10 Things to Do in Savannah in October

October is the most representative month of autumn in the United States. At the same time it is a season full of things to do and therefore I invite you to familiarize yourself with the activities that you could enjoy if you decide to visit the city of Savannah.

Irene Quesada

Irene Quesada

10 min read

10 Things to Do in Savannah in October

East Jones Street, Savannah |©Billy Wilson

Knowing what activities you could do before visiting a place is very convenient for the logistical planning of the trip as well as for the financial organization of your budget. In that context knowing what are the best things to see and do in Savannah in October is very appropriate, especially because they are data that will change the course of your vacation in a better sense.

So the best thing you can do is continue reading this compilation that I have prepared for you. For thanks to these facts you will have several entertainment alternatives that will make a big difference in the enjoyment of your trip to the city of Savannah, Georgia, during the month of October.

1. Participate in Phil the Park events

Crowds At A Concert|©Wendy Wei
Crowds At A Concert|©Wendy Wei

Cultural events tend to be quite frequent in Savannah due to the fact that it is a city focused on tourism from both foreign tourists and Americans themselves. The month of October is no exception and specifically the city's symphony orchestra is in charge of organizing a series of interesting public concerts that could give you a privileged access to this musical institution.

These musical events take place in Forsyth Park, which has been the main tourist attraction of the city and at the same time the most representative public park of this community. There is really no way to pinpoint a specific day for the concerts that the city's symphony orchestra holds at this site because the dates change every year.

However, it is worth noting that there are usually one or two performances during the month of October because it is an important month in the autumn season for the local music industry. At the same time, the fact that you are in this part of the city makes a guided tour of downtown Savannah the ideal activity for the prelude to one of these classical music concerts.

In addition, some of Savannah 's best museums are located in the area and you could visit them during the day. Then spend the afternoon touring the area and finish the evening enjoying Phil the Park's day of concerts.

Book a walking tour of Savannah

2. Fall shopping at the Forsyth Farmers Market

Forsyth- Farmer's market|©City of Boulder
Forsyth- Farmer's market|©City of Boulder

Farmers Markets are a common sight in most American cities and Savannah is no exception to this trend. The truth is that the Forsyth Farmers Market is organized every Saturday of the year just at the south end of the famous park that bears the same name.

At the same time, visiting this place during the month of October is an experience that is nothing like what you would find during the rest of the year. This is due to the fact that the products offered by the artisans and local producers have everything to do with the autumn festivities as well as with the food production distinctive of this environmental season.

So if you are interested in the opportunity to try a pecan pie, a distinctive pumpkin pie or buy crafts produced from recycled leaves then going to this place is an opportunity you can't miss. You have to know that the opening hours of this place is usually from nine in the morning until one in the afternoon.

You should also keep in mind that this is one of the best activities to do with kids in Savannah. Especially because it is a family plan where you are sure to find a couple of products to buy for your kids and keep them entertained.

3. Celebrate Columbus Day Weekend at Andrew Low House

Andrew Low House|©Marjorie Clinton
Andrew Low House|©Marjorie Clinton

October 12 represents a historic day for American countries. This is the moment when the Spanish arrived on the continent and in the United States this commemorative date has become in a way a moment of celebration. Especially because it is a legal holiday.

You as a tourist can not miss this opportunity to visit important spaces associated with the colonial era as well as the slave period in the United States. Specifically, at the Andrew Low House, special talks and discussions are usually organized about the problems that existed during centuries of racial segregation.

At the same time, since it is a holiday and many people take advantage of it to go to the countryside or to stay at home, traffic in the city decreases significantly. This means that you should take advantage of Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Columbus Day week to tour the city on one of the best trolley tours in Savannah. Especially since one of the stops is the Andrew Low House and you could include two sightseeing activities on the same itinerary.

Buy your tickets for the Andrew Low House

4. Enjoy local cuisine at the Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival

Bread and Chips|©HumongoNationphotogallery
Bread and Chips|©HumongoNationphotogallery

October is also a great time to venture out and explore Savannah's food scene, with an entire festival dedicated to the seafood that has marked the palate of this community for centuries. This event is organized in the neighborhood of Richmond Hill and usually takes place over a weekend, from Friday through Sunday.

The specific dates of the Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival change every year, but most often the second or third weekend of the month is chosen to organize this massive gathering.

The festival is not only an excellent opportunity to get to know the flavors of the city's seafood cuisine. It also offers live music, arts and crafts, family entertainment activities and above all a very cheerful and festive atmosphere that can help you understand the identity of Savannah in a very appropriate way.

On the other hand, if a food festival is not something that interests you in your tourist trip, you can participate in one of the best food tours in Savannah. These will offer you an equally privileged opportunity to explore the best of the local culinary world.

5. Experience the best of the Savannah Music Festival in its fall season

Band in Concert|©Bruce Tuten
Band in Concert|©Bruce Tuten

The Savannah Music Festival is a musical event held several times throughout the year to entertain locals and give local bands a chance to make a name for themselves. In turn, during the month of October are usually held the sessions that belong to the autumn season of this festival and therefore attending these concerts is an opportunity that you can not miss when visiting this beautiful city.

Of this event you have to know that ticket prices vary according to the guest artist and according to the chosen venue. As for the dates, the most common is to choose days from mid-month to late for the different functions to be held.

As for the musical genres of this festival you have to know that the whole theme is very varied. For there are as many jazz and blues artists as a bit of rock and even African music artists are common. Most of the concerts at this festival usually occur in the late afternoon or evening and so the best tours in Savannah are a great way to tour the city and fill your day to optimize travel logistics.

6. Experience Halloween the local way

Girl dressed in a Halloween costume|©Yaroslav Shuraev
Girl dressed in a Halloween costume|©Yaroslav Shuraev

October is synonymous with Halloween celebrations throughout the United States and the city of Savannah is no exception to this cultural rule. There are different activities you can participate in to join this spooky holiday and it all depends on the fact whether you are traveling with young children or not.

In the case of a family visit it is appropriate that you start touring the houses in the historic district. This to play the typical tradition of ringing the doorbell in exchange for candy and treats, which will work as long as the children are in costume.

On the other hand, if it is a trip for adults then you can participate in a slightly more interesting activity. Which would be a historical and guided tour through the spookiest events of the city. Including a walk through the old Bonaventure Cemetery.

Nighttime walking tour of Savannah's ghost town

7. You can also check out the local offerings at Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest polka band and dancers|©C-Bunny
Oktoberfest polka band and dancers|©C-Bunny

Oktoberfest is a German festival that over the decades has become a tradition for most cities around the world. In Savannah you will also have the opportunity to learn a little about the local beer industry, as the Oktoberfest in this city is celebrated throughout the month.

Most of the events are usually organized on weekends in the Plant Riverside District. Access to these types of festivals are usually free and it is common to have both live music and some entertainment events. You should also know that everything you wish to consume in terms of German cuisine and alcoholic beverages will be on your own.

It is also appropriate for you to know that this area of the city where the Oktoberfest is usually held is the starting point for most of the best boat rides in Savannah. Which means both activities could be combined in one day to create more entertaining memories.

8. Experience the Savannah Pride Festival Southern Style

Savannah Pride booths|©C-Bunny
Savannah Pride booths|©C-Bunny

In some cities around the world LGBT Pride month or week doesn't exactly coincide with the date of Stonewall and Savannah is one of these places. What happens in this case is that during the month of October in the middle of the fall season is organized the Savannah Pride Festival as well as the Pride After Dark Event.

Both events are intended as an opportunity to celebrate diversity and inclusion in this community and throughout this weekend that is usually assigned for the end of the month are organized live music events, craft markets and special dances. In fact, the entire downtown area becomes a colorful party that seeks to showcase this city as a destination of inclusion within the American South.

Many specialists agree that the Savannah Pride festival is among the top 59 things to do in Savannah. So having fun while celebrating the rights of the LGBT community is something you shouldn't miss when visiting this city in the second to last month of the year.

9. Don't miss out on some of the area's Fall Harvests

Pumpkin decorating|©Dizzy Girl
Pumpkin decorating|©Dizzy Girl

Fall Harvest is a tradition that is organized in most American cities during the fall. It is a sort of community market that takes place throughout the month of October on farms or plantations where local people go to share in the pumpkin shopping. As well as to participate in some live entertainment events.

So it is an ideal opportunity for you to visit some of the famous plantations in the state of Georgia in the best autumn style and one that you should not miss is Wormsloe. This is because of its importance to the history of this city as well as its proximity to the city.

In fact, if you can participate in some of the best historical tours of Savannah that combine a visit to a plantation like Wormsloe with a walk through the city's cemetery, don't hesitate to do so. That's because you'll save time and money.

10. Get to know the local barbecue at a food festival

Man Cooking Meat|©Min An
Man Cooking Meat|©Min An

Barbecues are a pretty important element of southern U.S. culture, and during the month of October in Savannah there is a festival focused on blues, beers on the barbecue and bourbon. The event changes its date every year, however, it is usual to leave it for the first or second weekend of the month. This mostly so that it doesn't logistically coincide with Oktoberfest.

The venue of choice year after year is usually the Eastern Wharf, which is a neighborhood that has a fantastic waterfront promenade and gives you prime views of the Savannah River. Which means you'll be in an ideal spot to enjoy the sunset and explore the flavors of barbecue under the local Georgia interpretation.

As it's an event that usually runs from late afternoon into the evening it's a good idea to take part in Savannah' s best Hop On Hop Off bus tours. Especially if your trip is too short and you have to take advantage of every hour of your day to explore the city's attractions.

Savannah Historical Drinking Tour

Temperatures in Savannah in October

Aerial view of Savannah|©Easy Traveler
Aerial view of Savannah|©Easy Traveler

October remains a relatively warm month in Georgia and during your visit to the city of Savannah you are likely to encounter maximum temperatures that are around 25 °C while minimum temperatures can reach 10 °C.

Savannah tourist arrivals in October

RIVERFRONT STREET SAVANNAH|©ALEX MARTINEZ
RIVERFRONT STREET SAVANNAH|©ALEX MARTINEZ

The tourist influx in Savannah during the month of October is significantly lower than that of the summer months. It is also less significant than the holiday season's influx.

Savannah prices in October

SCAD View|©David Thibodeaux
SCAD View|©David Thibodeaux

Since October is not considered peak season from a tourist perspective it can be said that prices remain identical to the rest of the year. It is also safe to say that a trip to this city during this month is much cheaper than one that occurs in August and is also cheaper than a visit in late December.

What to pack to visit Savannah in October?

Luggage on a platform|©veerasak Piyawatanakul
Luggage on a platform|©veerasak Piyawatanakul

Fall is a time that is characterized by being rainy and therefore it is important that you bring coats that are waterproof. I also advise you to choose comfortable shoes, as walking around the city will be a frequent occurrence throughout your visit.