Celebrating our independence this weekend is going to feel extra significant as we come out of a pandemic that canceled most Fourth of July events a year ago.
With so much happening in Savannah this weekend, it might be worth getting out and experiencing a few local events instead of just grilling hotdogs in your backyard.
Here are just some of the exciting and family-friendly events taking place around town.
Plant Riverside District hosts Savannah Stars and Stripes July 4th Weekend
If you are looking for one stop this weekend to get all of your July 4th celebrating in, you can’t do better than Plant Riverside where they will be offering food, music, and fun from Friday until Monday, July 5.
Plant Riverside will have music performances everyday including Lyn Avenue on Friday from 7-10 p.m., The Talisman on Saturday from 7-10 p.m., and Dueling Pianos on Sunday at 2 p.m., followed by the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra from 6-9:30 p.m.
Another highlight is “A Red, White & Blue Spectacular” circus show featuring gravity-defying performances by Savannah Cirque on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 8:30 p.m. in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park.
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Each evening will end with a colorful “America The Beautiful” fountain show designed by William Austin Smith, and featuring music by the Savannah Children’s Choir and the Wilde School of Music.
Children will love free mini-golf from 1-5 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Montgomery Park, featuring a Savannah themed 9-hole course.
Plant Riverside will also offer a great view of Savannah’s Waterfront Annual Independence Day Fireworks Show (which is sponsored by Plant Riverside) and the Freedom Floats Boat Parade.
“We’re very excited to bring a new tradition to Savannah,” said Tyler Gray, Director of Entertainment at Plant Riverside. “I think one of the best parts about what we’re doing is creating new traditions in Savannah’s entertainment district, and something that everybody and their family can get excited about. It will be a great weekend for Savannah to celebrate right after this pandemic.”
For more information visit plantriversidedistrict.com.
Freedom Floats Boat Parade
The Freedom Boat Club is celebrating Independence Day by decking out their boats in their finest red, white, and blue for an All-American Boat Parade. A panel of judges will vote on the Best Decoration and Ship Spirit, while prizes will also be offered for the People’s Choice.
Vote for your favorite boat at osmosvote.com/SavannahHarbor/FreedomFloats21. Each vote earns the captain $1 for their favorite charity, with the most votes earning an additional $250 to donate.
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Boaters use promo code WATERFRONT to get 50% off registration fees.
The parade takes place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday in front of Plant Riverside and Savannah’s Waterfront.
For more information, visit savannahswaterfront.com/event/freedom-floats-boat-parade-presented-by-freedom-boat-club/.
Independence Day Fireworks Show
The Fourth of July is just not the same without fireworks, so this year is particularly exciting considering that the annual fireworks display on the Savannah River was canceled last year.
The Independence Day Fireworks Show is free and open to the public. The city is offering flat rate $5 parking in parking garages to encourage visitors to come downtown.
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Bring your most comfortable chair or blanket and take in the dazzling display on July 4 at 9:15 p.m at Plant Riverside and Savannah Waterfront.
For more information, visit savannahswaterfront.com/event/independence-day-fireworks-show/.
Fireworks on Independence Day
If you and your family are looking to make July 4th a beach day, Tybee Island will be having a spectacular fireworks display at the pier between 9:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Traffic on and off of Tybee Island is notoriously busy on this day, so be sure to get there early and plan to stay late. Although the show is staged from the pier, the fireworks will be visible all across the eastern side of the island, so it doesn’t matter where you plant your blanket and cooler.
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The event is free and open to the public, and the pier is located on Strand Avenue. For more information, visit facebook.com/discovertybee.
Fourth of July Watermelon Crawl 2021
A healthy way to kick off an all-weekend celebration is with a little exercise. Fleet Feet and Savannah Striders are hosting the annual Fourth of July Watermelon Crawl at Lake Mayer. There is no registration fee and no prizes — just a fun and casual run down through Isle of Hope and back. There is a 6-mile course and an 8-mile course to choose from.
After the run, participants are invited to partake in a juicy watermelon feast. Bibs are not included.
The group run is free and open to the public. All you have to do is show up in your most comfortable running/walking shoes. Make sure to bring your own water.
The Watermelon Crawl begins at 7 a.m. on Saturday, July 3 at Lake Mayer. For more information, view the events page online.
Independence Day Block Party at Tanger Outlets in Pooler
Let freedom and style savings ring! Tanger Outlets Savannah is saluting the nation with an Independence Day Block Party on Saturday from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
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Area shoppers and families are invited to get in on the star-spangled fun with an array of family-friendly offerings, including a fabulous sidewalk sale, special patriotic characters, and family-friendly games.
The outlet will also be hosting a holiday sale that runs through Monday. The block party is free and open to the public. Find more information at tangeroutlet.com/savannah.
Independence Day Celebration at Fort McAllister State Historic Park
If you enjoy your Independence Day with a little history, you can celebrate the Fourth of July at Fort McAllister State Park. Fort McAllister is an earthworks fort that survived multiple attacks from Union ironclads during the Civil War. Children and history buffs will enjoy features like cannons, bomb-proof barracks, and palisades.
See what life at the fort was like in 1864 with living history demonstrations, musket firings, and old-fashioned games on Saturday and Sunday.
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Sunday will also offer fishing in the Ogeechee River starting at 7 a.m. (pre-registration is required)and watermelon slices at the barracks at 12 p.m.
Entry to the park is $9 per person. Fort McAllister Park is located at 3894 Fort McAllister Road, Richmond Hill. For more information visit gastateparks.org/FortMcAllister or call the park office at 912-727-2339.
Patriotic Concert Benefiting Homeless and At-Risk Veterans
America’s independence was won through war, so this July 4th it is worth acknowledging those that continued to fight for our freedom.
Wesley Monumental is putting on a concert of works by Scott Joplin, John Phillip Sousa, and others to support homeless and at-risk veterans. A love offering will be taken to assist CSAH Tiny Houses for Homeless Vets at the Cove at Dundee and Team Savannah 4 Veterans who give at-risk veterans hands-on assistance.
The music will be performed by the Coastal Winds Woodwind Quintet (featuring Ellie Goforth, Kristi Kiene, Sarah Spradley, Darrell Goforth and Raymond Patricio) and Monica Dekle on the Pipe Organ. Wesley Monumental is known for its beautiful concerts, so this promises to be a wonderful and uplifting performance.
The concert is at 5 p.m. July 4, and free and open to the public. Wesley Monumental UMC is located at 429 Abercorn Street.
For more information, visit facebook.com/wesleymonumentalmusic/.
4th of July Dinner Cruise
Since most of the action on the Fourth of July happens on River Street, perhaps you might want to take in the sights from the comfort of a river boat cruise. Savannah River Boat Cruises is offering a 2-hour cruise on the Savannah River followed by a perfect dockside vantage point to view the Savannah Waterfront fireworks display.
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The cruise includes a Fourth of July inspired dinner buffet, live entertainment, and drink specials. With climate controlled lower decks and an open-air top deck, the Savannah Riverboat Cruise is one of the most luxurious ways to enjoy Fourth of July festivities.
Boarding begins at 6 p.m. and the boat sails from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m., returning just in time for the fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Tickets are $125 for adults and $85 for children 5-12. Children 4 and under can cruise for free. For more information, visit savannahriverboat.com/seasonal-cruises/.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Here are events, where to see fireworks in Savannah, Chatham County for the Fourth of July
