Whether you’re looking for fireworks, food or fun, and whether you’re a local or visitor, there are lots of Independence Day activities happening throughout the area. Here’s a handy list.
Savannah Stars and Stripes July 4th Weekend Celebration Hosted by Plant Riverside District
From July 1-4 the Plant Riverside District will be celebrating Independence Day weekend with a variety of family-friendly festivities that are free and open to the public.
The event will feature several live musical performances across its four days. This includes Lyn Avenue on Friday, July 1 from 7 -10 p.m.; Natalie Goodman on Saturday, July 2 from 4:30 - 6 p.m.; Super Deluxe on Saturday, July 2 from 7 - 10 p.m.; Ramona and the Riot on Sunday, July 3 from 6 - 9:30 p.m.; The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra on Monday, July 4 from 2-6 p.m.; and Legacy on Monday, July 4 from 8:15 - 9:15 p.m.
The Parris Island Marine Band will be performing at the Martin Luther King Jr. Park from noon to 1 p.m. and again from 3 - 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 3.
Additionally, the 3rd Infantry Division Band will also play live on Monday, July 4 from 12 - 2 p.m. at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park.
Along with live music, the event will also include A Red, White & Blue Spectacular aerial show featuring performances by Cira Divina on July 1-3 at 8:30 p.m.
Plant Riverside District will also have a special pre-fireworks performance on July 4 at 7:30 p.m. and present a nightly America the Beautiful Fountain Show with themed music as well as live painting by J. Scott Nicol at Savion Fine Art on July 1-3.
Kids can also enjoy daily mini golf from 1-5 p.m. in Montgomery Park and a daily Kids Corner from 1-5 p.m. in Montgomery Park, offering arts and crafts activities. The Savannah Ghost Pirates hockey team will lead the Kids Corner on July 3 and July 4. Visit plantriverside.com for more information
Independence Day Celebration at Fort McAllister State Historic Park
For history aficionados Fort McAllister offers a unique way to spend your weekend. The fort, located on the banks of the Ogeechee River, is an earthwork fort that operated during the Civil War. Surviving multiple bombardments by Union ironclads, the fort eventually fell during General William T. Sherman’s “March to the Sea.”
The state park will have living history demonstrations including musket firings, and old-fashioned games on Saturday, July 3, and Sunday, July 4. Visitors explore the grounds with cannons, a furnace, bombproof barracks, palisades, and more, while a Civil War Museum contains artifacts, a video, and a gift shop.
On Sunday, the event will also feature a fishing event starting at 7 a.m. (pre-registration required) and fresh watermelon slices at the fort’s barracks at noon.
Fort McAllister is located at 3894 Fort McAllister Road, Richmond Hill, Georgia. Visit gastateparks.org/FortMcAllister for more information.
2022 Watermelon Crawl
The annual event hosted by Fleet Feet Savannah Running Club and Savannah Ambucs is a great way to get some steps prior to evening festivities. The group run is free and does not require pre-registration, simply show up in proper running attire and shoes.
Anyone in the community is encouraged to attend the run, which will take participants from Lake Mayer to scenic Isle of Hope and back. There is a 6-mile loop and an 8-mile loop that attendees may choose from.
The run is casual, and participants can expect large amounts of watermelon to be served afterwards.
The event will be raising money in support of Lieutenant Richard Wiggins from the Savannah Police Department in his campaign to raise money for Savannah AMBUCS. While the event has no registration, organizers will be accepting donations that morning.
The 2022 Watermelon Crawl kicks off at 7 a.m. on Monday, July 4 at Lake Mayer which is located at 7235 Sallie Mood Drive. Visit fleetfeet.com for more information.
Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church Patriotic Concert
Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church (429 Abercorn St) will host a Patriotic Concert on Sunday, July 3 at 5:00 PM. The concert will feature the Coastal Winds Woodwind Quintet and the Coastal Brass Quartet. Donations from the concert will be accepted to benefit local charity Team Savannah for Veterans. Visit WeslyMonumental.org for more information.
Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise
For those looking for an alternate way of viewing the Fourth of July Fireworks show, with amazing views of River Street and the Savannah River, consider Savannah Riverboat Cruise’s Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise.
The 90-minute excursion not only provides a fantastic view of the fireworks show, guests are treated to drinks, music and food, all included with the ticket price.Boarding begins at 8 p.m. with the cruise lasting from 9 - 10:30 p.m. Visit for savannahriverboat.com more information
Fireworks on Tybee Island
If you’re willing to brave the traffic, watching fireworks from the Tybee pier on strand Avenue is an option. Although the event is staged on the pier, fireworks can be viewed from any of Tybee Island’s eastern beaches. Plan to get there early and stay late as fireworks go from 9:15 p.m.- 9:30 pm.
Independence Day Fireworks Show on Savannah's Waterfront
Savannah’s Waterfront Association will host the annual Independence Day Fireworks Show on Monday, July 4th at 9:15 p.m. There is something truly magical about watching fireworks light up the night sky over the Savannah River.
Savannah Bananas vs. Lexington County Blowfish
If you were lucky enough to get tickets for July 2, the Savannah Bananas home game is way to kick off the Independence Day Weekend. Renowned for their eccentric rules and circus-like atmosphere, the Bananas make baseball fun. There will also be fireworks at the end of the game for spectators to enjoy. Grayson Stadium is located at 1401 E Victory Dr. For more information visit thesavannahbananas.com.
Hang out on River Street
Plant Riverside District is not the only part of River Street celebrating the 4th. There are tons of shops and restaurants with dinner and drink specials. Have a sweet tooth? Check out Savannah Candy Kitchen and snag yourself a praline. Craving Seafood? Fiddler’s Crab House serves fresh locally caught seafood. Finding a drink will not be difficult with a several bars being along the riverfront.
Red, White & Brews Bar Crawl
Savannah Bar Crawl will be hosting their Fourth of July themed bar Crawl on July 2 from 4-10 p.m. Participants meet at their starting bar and visit participating bars at their own pace. Each bar has a list of drink specials only available to those participating. Through the crawl participants meet other patrons and collect crawl themed items. Once each bar has been checked off the list, participants head to an after party to pick up their t-shirts. For more information visit redwhitebrewsbarcrawl.com
Marne Independence Day Festival
The festival will take place on Fort Stuart Located at Wurzburg St, Fort Stewart, GA on July 1. There will be performances by Trace Adkins and Dru Hill on Donovan Field along with food beverages and a fireworks display. The event opens at 4:30 p.m. Concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks at 10:30 p.m.
Please note: Fort Stewart is an active military base and guests their vehicles and their items may be subject to random search to ensure the safety of our community. Installation access is at the discretion of the Commander based on health and protection conditions. Visit stewarthunter.armymwr.com for more information.
4th of July at The Alida Hotel
From July 2-4 The Alida will be offering Fourth of July Specials on drinks and food and revelry at Rhett, The Trade Room and The Lost Square. Visit thealidahotel.com for more information.
Independence Drag Spectacular at Ghost Coast Distillery
Celebrate 4th of July with some of the BEST Drag Entertainers in the Southeast! Hosted by Savannah’s own, Jordan Sophia Alexander. With performances by Anaya DeVore, Shesha Manson, & Jordan. Surprise Special Guest Performer announcement closer to date. A Food Truck will be on site in addition to a cocktail menu by Ghost Coast. DJ Jose will be providing music for the event. Visit ghostcoastdistillery.com for more information.
Spend the Weekend at a Park or Square
It’s no secret that the park in Savannah are great location to visit. Whether you want to picnic at Forsyth or Daffin it’s important to keep the part clean, especially after Fourth of July festivities.
City of Savannah rules for Parks and Squares:
No Styrofoam (coolers or cups)
No Glass
No Underage Drinking
No Littering
Don’t damage the Landscaping
Bring your own Trash Bags
Pack it in/Pack it out
All streets and squares have trash and recycling bins
Note on Parking:
Downtown Savannah parking is limited during the 4th of July weekend. If you are seeking an alternative to garage or street parking downtown, you may park at the Savannah Convention Center, and take the ferry across the river to River Street to enjoy the waterfront fireworks. Shuttles are also available from Savannah Mall to River Street. For more information on transportation options, please visit ConnectontheDot.com and CatchaCAT.org.)
Earthquake Damage:
Parts of Hutchinson Island were damaged by a 3.9 magnitude earthquake. As a result, the ferry on Hutchinson Island has changed where it is docking. The ferry will continue to run on its normal schedule, but is docking at the dock outside of the Trade Center. Passengers wanting to ride the ferry to or from River Street will need to go to the World Trade Center to access the ferry boat.
