Your Ultimate Guide toSt. Patrick’s Day in the South
March is a month marked by longer days, warmer winds, and the world’s greatest green celebration. Let’s be honest, we can all use a little luck o’ the Irish right about now, so we’re all the more fortunate that March is finally here. While Savannah is heralded for the third-largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the nation, there’s no shortage of St. Paddy’s flair here on Tybee. With sun, sand, and sea, the island is an ideal place to celebrate Ireland’s foremost patron saint. Whether you grew up river-dancing to traditional Celtic tunes or haven’t even one drop of Irish blood, St. Patrick’s Day is a festive day of fun for all. Between Tybee and Savannah, there’s plenty to do this time around, so don your best shamrock frocks and get ready to get green. Here’s your guide to St. Patrick’s Day Southern style.
The Greening of Hotel Indigo
Hotel Indigo, Savannah’s newest boutique accommodation, is kicking off the St. Paddy’s Day season in the most proper fashion: Indigo is going green. On March 8 from 5:30 to 7 pm, the architectural marvel will light up like Emerald City. Expect a fabulous night of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while mixing it up with fun locals in anticipation of the main event: the verdant debut of Indigo’s 6-story art installation “Radiant Awakening”, made in collaboration with SCAD. What a chic way to start off our favorite cultural celebration.
Greening of the Fountain
To begin the holiday week, the city transforms Savannah into a veritable shamrock, turning all of the fountains green. The Forsyth Park Fountain hosts a celebratory event for the “greening,” which is held by the St. Patrick’s Day committee. Join in the fun at Forsyth Park for the Greening of the Fountain as the flowing clear waters become a sparkling emerald green. This annual tradition takes place on Friday, March 10th at noon.
Tybee Island Irish Heritage Celebration Parade
Tybee Island is hosting the first parade of the St. Paddy’s season on Saturday, March 11 from 3 to 5 pm. Now in its 15th year, the annual Tybee Island Irish Heritage Celebration Parade is two hours of awesome jam-packed with music, marchers and so much more. The family-friendly float fest starts at Tybee City Hall and travels down Butler Avenue to Tybrisa Street. Wear your brightest green garb and come ready to party at the parade!
St. Practice Day Bar Crawl
After the parade, drop the kiddies off and get ready for your first go-around. The age-old saying ‘practice makes perfect’ isn’t just applicable to writing your letters or improving your running time; sometimes your party skills can use a little brushing up too. If you found yourself tapping out last year after the first two bars, the St. Practice Day Bar Crawl is your chance to build your tolerance before the real thing. On March 11 from 4 to 11 pm, get glammed-up in green and head to historic Downtown Savannah for the best practice session you’ll ever have. Enjoy ever-flowing drink specials at 12 of Savannah’s beloved beer gardens and bars, and stick around for the after party at Savannah Smiles. Win T-shirts, koozies, all kinds of lucky charms, and the confidence of knowing you’re ready for the big day. Register for the St. Practice Day Bar Crawl today.
An Evening with Harry O’Donoghue
Living legend Harry O’Donoghue will grace the Tybee Post Theater Stage on March 12 at 7 pm in tribute to Irish heritage and music. A world-renowned Irish folksinger, songwriter and storyteller, O’Donoghue is sure to deliver an engaging and energetic performance that will leave a lasting impression. Enjoy inspired folk songs of Ireland pride and expect to be delighted by his quick-witted humor in between sets. Be sure to purchase your tickets before they’re sold out.
Pre-St. Patrick’s Day Zumba Party
Don’t let St. Paddy’s Day libations defer your beach body. Beat that beer belly before it starts at the Pre-St. Patrick’s Day Zumba Party. On March 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, put on your green tights and tutus and get that heart rate up. There’s no pregame like a good workout, so bring friends and come ready to shake your shamrocks! The Zumba session will take place at A Step Above Dance Studio on Abercorn Street; participation is just $10 per person (cash only).
Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah is a three-day, city-wide, non-stop party. From March 16 through March 18, Savannah goes green like no other town this side of the dixie line. Historic River Street is the place to be during the festivities. Party hard Thursday night, but be sure to make it back downtown Friday morning for the parade. Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the green party of a lifetime. The parade kicks off at 10:15 am on March 17. With literally hundreds of floats, it’s a spectacular event bursting with Irish Pride. After the parade, get your wristbands and go to town with your to-go cup! More than 300,000 Irish charmers make their way to Savannah for the famous Paddy’s Day bar scene, a scene pulsing with live music, awesome vendors and fun-loving people. For the whole scoop on St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah, check out the festival hub. See you there!
