Tuesday, Sept. 15
Victorian Society hosts free lecture on actress Ellen Terry and Sargent
The Savannah Chapter of the Victorian Society in America’s first meeting of the 2026-2027 season features a talk entitled “Sargent’s Ellen Terry: A reimagined Pre-Raphaelite Beauty?” April Moore, Public Programs and Education Coordinator for the Tybee Island Historical Society, began her career as a costume designer for theater and opera before receiving her MA in ART History from SCAD. She discusses Victorian painter John Singer Sargent’s portrayal of the famed British actress Ellen Terry. Admission is free with membership or $10 for guests.
5:30 p.m. reception and 6 p.m. lecture at the Green-Meldrim House, 14 W. Macon Street.
Wednesday, Sept. 16
The Stacks hosts Pop-Up Book Bar in Midtown Savannah
Join The Stacks Bookstore (a local, author-owned and operated independent bookstore in midtown Savannah) for a Pop-Up
Book Bar! Come grab a drink, order a genre from the book menu for $20, and The Stacks will pair you with a great read! Sit among new book friends to read or chat. No reservations are needed.
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at First City Brewing, 1722 Habersham Street.
Thursday, Sept. 17
Free Constitution Day admission offered at Fort Pulaski
Fort Pulaski National Monument offers free admission in celebration of Constitution Day. Start your day by watching the 20-mintue park film inside the climate-controlled visitor center before exploring the 19th century brick fort on Cockspur Island, walking the moat and ramparts, touring the heavily fortified arched brick casemates with their 7.5-foot-thick walls, and learning Civil War history at the site of a pivotal 1862 siege. Fort Pulaski also offers an abundance of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, fishing, and birdwatching.
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Fort Pulaski national Monument, 101 Fort Pulaski Road, US Hwy 80E
Former ambassador, GSU experts discuss Iran and Ukraine
The Savannah Council on World Affairs presents Larry Silverman, former US Ambassador to Kuwait; Jacket Lubecki, professor of internarial studies at GSU; and Matt Flynn, GSU international political scientist, for a stimulating and timely discussion on two complex foreign policy challenges: Iran and Ukraine. Security is on-site and free parking is available. Admission is free for members, full-time students, and active military. Guest fee is $20.
7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Coastal Georgia Center, 305 Fahm Street.
Friday, Sept. 18 to Sunday, Sept. 20
Savannah Jazz Festival brings free music to Forsyth Park and beyond
The Savannah Jazz Festival returns with 15 free performances and a full weekend of music! Friday night at Forsyth Park kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with Georgia Blues songstress EJ Kight, followed by Gino Castillo & The Latin Cowboys, and the Joe Gransden Big Band. Jazz on Saturday at Forsyth Park starts with a 3 p.m. performance by the University of North Florida Jazz Ensemble #1, followed by the Hall of Fame Band; saxophonist Brian Miller; the Storyville Stompers; the Savannah Jazz orchestra with vocalist Jan Monheit; and the headlining Huntertones who take the stage at 9:30 p.m. Need more music? Head over to the ballroom at the DeSoto Hotel, 15 E. Liberty Street, for a late-night jam session and attend Sunday’s School Band Day from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at District Live, 400 W. River Street. The 2026 Festival is presented in honor of Bob Faircloth’s 90th birthday. Read the entire schedule at www.savannahjazz.org. Admission is free for all events, but tickets are available on the website for admission to the Nickel & Oak Lounge Patrons’ Tent.
Saturday, Sept. 19
Thunderbolt hosts Community Clean Up Day at park on river
Make a difference, connect with neighbors, (earn a tee shirt!), and help create a cleaner, greener tomorrow by joining the Town of Thunderbolt for a Community Clean Up Day at W.E. Honey Park on the Wilmington River. The Thunderbolt Safe & Tidy Clean Up volunteer registration can be found at www.thunderboltga.org
10 a.m. to 12 noon at W.E. Honey Park, 2450 Mechanics Avenue, Thunderbolt
Sunday, Sept. 20
Savannah Photo Club hosts social meetup and downtown photo walk
Explore the beauty of our city through your lens by joining photographers of all levels at a 9 a.m. social meetup followed by a 10 a.m. Photo Walk hosted by the Savannah Photo Club’s founders Josh Lindsey, Daniel White, and Randall Patrick. All photography enthusiasts are invited to join this fun and supportive group outing; come explore the beauty of our city through your lens. Follow the Savannah Photo Club at www.instagram.com/savannahphotoclub
9 a.m. social meetup at Savannah Coffee Roasters, 215 W. Liberty street. 10 a.m. Photo Walk.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Free Savannah Jazz Festival headlines this week's best events
