From a historic tall ship to a cheeseburger birthday party, here is what is happening in Savannah this weekend.
Friday, July 24 to Sunday, July 26
Historic Tall Ship ELISSA drops anchor in Savannah
Anchors aweigh! This weekend, the historic 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA visits Savannah’s River Street Waterfront during its national Sail250 voyage, marking a return to a port last visited in 1894.
Galveston Historical Foundation brought ELISSA, an 1877 square-rigged iron barque, from a scrapyard in Piraeus Harbor, Greece to Galveston to begin restoration work in 1978. By 1982, GHF staff and volunteers completed restoration and transformed the rare, historic vessel into a floating museum that would actively sail. Today, she is one of only three ships of her kind in the world to do so and welcomes over 40,000 visitors annually. She also serves
as the Official Tall Ship of Texas, a National Historic Landmark, and a symbol of the Gulf Coast’s historic beginnings as a seaport and active waterfront.
Each day during ELISSA’s visit, the public is invited to enjoy free deck tours between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. followed by a Tall Ship Happy Hour between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday and Sunday featuring special pop-ups, Texas-based beer and wine and kid-friendly options. Toast the end of the day on Saturday, July 25 with a Salute to Sunset Party between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tickets for evening events are available for purchase at www.galveston250.com
River Street Waterfront, 1 W River Street, Savannah
Friday, July 24
Telfair exhibit explores Savannah’s Revolutionary divides
A second opportunity to consider the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence occurs with the opening of the exhibition “Divided Loyalties: Stories of the American Revolution.” Telfair Museums features work from the permanent collection that reveals the complications of living in revolutionary times, especially in Savannah. While colonial politicians and businessmen were at odds with families, friends, and partners, women made difficult decisions to protect themselves. Meanwhile, people of African and Indigenous descent were left out of critical conversations yet pulled into violent clashes. Additionally, the exhibition includes works from earlier milestones in the 19th and 20th centuries to illustrate how Americans have previously wrestled with the stories of their country’s foundation and questions about its future.
Through February 2027 at the Jepson Center, 207 W. York Street, Savannah
Saturday, July 25
Family Day brings high-seas fun to maritime museum
Enjoy a free admission Family Day, “Splash on the High Seas,” at the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum and experience creativity stations, free museum access, sidewalk chalk, and outdoor fun. In partnership with Memorial Health’s Dwaine & Cynthia Willett’s Children’s Hospital of Savannah and Safe Kids Savannah, the Museum will also teach water, boat, and emergency safety and give life jacket demonstrations.
10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, 41 MLK R. Boulevard, Savannah
Patty the Cheeseburger turns 18 in Savannah
Everyone is invited to join Patty the Cheeseburger (and her sister Pammy the Twinkie) as she celebrates her 18th birthday at White Whale Craft Ales. Savannah-based artist Rubi McGrory be-sequined a McDonald’s cheeseburger during her time at SCAD, and (disturbingly) the non-refrigerated cheeseburger is still going strong 18 years later. There will be birthday cake (of course) and appearances by Patty’s stylish nugget friends. More information at www.thePattyParty.com.
6 p.m. to 9 p.m., White Whale Craft Ales, 1207 Bull Street, Savannah
Sunday, July 26
Skaters unite for Tybee beach bash and benefit film
Celebrate skating culture, community and connection at the free Summer Beach Bash. When Savannah lost Star Castle, its only indoor skating rink, last summer, skaters, parents and community members formed the nonprofit 912 Skaters Coalition to foster unity and growth among local skaters. Join the Coalition at Tybee Post Theater from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with DJ Live Child, food, prizes, vendors and family fun. Stay to watch the 4 p.m. benefit screening of the powerful documentary “United Skates” which explores the rich history, cultural impact, and ongoing fight to preserve roller skating rinks across the country. Tickets available at the door or visit www.tybeeposttheater.org to buy advance tickets. After the movie, join the Worldwide Rollout Day at 6 p.m. Bring your skates, bike, skateboard or scooter and enjoy a sunset roll to Fannie’s and back.
Beach Bash 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Movie at 4 p.m.; Rollout at 6 p.m. Tybee Post Theater, 10 Van Horne Avenue, Tybee Island
Experience Chaplin’s ‘The Kid’ with live organ accompaniment
Experience the majesty of the Wurlitzer at a special screening of Charlie Chaplin’s first full-length feature film “The Kid.” Organist Ron Carter accompanies the expressive masterwork of silent cinema in the magnificent Lucas Theatre for the Arts. Tickets are free for SCAD Card holders and children under 12; $10 for students, military, and seniors; and $15 for the public.
2 p.m., Lucas Theatre, 32 Abercorn Street, Savannah
Tuesday, July 28
Turtle Tuesday offers close encounters at UGA Aquarium
Join the UGA Aquarium staff for Turtle Tuesday to learn animal husbandry in action and get up close with diamondback terrapins, box turtles, spotted turtles and more. All ages are welcome but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. This program is included in the cost of admission: $8 for adults; $6 for children 3-17; $5 for seniors, military and college students. Other programs include Toddler Touch Tanks on July 29, Friday Feedings, and a behind-the-scenes aquarium tour on Wednesday, July 22. Visit www.gacoast.uga.edu for details.
10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., UGA Marine Education Center & Aquarium, 30 Ocean Science Circle, Skidaway Island, Savannah
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Historic ship, Family Day, Charlie Chaplin and Turtle Tuesday on tap
