Savannah is an artsy city, with SCAD placed right in the heart of downtown. Art is alive here and March is the month to explore creative expression in the city. There are two free events to get you started in the beginning of the month. Another big theme for March is of course music. First there’s the Stopover festival and then the big Savannah Music Festival. March is also the month when everything turns green, and I’m not talking about spring here – I’m talking about St. Patrick’s Day. Here are some of the events coming to Savannah in March.

Free week at Jepson
Feb 27 – March 4, 2012
Jepson Museum
This week is the best time to take in a little culture at the Jepson Center. The art museum is offering free admission everyday, all day to the public Feb. 27 through March 4. Don’t miss this great opportunity to enjoy one of Savannah’s heralded museums at no cost. View the posted link for details about the different events offered each day during Free Week at Jepson Center. Hours are 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Sunday and Monday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information call 912.790.8800.

PULSE 2012
Feb 27 – March 4, 2012
Telfair Museum Explore how art and technology can intersect in Telfair Museums’ Art and Technology Festival will be back in 2012 with a line up of exciting exhibitions, performances, lectures, workshops, and events celebrating technology and creative innovation. These events are free. 

Savannah International Boat Show
March 2 – 4, 2012
Savannah International Trade and Convention Center Set course for the annual Savannah Boat & Outdoor Show. The show attracts thousands of boat owners and outdoor enthusiasts with its extensive displays of the latest in watercraft lines, marine equipment, accessories and services. Live music, fishing clinics and simulations, kids’ activities and great food make this a family-friendly event.

First Saturday on the River
March 3, 2012
Riverfront Arts and crafts, entertainment and fun for the entire family on historic River Street. This is free and open to the public. Fire engines, fireworks, fish and fiestas for First Saturday on the River. More information at www.riverstreetsavannah.com

Savannah Stopover Festival March
March 7 – 10, 2012
Historic downtown Savannah The best up and coming indie bands stop over in Savannah on their way to SXSW in Austin, Texas for 4 nights of music in the the city’s famed historic district.The Festival, founded in 2011, takes places across multiple venues within walking distance of all Savannah has to offer. Over 60 bands will perform. More information at www.savannahstopover.com The Greening of the Fountain March 9, 2012 Forsyth Park The official start of St. Patrick Day Celebration is the greening of the fountain in Forsyth Park. The greening takes place at noon.

Tara Feis
March 10, 2012
Emmet Park
This is the family-friendly version of the St. Patrick’s Day celebration with lots of fun for the whole family. Read more on our special page for Tara Feis.

Tybee Irish Heritage Celebration Parade
March 10, 2012
Tybee Island
Tybee Island outside Savannah has its own parade. Tybee Island’s fun, family-friendly parade to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Dress in green & join in the fun at 3pm on Saturday. Parade starts at City Hall and proceeds down Butler Avenue to Tybrisa Street. Call (912) 786-5444/(800) 868-2322 or visit tybeevisit.com

Girl Scouts over the Bridge
March 10, 2012
Join the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia in beautiful Savannah with a Centennial Bridging Ceremony and Party in the Park! Thousands of Girl Scouts will cross over the Savannah Bridge to symbolically cross over to the next century of the Girl Scout movement. Later Participants will gather at Forsyth Park in beautiful Historic Savannah for an afternoon of fun. Call 912.233.4501 or visit http://www.juliettegordonlowbirthplace.org/ for more info.

March of Dimes Shamrock Run
March 11, 2012
The annual March of Dimes 5K Shamrock Run begins and ends in City Market. The race starts at 6 p.m., with a free 1/4 mile Kiddie Fun Run prior to the race start. Call 912.354.5900 or visit www.savannahcitymarket.com for more information.

Celtic Cross Ceremony
March 11, 2012
Charles H. Morris Center
The Celtic Cross Ceremony is a time to honor the city’s Irish ancestors and the contributions they made.

St Patrick’s Day on the River
March 16-17, 2012
Come to Riverstreet to wear, drink, eat, and be merry celebrating on historic River Street. The great green St. Patrick’s Day fun for the O’Masses with non-stop live entertainment and more. More information at www.riverstreetsavannah.com

St Patrick’s Day Parade
March 17, 2012
Savannah is famous for it’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration with lots of people and lots of fun. This year it’s the 188th year for the parade. Read all about St. Patrick’s Day parade here.

Savannah Tour of Homes and Gardens
March 22 – 25, 2012
For the past 76 years, Savannah has played host to the Annual Tour of Homes & Gardens, which offers residents and visitors alike a rare opportunity to enter some of the City’s finest private homes. Historic Savannah Foundation partners with the Women of Christ Church to host the Tour, giving participants the chance to admire restored interiors and special furnishings that have been treasured by families for generations. In addition to a variety of walking tours, guests will enjoy seminars, special trolley tours, evening events and some of the best food and hospitality the South has to offer. Call 912.234.8054 or visit Savannah Tour of Homes and Gardens page for more information.

Savannah Music Festival
March 22 – April 7, 2012
various locations
The Savannah Music Festival is a city-wide musical arts event showcasing renowned performers in jazz, classical, Americana and world music against the backdrop of one of America’s most enchanting historic districts from March 22 to April 7. Described by The Times of London as “one of the best events around the world,” the festival features more than 100 productions over 17 days. Highlights include numerous festival debuts and unique collaborations. In addition to a wealth of varied concert programs, SMF gives attendees a chance to hit the dance floor with Cajun, Salsa and Zydeco dance parties, and also presents an unmatched variety of American acoustic music, blues and jazz. More information at savannahmusicfestival.org

The Annual Sheep to Shawl Festival
March 24, 2012
Oatland Nature Center
Observe and participate in the magical creation of a shawl from sheep shearing to carding, spinning, dying and weaving the wool. Members of The Fiber Guild of the Savannah’s join Oatland staff and volunteers in making this traditional spring celebration fun for the whole family. Crafts, games, hay rides, pony rides and other children’s activities as well as food concessions will be available. 10 am – 4 pm. For more information call 912.395.1500 or visit oatlandisland.org

Spring Garden Festival
March 24, 2012
Bamboo Farm & Coastal Gardens
Visit the Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens’ 18th Annual Spring Garden Festival. This event will help raise funds and will include educational lectures, activities for children, plant vendors, and arts and crafts vendors. Call 912.921.5460

Market at the Lighthouse
March 25, 2012
Tybee Island Lighthouse
“Market at the Lighthouse” on Sunday March 25th from 9 am. To 4 pm. The market features select local dealers selling art, antiques, collectables, jewerly, and photography. The market will take place on the field adjacent to the lighthouse grounds. Admission is free to the market.