Leprechauns on the Loose for Savannah’s St. Pat Parade!
You know it’s that time of year when Savannah turns greener than a Georgia pine… It’s time for St. Patrick’s Day, the biggest party of the year! Maybe you know and maybe you didn’t, but Savannah and St. Patrick’s Day go way back—1813, to be exact, when the members of the Hibernian Society marched in procession to the Independent Presbyterian Church.
In a nutshell, what started as a small gathering of Irish immigrants has grown into the biggest St. Pat’s celebration in the South. The city’s walkable streets, historic squares, and open-container laws make it the perfect setting for a massive, citywide party. And Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade isn’t just a fun local tradition—it’s the second-largest in the country, right behind New York City! But here in Savannah, the luck of the Irish favors the well-prepared, so consider this your Leprechaun-411.
Your Lucky Guide to Savannah’s St. Pat’s
Every year, our fountain flows emerald, bagpipes echo through the squares, and people camp out overnight just to claim the best spot for our massive parade. And the best part? Savannah doesn’t wait for the 17th to start celebrating—festivities kick off early with plenty of Irish spirit. So what’s on tap?
1. Greening of the Fountain – March 7, 12:00 PM, Forsyth Park
Savannah’s favorite magic trick—turning water green! A must-see kickoff to the St. Pat’s season.
2. Celtic Cross Mass & Parade – March 9, 11:30 AM, Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
A 200-year-old tradition that runs deep in Irish pride, starting with Mass before a procession to Emmet Park.
3. St. Patrick’s Day Mass – March 17, 8:00 AM, Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
Before the bagpipes blare and the green beer flows, Savannah starts the big day the proper way. Mass.
4. St. Patrick’s Day Parade – March 17, 10:15 AM, Historic Downtown Savannah
Savannah’s biggest day of the year! Bands, bagpipers, dancers, and a sea of green take over downtown.
Find Your (S)pot of Gold: Land Rush Rules & Must-Knows
Want a front-row parade seat? Be ready for “The Land Rush,” where you and other parade diehards sprint to claim the best squares:
- Chippewa Square
- Madison Square
- Lafayette Square
- Johnson Square
- Wright Square
During your Land Rush, be sure to play it smart, keep it legal, and leave the orange fencing alone (it protects our lucky landscaping)! Savannah’s got rules, and breaking them will cost you more than just your luck!
1. Squares open at 6 AM sharp, so get there early.
2. For the love of St. Patrick, find a bathroom, not a street! Public urination will cost you a hefty fine (and zero luck).
3. No underage drinking. IDs will be checked, and arrests will be made.
4. Please don’t trash the city.
5. No glass containers, stick to to-go cups.
6. Age-appropriate drinking is allowed, but keep it classy.
7. No grills, kegs, or massive setups—stick to chairs, coolers, and small tents.
Why Savannah for St. Pat?
March is here, the city’s turning green, and the countdown is on. Keep it fun, keep it classy, and may the luck of the Irish be with you. Find more fun events at www.gbj.com/arts-entertainment.
