Hey y’all, Renee LaSalle here, and the Coastal Empire is absolutely *brewing* with excitement this week! Whether you’re a dog-loving trick-or-treater, an art enthusiast, a dancing queen, a Dukes of Hazzard superfan, or a wizard-in-training, October 20th–26th has got your name written all over it. Grab your calendars (and maybe a cape), because we’re counting down the top five events you simply cannot miss. Let’s dive in!
#5 Wagoween Weekend 🐾
Saturday, Oct. 24 & Sunday, Oct. 25, 12–5pm
Pulaski Square, 18 W Gaston St, Savannah
Hold onto your leashes, Savannah — Wag-O-Ween is turning **21 years old**, and it’s throwing the ultimate howl-oween bash! Dress up your favorite four-legged (and two-legged) friends and trick-or-treat your way through local businesses from the Riverfront all the way to the Starland District. This paw-some event supports local animal rescues and shelters across the surrounding counties, so you can collect treats *and* meet adoptable dogs looking for their forever homes. It’s a win-win-win!
#4 The Isle of Hope Arts + Music Festival 🎨🎶
Saturday, October 24th — Vendors 10am–5pm / Music 10am–8pm
Isle of Hope Marina, 50 W Bluff Drive, Savannah
Nestled beneath the moss-draped oaks along the Isle of Hope waterfront, this festival is pure Savannah magic. Expect a full day of local artists, live music, delicious food vendors, and good old-fashioned community connection — all set against stunning island scenery. Bring your friends, your appetite, and your dancing shoes for this celebration of creativity and place.
#3 Twilight Ball 2026 ✨
Friday, October 23rd, 6:30pm
Palmetto Club, 1 Cottonwood Rd, Savannah
Calling all elegant evening enthusiasts! SAFE Shelter invites you to “Dancing in the Moonlight, an unforgettable night of dinner, cocktails, dancing, and exciting auction experiences — all inspired by a moonlit Savannah evening. Dress to impress and gather your crew, because every ticket purchased directly supports safety, shelter, and resources for survivors of domestic violence and their children. It’s a night of glamour with real purpose.
#2 The Big Bash Fall Festival 🚗💨
Saturday, October 24th, 10:30am–4:00pm
Tanger Outlets, Pooler
Yee-haw, Dukes of Hazzard fans — this one’s for you! Now in its third year, the Big Bash Fall Festival is going bigger than ever with THREE Dukes of Hazzard legends in attendance:
– Tom Wopat (Luke Duke)
– Byron Cherry (Coy Duke)
– Jeff Altman (Hughie Hogg)
Cooter’s from Pigeon Forge returns with official merch, plus stuntman Corey Eubanks and Ryan Evans from Counting Cars. Family fun doesn’t get more nostalgic — or more Southern — than this!
#1 Frogwarts: A Magical Adventure! 2026 🧙♂️🚂
Sunday, October 25th, 11:00am–3:00pm
Georgia State Railroad Museum & Savannah Children’s Museum 655 Louisville Rd, Savannah
Top of our list is Coastal Heritage Society’s signature fall fundraiser — and it is pure wizarding magic! Enjoy train rides, STEAM activities, wand-making, potion brewing, reptiles, owls, and food trucks galore. A train ride is included with admission unless you grab an Activities Only Ticket.
**Note:** the museums are closed 9–11am for setup, so plan to arrive after 11am — and get there early for your scheduled train ride since activities run straight through 3pm!
That’s a wrap on this week’s magical countdown, Coastal Empire! From wagging tails to wizarding wands, Savannah is proving once again why it’s the best place to Live Like Locals. Mark your calendars, grab your friends and family, and get out there to make some unforgettable memories. Until next time — I’m Renee LaSalle, and I’ll see you around town!
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