Free Annual Events

Polar Plunge

January 1

Dive into the excitement as brave participants take the plunge into the chilly waters of the Atlantic. This beloved tradition brings together locals and visitors for a day of fun and unforgettable memories. It’s the perfect way for the ENTIRE FAMILY to start off the New Year!

SCAD Art Festival

May 3

SCAD Sand Arts Festival 2024, hosted by the School of Foundation Studies, is an annual university-wide competition where students and alumni compete to create amazing Sand and Air Sculptures for huge cash prizes! The festival attracts thousands of visitors to the beautiful Island of Tybee to view their masterpieces.

Labor Day Beach Bash

September 1st

Enjoy the ocean breezes, while live music fills the air from the Tybee Island Pier & Pavilion. Come to the Annual Labor Day Beach Bash featuring free live entertainment

St. Patrick’s Day

March 9

The annual Tybee Island Irish Heritage Celebration Parade is two hours of awesome jam-packed with music, marchers and so much more. The family-friendly float fest starts at Tybee City Hall and travels down Butler Avenue to Tybrisa Street. Wear your brightest green garb and get ready to party at the parade!

Beach Bum Parade

May 17th

Since a couple of local Tybee Island softball teams had a little fun in 1987, and the waterlogged tradition continues —

Tybee’s annual Beach Bum Parade is the  “the south’s largest water fight”

Thousands of families will be up on Butler Avenue in anticipation for floats to drive by and soak them with water as they spray right back.

Pirates Fest

2nd Weekend of October

Escape the ordinary… if only for a weekend. Join us for the annual Tybee Island Pirate Fest! Entertainment includes live music, pirate performers, a parade, and a few surprises in between. Tybee Pirate Fest is fun for pirates of all ages.

4th of July

July 4th

Join Tybee on July 4th for a beautiful Independence Day fireworks display over the Atlantic Ocean. Fireworks start at 9:15ish and are shot from the Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion.

Christmas Parade

1st Weekend of December

Get ready for a dazzling display of holiday cheer at the Tybee Island Christmas Parade of Lights! This festive parade transforms the streets of Tybee into a winter wonderland filled with shimmering lights and joyful celebration.