Summer is hands-down the most popular time to visit Savannah, with its warm weather, blooming flowers, and endless options for outdoor dining! If you happen to be in Savannah during the Fourth of July weekend, you can enjoy some of the city’s most patriotic activities and July festivities.
South Key Management has rounded up a few activities for you to check out:
1. Annual Independence Day Fireworks Shows
River Street Fireworks Show
Of course, the most popular thing to do on our nation’s birthday, no matter where you are, is to catch the local fireworks! In Savannah’s Historic District, the fireworks show takes place on River Street from the barge in the Savannah River to the Savannah Convention Center.
The fireworks show begins at 9:30 PM on Friday, July 4th, but the River Street area and surrounding areas start to shut down for the show at 6:30 PM. Arrive early and bring chairs and blankets to secure a spot for a spectacular view of the fireworks!
Tybee Island Independence Day Fireworks Show
If you plan to spend the day at the beach, Tybee Island’s 4th of July fireworks over the Atlantic Ocean are a sight to behold! Since the fireworks are shot off over the ocean from the Tybee Island Pier & Pavilion, there is usually plenty of room on the beach to watch the show.
The show starts at 9:15 PM, so you can grab dinner at one of Tybee Island’s waterfront restaurants or dining options before watching the spectacular fireworks show. Note that the Fourth of July is one of Tybee Island’s busiest days, so prepare for crowds!
2. Red, White, and Brew Bar Crawl
In true Savannah tradition, Savannah Bar Crawl hosts a special July 4th bar crawl, cleverly called Red, White, and Brew Bar Crawl. This year, the bar crawl takes place from 4 to 10 PM on Friday, July 4th, and includes drink specials at popular bars like Stafford’s Public House, Rogue Water, The Hideaway Lounge, Eclipse, Barrelhouse South, Octane, Bay Street Blues, and Pour Larry’s.
Tickets for the bar crawl are $24 on the day of the event, but can be purchased for a lower price ahead of time. Visit the website for details on tickets and other important event information.
3. Savannah’s Waterfront Independence Day Festival
Savannah’s Waterfront Independence Day Festival encompasses all the festive fun on River Street to celebrate America’s birthday before the fireworks show. This celebration famously includes live music and entertainment from the Third Infantry Division Brass Band & Rock Band from 7:30 to 9:30 PM at Rousakis Riverfront Plaza.
There are usually food and drink specials at the restaurants on Savannah’s waterfront, so you can grab dinner before the annual fireworks show begins on the Savannah River at 9:30 PM.
4. Fort McAllister Old Fashioned Independence Day Celebration
Are you a history buff looking for something fun to do on the July 4th weekend with the whole family? The Old Fashioned Independence Day Celebration at Fort McAllister on Saturday, July 5th, from 11 AM to 2 PM, is the perfect 4th of July event for all ages!
This Civil War-themed July 4th celebration includes live history demonstrations and musket, rifle, and cannon firings. Delighted audiences can also enjoy other fun, old-timey games, such as wheelbarrow races and sack races, and indulge in plenty of fresh watermelon. Admission ranges from $5.50-9.75 per person, and the parking fee is $5 per vehicle.
5. Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise
Want to see the fireworks display in Savannah from a whole new point of view? Get away from crowds by embarking on a Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise with Savannah Riverboat Cruises!
This cruise sails from 9 PM to 10:30 PM — right during the fireworks show on the Savannah River — to provide a picture-perfect view of the fireworks display. This one-of-a-kind experience also includes drink specials, and the open-air top deck is perfect for viewing the fireworks. Tickets for adults cost $79.95, and tickets for kids are $59.95. Children four and under can cruise for free.
6. Stars & Stripes at the Plant Riverside District
Celebrate America’s birthday all weekend long at Savannah’s Plant Riverside District during the Stars & Stripes Weekend Celebration.
Shop from local vendors and artists at Montgomery Park on Friday and Saturday from 3 PM to 7 PM, head to Myrtle & Rose on Friday, July 4th, from 7 PM to 11 PM to view the fireworks during an exclusive rooftop party while you enjoy live music and sip on signature cocktails, or cozy up during a family-friendly movie night in Montgomery Park from 8:30 PM – 10 PM on Saturday, July 5th.
Celebrate a Festive Holiday Weekend in Savannah with South Key Management
Celebrating the Fourth of July in Savannah is always a blast, so if you haven’t planned the dates of your summer trip to Savannah yet, you should definitely plan to visit during all the festivities for this July celebration! Browse our rentals from South Key Management to see which properties are available for this 4th of July, and book directly through our website for additional savings.
