From June 16th through June 22nd, the Coastal Empire is buzzing with family fun, hoops hype, and powerful Juneteenth celebrations. I’m Renee LaSalle, your host for the Live Like Locals Top Five Events video, and this week we’re counting down the best ways to celebrate dads, honor freedom, and make unforgettable memories all across Savannah, Port Wentworth, Guyton, and beyond.
Grab your crew, charge your phone, and let’s dive into this week’s Top Five!
#5 – Smokin’ Hot Dadventure: A Father’s Day Celebration
Saturday, June 20th , 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Oatland Island Wildlife Center, 711 Sandtown Road, Savannah, GA
Turn Father’s Day weekend into a full-on Dadventure at Oatland Island! This family-friendly fundraiser is packed with activities for all ages, including:
– Gnome Depot Building
– Gem Mining (1 turn included with ticket)
– Dragon Hunt
– Inflatable Games
– Face Painting
– Open Mic Dad Jokes
– Concessions
Tickets are regular price for adults and just $5 for children, and kids’ admission includes Gnome Depot, Gem Mining (one turn), Dragon Hunt, Inflatable Games, and the Dad Jokes Open Mic.
Come laugh, play, and celebrate the dads and father figures in your life—all while supporting the incredible animals and education programs at Oatland Island Wildlife Center. Smokin’ hot memories guaranteed!
#4 – Wild Carnival at Hope Ranch in Guyton
Saturday, June 20th , 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
381 George Hurst Road, Guyton, GA
Ready to go a little wild? Head to Hope Ranch in Guyton for a full day of family fun at the zoo. The Wild Carnival mixes classic carnival energy with up-close animal experiences:
– Carnival games for kids and kids-at-heart
– Delicious food to keep you fueled
– Local vendors with fun finds and treats
It’s an easy, affordable way to get the family out of the house, soak up some fresh air, and explore a local gem. If your crew loves animals, games, and snacks (so… everyone), this is a perfect Saturday adventure in the Coastal Empire.
#3 – Charlotte Crown vs. Savannah Steel: Space Jam Day
Sunday, June 21st, 3:00 PM
Enmarket Arena, 620 Stiles Avenue, Carver Village, Savannah, GA
Basketball fans, it’s game time! The Savannah Steel host the Charlotte Crown in a UPSHOT League professional basketball showdown at Enmarket Arena—and this one’s themed “Space Jam Day.”
Expect:
– High-energy, pro-level hoops action
– A fun, space-themed atmosphere perfect for families
– Photo ops and memories that feel straight out of a movie
Throw on your favorite jersey, channel your inner Monstar or Tune Squad, and get loud for Savannah’s home team. It’s a Sunday afternoon slam dunk for sports lovers and event seekers alike.
#2 – Savannah’s Annual Walk to the River (Juneteenth Celebration)
Friday, June 19th, 2026, 8:30 AM
Wells Park (MLK Jr. Blvd. & W. 38th St.), Savannah, GA
Route: North along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to Plant Riverside District
Begin your Juneteenth with a powerful walk of remembrance, reflection, and unity. Join Mayor Van R. Johnson, II and community members for Savannah’s Annual Walk to the River in celebration of Juneteenth.
Participants will gather at Wells Park and walk north along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to the Plant Riverside District, honoring the journey from bondage to freedom and the ongoing work toward equity and justice.
Bring:
– Family and friends
– Comfortable walking shoes
– An open heart and reflective spirit
This is more than an event—it’s a moving tradition that connects past, present, and future along one of Savannah’s most historic corridors.
#1 – Port Wentworth Juneteenth Celebration
Friday, June 19th
5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Behind City Hall, 7224 GA Highway 21, Port Wentworth, GA
Crowning our countdown is Port Wentworth’s Juneteenth Celebration—a free, family-friendly evening that blends culture, history, and pure joy. Set behind City Hall, this event brings the community together to honor freedom and celebrate Black history, resilience, and creativity.
Throughout the evening, enjoy an incredible lineup of performances and experiences, including:
– Kwanza 380 bringing high-energy rhythm and movement
– Patti Gunn delivering a powerful historical reading on the significance of Juneteenth
– Kimberly Gunn with a live band performance and soulful vocals
– Temakha performing with DPI’s corporate band and a drum circle
– A special headlining act: The Mary Davis Experience
Bring a chair, bring a friend, and get ready for an evening that’s as inspiring as it is entertaining—celebrating **culture, community, and freedom** in the heart of Port Wentworth.
From smokin’ hot dadventures and wild carnivals to slam-dunk Space Jam hoops and powerful Juneteenth celebrations, the Coastal Empire is absolutely alive June 16th–22nd.
I’m Renee LaSalle, and this has been your **Live Like Locals Top Five Events video** guide—now it’s your turn to take it off the screen and into real life.
Pick your favorites (or try to hit all five!), invite your friends, support local organizers, and share your photos and stories using your favorite community hashtags. Whether you’re walking to the river at sunrise or dancing under the Port Wentworth stars, you’re part of what makes this region so special.
Get out there, live like a local, and I’ll see you at the next event!
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