To get things started off right, head on over to the Savannah Civic Center after work because the Savannah Junior League is having a preview of Friday and Saturday's Thrift Sale! $35 gets you in on all the great deals early. It's lasts from 5:30-10 PM, but don't worry if you miss out on Thursday. The sale starts up again on Friday. General Admission is $5 on Friday, $3 on Saturday and the sale starts up at 10 AM.

 

Later on Thursday you can head on over to Tantra Lounge to find some great electronic music. DJ Culprit is back and teaming up with Cavity and Epiphany with plans to serve you bass all night long. Come early and stay late - things get kicking around 11 PM.

 

And I know y'all were waiting for this (I sure was) - October, of course, means OKTOBERFEST! Things start bright and early Friday morning and the fun lasts all weekend at River Street Marketplace, so don't miss out! There will be Savannah favorites like wiener dog races, German food, oompah bands and much, much more! There will be something to do all day but don't forget Mustang Sally goes on stage at 7 PM. The night will end with a bang with Wet Willie's Fireworks Show set to begin at 9:30 PM.

 

If you can't come into Savannah for the Oktoberfest festivities, check out "The Treasure of Lefty the Pirate" at the Tybee Gym on Friday night. The play continues all weekend with shows at 6 PM. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door. The musical, written and directed by Tybee residents, will be raising money for Tybee's historic Post Theater.

 

Saturday is just as Jam-Packed as the rest of the weekend. The day begins with two great events that I personally love! 8 AM brings registration for the annual Oktoberfest Weiner Dog Races with the event set to begin at 10 AM. Proceeds benefit local pet assistance charities so bring your dachshund (or just your support) and have an all-around fun time. Head over to Forsyth Park after the races, because the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society is hosting their 4th Annual Buddy Walk Festival at 10:30 AM. It's a one-mile walk that anyone can participate in and not only is it a great chance to raise awareness, but proceeds go to future local and national education and research projects for Down Syndrome. Registrations is $12 per person.

 

Saturday also brings The Rhinelanders to the stage at Ocktoberfest in River Street Marketplace for some more great oompah music from 12-3 PM and the Roger Wood Sausage Eating Contest begins at 2 PM at the Arbor Stage. The River Street Oompah Band goes on at 6 PM.

 

Playhouse Disney Live! also hits the Savannah Civic Center this weekend, with shows on Sunday at 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM. "The Treasure of Lefty the Pirate" continues at the Tybee Gym and Oktoberfest winds down (or revs up?) with The Rhinelanders again at 12 PM at the Arbor Stage, The River Street Oompah Band at 6PM and Jeff Beasley at the WWII Stage from 12-7 PM. End your day right with Picnic in the Park 2009 at Forsyth Park. This year's theme celebrates Savannah's on music legend Johnny Mercer. Come at 4:30 PM and bring your picnic basket to enjoy the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra with good times, food, music and friends. Special prizes go to the best picnic layout based on a Johnny Mercer song.

 

 I know I'm looking forward to the weekend - I think I may need to take next week off to recover...but hey! Isnt' that the fun of Savannah? There's always something going on, always someone to see or somewhere to be... Check back soon, because Key to Savannah will always keep you in the loop and be your key to all the great Savannah events. If you've got an upcoming event, let us know by using our Event Submission Form.