Savannahians love to celebrate all things spooky, so it should come as no surprise that the Historic District is loaded with fun activities during October — especially ghost tours.
Even if you’re not into chasing spooky spirits, Savannah also has fall festivals, pumpkin patches, a film festival, PRIDE events, pub crawls, costume contests, seafood festivals, haunted hotels, and more.
I’ve gathered them all together for you and created the ultimate list of things to do in Savannah in October! (If you’re visiting during a different month, I’ve also summarized all of the top annual events in Savannah.)
Note: This guide contains affiliate links to my trusted travel partners.
If you’re new around here, first of all … allow me to extend a warm welcome!
My name is Erin, and I authored the Savannah First-Timer’s Guide. It combines my top Savannah tips from this website into one handy downloadable guide.
In a hurry? :
🏚️ This is considered the most haunted hotel
👻 Here is the ghost tour I recommend most
➡️ This is the top Savannah ghost story I’ve debunked
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October Weather in Savannah GA
Anyone who knows me knows that fall is my favorite time of year! In fact, I frequently tell visitors it’s the the best time to visit Savannah.
I know most people favor spring in Savannah, but hear me out…
Savannah is known for this frightening thing called H U M I D I T Y (trust me, it’s much scarier than ghosts!), but towards the end of October the swampy air finally begins to dissipate and the morning air turns crisp and clear.
Late October means there are six months of milder weather ahead, and that’s a very good thing.
Make Note: If you’re planning a visit to see the fall color, that doesn’t usually happen until November or later. Here’s what to expect from Savannah’s weather month-by-month.
Fall Festivals in Savannah
I’ve sorted the events by category to help you out, and I update this post regularly — adding new events as I hear of them.
Oktoberfest Plant Riverside District
October 5th, 12th, and 19th – confirmed
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: 400 W River Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Family Friendly!
Oktoberfest in the lively Plant Riverside District features plenty of live music, bratwurst-eating contests, and German-themed food and drink specials. Expect wiener dog races, too!
Phil the Park Music Festival
October 5, 2024 | Saturday – confirmed
Time: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: Forsyth Park (East Lawn)
Family Friendly!
This free event is Savannah’s largest outdoor concert, and it takes place in popular Forsyth Park. Most people just bring a blanket and sit on the grass while enjoying the performances, which are hosted by the Savannah Philharmonic. Expect plenty of food trucks in the area!
Learn More
Wag-O-Ween
October 26 – 27, 2024 – confirmed
Time: Noon – 5 p.m.
Location: Downtown Savannah + Starland District
Family Friendly!
This pet-friendly Halloween event includes costume contests, trick-or-treating, raffles, and photo stations where you can take pics with your pet. It occurs in businesses throughout the Historic District, Victorian District, and Starland District.
Learn More
SCAD Savannah Film Festival
October 26 – November 2, 2024 – confirmed
Time: Varies by event
Location: 200 block of E Broughton Street
If you’re into celebrity spotting, this is the place to do it. SCAD debuts everything from student films to major international productions.
Learn More
Savannah Pride Festival
October 26 – 27, 2024 – confirmed
Time: 12:00 p.m on the 26th – 6 p.m. on the 27th
Location: Forsyth Park
This event is one of Savannah’s biggest October festivals. It lasts for days and includes the Masqueerade, Pawrade (for the pets), drag shows, and even a virtual event for those who want to celebrate from afar.
Learn More
Pumpkin Patches in (or Near) Savannah
Savannah’s Historic District is too small and crowded to allow for pumpkin patches, so you’ll have to venture beyond the outskirts of the city for that.
These are some of the best options…
Poppell Farms
Every Weekend in October – confirmed
1765 Hyma Poppell Loop, Odum, GA 31555
Family Friendly!
Poppell Farms features a huge 10-acre corn maze, a pumpkin patch, wagon rides, a petting zoo, pumpkin chunkin’, catch-n-release fishing, pony rides, Farmer Brown’s Playground for the littles, and more. They also have after dark haunted activities.
Learn More
Madrac Farms
Every Sat & Sun in October – confirmed
580 Ralph Rahn Rd, Rincon, GA 31326
Family Friendly!
The pumpkin patch includes a pumpkin patch, pumpkin picking, a corn maze, farm animals, a big pumpkin display, and a rotten tomato sling shot.
Holiday Farms
Thursdays – Sundays in October – confirmed
10884 Grays Hwy, Ridgeland, SC 29936
Family Friendly!
Their great pumpkin patch includes pumpkin picking, concession stands, a General Store, a petting barn, wagon rides, and more.
Learn More
Fall Food Festivals in (and around) Savannah
There are plenty of food-related events to keep your tastebuds satisfied throughout the month of October.
Gullah Geechee Tour w/Lunch
Fridays Throughout October – confirmed
Location: Historic District
Learn the history of African Americans from slavery to freedom via “Sistah Patt,” Savannah’s own Gullah-Geechee storyteller. You’ll take a trolley to various points of interest, including River Street, Factors’ Walk, and Johnson Square, then you’ll stop at Second African Baptist Church to enjoy an authentic Gullah-Geechee lunch.
Learn More
Savannah Greek Festival
October 10 – 12, 2024 – confirmed
Hellenic Community Center, 14 W Anderson St, Savannah, GA 31401
Family Friendly!
Celebrate Greek heritage during this 3-day festival held at St. Paul’s Hellenic Center. Fill up on spanakopita, baklava, gyros, and more — all while enjoying traditional Greek music and dancing. The marketplace features Greek clothing, cookbooks, and similar giftable items.
Learn More
Blues, Brews, BBQ, and Bourbon
October 12, 2024 – confirmed
The Park at Eastern Wharf
101 Port Street, Savannah, GA
Enjoy craft beer tastings, listen to live music, and sample the South’s best barbecue at this event, which is held along the waterfront in the Eastern Wharf District.
Learn More
Gullah-Geechee Festival
October 18 – 20, 2024 – confirmed
Location: River Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Hours: Fri – Sat 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Sun 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The Gullah-Geechee Homecoming Festival will include artists, food vendors, crafts, and activities celebrating the culture of Savannah’s Gullah-Geechee community. Head down to River Street to join in on the festivities!
Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival
October 25 – 26, 2024 – confirmed
521 Cedar Street, Richmond Hill, GA 31324
Family Friendly!
This massive 3-day event is filled with incredible seafood, drinks, and live music. There’s a carnival with amusement rides, plus arts and crafts for the kids. Expect crowds, since people travel from throughout the South to attend!
Learn More
Riverfront Oyster Roast
October 27, 2024 – confirmed
The Park at Eastern Wharf
101 Port Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Expect plenty of freshly steamed, all-you-can-eat oysters at this event. Pulled pork, potato salad, and steamed Brussels sprouts will also be served. Tickets include beer and wine, and there will be live music. NOTE: This event is geared more towards adults.
Learn More
Palette to Palate
October 29, 2024 – confirmed
Telfair Academy
121 Barnard St, Savannah, GA 31401
This event features a culinary battle between some of the best restaurants in the area. Chefs from Common Thread, Flora and Fauna, Wildflower Cafe, FARM Bluffton, and Strange Bird will duke it out to see who reigns supreme. They each have to create an original, edible piece of art inspired by one of the permanent works in the Telfair museum collection.
Learn More
HHI Gullah Seafood Festival
October 19, 2024 – confirmed
Gullah Museum of HH, 12 Georgianna Dr, HHI, SC 29926
Family Friendly!
This annual cultural event celebrates traditions of the Gullah community of the Lowcountry. You’ll find seafood, song and dance, Gullah stories, and face painting events for the kiddos.
Learn More
Ghost Tours in Savannah
In a city that celebrates spirits year-round, it should come as no surprise that October has ghost tours galore! From walking tours to trolley tours to hearse tours, you’ll find plenty of ways to connect with Savannah’s spookiest spirits.
Q: What’s the scariest thing about a ghost tour in Savannah?
Hehe. A little Savannah humor for ya. ~Erin
A: The price tag!!
There are far too many ghost tours to list here, so I wrote a separate post that breaks down the options by walking tours, haunted house tours, trolley and hearse tours, self-guided tours, and more: A Local’s Guide to the Best Ghost Tours in Savannah.
Here are a few popular options…
Genteel & Bard Dark History Walking Tour
Ongoing throughout October – confirmed
Location: Downtown Savannah
Explore the dark side of Savannah on this interactive walking tour through the Historic District. The tour includes earbuds so you’ll always be able to hear your guide.
Purchase Tickets
Historic Savannah Theater Paranormal Investigations Tour
Ongoing throughout October – confirmed
Time: 10:30 p.m.
222 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Explore America’s oldest theatre with the experts at Truth in Evidence Paranormal Tours. You’ll have access to thermal scanners, EMF detectors, and night-vision cameras.
Purchase Tickets
Ghosts & Gravestones Trolley Tour
Ongoing throughout October – confirmed
Location: Historic District
This is a popular option if you have mobility issues and still want to enjoy Savannah’s haunted locations.
Purchase Tickets
Halloween Events for Adults
In a city known for open-container laws and year-round bar crawls, there are plenty of options to toss on your favorite costume and grab an alcoholic beverage or two (or three or four…)
Cocktail Class at American Prohibition Museum
Daily Throughout October – confirmed
Location: Congress Street Up
Address: 220 W Congress St, Savannah, GA 31401
Learn how to make cocktails from the award-winning bartenders at Congress Street Up inside the American Prohibition Museum. This makes a fun group activity and is also a safe way for singles to enjoy an evening out.
More Info
Downtown Delilahs Halloween-Themed Burlesque
Thurs/Fri/Sat nights in October – confirmed
Location: Mata Hari’s
Address: 306 W Lower Factors Walk, Savannah, GA 31401
Enjoy Halloween-themed burlesque shows every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night in October from the dance troupe at Mata Hari. You’ll get the password for the speakeasy when you purchase your tickets.
More Info
Savannah Vampire Bar Crawl and Vampire Ball
October 18 and 19, 2024 – confirmed
Location: Ghost Coast Distillery
Address: 641 Indian Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Adults Only 21+
Grab your capes and fangs as Savannah’s creatures of the night party it up with live music, dancing, and plenty of spirits from Ghost Coast Distillery. The Vampire Bar Crawl will be held on Friday, October 18th and the Vampire Ball will take place on Saturday, October 19th.
Learn More
Crawl with Us Halloween Bar Crawl
October 26, 2024 – confirmed
Location: The Warehouse
Address: 18 E River Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Adults Only 21+
This bar crawl hits some of the hottest bars on River Street, Bay Street, and the City Market area. It includes a costume contest, cash prizes and an after party.
More Info
Nightmare on Congress Street
Saturday, October 26, 2024 – confirmed
Thursday, October 31, 2024 – confirmed
Adults Only 21+
This bar crawl hits the hottest bars along Congress Street, plus many others in the Historic District, and features a costume contest worth $2000 in prizes, themed koozies, and a free t-shirt for the first 250 participants to complete their scorecard.
More Info
Purchase Tickets This Haunted Pub Crawl Happens Year-Round
Haunted House Tours in Savannah
You can tour haunted houses year-round in Savannah.
In fact, there are so many that I decided to write a separate post about them, as well: An Insider’s Guide to Haunted Houses in Savannah.
Sorrel-Weed House
Ongoing throughout October – confirmed
6 W Harris Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Historic Sorrel-Weed House is known for being one of the most haunted houses in Savannah. They offer nightly ghost tours of the property, or –if you’re brave enough — you can opt for the After-Hours Paranormal Lock-In.
Sorrel-Weed House Tickets
Alee Shriners Terror Plantation
Every Fri & Sat in October, beginning October 11th – confirmed
100 Eisenberg Drive, Savannah, GA 31406
Get spectacularly scared exploring the haunted house at Terror Plantation. This one benefits charity and is one of the more popular October events in Savannah!
Learn More
Parkside Haunted House
2024 Dates Coming Soon | Sundown to Late Evening
Corner of 49th & Cedar, Savannah, GA 31401
Go trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, and then head through the super-spooky pop-up haunted house on an otherwise empty corner lot in the Parkside neighborhood.
Link Coming Soon
Related Reading: 432 Abercorn Street: Haunted Mansion…or Just a Rumor Mill?
Trick-or-Treating in Savannah
If you want to take the kids trick-or-treating downtown, make sure you pick a family-friendly neighborhood!
Ardsley Park is a popular option, as seen in this post about Halloween in Savannah.
Many organization in the area host trick-or-treating events, and sometimes the police precinct does, as well.
Trunk or Treat at Grayson Stadium
October 18, 2024 – confirmed
Location: Grayson Stadium – home to the Savannah Bananas
Time: 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Family Friendly!
This city-sponsored event will include a bounce house, a haunted house, food trucks, face painting, games, and prizes for the best costumes. Kids can go trick-or-treating and collect candy from dozens of cars participating in the event.
Learn More
Oatland Island Halloween Hike
October 19, 2024 – date confirmed
Location: Oatland Island
Time: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Family Friendly!
Take your trick-or-treaters for a non-scary stroll down the forested trail to meet friendly animals and collect some treats along the way. Mother Earth will be there, too. Costumes welcome!
Learn More
Trick-or-Treat on River Street
October 26, 2024 – date confirmed
Location: River Street
Time: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Family Friendly!
This is the ideal place to take your little ghosts and goblins so they can show off their costumes while collecting sweet treats from the participating businesses along the waterfront.
Learn More
Trunk or Treat with the Jaycees
October 27, 2024 – date confirmed
Location: 101 Atlas St, Savannah, GA 31405
Time: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Family Friendly!
This event is free to the public. You can register a car in advance if you want to hand out treats. Little ones are encouraged to wear costumes.
Learn More
Related Reading: Is Jones Street Really the Prettiest Street in Savannah?
Haunted Forest Trails
Savannah isn’t exactly known for its forests, so you’re going to have to head outside the city limits for most of these options.
Where’s Noble Bones?
Every Saturday in October – confirmed
Location: Wormsloe Historic Site
7601 Skidaway Road, Savannah, GA 31401
Family Friendly!
This Georgia State Parks scavenger hunt takes families along the beautiful hiking trails at Wormsloe Historic Site to help Noble Jones find his “Noble Bones.” You’ll stop in the museum to scan a QR code, then head out on the hiking trail to search for skeletal remains of members of the Jones family.
Learn More
Wicked South Productions Haunted Forest
Multiple dates throughout October 2024 – confirmed
3001 Lawrence Church Rd, Pembroke, GA 31321
Get spooked as you encounter zombies in an abandoned carnival encampment deep in the woods of Pembroke, GA. Creepy characters might chase after you, so be prepared to run!
Learn More
Poppell Farms Haunted Trail
Fri & Sat Nights in October – confirmed
1765 Hyma Poppell Loop, Odum, GA 31555
Family Friendly!
Wander along Poppell Farms 800-foot walking trail through the woods…if you dare. It’s filled with ghosts and goblins that are spooky — but not too spooky — for the whole family to enjoy.
Learn More
Cemetery Tours in Savannah
Savannah’s cemeteries are beautiful, but they’re known more for their history than their haunted factor. (It’s actually against city code to do ghost tours in the cemetery!)
Here are a few cemetery history tours to try…
Bonaventure Cemetery Daytime Tours
Ongoing throughout October – confirmed
330 Bonaventure Road, Thunderbolt, GA 31401
The history of Bonaventure is incredible and multifaceted, and I highly suggest a guided tour to learn the secrets of the cemetery. Bonaventure Don and Wise Guys Golf-Cart Tours (mobility-impaired option) both offer excellent (paid) historic tours of the cemetery. The Bonaventure Historical Society provides a free guided tour the second weekend of every month.
Bonaventure Cemetery Tours
Colonial Park History Tours
Ongoing throughout October – confirmed
200 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31401
I haven’t been on this tour yet, but I plan to try it soon. I just wanted to mention it since there are very few tours that actually focus on the facts, while this one does.
Colonial Park Guided Tour
Bonaventure Speaks – After Hours Tour
October 17, 2024 – confirmed
330 Bonaventure Rd, Thunderbolt, GA 31401
This special after-hours tour of Bonaventure is for a good cause! Proceeds benefit Bonaventure Historical Society’s efforts to repair the cemetery and replant trees after damages sustained from Hurricane Helene. The immersive experience will bring the stories of Bonaventure to life at nine stops along the route where some of the cemetery’s most famous residents were laid to rest.
More Info
Related Reading: Is Colonial Park Cemetery the Best Place to Spot a Ghost in Savannah?
Live Shows and Movies
If it happens to rain and you need some indoor activities to fill your nights, these shows make excellent options…
Immersive Horror Stories of Savannah
Daily throughout October – confirmed
Location: Historic District
301 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Savannah, GA 31401
This ghost-hunt trolley tour + live show is a great way to experience some of the spookiest stories Savannah holds. It’s hosted by The Savannah Underground — an interactive theatre that showcases some of the city’s local talent. Actors “bring to life” some of Savannah’s scariest tales, such as the Foley House murder, Savannah’s devastating Yellow Fever epidemic, and the exorcism that took place at the Hampton-Lillibridge House.
More Info
The Rocky Horror Picture Show LIVE
Various showings Thur/Fri/Sat/Sun throughout October – confirmed
Club One | Bay Street Theater
1 Jefferson Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Newly engaged couple, Brad Majors and Janet Weiss, get caught in a storm and find themselves at at the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter as he and his minions unveil their Halloween masterpiece, and all sorts of madness ensues!
More Info
The Shining
October 3, 2024 – confirmed
Lucas Theatre for the Arts
32 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Stanley Kubrick meets Stephen King in this depiction of the human mind’s decent into madness when Jack Nicholson takes a job as a caretaker at a hotel located high in the Colorado mountains and moves his family there to live there as the hotel’s only residents during a cold winter season. This classic thriller drove the horror genre to new heights.
More Info
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
October 10, 2024 – confirmed
Lucas Theatre for the Arts
32 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401
A newlywed couple finds themselves at the mercy of a sex-obsessed alien scientist in this classic cult thriller. All ticket purchases include a prop kit to help elevate your viewing experience.
More Info
Nosferatu’s Nocturn
October 12, 2024 – confirmed
Lodge of Sorrows
415 W Boundary St. (Bay 6), Savannah, GA 31401
This event from the folks at NeverNotGoth takes place at Lodge of Sorrows and will include “Gothic enchantment and Halloween horrors.” All ages welcome.
More Info
Death and Dying in the 19th Century
October 25, 2024 – confirmed
Davenport House Museum
323 E Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Delve into the fascinating rituals surrounding death and dying during the 19th century with this immersive show held at the historic Davenport House Museum. You’ll wander through the home’s dimly lit rooms as if you were a friend or relative visiting a soon-departed loved one and will learn about funeral practices, customs, and superstitions of the era.
More Info
More Fun Ideas…
If none of the ideas listed above sound interesting, here are some more ideas to consider…
Wicked Witch Hat-Decorating Workshop
October 13, 2024 – confirmed
Syd Nichole
301 Passage Way, Suite A-203, Savannah, GA 31401
1:00 p.m. – tickets required
This is a ticketed (paid) event
Feeling crafty? Head to Syd Nichole in the Eastern Wharf District to decorate your own witches hat with dried flowers.
More Info
Game Night at Eastern Wharf
Thursday nights in October – confirmed
The Park at Eastern Wharf
101 Port Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Enjoy lawn games, Squirrels Pizza, food trucks, and fall fun on Savannah’s waterfront.
More Info
Tarot Card Readings
Saturdays in October – confirmed
Ordinary Magic
509 Barnard Street, Savannah, GA 31401
1 p.m. – 5 p.m. – appointment required!
Get psychic guidance on your career, love life, or finances by scheduling an appointment with Kristen Dunn, who has been providing tarot readings for nearly 20 years. There’s also a DIY spell/manifestation jar in the shop that is available without appointment.
More Info
If you’re planning your trip during a different month, here’s where I’ve posted more monthly events:
Also, to get a broad overview of what’s happening, here’s a list of major annual events in Savannah. Those are the events so big that they might affect accommodation and/or restaurant availability.
Savannah Travel Blog
If you’re just here for the ghosts, I created a haunted Savannah guide where you can find all of my ghost posts in one central area.
If you’re trying to plan a trip, I’ve created plenty of resources to help you out…
- When you purchase my ebook, you’ll also gain access to my very active private Facebook group about Savannah! I pop in multiple times each day to answer questions, post photos, and provide updates about the city.
- If you’re planning a trip to Savannah and wondering where to start, you might want to read my post, When is the Best Time to Visit Savannah, GA? (Hint: October!). Afterwards head to Where to Stay in Savannah Georgia to figure out your accommodations.
My Savannah First-Timer’s Guide is the most helpful resource you’ll find for planning your trip.
It has all of my top tips all wrapped up in one easy-to-read guide, and then you can pick my brain in the Facebook group if you have any additional itinerary questions!
Are you headed to Savannah Georgia in October? If you have questions, drop them in the comments below!
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Erin authored the Savannah First-Timer's Guide and loves helping first-time visitors plan their trips. She lives in the artsy Starland District and enjoys exploring Savannah's hidden gems, as well as the surrounding Lowcountry.
So many haunted things to do, how do you choose just one?