The Celebration
WHY SAVANNAH'S ST. PATRICK'S DAYis unlike anywhere else
Savannah has been celebrating St. Patrick's Day since 1813 — making it one of the oldest continuous celebrations in the country. What started as a modest Irish immigrant community observance has grown into one of the great American civic spectacles: a multi-day festival that takes over the entire Historic District, filling every square, bar, restaurant, and street with an energy the city produces at no other time of year.
The parade itself runs down Abercorn Street through the heart of the Historic District on the Saturday closest to March 17th — a route lined with hundreds of thousands of spectators, marching bands, Irish step dancers, military units, and civic organizations. The Savannah Irish community treats this with genuine reverence; this isn't a bar promotion, it's a cultural tradition that the city has maintained and grown for over 200 years.
Savannah's open container laws mean the celebration spills onto every street and square legally — visitors carry green beers down Bull Street, gather in Forsyth Park, and occupy the city's famous squares with a freedom that would be impossible in most American cities. The combination of the city's physical beauty, its architectural backdrop, and the genuine scale of the celebration creates something that has to be experienced to be understood.
Many visitors choose to mark the occasion permanently — a Savannah St. Patrick's Day tattoo has become a real tradition. Studios like Drop Dead Tattoo and Savannah Ink Studio see significant walk-in traffic during the celebration week. Book ahead if you want a specific artist — the week fills up fast. See our walk-in guide for the best options during busy periods.
"Savannah doesn't perform St. Patrick's Day for tourists. The city has been doing this for over 200 years. The tourists just arrived later."
Planning Your Visit
HOW TO DOSavannah St. Patrick's Day right
BOOK ACCOMMODATION MONTHS IN ADVANCE
Savannah hotels fill up for St. Patrick's Day faster than any other event of the year — often by October or November of the prior year. If you haven't booked, consider staying in Pooler, Richmond Hill, or Bluffton and driving in.
THE PARADE IS THE ANCHOR
The parade runs on the Saturday closest to March 17th, starting mid-morning. Arrive early to claim a good spot on Abercorn Street. The squares along the route fill hours before start time.
FORSYTH PARK IS THE HEART OF IT
Forsyth Park — with its iconic fountain, which runs green for the celebration — is the natural gathering point before and after the parade. It's where the energy concentrates.
BOOK YOUR TATTOO APPOINTMENT EARLY
Studios in Savannah book solid for St. Patrick's week. Artists like Paris Joelle and Lusiana Morales who work by appointment will be fully booked weeks before the event. Walk-in studios like Savannah Ink Studio are your best bet for spontaneous ink during the week.
16-OZ PLASTIC CUPS — KNOW THE RULE
Savannah's open container law requires all to-go drinks to be in 16-oz or smaller plastic cups. Glass bottles and cans on the street will get you stopped by police during the high-enforcement period of St. Patrick's week.
COMBINE WITH A GHOST TOUR
The week before or after St. Patrick's Day, Savannah is still buzzing but more manageable. A ghost tour through the Historic District at night — after the parade crowds have thinned — is one of the best ways to experience the city's other famous identity. See our ghost tour guide.
GET A COMMEMORATIVE TATTOO
A Savannah St. Patrick's Day tattoo — something simple, meaningful, and connected to the city — is a genuine tradition. See our small tattoo ideas guide for inspiration, and our tourist tattoo guide for how to find the right studio.
Mark the Occasion
GET A ST. PATRICK'S DAY TATTOO
Savannah's most celebrated week deserves something permanent. Tell us your idea — we'll match you with the right artist.
Get Matched Now →FAQ
COMMON Questions
When is Savannah's St. Patrick's Day parade?
The parade runs on the Saturday closest to March 17th each year, starting mid-morning in the Historic District. The full week of events builds up to and follows the parade day.
How big is Savannah's St. Patrick's Day celebration?
Savannah hosts the second largest St. Patrick's Day parade in America — only New York City's is bigger. Over one million visitors attend the week's events annually.
Can you drink in the streets during Savannah St. Patrick's Day?
Yes — Savannah's open container laws allow it, with drinks in 16-oz or smaller plastic cups. No glass, no cans. Police enforce these rules actively during St. Patrick's week.
What tattoo should I get to commemorate Savannah St. Patrick's Day?
Something simple and meaningful — a small shamrock, a date, a Savannah landmark, or a piece of Celtic-inspired fine line work. See our small tattoo guide and book your artist well in advance.