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18 SAVANNAHCHAMBER.COM An Active Social Calendar From festivals and parades to marathons and concerts, there's always something amazing happening in Savannah. Some of the more renowned gatherings include: Savannah Music Festival Founded in 1989, this annual weeks-long festival is Georgia's largest musical arts event. The sounds are varied, the classes abundant and the performances plenty, with nearly 500 artists coming from all over the globe. St. Patrick's Day Parade Families and revelers come from hundreds of miles around to attend this beloved parade, one of the biggest such celebrations in the country and one that celebrates Savannah's rich Irish heritage. Savannah Black Heritage Festival This festival blends education and entertainment throughout February as the city outlines its chapter of the African American story. SCAD Savannah Film Festival This multi-day extravaganza has something for everyone, from serious fi lm buffs to star-struck fans. BEFORE MAKING PLANS, CHECK VISITSAVANNAH.COM FOR UPDATED INFORMATION. L I V I N G H E R E S T E P A F R I K A ! Savannah Black Heritage Festival Explore a long list of more events around the area at visitsavannah.com/ events, or scan this code. 3. Become cultured. From theaters and museums to art enclaves, opportunities abound to be educated and inspired. Transport yourself to another era at the American Prohibition Museum and the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum. Catch impressive contemporary works at the Jepson Center for the Arts. Feast your eyes on cutting-edge modern art installations and breathtaking fashion displays at the SCAD Museum of Art or experience the oddities at the Graveface Museum. Build your own priceless collection at one of our unique galleries, like Liquid Sands Glass Gallery, Laney Contemporary or Irritable Pelican Gallery & Pelican's Palette. Fill your calendar at the Lucas Theatre for the Arts, with everything from live music to classic movies, or check out the evolving calendar of Victory North, in the Starland District. Craft your own souvenir at Hostess City Hot Glass, discover your hidden talent via classes at the Savannah Cultural Arts Center or visit up-and-coming artists at the local art incubator ARTS Southeast. 4. Yum, yum, get ya some. From classic shrimp and grits to divine ice cream made the old-fashioned way, we consider eating a pastime. Dine on classic Southern fare, whether you're looking for fi ne dining at The Olde Pink House, a home-style experience at Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room or a sweet treat, like a scoop of the Savannah Socialite at Leopold's Ice Cream. Looking for modern and fresh fl avors? Head to Shuk Mediterranean for healthful meals or all-day cafe and gourmet market Dottie's for hearty breakfast options, a delectable pastry case, soups, sandwiches and an Instagram- worthy charcuterie board. The two massive smokestacks on the west end of River Street mark the Plant Riverside District, where a dozen-plus eateries take you from Africa to Japan to Mexico. Dine under the stars or stroll with food-in-hand as you check out the rooftop bars, shopping and entertainment. Located just steps from Forsyth Park and tucked inside chic Hotel Bardo, the coastal-Italian restaurant Saint Bibiana is raking in rave reviews. Explore the menu and the space at Cohen's Retreat, a renovated historic property that includes a bar, restaurant, event venue and shop, the Brown Dog Market. Traffi c in some fun fare at a variety of food trucks. Options rotate at food truck parks in Starland Yard. Or catch one like Bowtie Barbecue Co. coming to a neighborhood, festival or outdoor event near you. Savannah Wine Institute, 208 Wine Bar and Savannah Wine Cellar offer wine tastings that will teach your palate a thing or two about the fi ner things in life. Bring out your own inner chef with lessons at Chef Darin's Kitchen Table. 5. Enjoy life in a coastal community. Now that you have Tybee Island in your backyard — just 20 minutes from down- town Savannah — all your friends and family are going to want to come visit. Fuel up with an espresso drink, cold brew, organic tea, frappe or smoothie from Tybean Art & Coffee Bar. Then race to the top of the lighthouse at Tybee Island Light Station and Museum. Explore coastal Georgia's tidal rivers and creeks, marshes and shoreline with Georgia Bight Charters, the Savannah Cruise Co. or Captain Derek's Dolphin Adventure. Catch the sunrise or moonrise from the Atlantic after a leisurely stroll on the Tybee Beach Pier. Hang ten, ride your boogie board or soak up some rays (after ample applications of sunscreen) on Tybee Island's beaches. Captain Derek's Dolphin Adventure A M B E R B L A C K