10 Things to Do in Savannah in October

October is the most representative month of autumn in the United States. It is also a season full of things to do and I invite you to familiarise 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 your trip as well as for the financial organisation 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 holiday in a better sense.

So the best thing you can do is to continue reading this compilation that I have prepared for you. 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 for both foreign tourists and Americans. The month of October is no exception and specifically the city's symphony orchestra organises a series of interesting public concerts that could give you privileged access to this musical institution.

These musical events take place in Forsyth Park, which is the city's main tourist attraction 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 as this is an important month in the autumn season for the local music industry. Also, the fact that you are in this part of the city makes a guided tour of downtown Savannah the ideal prelude to one of these classical music concerts.

Plus, some of Savannah' s best museums are in the area and you could visit them during the day. Then spend the afternoon on a walking tour and finish the evening enjoying Phil the Park's day of concerts.

Book a walking tour of Savannah

2. Go autumn 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 Forsyth Farmers Market is held every Saturday of the year at the south end of the famous Forsyth Park.

At the same time, visiting this place during the month of October is an experience unlike anything you would find during the rest of the year. This is due to the fact that the range of products offered by local artisans and producers has everything to do with the autumn festivities as well as the food production that is distinctive to this environmental season.

So if you are interested in the opportunity to try a pecan pie, a distinctive pumpkin pie or buy handicrafts made from recycled leaves then visiting this place is an opportunity not to be missed. You should know that the opening hours of this place are 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's a family-friendly plan where you're sure to find a couple of goodies to buy your kids and keep them entertained.

3. Celebrate Columbus Day Weekend at the Andrew Low House

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

The 12th of October 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 a moment of celebration in a way. Especially as it is a legal holiday.

You as a tourist cannot miss this opportunity to visit important places associated with the colonial era as well as the slave period in the United States. Specifically at the Andrew Low House there are often special lectures and discussions about the problems that existed during centuries of racial segregation.

At the same time, as it is a public holiday and many people take advantage of it to go to the countryside or to stay at home, traffic in the city is significantly reduced. This means that Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Columbus Day week should be used as an opportunity to tour the city on one of the best trolley tours of Savannah. Especially since one of the stops is the Andrew Low House and you could fit two sightseeing activities into one 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 a whole festival dedicated to the seafood that has shaped the community's palate for centuries. The event is held in the Richmond Hill neighbourhood and usually spans a weekend from Friday to Sunday.

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

The festival is not only an excellent opportunity to experience the flavours of Savannah's seafood cuisine. It also offers live music, arts and crafts, family entertainment activities and above all a very lively 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 autumn 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, the sessions that belong to the autumn season of this festival are usually held and therefore attending these concerts is an opportunity not to be missed when visiting this beautiful city.

For this event you should know that ticket prices vary depending on the guest artist and the chosen venue. As for the dates, the most common is to choose days from the middle of the month to the end of the month for the different performances to be held.

As for the musical genres of this festival, you should know that the whole theme is very varied. There are just as many jazz and blues artists as there is a bit of rock and even African music artists. Most of the concerts at this festival tend to take place in the late afternoon or evening and so the best tours in Savannah are a great way to get around the city and fill your day to optimise travel logistics.

6. Experience Halloween the local way

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

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

In the case of a family visit it is appropriate to start by touring the houses in the historic district. This will work as long as the children are in costume.

On the other hand, if it is a trip for adults then you can take part in a slightly more interesting activity. Which would be a historical and guided tour through the spookiest events of the city. This includes 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'll also have the opportunity to learn a little about the local beer industry, as the city's Oktoberfest is held throughout the month.

Most events are usually held on weekends in the Plant Riverside District. Access to these festivals is usually free and there is usually live music as well as some entertainment events. It's also worth knowing that everything you want to consume in terms of German cuisine and alcoholic beverages is at your own expense.

It's also appropriate to know that this area of the city where Oktoberfest is usually held is the departure point for most of the best boat tours in Savannah. Which means you could combine both activities 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 Stonewall and Savannah is one of those places. What happens in this case is that during the month of October in the middle of the autumn season the Savannah Pride Festival is organised 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 which is usually allocated for the end of the month there are live music events, craft markets and special dances. In fact, the entire downtown area becomes a colourful party to showcase the city as an inclusive destination in the American South.

Many experts agree that the Savannah Pride festival is among the top 59 things to do in Savannah. So having fun while celebrating LGBT rights is something you shouldn't miss when you visit this city in the penultimate 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 takes place in most American cities during the autumn. It's a sort of community market that takes place throughout the month of October on farms or plantations where local people come to share in the pumpkin shopping. As well as participating 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 take part 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. Experience local barbecue at a food festival

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

Barbecues are a pretty big part of southern US culture and during the month of October in Savannah there is a festival focused on blues, barbecue beers and bourbon. The event changes its date every year, however, it is usually held on the first or second weekend of the month. This is mainly so that it doesn't logistically coincide with Oktoberfest.

The venue of choice year after year is usually the Eastern Wharf, which is a neighbourhood that has a fantastic waterfront promenade and gives you prime views of the Savannah River. This means you'll be in an ideal spot to enjoy the sunset and explore the flavours 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 join Savannah' s best Hop On Hop Off bus tours. Especially if your trip is too short and you need to take advantage of every hour of your day to explore the city's attractions.

Savannah's Historic 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 highs of around 25°C while lows can be as low as 10°C.

Savannah's October tourist numbers

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

Savannah's tourist arrivals in October are significantly lower than in the summer months. It is also lower than the holiday season.

Prices in Savannah in October

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

As the month of 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 Savannah during this month is much cheaper than one that occurs in August and is also cheaper than a visit at the end of December.

What to pack for a visit to Savannah in October?

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

Autumn is a rainy season so it's important to pack waterproof coats. It's also advisable to choose footwear that is comfortable, as walking around the city will be a frequent occurrence throughout your visit.