This exhibition will mainly cover agricultural practices and beliefs in Burkina Faso and Mali, which are within the savanna and forest areas of the Western Sudan region (South Saharan). Most of these lands can be difficult to cultivate, to control, so the farmers in these regions have to continuously strike a bargain with the spirits of the uncultivated terrain. This happens through unique festivals, ceremonies, and agricultural societies, which will be the topic of this exhibition.

The wilderness is significant in many African cosmologies because it is the inverse of culture – so by describing its characteristics, the ideal characteristics of African society can be defined. Many communities are organized into three realms, the spiritual, the physical, and the in-between. The physical realm is the controllable realm – it is orderly, governed by laws, and includes cultivated fields and domesticated animals. The wilderness is beyond human control so it is unpredictable, potentially dangerous, but there are powers to be harnessed as it can also be a source of medicine, sustenance, and wisdom. This exhibition will present a brief overview of the beliefs associated with the wilderness and the agricultural practices that follow, to show how these concepts translated into social experiences and visible form through selected artifacts from the Savannah African Art Museum.

Silver Torah scrolls once smuggled past pirates glint in the heart of Savannah’s moss-lined streets. This self-guided audio tour unlocks secret stories and hidden corners that most travelers never find.

What bold act inside Congregation Mickve Israel rattled Savannah’s elite? Who left behind a cryptic message in the Juliette Gordon Low Historic District that still stirs unrest? Why did art students at Savannah College of Art and Design suddenly vanish after midnight in 1996?

Move through shady squares and sunlit facades as whispered scandals, lost rebellions, and eccentric legacies unfold at your every stop. Each turn brings a new clue or lingering question, revealing Savannah not as an old postcard but as a restless crossroads pulsing with intrigue.

Ready to hunt for the glint beneath the Spanish moss? Press play and let Savannah’s secrets pull you in.

A popular sign of spring in coastal Georgia is underway as the annual Rivers of Iris bloom returns to the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens at the Historic Bamboo Farm. Featuring hundreds of vibrant irises flowing through the landscape, the display is one of the largest public displays of iris in the world and is expected to continue through early May, with peak color arriving in mid to late April.

The Rivers of Iris includes not only more than 220 Louisiana iris cultivars but also features an array of tall bearded iris, spuria iris, Japanese iris, and multiple iris species, many of which are part of important preservation and research efforts.

Visitors can experience a constantly changing palette of color throughout the bloom season while learning about the Gardens’ ongoing research into which iris varieties perform best in the Lowcountry’s unique climate. The collection also supports education, sustainability, and public inspiration for incorporating iris into residential and public landscapes.

In addition to its visual appeal, the collection serves as a living laboratory. More than 700 tall bearded iris, 150 spuria iris, and 275 Louisiana iris cultivars have been tested over the years to identify the strongest performers for the coastal Georgia environment.

Guests are encouraged to visit multiple times to experience the evolving display, as the different iris cultivars bloom well into May, and to take advantage of photography opportunities, educational experiences, and a memorable spring outing.

Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday (10 AM – 4 PM)
Sunday (12-4 PM)

Doughnuts for a great cause!! Step Up Savannah is giving you the best reason to indulge in a dozen (or two) Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

Until May 31, 2026, 50% of your order will be donated back to Step Up Savannah when you purchase via our fundraising sales page!

Simply buy online, visit your local store & redeem using your code.

Treat yourself or even gift them to friends and family here:

grouprai.se/krispykreme77141m

Join us for a night of fun that gives back! 50% of your purchase at Dave & Buster’s will support Step Up Savannah and help local families access jobs, resources, and stability. Eat. Play. Make an impact. Get your Dave & Buster’s Power Card to support Step Up & Play It Forward for $20.00 per card! Power Card comes loaded with 100 chips and can be Redeemed at any one of 150 Dave & Buster’s locations.

Get Your Power Cards!

Visit any Dave & Buster’s location to pick up your Power Card and start playing! Bonus: Encourage your community to do the same!

Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum—an acclaimed museum in Savannah, Ga. dedicated to celebrating and preserving America’s maritime legacy—is delighted to present “Drawn to the Sea: Maritime Stories From Savannah,” an exciting new sequential art exhibition and comic book featuring nautical-inspired, mixed-media art by four contemporary artists. The exhibit will run through January 31, 2027, showcasing original art designed to interpret the historic voyages of the iconic Savannah ships Anne, SS Savannah, Pulaski and Wanderer.

Featured “Drawn to the Sea” artists include Lucy Bellwood, Avery Hick, Rich King and Sharon Norwood.

Lucy Bellwood, a professional adventure cartoonist based in Ojai, Calif., focuses on the Anne, the legendary vessel that carried James Edward Oglethorpe and the first group of English colonists to Georgia in 1733.

Avery Hick, a SCAD graduate and Level Ground Comics Executive Editor, explores life aboard the SS Savannah, the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean, marking a bold turning point in maritime history.

Rich King—who has published five books about the ocean, including Ahab’s Rolling Sea: A Natural History of Moby-Dick, Ocean Bestiary and Sailing Alone—drew inspiration from the Pulaski, a luxury steamship that suffered a catastrophic boiler explosion off the coast of North Carolina in 1838, killing approximately 130 people. He is an accomplished author and illustrator who is based in Santa Cruz, Calif.

Sharon Norwood, a Jamaican-born interdisciplinary artist who lives in Savannah, Ga., takes a deep dive into life aboard the Wanderer, one of the last ships to illegally transport enslaved Africans to the United States. In 1858, more than 50 years after the transatlantic slave trade had been outlawed, the vessel secretly carried more than 400 captive Africans across the Atlantic, landing near the coast of Georgia and sparking international outrage.

In addition to the exhibition, there is a special “Drawn to the Sea” comic book available for purchase at the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum Gift Shop. The comic book was designed and published by Lee Heidel, owner and managing partner of Neighborhood Comics in Savannah, and Tania June Sammons, curator at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum.

Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.). Tickets are $17.50 for adults; $14.50 for students, seniors 65 , active-duty military and veterans; and free for children ages 5 and under. Discounted family and group tickets are also available. Additional information is available at shipsofthesea.org.

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

We’re very excited to connect with and expand our reach within the community!

Masks encouraged and provided by @maskbloc912

As always, everything we’ll bring is free free free!

Reach out to get involved! New friends and talents are always welcome
savfreemarket@gmail.com
freemarket.sav (instagram)

Accepted donations list:

• Jackets/winterwear
• Plus size clothing/mens workclothes
• School uniforms
• School supplies
• Kitchen and household items
• Personal hygiene
• Harm reduction
• Cleaning supplies
• Food
• Zines/literature
• No large furniture (but we can share it online)

ISO food, warm clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, etc in particular

ADDITIONAL MESE NEEDS:

• Boys clothes for a 10 year old
• Boys clothes size 8 & 10
• Boys shirts (men’s small-medium)
• Jeans/bottoms (boys 14)
• Boys shoes sizes 3,4,5,6
• Girls clothes size 14 or Large
• Girls shoes size 5
• Pregnancy items

Join us for the Grand Opening of Nautical Boat Club at IGY Savannah Harbor Marina on Saturday, May 9th from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Nautical Boat Club offers a white-glove, concierge-style boating experience, providing members with access to a fleet of premium boats without the hassle of ownership.

Come celebrate with us on the Savannah River and learn how you can enjoy boating made simple. Guests will have the opportunity to tour our boats, meet the team, and experience firsthand how effortless and enjoyable boating can be with Nautical Boat Club.

We look forward to welcoming the community for an afternoon on the water!

This program provides a calm, open studio approach with guidance in drawing and painting by an experienced instructor and is open to all veterans. No prior experience making art is needed. Veterans may also participate in occasional tours of major exhibitions at the Museum. This studio program provides studio space for artists to work independently but with a teacher on hand to provide guidance when requested.

We’re bringing two Music Bingo experiences to District Live in one day, giving you more music, more chances to play, and more reason to stay. Start the afternoon with RNB Bingo from 1–5PM, featuring smooth classics and crowd favorites, then return in the evening for Trap Bingo from 7–11PM, where the energy picks up for a full-on party. Guests can grab tickets to one session or both, making it easy to enjoy the experience your way. Presented by Grown Folk Summer, this event blends great music, friendly competition, and a lively atmosphere all in one place.

Experience an immersive journey through Savannah’s rich black history with Author and Historian Rita Fuller-Yates. Delve into the city’s past, from pre-slavery days to the civil rights movement, uncovering stories of resilience and triumph. With engaging multimedia elements, each 90-minute tour promises an informative and enjoyable exploration of Savannah’s black churches, communities, and the remarkable individuals who shaped its history. Join us for an unforgettable experience filled with knowledge, emotion, and maybe even a little fun along the way.