Savannah’s late-summer music calendar gets a major lift when the Savannah Jazz Festival returns Friday, September 18, through Sunday, September 20, 2026. The main outdoor concerts take place in Forsyth Park on Friday evening and throughout Saturday, followed by School Band Day at District Live on Sunday afternoon.
The 2026 festival is free to attend, making it an especially easy addition to a Savannah weekend for residents, visitors, families and anyone who wants to hear everything from blues and Latin jazz to big-band swing, brass-band traditions and contemporary horn-driven music. This year’s main Park lineup includes EG Kight, Gino Castillo and the Latin Cowboys, the Joe Gransden Big Band, Jane Monheit with the Savannah Jazz Orchestra and Huntertones. ([savannahjazz.org](https://savannahjazz.org/the-2026-lineup/))
Here is the verified 2026 schedule, plus a few practical ways to enjoy the festival without spending the best part of the evening looking for a place to sit or park.
2026 Savannah Jazz Festival dates at a glance
- Friday, September 18: Forsyth Park concerts begin at 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday, September 19: Forsyth Park concerts run from 3 p.m. into the evening, with a late-night jam session listed at 11 p.m. in the DeSoto Hotel Ballroom.
- Sunday, September 20: School Band Day begins at 2 p.m. at District Live, 400 W. River St.
Forsyth Park is the setting for Friday and Saturday’s main-stage performances. The official festival schedule identifies the park location as 10 Whitaker St. The Sunday program shifts downtown to District Live, so do not head to the park expecting the School Band Day performance there. ([savannahjazz.org](https://savannahjazz.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/processed-CE6C906A-514C-444E-BAE8-B57042C2326A-1.jpeg))
Friday, September 18: Blues, Latin rhythms and big-band swing
Friday is a compact, evening-only opener at Forsyth Park. It is a smart choice for visitors arriving after work or for locals who want the festival atmosphere without committing to a full Saturday in the park.
- 6:30 p.m.: EG Kight
- 7:50 p.m.: Gino Castillo and the Latin Cowboys
- 9:10 p.m.: The Joe Gransden Big Band
The progression gives the night a clear arc: blues first, then Latin-inflected dance energy, then a full big-band finish. If your priority is hearing the headliner with a comfortable lawn spot, arrive before the final set rather than assuming the crowd will thin after sunset.
Saturday, September 19: The fullest Forsyth Park day
Saturday is the festival’s longest day in Forsyth Park, beginning midafternoon and moving from student musicians and Savannah jazz veterans to gospel-jazz, New Orleans brass, vocal jazz and a late contemporary set.
- 3 p.m.: University of North Florida Jazz Ensemble #1
- 4:10 p.m.: Savannah Jazz Hall of Fame Band
- 5:30 p.m.: The Brian Miller Band
- 6:50 p.m.: The Storyville Stompers
- 8:10 p.m.: Jane Monheit and the Savannah Jazz Orchestra
- 9:30 p.m.: Huntertones
There is plenty of variety here, so consider pacing the day rather than arriving only for the final act. The afternoon is well suited to a blanket-and-snacks setup; early evening is ideal for catching the Storyville Stompers’ brass-band sound; and the final two sets make a strong double feature for listeners who prefer vocals, orchestra arrangements and a high-energy finish.
The schedule also lists a late-night jam session at 11 p.m. in the DeSoto Hotel Ballroom, 15 E. Liberty St. Check the festival’s current channels before making plans around it, as late-night event details can change separately from the park schedule. ([savannahjazz.org](https://savannahjazz.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/processed-CE6C906A-514C-444E-BAE8-B57042C2326A-1.jpeg))
Sunday, September 20: School Band Day at District Live
Sunday brings the festival’s School Band Day to District Live at 2 p.m. The program is slated to feature four Georgia school bands, with the participating ensembles listed as to be determined on the published schedule. It is a worthwhile pick for families, music students and anyone who enjoys seeing the next generation of regional performers take the stage. ([savannahjazz.org](https://savannahjazz.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/processed-CE6C906A-514C-444E-BAE8-B57042C2326A-1.jpeg))
Because District Live is on West River Street rather than in the Victorian District, build in extra travel time if you are changing neighborhoods after a Forsyth-area brunch or checking out of a nearby hotel. River Street traffic and pedestrian activity can make even a short cross-town trip take longer than expected on a busy weekend.
How to set up comfortably at Forsyth Park
The festival’s own park guidelines allow lawn chairs, blankets and coolers. That makes the free lawn experience flexible: bring low-profile seating if you want to settle in for multiple sets, or keep it simple with a blanket if you expect to move around between the stage, food vendors and friends.
Food trucks and vendors, along with beer, wine and soft drinks, are expected in the park. The festival advises attendees to bring cash because there is no ATM in Forsyth Park. Bringing a card or mobile payment option as a backup is sensible, but do not rely on finding cash on site. Drones, grills and open flames are not permitted. ([savannahjazz.org](https://savannahjazz.org/festival/forsyth-park-festival-guidelines/))
Arrival, parking and getting around
Forsyth Park is highly walkable from the Victorian District and the southern end of the Historic District, which makes walking the least stressful option for many nearby guests. For drivers, aim to arrive well before the set you most want to hear, especially Saturday evening. Street parking can be limited around major park events, and posted restrictions always take priority over a familiar parking routine.
The City of Savannah lists a Drayton Street closure from Park Avenue to Gwinnett Street in connection with the festival on September 19-20. Plan your approach accordingly, avoid circling immediately beside the park, and give yourself time to walk in from a legal space farther out. ([savannahga.gov](https://www.savannahga.gov/4289/Upcoming-Events))
Rideshare can be a useful alternative, but choose a pickup point a short walk from the busiest park edges. It reduces the chance of getting stuck in a slow queue of cars after the final set. Cyclists should also expect heavier pedestrian traffic near the park entrances as the evening shows let out.
What happens if the weather changes?
September in Savannah can mean heat, rain or both in the same evening. Pack water, sun protection for daytime Saturday sets and a light rain layer that will not take up much room. The festival says performances will continue in rain at Forsyth Park, but lightning or thunder will trigger a move to Trustees Theater, 216 E. Broughton St. Watch official festival updates before leaving home if storms are in the forecast. ([savannahjazz.org](https://savannahjazz.org/festival/forsyth-park-festival-guidelines/))
Make a weekend of it
The best Savannah Jazz Festival plan is not necessarily to see every set. Pick one evening anchor—Friday’s Joe Gransden Big Band set, Saturday’s Jane Monheit and Savannah Jazz Orchestra pairing, or Huntertones’ closing set—and leave enough room for a meal, a walk through the squares or a relaxed stop elsewhere in the neighborhood.
For the complete lineup and any day-of changes, consult the official 2026 Savannah Jazz Festival lineup. Drivers should also review the City’s current special-event closure information before heading to Forsyth Park.
