What is the Savannah Irish Festival?
The Savannah Irish Festival isn’t just an event—it’s the heartbeat of Green Season, a vibrant, educational, and family-friendly celebration that honors Irish culture while uniting the community. It lights the path leading to Savannah’s iconic St. Patrick’s Day parade—a beloved tradition that transforms the city into a sea of green and welcomes thousands upon thousands each year. This unique blend of history, culture, and communal joy is what keeps Savannah’s Irish spirit thriving.
History
Celebrating Irish Heritage in Savannah Since 1993!
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For more than three decades, the Savannah Irish Festival has proudly celebrated the city’s deep Irish roots through a vibrant showcase of music, dance, and cultural traditions. What began in 1993 as a modest indoor event has grown into one of the Southeast’s premier Irish festivals. Held each February, the festival serves as the official kickoff to Savannah’s beloved St. Patrick’s Day season—one of the largest and most iconic in the United States.
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The festival features world-class Irish musicians, dancers, and storytellers performing across multiple stages, including a dedicated cultural stage and a more intimate setting where attendees can engage in one-on-one conversations with performers. Visitors can explore a wide array of vendors offering authentic Irish goods, handmade crafts, and products from local artisans. A variety of food trucks provide delicious fare, with options ranging from traditional Irish dishes to local favorites.
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Families are warmly welcomed, with kid-friendly entertainment, hands-on activities, and cultural exhibits designed to educate and inspire attendees of all ages.
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Organized entirely by passionate volunteers and supported by generous sponsors, partners, and community members, the Savannah Irish Festival continues to be a heartfelt tribute to Ireland’s enduring legacy. Each year, it brings the spirit of Ireland to life in Savannah—fostering pride, connection, and celebration through every note played and every step danced.
Christin Rouse
President & Vendor Coordinator
Christin Sitgreaves Rouse serves as an Accounting Specialist at Dulany Industries in Savannah, GA. A proud graduate of St. Vincent's Academy, she holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Armstrong Atlantic State University. Christin is also the dedicated historian for the Daughters of Ireland.
In her free time, she enjoys photography, traveling, live music, and making memories with her daughter and friends—especially during Savannah’s beloved “Green Season.” Christin has proudly served as the festival’s Vendor Coordinator for nearly four years.
Deana Shores
Vice- President
Deana Shores is proud to come from a deeply rooted Savannah Irish family. From birth, she’s been a part of every St. Patrick’s Day Parade—whether carried, pushed in a stroller, or walking on her own. Over the years, Deana has served in numerous roles on the Savannah Irish Festival Committee and currently serves as President of the Daughters of Ireland.
A dedicated wife and mother, Deana is passionate about preserving and promoting Irish heritage in Savannah. She hopes the community will continue to support the Festival and its mission for generations to come. Go Dawgs!
Tara Reese
Treasurer & Podcast Host
Tara serves as the Member Relations Manager at the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and is one of six co-founders of the Savannah GAA. She chaired the Savannah Irish Festival from 2020 to 2024 and has also led the annual SCBLV Dining in the Dark event. In 2023, she served on the Tourism Leadership Council Awards Committee, an organization she is passionate about supporting. Tara is a member of the Leadership Savannah Class of 2025 and handles the Festival marketing and is the host of the Savannah Irish Podcast. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Dori Sessoms
Secretary
A proud Savannah native, Dori Sessoms has dedicated 27 years to law enforcement and currently serves as a detective with the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System Police Department. She is a graduate of St. Vincent's Academy and attended Armstrong State College.
Dori is an active member of several organizations including N.A.S.R.O., G.A.S.R.O., G.G.I.A., Daughters of Ireland, and the Savannah Irish Festival Committee. She also serves as President of The Police Emerald Society of Southeast Georgia. Outside of her professional life, Dori enjoys spending time with her friends and family. For her, St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just a day—it’s a season! Erin Go Bragh!
Walt Harper
Julie Clarke Morris
Terrie Osbourne
Shirley Humphries
Are you coming to Savannah for St. Patrick's Day?​"Here in Savannah St. Patrick's isn't just a day, it's a whole season!" ~ Dori Sessoms. It's true here in Savannah, St. Patrick's is a whole season, not just a one-day event. Plan early and make your reservations well in advance for all things Irish because where you may call it a "once-in-a-lifetime experience" we call it a tradition! ​For more information on events happening in Savannah during this time please check out the Visit Savannah page dedicated to all things Irish. Also, check out the official Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade website to learn more about the parade!​​
The Faces Behind the Festival
​For information on The Savannah Irish Festival Committee's for Vulnerable Adults and Child Protection Policy click here.
