Savannah Happenings: May 5-11
By Lila Miller
EMILY Dickinson wrote a spring poem colloquially called “May-Flower” (she did not often title her poems).
Pink, small, and punctual,
Aromatic, low,
Covert in April,
Candid in May,
Dear to the moss,
Known by the knoll,
Next to the robin
In every human soul.
Bold little beauty,
Bedecked with thee,
Nature forswears
Antiquity.
Spring is here in full bloom, an abundance of floral bouquets permeate the air. May is also Mental Health Awareness month, it’s Small Business Week, Cinco de Mayo and Mother’s Day to cap it all off. The city is coming alive again with events (and tourists) and the slow simmering heat of near Summer. Days seem to slip through fingers,
I’m trying to turn off the news, put down the phone, and touch grass more. If you’d like your event featured here, email Lilamillermedia@gmail.com. Have a great week y’all!
Mon. May 5
Cinco De Mayo
A day for celebration and to honor those of Mexican descent, in honor of a military victory over the French forces of Napoleon III in 1862, known as the Battle of Puebla. Cinco de Mayo is not to be confused with Mexican Independence Day, which falls on September 16. Many restaurants and bars across Savannah offer meal and drink specials.
Cookies for Choice to Benefit Planned Parenthood
Presale drop for Plan C: Cookies for Choice fundraiser for Planned Parenthood, organized by Natasha Gaskill of Sixby! Order a box of cookies, receive a cookie from 27 different participating local chefs, bakers, and restaurants. Order online: www.classy.org/event/cookies-for-choice-2025/e686299. Presale starts at 12 p.m. until they sell out throughout the week, pick up Saturday May 10. $75 per box. Pickup at Sixby and Stevedore, 220 E. 41st St. and 402 Passage Way respectively.
Open Mic Night with the Poetry Co-op
Want to try out some poetry and embrace your feelings? Join the poetry open mic night this Monday and every Monday at Water Witch. All levels of poets from literary to just starting out are welcome to join. Follow Instagram @ thepoetryco.op for more information. Free. 6:30 p.m. Water Witch, 2220 Bull St.
Tue. May 6
Small Business Week Mixer
AN evening of connection, celebration, and community for Small Business Week in Savannah. Hosted by The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, The Greater Savannah Black Chamber of Commerce, The Metropolitan Savannah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and The Savannah Downtown Business Association, this event is your chance to experience the best of Savannah’s small business scene all in one vibrant location. Food from local food trucks, raise a glass at An Sibin Mobile Irish Pub, snap memories at the Lumi Arc digital photo booth, and groove to live music under the open sky. Whether you’re a business professional looking to expand your network or a community member eager to support local businesses, this is the place to be. Come out and see what Savannah’s small businesses have to offer. Free, registration encouraged, reach out to Sam Wilkins via email, Swilkins@Savannahchamber.com. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Park at Eastern Wharf, 101 Port St.
Wed. May 7
Yoga in the Park
Yoga in the park, due to warmer temperatures. Get your stretch on with free yoga in the park this and every Wednesday with instructor Danette “Dani B.” Bauer. Each class is sixty minutes, and open to all skill levels, with breathwork, inclusive language, physical modifications. Bring a mat, water, make a new friend. Class sponsored by Collins Quarter, behind their building, on the northside, in Forsyth Park. *double check this class has not moved virtually at @danibyoga on Instagram for the link! Free. 6 p.m
Thu. May 8
Impact Magazine and Impressed Art Opening Reception with ARTS Southeast
Launch party for IMPACT Magazine's Newest Issue, Vol. 4 No. 1, and a celebration of "Impressed", featuring works by Ben Tollefson and Abby Edwards with Cleo the Project Space. Known for its bold visuals and rich storytelling, IMPACT Magazine showcases some of the South’s most exciting creatives. In tandem, "Impressed" explores memory, performance, and self-expression through Edwards’ playful sculptural works and Tollefson’s vibrant, theatrical paintings. Celebrate our artist community with light bites, cocktails, magazine giveaways, and lively conversation as we toast to local talent and cultural connection. Free and open to the public, RSVP encouraged. 6-8 p.m. Thompson Hotel, 201 Port St.
Fri. May 9
Reception and Artist Talk for The Form of Memory exhibition by Olivia Esquivel
MFA Fibers candidate Olivia Esquivel has been researching the mind as a transitional space for memory. Her thesis exhibition work uses digitally printed fabric and hand-manipulated folding and pleating to conceal and reveal images, suggesting the fleeting movement of memories in the mind. These sculptural forms spark self-reflective thought and discussion about memory. Show runs through May 11, gallery hours from 1-4 p.m. Free. Gallery 2424, 2424 Drayton St.
Intuitive Card Reading
Wanna connect with your spiritualist? Let the cards be your guide every Friday evening. This workshop offers guidance for new readers on how to intuitively handle their tarot and oracle decks effectively. This includes shuffling, maintenance, charging, basic spreads, and more! Please bring your deck of choice to use in the workshop. Check out their website for more info cosmiccornersavannah.com. $25. 5-6 p.m. Cosmic Corner, 305 E. 38th St.
Sat. May 10
SLAM: Savannah Local Artist Market Returns
SLAM is back! This local Savannah artist market features over 80 vendors, food trucks, live music, and fun for all. Free. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Salvation Army, ball field.
Forsyth Farmers Market
Spring is in the air! Find your fruits and vegetables with peace of mind from local farmers. Hit up the Forsyth Farmers Market for your local fresh produce and goods from rotating farms and vendors. Be prepared to see everyone you know and their mother-in-law. Get some flowers along the way. Year round. Free. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Forsyth Park.
Mother’s Day Scrub Making with Salacia Salts
Celebrate Mother's Day with a memorable shared experience or personalized scrub made just for her! Salacia Salts, a Savannah-based company whose high-quality, environmentally responsible bath and beauty products have been featured in Vogue, Southern Living and Garden & Gun, will help participants craft a custom scrub. $45 per person for Historic Savannah Foundation Members, $50/person for non-members. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Historic Kennedy Pharmacy, 323 East Broughton Street.
Learn to Sing with Savannah Sacred Harp Singers
Learn to sing traditional shape note music with the Savannah Sacred Harp Singers! No experience necessary. For more information visit their Facebook page or text 912-655-0994. Free. 1-3 p.m. The Whitefield Center, 106 E. 37th St.
Sun. May 11
Mother’s Day
Oh, mama! Happy Mother’s Day to all the mamas out there. To the ones, living and loving, to those who stepped up to be a mom, to those no longer with us, and those wishing to be moms. This day’s for you. If your mother is around, give her a hug, give her a call, take her to brunch.
Movie Night in the Garden: Mamma Mia!
Hang out in the secret garden courtyard for a Mother’s Day movie night with Mamma Mia! Grab specialty drinks and plates, be sure to bring a blanket or chairs to sit on. Hang out with mom and get your Greek on. Free to watch, meal prices vary. 8 p.m. Garden courtyard behind Eden Supper Club, 2605 Whitaker St.
Food Not Bombs in Savannah
Into mutual aid, cooking, and sharing meals? People could use a warm meal now more than ever. Check out the Savannah chapter of Food Not Bombs, an organization that serves food to all who want or need a decent meal. Interested in more mutual aid events? Check out @hostesscitymutualaid on Instagram. Free. 7-9:30 p.m. Wells Park.