Bringing you everything you need to know before you go – the parade, parties, even parking!
First of all…
St. Patrick’s Day has grown to be Savannah’s biggest event of the year and one of the largest Irish celebrations in the nation, attracting hundreds of thousands to the Hostess City of the South.
About the Parade
The parade kicks off Friday, March 17 at 10:15 a.m., starting at the corner of Gwinnett and Abercorn streets, continues to Broughton, then East Broad Street, Bay Street, Bull Street and ends at the intersection of Harris Street. Click here for a map of the route and here for photos from last year’s parade!
Parking
Parking is limited and city officials ask that you plan your transportation well in advance and not risk getting a ticket. Try carpooling, public transit, bicycling or walking, if you’re close enough to the parade route or festival zone.
Old Savannah Tours is offering shuttle service to and from midtown and Tybee Island. Click here for more info. Coming from Pooler? These shuttles are available. Or you could take in a cruise from Hilton Head Island.
Also be aware of multiple road closures throughout the downtown area.
Want to claim a spot along the parade route?
Because the parade attracts so many people, finding the perfect vantage point can take some planning and patience.
Bleacher seats are available throughout the parade route.
Many stake out spots in the downtown squares, but you can’t be there overnight. Security guards will be out making sure the squares are empty starting Thursday at 10 p.m. At 6 a.m. Friday, the squares will become available for parade watchers on a first-come, first-serve basis. Here’s a list of 2022’s ‘land rush’ rules to know and here’s what you’re not allowed to bring.
Alcohol To-Go
Open containers of alcohol will be allowed from River Street south to Victory Drive and the Truman Parkway west to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Check out the map here!
Other Traditional Events
The parade isn’t the only thing that draws a crowd. The annual Greening of the Fountain at Forsyth Park and Celtic Cross Mass are just a few of the other events that go hand in hand with St. Patrick’s Day season in Savannah. For a full list and schedule of events, click here!
Who’s Ready to party?!
You won’t have to look far to find a good time, as many venues, restaurants and bars will be putting their own spin on the celebration.
One of the larger events is the Plant Riverside District’s 9-day Shamrocks & Shenanigans, featuring live music as well as activities and entertainment for all ages. Click here to see where the party is at!
Need a Hotel Room?
Want to stay the night? As of February 26, there were still many hotels with rooms available for the St. Patrick’s Day weekend, according to Kayak.com. Those in the downtown area, within walking distance of the parade route and to-go cup zone, range from about $500 to more than $1,000 a night for a double occupancy room.
Don’t Be That Person – Fines You Could Face
Violating just a few city ordinances could hit you hard in the wallet during St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Here are just a few things Savannah Police will be looking for, and how much they could cost you (fines are current as of 2019):
Smaller Celebrations
If you want to celebrate the day and weekend without the hustle and bustle of the Savannah crowds, there are several nearby towns holding their own festivities.
All information courtesy of WJCL
