Savannah Food Fest Roundup
It seems that every year, Savannah adds a new culinary and beverage event to the annual calendar—which makes foodies like us very, very happy. Since you’re foodies (and drinkies? Guess that’s not a word but let’s go with it!), we thought you’d appreciate a rundown of these events so you can mark your calendars for the ones that make you want to chuck the scale and enjoy a feast and/or round of good cheer. Still have questions about Savannah food or drinks events? Send us a tweet @SavannahTaste or post it to our Facebook and we’ll be sure to get back to you—or turn your question into a full blog post!
1. Savannah Food & Wine Festival
When: 3rd Saturday in November
Cost: Main event, Taste of Savannah, around $50. Other events priced individually.
Vibe: Arguably the biggest food and drink event in Savannah, the Savannah Food & Wine Festival technically only started in 2013, but it was able to grow from the Tourism Leadership Council’s former Taste of Savannah event. Like other food and wine festivals in the nation, Savannah’s also pulls out all the stops with celebrity meet-and-greets, VIP events, and tons of limited-ticket sessions that build up to the main event which includes hundreds of free alcohol samples and several food tokens to taste your way around a Savannah square.
Venue: Various throughout historic downtown Savannah
2. Savannah Craft Beer Week/Savannah Craft Brew Fest
When: The week before Labor Day/Labor Day weekend
Cost: Around $50
Vibe: Very festive, with 21-and-up only imbibing pretty liberally, plus live music, munchies, and events inside the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center for when you need a break from the Savannah late-summer heat.
Venue: In our opinion, this event gives you the best view of Savannah’s Riverfront from the opposite riverbed. Savannah’s convention center has a grassy lawn and large sidewalk that hugs the river so you can get a great view of historic River Street with its Savannah Brick buildings and people milling out and in the row of restaurants and shops.
More information: http://savcraftbeer.com, http://www.savannahcraftbrewfest.com
3. Savannah Irish Festival
When: Typically one month before the Savannah St. Patrick’s Day parade weekend (typically third weekend in February)
Cost: For both Saturday and Sunday, tickets are around $16 and for one day are $12. For the Friday night kick-off party, a $5 donation is recommended.
Vibe: Family-friendly and traditional in the sense of dancing, music and food. It’s also considered the start of Savannah’s spring festival season, which also includes Savannah Stopover, Savannah Music Festival, and of course, America’s second-largest Saint Patty’s Day Parade through the streets of Savannah on March 17.
Venue: Savannah Civic Center at 301 West Oglethorpe, with other vents at Kevin Barry’s Pub and Knights of Columbus.
More information: http://www.savannahirish.org/
4. Savannah Greek Festival
When: Typically second weekend in October
Cost: Free to enter until 4p.m. on Thursday and Friday and $2 donation recommended after 4pm. $2 donation all day on Saturday.
Vibe: Church social meets picnic, with a baked goods sale thrown in. The food is fantastic, the portions are huge, and the desserts are fresh.
Venue: Greek Orthodox Church, 14 West Anderson Street
More information: http://www.savannahgreekfest.com/
5. Shalom Y’all Food Festival
When: Typically the last Sunday in October
Cost: Free to enter and $1 per food ticket (food items range from being worth 1-10 tickets).
Vibe: Big party in the park, with over 10,000 attendees coming for the potato latkes, blintzes, challah, and brisket. Also voted Best Food Festival in Savannah many times.
Venue: Forsyth Park
More information: http://www.mickveisrael.org/food-fest
6. Oktoberfest
When: Typically the first weekend in October
Cost: Free to attend
Vibe: What this event lacks in authenticity it makes up for in people. While more American beers and food are mixed in with the German offerings than we’d like to see, it’s still a fun makeshift beer garden on River Street worth attending. Oh, and there’s a wiener dog race!
Venue: Along River Street, with the main state at Rousakis Riverfront Plaza across from Tubby’s and Huey’s.
More information: http://www.riverstreetsavannah.com/event/oktoberfest/
7. Savannah Restaurant Week(s)
When: Savannah has expanded this to a twice-yearly event with one that last week of January and the other the last week of July. And since we Savannahians love our food, these are 10-day events instead of just seven so two weekends are captured for both.
Cost: Typically $30 per person for a prix fixe 3-course menu.
Vibe: Varies by restaurant, but be sure to make reservations because people come out of the woodwork for these great deals.
Venue: Between 20-30 restaurants throughout Savannah
More information: http://dining.savannahnow.com/
8. Annual Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival
When: Typically third weekend in October
Cost: Friday and Sunday $5, Saturday $10.
Vibe: Think fair, but with fresh seafood straight from the neighboring waters.
Venue: J.F. Gregory Park in Richmond Hill
More information: http://www.goseafoodfestival.com/
9. Tybee Island Wine Festival
When: This 5-day event typically takes place the second week/weekend of April.
Cost: Around $60 for The Grand Wine Tasting on Saturday, with admission prices varying for the other events through the festival.
Vibe: Laid-back yet lively—a reflection of Tybee’s island attitude with more-than-usual wine.
Venue: Grand Tasting at Tybee Lighthouse, other events at various restaurants on Tybee Island.
More information: http://tybeewinefestival.com/
10. Scottish Games Festival
When: Typically the second weekend in May
Cost: $10 in advance/$12 at the gate
Vibe: A rip-roaring good time that transports you to Scotland with traditional music, competitions, and of course, food! Note: we’re biased as we are Scottish ☺
Venue: Bethesda Academy, 9520 Ferguson Avenue
More information: http://www.savannahscottishgames.com/
11. Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival
When: Typically the third weekend in September
Cost: Free to attend; food and drink available for purchase
Vibe: Since it’s presented by long-standing magazine Southern Living, this festival is another great family event that doubles as an adult playground with dozens of beers on tap.
Venue: In and around the Morgan Center at Jekyll Island Club Hotel, 371 Riverview Drive, Jekyll Island, Georgia 31527
More information: http://www.jekyllisland.com/shrimp-and-grits/