in their natural habitat.   More than 50 indigenous Georgia animals are used in educational programming, many of which are an endangered and/or threatened species.   Most animals are located on a 1.75 mile trail in large, natural enclosures.   Animals living at Oatland include bison, Florida panthers, wolves, alligators, bears, and diverse raptors.   It is not unusual to see blue tailed skinks, geotropically birds, herons, hawks, raccoon tracks, or otter scat on their trails, marsh walkways, or docks.   The Center is open to the public for self-guided trail walks Monday-Friday 9-4 and most Saturdays from 10-4.   Daily admission is $3 per person, ages 4 and up. Call them at 912-898-3980

Directions: Take I-16 until it ends on Montgomery Street.   Take Montgomery Street until it ends on Bay Street.   Take a right on Bay Street.   Take Bay Street until it ends on President Street.   Take a left on President Street.   President Street turns into Islands Expressway.   You'll go over the Inter-coastal Waterway Bridge, then you'll see the Oatland Island Education Center sign on your right.   Take a right and go to the end of the road, veer to the right.   The entrance to the Center is immediately on your left.
Oatland Island Education Center
711 Sandtown Road
Savannah, Georgia   31410

 

Savannah Film Festival

Savannah Film Festival returns to Savannah in October. Since its inception in 1998, the Savannah Film Festival has focused on enriching and educating an expanding audience, while promoting quality independent films and filmmakers. The festival features more than 50 films, selected from more than 600 entries in the categories of feature, short, animation, documentary, and student competition, which are submitted from all over the world. During the festival, professional workshops and lectures for the community address topics such as acting, directing, producing, animation, and filmmaking, among others.   "Coffee Talk", an informal workshop held daily, provides a forum for students and film professionals to discuss the industry.   Savannah Film Festival is Oct. 29-Nov 5

First Saturday on the River

First Saturday on the River happens every first Saturday of the month. Arts, crafts, fine foods, and entertainment are everywhere on River Street. Local artists and craftsman show their talents on the beautiful Savannah River.  

City Market

City Market has much to offer our visitors-restaurants, art, antiques, specialty shops, and much more.   The famous Lady and Sons Restaurant is located next to City Market. For a virtual tour visit www.savannahcitymarket.com

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is held October 5,6 and 7th on River Street. Bring in the fall season with a Savannah tradition. Featuring live entertainment, wiener dog races, over 50 booths of arts and crafts, and a variety of German cuisine. Visit www.riverstreetsavannah.com or call (912)234-0295 for more info.

Savannah Irish Festival

Savannah Irish Festival - Feb. 17-18 at The Savannah Civic Center. Enjoy Irish music at its finest, Irish dancers, arts and crafts, and much more. Visit www.savannahirish.org   or call (912)232-3448 for a full description of festivities.

Tara Feis Irish Heritage Festival

Tara Feis Irish Heritage Festival held the week before St. Patrick's Day featuring authentic Irish music. Call (912)651-6417 for more info.

Savannah Music Festival

Savannah Music Festival will be held Mar 20- Apr 4, 2008. For more information go to www.savannahmusicfestival.com

St. Patrick's Day in Savannah!

Savannah's first St. Patrick's Day Parade was held in the city in 1818. Now, more than 200,000 people pack the streets each year in celebration. Everything in the city is green. Our fountains flow green and our people are green! Come celebrate a fun day for the whole family, St. Patrick's Day in Savannah.

St. Patrick's Day Parade is Friday, March 14, 2008