The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) will host its 17th Annual Night of Champions & Hiring Expo on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront Hotel.

The annual event celebrates businesses that provide meaningful employment opportunities to differently-abled adults, including individuals with Down syndrome, while highlighting the importance of inclusive workplaces.

Tickets, tables, and sponsorships are now available for purchase. LDSS offers sponsorships at all levels, and all tickets and sponsorships can be secured online at
https://ldssga.org/night-of-champions/

Despite progress nationwide, people with disabilities continue to face significant barriers to employment. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 22.7 percent of people with disabilities were employed in 2024, compared with more than 60 percent of people without disabilities.

Night of Champions highlights employers helping close that gap by creating environments where individuals of all abilities can contribute, succeed and grow. The evening will also feature a Hiring Expo designed to connect businesses with job seekers and demonstrate the value of inclusive hiring.

“Night of Champions allows employers to see the real impact of inclusion,” said Joe Marchese, event chair. “When businesses invest in people with different abilities, the results benefit everyone — stronger teams, higher retention and a more connected community.”

The evening will include a cocktail hour and Hiring Expo, followed by dinner and a recognition ceremony honoring businesses that champion inclusive employment. Attendees will hear success stories and learn how inclusive hiring strengthens organizations and expands opportunity.

Proceeds from Night of Champions support LDSS programs throughout the year, including Camp Buddy for children with Down syndrome, the annual Buddy Walk in Forsyth Park, and regular support meetings for families and friends.

About the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society
Founded in 2006, the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) supports individuals with Down syndrome and their families through leadership in outreach, education, advocacy and community engagement. LDSS hosts meetings and events throughout the year featuring informational speakers and opportunities for connection. Meetings are open to the community and are also live-streamed. LDSS is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society. For more information and a full events calendar, visit ldssga.org.

CONTACT
Lindsey Barron
lbarron@ldssga.org
229-457-7974

CONTACT
Joe Marchese
Event Chair
jmarchese@ldssga.org

CONTACT
Candy Bogardus, President of LDSS
jcbogardus@gmail.com
912-663-8573

MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
912-844-9990
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com

Join us for an inspiring evening of art, performance, and community at Elevate! This special event brings together the creative work of our visual and performing arts students and instructors in a vibrant celebration of their talent and work here at the Cultural Arts Center.

This year’s theme, Color, explores the powerful role color plays in art, movement, self-expression, and the unique voice of the artist.

When: Friday, May 1 | 5:30–8:30 PM
Where: Otis S. Johnson Cultural Arts Center, 201 Montgomery St.

The evening begins with the visual arts exhibition in our Visual Arts Wing from 5:30–6:30 PM. You are then invited into Ben Tucker Theater for an awards ceremony at 6:45 PM, followed by the performance showcase at 7:00 PM.

This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

This is the Savannah Scottish Games & Celtic Festival. A full day of music, pipe & drum, Highland dance, the Highland heavy athletics, hurling, tug-of-war, vendors, food, kids activities and nonstop energy.

Tag the friend you’re bringing. Want to level it up? VIP patron tickets and whisky tasting tickets are available too—grab yours before they’re gone.

The Savannah Local Artist Market (SLAM) returns for its 11th market on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join us at the Salvation Army Baseball Field, located at 3000 Bee Road (entrance on Kerry Street to the ball field) in Savannah, GA.
This vibrant outdoor market will feature over 80 local artists showcasing a wide range of mediums, including fine art, textiles, photography, sculpture, jewelry, pottery, mixed media, and more.
Enjoy delicious food trucks, paint on a community canvas, and take in live music throughout the day.
Free admission—everyone is welcome!

With a heart full of gratitude, Kristy Crill, Friends, and Family invite you to join us as we celebrate five incredible years of The Dive Savannah—an organization born out of a simple desire to love and serve Savannah through hospitality and now has grown into one of the most trusted partners to first responders and the medical community in Chatham County to end homelessness for societies most vulnerable patients.
Since our founding, The Dive Savannah has helped more than 500 individuals enter inpatient rehabilitation and to receive critical mental health, physical, and addiction recovery services. We have also reunited over 1,000 families across the country and four international families —restoring hope, dignity, and connection where it was once lost.
What makes this work even more meaningful is how it’s sustained. The Dive Savannah is not government funded. Instead, we earn the majority of our support through our weeknight meals for busy families and our catering services—allowing every act of service to be earned through excellence and directly fueled by community participation.
Along the way, we have been honored with numerous awards and have broken several records—yet our greatest achievement will always be the life we live here in Savannah and lives changed and the people brought home.

Savannah’s Premier Kentucky Derby Party is a fundraiser to support programming for homeless, runaway and at-risk youth in the Savannah community.

Attendees will have the opportunity:

Livestream the 152nd Kentucky Derby
Unlimited Pink House cuisine and cocktails, including Woodford Reserve Mint Juleps and Casa Herradura Margaritas.
The Olde Pink House will also host competitions for
Best Bow Tie,
Best Hat/Fascinator,
Overall Best Dressed
Special prizes for each category
Music/Entertainment
& lots of FUN!

This event is outdoors, Rain or Shine.

Monday, May 4

Small Business Week Kick-off

The City of Savannah, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Business Association, Greater Savannah Black Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Development Center, Savannah’s Waterfront, StartUp Savannah, Buy Local, Savannah Master Calendar, and the Metropolitan Savannah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce are celebrating the heartbeat of our community, Savannah’s small businesses.

Show your support, meet your neighbors, and make a commitment to Shop Small in Savannah all week long. Because when you shop small, you’re not just making a purchase, you’re investing in the people and places that make Savannah home.

Tuesday, May 5

2026 Savannah Business Summit

The 2026 Savannah Business Summit kicks off with a red-carpet welcome followed by a full day of connection, learning, and inspiration. Dive into sessions on leadership, financial analysis, recruiting and retention, digital marketing, and the habits that fuel resilience — all while building meaningful relationships with community leaders and professionals. At the Summit, success isn’t a solo journey – it’s a collective movement.

This year’s summit features powerful Keynote Sessions alongside a series of dynamic breakout workshops. Participants may choose from focused tracks in Finance, Marketing, or Human Resources, ensuring a tailored learning experience that meets their goals. Throughout the day, enjoy networking opportunities designed to help you build meaningful connections with fellow business owners, other career professionals, community leaders, and industry experts.

Whether you’re building a business or building your career, the Savannah Business Summit offers the strategies and connections that help you grow.

Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Time: 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Savannah Convention Center |1 International Dr., Savannah, GA 31421
Registration: Savannah Business Summit Registration

Small Business Week Mixer

Celebrate Small Business Week at Savannah’s largest collaborative networking event. The Small Business Week Mixer brings together entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders for an evening of connection and conversation.

Hosted by the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Savannah Black Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Business Association, the Hispanic Chamber, and Savannah’s Waterfront, this mixer reflects the strength and diversity of our local business community. Join us for open networking, new connections, and a shared celebration of the small businesses that drive Savannah’s economy.

Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Time: 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: The Park at Eastern Wharf | 101 Port St., Savannah, GA 31401
Registration: Savannah Business Mixer Registration

Wednesday, May 6

City of Savannah 2026 Mayor’s Small Business Conference

The Mayor’s Small Business Conference (MSBC) is a one‑day signature event hosted by the City of Savannah’s Economic Development Department in partnership with Mayor Van R. Johnson, II. This annual event brings together our community’s best local business leaders, innovative entrepreneurs, and advocates for a full day of informative workshops, presentations and networking — all designed to promote small business sustainability and growth opportunities in Savannah!

The conference also features a Reverse Trade Show, connecting small businesses directly with government agencies, corporations, and organizations seeking local vendors and partners.

MSBC is the signature event of the 2026 Savannah Small Business Week, which runs from May 4th through 8th.

Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.| Reverse trade show 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Location: MLK Civic Center |301 W Oglethorpe Ave., Savannah, GA 31401
Registration: www.savannahga.gov/msbc

Thursday, May 7

City of Savannah Purchasing: Business Opportunity Breakfast

This event, featuring breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and a 9 a.m. presentation, connects local, small, and minority businesses with City procurement opportunities, including networking and insights into upcoming projects.

Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Location: MLK Civic Center |301 W Oglethorpe Ave., Savannah, GA 31401
Registration: www.savannahga.gov/msbc

Start-Up Savannah: GRIT Pitch Event

15 entrepreneurs. 3 minutes each. $5000 total cash prizes.

You don’t want to miss out on the chance to witness these game-changing ideas pitched live on stage! Join Startup Savannah during Small Business Week 2026 on May 7th at The Clyde venue, to see the action for yourself! You’ll even get the chance to vote on the Audience Selection Prize, worth $500.

Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time: 5:30 – 8:00 pm.
Location: The Clyde Venue | 223 Martin Luther King Blvd., Savannah, GA 31401
More Info: Purchase Tickets | Apply to participate

Friday, May 8

DBA Downtown Clean Up

Join the Savannah Small Business Week Downtown Clean Up Friday May 8 from 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. by meeting at Chive, 4 West Broughton Street. All equipment will be provided on-site. including gloves, safety vest, and bags. Show your love for our downtown community by cleaning it up together.

Date: Friday, May 8, 2026
Time: 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.
Location: Meet outside Chive | 4 West Broughton St., Savannah, GA 31401
More Info: Downtown Clean Up

Join us for a joyful celebration worship service on Sunday, May 3, 2026 as we honor 175 years of faith passed down from generation to generation. Together, we will give thanks for the saints who came before us, the community we share today, and the hope we carry forward into the future.

Following the service our celebration will conclude with the opening of the time capsule buried in 2001, at our 150th anniversary – a living reminder that our story continues today.

URLs:
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3494514-1?pid=10173
Facebook: https://go.evvnt.com/3494514-2?pid=10173
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3494514-3?pid=10173

Category: Community | Religion and Spirituality | Religion

Art & Soul Music Festival returns to Savannah City Market on Sunday, May 3, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Savannah City Market Courtyard Art Center on Jefferson Street. This lively event celebrates the creativity of local artists, features live music in the courtyard, and showcases local businesses. Guests can also enjoy face painting, arts and crafts, and activities that make it fun for all ages. Don’t miss this vibrant celebration of art, culture, and community!

Historic Savannah Foundation (HSF) – the leading nonprofit cultural institution dedicated to saving the buildings, places and stories that define Savannah’s past, present and future – will continue its annual tradition of recognizing projects, individuals, organizations and companies representing excellence in preservation in Savannah and Chatham County.

A highlight of National Preservation Month, the HSF Preservation Awards is an inspiring, community-focused awards ceremony. HSF will honor noteworthy projects that were nominated by community members and selected by a jury of local professionals from the fields of architecture, preservation, academia and urban planning.

Join NAWIC of Coastal Georgia at our third annual Coastal Classic Golf Tournament. You will enjoy a round at the exclusive Savannah Country Club while supporting NAWIC’s mission to amplify the voices of women in construction. All funds raised go to support the effort of our association, including the chapter’s Grant Fund that allows members access to capital to help support their career aspirations. Whether you’d like to join in as a golf team or a sponsor, you are guaranteed a fun, festive day with architecture, construction and engineering networking and connections!

TEDxSavannah, an independently organized celebration of ideas worth spreading based on the international TED talk phenomenon, will return on Friday, May 15, 2026, showcasing a diverse group of local speakers exploring the theme of “Shaping the Future.” The highly anticipated 15th annual TEDxSavannah event will take place at the Fine Arts Auditorium at Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus in Savannah, Ga from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with doors opening at 8 a.m. Tickets are currently on sale at tedxsavannah.com, with early bird pricing available until March 1, 2026.

The 2026 TEDxSavannah event will feature thought-provoking talks by area residents and compelling live performances. Each TEDxSavannah speaker will present an interesting talk influenced by the theme and of interest to the Savannah community. Live talks will be filmed and posted on the TEDx Talks YouTube channel, which has more than 40 million subscribers, following the event.

Early bird tickets are on sale for $60, which include seating, onsite parking, lunch, snacks, coffee and admission to the speaker meet-and-greet immediately following the main TEDxSavannah event. Beginning on March 1, 2026, general admission tickets will increase to $70 per person.

Special discounts are available for educators, students, nonprofits, active-duty military and first responders. A limited number of VIP/Friends of TEDxSavannah tickets are also available for $125, which include priority seating, priority lunch access, lunch, parking, backstage access and a special VIP badge.

Tickets are currently available at tedxsavannah.com. Groups of more than eight attendees can receive a 10% discount on the price of their tickets by contacting tedxsav@gmail.com.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for TEDxSavannah 2026. Local businesses interested in sponsoring TEDxSavannah are encouraged to visit tedxsavannah.com or to contact tedxsav@gmail.com.

Come join us for the world’s oldest, largest and most fun water fight! Parade floats vs. Parade watchers. Bring your best squirt gun and the family! Tybee Beach Bum Parade 2026!

The Savannah Mile returns for 2026! This highly anticipated race is scheduled for 8 a.m. Saturday, May 16, as part of National Law Enforcement Week. The one-mile course, beginning at the south end of Forsyth Park, will take participants down Drayton Street and finish up on Broughton Street.
Featuring six unique heats for all ages and abilities, including the “Memory Walk” and “Heroes Heat”, you won’t want to miss this event! All proceeds benefit the families of our Fallen First Responders that the 200 Club proudly serves.