Savannah, Georgia, isn’t just a great place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day—it’s the place. Every March, the Hostess City of the South transforms into an emerald wonderland, welcoming hundreds of thousands of revelers from around the world. And while our massive St. Patrick’s Day parade, the Greening of the Fountains, and our legendary bar scene all play a role in the excitement, there’s one thing that truly sets Savannah apart: our glorious open-container laws.
To-Go Drinks: The Game Changer
If you’re new to Savannah, let me introduce you to one of our proudest traditions—being able to sip a cocktail as you stroll through the Historic District.
That’s right! Our open-container laws allow you to take your drink from bar to street as long as it’s in a plastic cup (16 ounces or less, for those who like to follow the rules).
The City has also launched Aluminum To-Go Cups that comply with local guidelines of having a blast. Psst!! They're eco-friendly too!
This means no chugging your beer before switching bars, no sad goodbyes to your craft cocktail when your friends want to move along, and no feeling stuck in one spot when there’s a whole city of festivities waiting for you!
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade: A Sight to Behold
Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day parade isn’t just any parade—it’s the third-largest in the country, second only to New York and Chicago. It’s a nearly 200-year-old tradition featuring marching bands, bagpipers, military units, festive floats, and enough Irish spirit to make you think you’ve teleported to Dublin.
People claim their parade-watching spots at dawn (or the night before, if they’re dedicated) and turn every square into a sea of green. And thanks to our to-go drink laws, you can enjoy the spectacle with a green beer or a perfectly mixed Chatham Artillery Punch in hand.
The Bar Scene: A St. Paddy’s Dreamland
Savannah’s nightlife is already legendary, but on St. Patrick’s Day, the city’s bars take things to another level. River Street, City Market, and Congress Street become one big, buzzing party, with local pubs and bars opening their doors (and sometimes their windows) to the masses.
You’ll find bartenders in kilts, drink specials flowing like the Savannah River, and live music spilling out onto the cobblestone streets. Whether you’re in the mood for an Irish pub experience at Wexford’s or a tropical spin on the holiday at The Bamboo Room, Savannah has the perfect watering hole for your St. Paddy’s adventure.
The Greening of the Fountains: A Magical Kickoff
Before the parade even begins, Savannah kicks off the festivities with one of its most charming traditions—the Greening of the Fountains.
Each year, in early March, the city dyes the water in its historic fountains a vibrant shade of green. It’s a playful and picturesque way to signal that St. Patrick’s Day is near, and it turns already beautiful spots like Forsyth Park into pure photo gold.
Local Businesses Go All Out
Savannah’s small businesses get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit just as much as the locals do. Shops deck out their storefronts in green, offering themed treats, souvenirs, and special events.
Bakeries churn out shamrock-shaped cookies and Bailey’s-infused desserts, boutiques stock up on “Kiss Me, I’m Irish (For the Weekend)” shirts, and even art galleries sometimes host Irish-themed showcases.
And let’s not forget the food scene—restaurants serve up hearty Irish breakfasts, corned beef and cabbage, and, of course, plenty of Guinness to wash it all down.
The Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Experience
Between the incredible parade, the citywide party atmosphere, and the sheer joy of being able to carry your drink with you wherever the celebration takes you, Savannah is simply unmatched when it comes to St. Patrick’s Day.
It’s a place where traditions meet revelry, where the Southern charm blends seamlessly with Irish pride, and where every street, square, and bar is filled with laughter, music, and a whole lot of green.
So, if you’re looking for the best St. Patrick’s Day celebration in America, grab your to-go cup, don your best green outfit, and join us in Savannah. Sláinte!