Wondering what to do this week, but tired of hopelessly sifting through event websites and online calendars? Well Savannah Made Simple has done the hard work for you, and curated the best of what is happening in Savannah this week.
“Mamma Mia!” arrives at Savannah Theatre on Oct. 6, 7 and 8 at 8 p.m., bringing ABBA’s biggest songs along with a story of family, friendship and unexpected romance. The musical follows Sophie as she prepares for her wedding and wonders which of three men could be her father. From “Dancing Queen” to “Take a Chance on Me,” the familiar soundtrack keeps the story moving and gives the audience plenty to sing along with. If you enjoy musicals that don’t take themselves too seriously, this Savannah Theatre production offers an easygoing evening packed with familiar tunes and plenty of fun.
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Fans of Gregg Allman and Southern rock can revisit the musician’s career during a screening of “Gregg Allman: The Music of My Soul” at the Lucas Theatre on October 7. The film looks back at Allman’s life, his music and the career that helped make the Allman Brothers Band a defining name in American rock. It’s an opportunity to hear the story behind a familiar catalog while remembering the musician who helped shape the sound of Southern rock. For longtime followers, it offers a trip down memory lane; newcomers can use it as an introduction to Allman’s remarkable musical legacy.
The Savannah Greek Festival celebrates its 75th year October 8 through 10 at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church Hellenic Center. Food is naturally a major part of the weekend, with Greek specialties providing plenty of reasons to stop by hungry. Along with the cooking, visitors can experience traditional music, dancing and other elements of Greek culture throughout the festival. The three day gathering has become a familiar part of Savannah’s fall calendar, offering an opportunity to spend some time with friends and family while enjoying dishes and traditions rooted in the local Greek community.
Tybee Island gets a pirate makeover when the 22nd Annual Tybee Island Pirate Festival arrives at Hotel Tybee October 8 to 11. The four day celebration brings costumed pirates, entertainment and plenty of opportunities to get into the theme. Visitors can embrace their inner buccaneer, dress for the occasion and join other festivalgoers for one of Tybee’s more distinctive annual traditions. Whether you arrive in full pirate attire or simply come along for the atmosphere, the event offers a different way to spend a fall weekend on the island. Keep an eye out for the characters, activities and gatherings that make this festival a Tybee favorite.
Jazz guitarist Jocelyn Gould heads to Nickel and Oak Lounge on October 8 for a two hour performance. Gould has built a reputation for combining a deep appreciation of jazz tradition with her own contemporary approach to the guitar. Her playing gives the evening plenty of room for melody, improvisation and the interplay that makes live jazz such a rewarding experience. The smaller lounge setting puts the focus squarely on the musicians, making this a fitting choice for listeners who prefer their concerts intimate rather than oversized. Arrive, settle into the room and let the music provide the backdrop for your Thursday evening.
Drivin N Cryin brings its “Crushing Flowers Tour 2026” to Bowl & Brew on October 9. The Atlanta group has spent years moving comfortably between rock, punk, country and Americana, creating a sound that refuses to fit neatly into one category. That history is part of what makes the band’s live shows appealing: familiar rock instincts meet rootsier songwriting and plenty of guitar. The Bowl & Brew setting gives the performance a more intimate feel than a large arena show, making it a chance to hear the band up close. Fans of Southern rock with a little edge should find plenty to dig into here.
Two longtime rock acts share the bill at VyStar Pavilion on October 9 when ZZ Top headlines with Cheap Trick opening the show. Cheap Trick brings its catalog of power pop and rock favorites to the stage before ZZ Top takes over with the blues based guitar sound that has defined the Texas trio for decades. Between the two bands, the evening covers a substantial stretch of classic American rock history. Expect plenty of familiar riffs and choruses, along with the larger than life stage presence that comes with seeing veteran touring acts in an outdoor pavilion. It’s a full evening of established rock favorites.
Ariel Posen plays Nickel & Oak Lounge on October 9, bringing his guitar centered blend of roots, blues and Americana to the Savannah stage. Posen is known for treating the guitar as more than background accompaniment, giving his playing a prominent role in both his songs and live performances. His vocals and understated approach complement the room’s intimate scale, where the details of a performance can be easier to appreciate. The 8 to 10 p.m. show makes for a relaxed Friday option for listeners interested in discovering an artist whose music sits comfortably between blues, roots rock and contemporary Americana.
The first Annual Garba Festival comes to VyStar Pavilion on October 10, introducing an evening centered on the traditional Gujarati dance styles of Garba and Dandiya. Music, movement and colorful clothing are all part of the celebration, with the dance floor serving as the main attraction. You don’t need to arrive knowing the steps Garba events are often as much about joining in as watching from the sidelines. Bring friends, dress for the occasion and be prepared to spend much of the evening moving to the music. The 6 to 10 p.m. gathering offers Savannah a chance to experience an important part of Gujarati culture.
A familiar vampire story gets a dance treatment when “Dracula! Ballet with a Bite” comes to Johnny Mercer Theater on October 10. Rather than relying on dialogue alone, the production uses choreography, music and theatrical staging to tell Dracula’s tale, with its familiar mix of romance, danger and gothic drama. The result is a performance aimed at both ballet audiences and those who enjoy a darker story as Halloween approaches. With the curtain scheduled for 7:30 p.m., it’s an evening performance that trades the traditional theater setting for something mysterious and decidedly more macabre.
Blues, Brews, BBQ, & Bourbon takes over The Park at Eastern Wharf on October 10 from noon to 4 p.m. The name pretty much lays out the afternoon: live blues, barbecue, beer and bourbon, all gathered in one waterfront setting. Rather than making this a formal affair, the event leans into the pleasures of spending an afternoon outside with something good to eat and a drink in hand. Music provides the soundtrack while the food and beverage selections keep things moving. If a fall afternoon by the water sounds better than another evening indoors, this one fits the bill.
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” returns to the Lucas Theatre on October 10 at 7 p.m., giving Savannah audiences another opportunity to experience one of cinema’s most enduring cult favorites on the big screen. The movie’s eccentric characters, musical numbers and deliberately outrageous sense of humor have made it a longtime midnight movie staple. Part of the attraction is the audience itself, since screenings can turn into a shared performance rather than a simple movie viewing. If you already know every song and line, it’s a chance to join fellow fans again; if you’re new to Rocky Horror, expect something unlike an ordinary film screening.
Andy Thomas performs at District Live on October 11, with the show scheduled from 8 to 10:30 p.m. The intimate venue offers a straightforward way to spend Sunday evening with live music, without the scale of a major concert production. Thomas brings his own material and performance style to the room, giving listeners a chance to hear him in a setting where the music remains the focus. District Live’s smaller atmosphere also makes it easy to settle in for the full set rather than treating the performance as background entertainment. For anyone looking to close out the weekend with live music, this is a relaxed option.
