The Forsyth Park farmers market on a sunny Saturday morning with vendors and shoppers under the park's live oak canopy

Events & Activities

Forsyth Park Events

From the year-round Saturday farmers market to the green-fountain St. Patrick's Day tradition and free philharmonic concerts — Forsyth Park is Savannah's outdoor stage.

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Written & reviewed by the Forsyth Park Guide editorial team · Updated June 2026 · Independent, on-the-ground Savannah coverage

In short

Forsyth Park hosts year-round events including the Saturday farmers market, the St. Patrick's Day fountain dyeing in March, and the free Picnic in the Park concert each fall, along with Shakespeare in the Park, SCAD arts events, fitness meetups, and private celebrations throughout the year.

Year-round and recurring events at Forsyth Park

Forsyth Park's open lawns, fountain backdrop, and central location in the Historic District make it one of the most active event venues in Savannah. The events below recur annually — always check current dates with the organizers before planning your trip, as schedules shift year to year.

Event	When	What
Forsyth Park Farmers Market	Every Saturday, 9 AM–1 PM, year-round	Local produce, prepared foods, plants, artisan goods, and local vendors in the south section of the park.
St. Patrick's Day Fountain Dyeing	Mid-March (annual)	The cast-iron fountain is dyed bright green as part of Savannah's massive St. Patrick's Day celebration — one of the largest in the U.S.
Picnic in the Park	Typically fall / October	Free outdoor concert by the Savannah Philharmonic; bring a blanket and picnic under the live oaks.
Shakespeare in the Park / Savannah Shakespeare Festival	Varies (spring/summer)	Outdoor theatrical performances in the park, free or low-cost admission.
SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival	Spring (annual)	SCAD students create chalk art across the park's paths — a stunning visual event in the heart of the Historic District.
Fitness Meetups, Yoga & Outdoor Classes	Year-round	Community yoga sessions, boot camps, and fitness groups regularly use the open lawns — check local community boards for current schedules.
Weddings & Private Events	Year-round (permit required)	The fountain backdrop is one of Savannah's most requested wedding photography and ceremony locations; permits issued by the City of Savannah.

St. Patrick's Day at Forsyth Park — the green fountain tradition

Savannah's St. Patrick's Day celebration is one of the largest in the United States, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to the Historic District. At the center of it all is Forsyth Park — and the moment that defines the holiday in Savannah is when the iconic cast-iron fountain is dyed bright green.The dyeing typically happens in mid-March, timed to the official celebration schedule. The fountain runs vivid emerald green for the duration of the festivities, making it one of the most photographed sights in the city during this period. The park itself fills with visitors, live music, and celebration — it is simultaneously one of the most spectacular and most crowded times to visit.If you are planning a trip around St. Patrick's Day, book accommodation well in advance (often months ahead), arrive early to secure a good spot near the fountain, and check the City of Savannah's official event schedule for the current year's specific dates and any street closures in the Historic District.

Picnic in the Park and outdoor concerts

The Savannah Philharmonic's Picnic in the Park is the jewel of Forsyth Park's concert calendar. Held typically in October, the free outdoor performance draws thousands of Savannah residents and visitors who spread blankets across the park's open lawns, unpack picnic baskets, and enjoy a full evening of classical and pops music under a canopy of Spanish-moss-draped live oaks.The event is entirely free and has become a beloved Savannah tradition. Gates open in the early afternoon, and the best spots along the central lawn fill up quickly — plan to arrive at least an hour before the performance begins if you want a prime location. Bring a blanket or low-back chairs, snacks, and a cooler. Check the Savannah Philharmonic website for the current season's date, start time, and program.Throughout the year, the park also hosts smaller concerts, community performances, and occasional festival stages — particularly during the spring and fall shoulder seasons when the weather in Savannah is at its most pleasant.

Planning around events — crowds, parking & what to check

Events at Forsyth Park can dramatically affect the visitor experience. During major events like St. Patrick's Day or Picnic in the Park, the park and surrounding streets fill quickly and parking near Forsyth Park becomes scarce. Savannah is a walkable city — if you are staying in the Historic District or Victorian District, walking is often the most practical option.For event-week visits, consider these planning tips:

Book accommodation early. St. Patrick's Day in particular sells out months in advance; even fall concert weekends can tighten quickly.
Check current dates before you travel. Annual events shift year to year. The City of Savannah events calendar, the Savannah Philharmonic website, and the Savannah Visitors Bureau are the most reliable sources.
Arrive early. For concerts and the farmers market, the best experience is at the start — crowds build through the event.
Avoid peak midday in summer. If you are visiting outside of an event, see the best time to visit Savannah guide for seasonal timing advice.

On a non-event Saturday, the farmers market (9 AM–1 PM) is the park's anchor activity and a great reason to visit on its own. The south end of the park fills with locals shopping, eating, and socializing — a genuine slice of Savannah community life.

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FAQ

Frequently asked

What events happen at Forsyth Park?

Forsyth Park hosts a wide range of recurring annual events including the year-round Saturday Farmers Market (9 AM–1 PM), the St. Patrick's Day fountain dyeing in mid-March, the Savannah Philharmonic's free Picnic in the Park concert in fall, Shakespeare in the Park, the SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival nearby in spring, and numerous fitness meetups, concerts, and private events throughout the year.

When is the Forsyth Park fountain dyed green?

The Forsyth Park fountain is dyed bright green each year in mid-March as part of Savannah's St. Patrick's Day celebrations — one of the largest St. Patrick's Day festivals in the United States. The exact date shifts year to year based on the official celebration schedule. Check the City of Savannah or Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade website for the current year's date.

What is Picnic in the Park in Savannah?

Picnic in the Park is a free outdoor concert presented by the Savannah Philharmonic, typically held in Forsyth Park in the fall (often October). Savannah residents and visitors bring blankets, chairs, and picnic baskets and enjoy a full classical and pops performance under the park's canopy of live oaks. It is one of the most beloved free events in the city. Check the Savannah Philharmonic website for the current season's date and program.

Can you hold a wedding or event at Forsyth Park?

Yes. Forsyth Park is a popular and legal venue for weddings, photography shoots, and private gatherings, but a permit is required for organized events, amplified sound, tents, or any setup that reserves space. Permits are issued through the City of Savannah's Park and Tree Department. The fountain backdrop is among the most requested spots in the city for wedding photography.

Location

Where is Forsyth Park?

Forsyth Park is a 30-acre public park at the south end of Savannah's Historic District in Georgia, bordered by Drayton Street, Whitaker Street, West Gaston Street and Park Avenue — about one mile south of River Street. It's free and open daily from sunrise to 10 PM.

Address: Forsyth Park, Drayton St & W Gaston St
Savannah, GA 31401
Hours: Daily · sunrise–10 PM
Entry: Free · no tickets
Coordinates: 32.0686° N, 81.0951° W
Good to know: South end of the Historic District · ~1 mile (20-min walk) from River Street · street parking on the surrounding squares.

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