Plant Riverside District transforms into a lively Bavarian-style celebration every weekend this October, complete with Wiener Dog Races, festive games, and live music by The Rhinelanders on the Riverwalk Stage. Savor authentic Oktoberfest flavors with Bavarian-inspired food and drink specials, from giant pretzels and bratwursts to seasonal beers. Embrace the spirit of the season — don your lederhosen, dance to traditional tunes, and raise a toast to good times along the Savannah River. With family-friendly fun, spirited competitions, and plenty of Oktoberfest cheer, this is one Savannah tradition you won’t want to miss!

Games and Activities

Kickoff to Oktoberfest

September 26th

Celebrate Oktoberfest at Plant Riverside District with festive bites, from classic bratwursts to the Riverside Brat topped with bier cheese. Enjoy the keg tapping, stein holding contest, yard games, and live entertainment.

Riverwalk
5PM – 9PM

Wiener Dog Races

October 11th
Get ready for the cutest competition of the year! The 2025 Savannah Wiener Dog Races are hitting the track on Saturday, October 11, at the vibrant Plant Riverside District, presented in partnership with Savannah’s Waterfront. Watch these spirited dachshunds dash for glory in a fun-filled event the whole family will love.

Riverwalk
11 AM

Pretzel Toss

October 4th, 11th and 18th

Teams of two battle it out! One partner tosses mini pretzels, the other catches with their hat. Most pretzels caught in 30 seconds wins.

Riverwalk
1 PM
Free

Pretzel Fishing

October 4th, 11th and 18th

One blindfolded partner tries to eat a pretzel dangling from a stick—fastest to finish (or eat the most in 30 seconds) wins.

Riverwalk
2 PM
Free

Stein Holding Challenge

October 4th, 11th and 18th

Raise a stein and put your strength to the test! Contestants hold their steins straight out without spilling. Last one standing wins. (21+ with beer, under 21 welcome with root beer.)

Riverwalk
3 PM
Free

Get ready for the cutest competition of the year! The 2025 Savannah Wiener Dog Races are hitting the track on Saturday, October 11, at the vibrant Plant Riverside District, presented in partnership with Savannah’s Waterfront. Watch these spirited dachshunds dash for glory in a fun-filled event the whole family will love.

It’s more than just a race – proceeds support Savannah’s Waterfront, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving the rich history, enhancing the beauty, and promoting business collaboration along our historic riverfront. Join us for tail-wagging excitement and help make a difference in the heart of Savannah!

Weiner Dog races Savannah at Plant Riverside District

Race Details

Races begin at 11:00 a.m. in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, 400 West River Street.

Registration/check-in opens at 9:00am and will close at 10:45am or when all heats are filled.

Entry fee is $25.00. New this year – Savannah Wiener Dog Races T-Shirts! Pre-order when registering.

Dogs will be grouped by weight. Weight classes are up to 7 lbs, 8 – 14 lbs, and 15 lbs and over. Dogs must be 25 lbs or less to participate.

Fastest run certificates will be given to the winners of each heat. Then the winners of each heat will compete in a final race for the grand prize!

The grand prize winner will receive a special trophy as well as a 2 night stay certificate from the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District.

Judges determine the winner of each race. Ruling of judges is final.

Official line judges will determine the winning dog in each heat.

Dachshund-mix dogs may race in our special “Almost A Wiener” heat, but are ineligible for the grand prize trophy run.

In addition to the races, there will be a Doggy Parade and Costume Contest! Best dressed dogs and their owners will compete for first, second and third place prizes. Registration is free for the costume contest.

Savannah Wiener Dog Races T-Shirts available for $25 each. Pre-order with your race registration.

Weiner Dog Races Savannah at Plant Riverside District

Participation Rules

All owners must submit current rabies vaccination record for their dogs.

All racing dogs must be accompanied by 2 people: Owner and assistant to be of service to dog at starting gate and finish line. Owners may coax runners with toys, chews or verbal cues. No dog whistles, balloons or breakable items are allowed.

Dogs must be on leash at all times except while racing. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dog. Relief areas will be available with plastic bags, should you forget to bring your own. Water will be available for dogs.

All owners must sign a media release, as well as a consent waiver releasing all organizing parties and others from all liabilities associated with canines interacting with other canines and people. Savannah’s Waterfront and Plant Riverside District are not responsible for any injuries, human or canine, emotional or physical. Please consider the demeanor of your dog before deciding to participate in the races. If your dog is not friendly toward kids or other dogs, please do not participate in this event. We want happy hounds and humans!

Owners will be responsible for bringing participants to the staging area when their heat is called.

Owners and assistants are not permitted on the race course until when announced for their race.

All participating dachshunds must be registered and/or checked in before 10:45AM on race day.

Celebrate Halloween with Plant Riverside District during Trick or Treat on River Street on Friday, October 25! From 2–5 PM, little ghosts and goblins can collect candy at favorite spots along the Riverwalk.

Families can enjoy mini pumpkin painting with Glitter Box Studios and then end the evening with a free outdoor screening of Hotel Transylvania in MLK Park at 7 PM. Join us for a fun, family-friendly Halloween celebration on the riverfront!

Event Highlights

2:00 – 5:00 PM: Trick-or-Treat at District Seafood, District Smokehouse, District Gelato, Graffito, Savannah Tequila Company.

4:00 – 6:00 PM: Mini Pumpkin Painting with Glitter box in Montgomery Park

7:00 – 8:30 PM: Hotel Transylvania in MLK Park

Join us on Sunday, November 2nd, for an unforgettable Oyster Roast on the Riverwalk at Plant Riverside District. Enjoy unlimited oysters served with all the classic accoutrements alongside mouthwatering BBQ favorites, including cherrywood smoked pulled pork with signature sauces and Southern-inspired sides.

General Admission includes access to oyster tables and two drink tickets valid for select wines, beers, and cocktails, with a full bar available for purchase. Upgrade to the VIP Experience to indulge in unlimited beverages from the VIP beverage menu, a welcome glass of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, and an exclusive oyster shucking demo by Tybee Oyster Company.

A portion of proceeds will benefit Eco Georgia, supporting sustainable oyster farming and coastal education, while all oyster shells will be donated to Operation Shell to Shore to help restore Georgia’s shorelines through oyster reef building.

Gather your friends, sip, savor, and celebrate coastal flavors in true Savannah style—all while supporting a healthier ecosystem.

VIP Experience: $125 | 1PM – 5PM
General Admission: $75 | 2PM – 5PM

More about the cause:

Eco Georgia

ECO is dedicated to promoting sustainable oyster farming and fostering community engagement and advocacy for oysters in Georgia.
By collaborating with educators to empower students, increasing awareness and support for our coastal ecosystems, and engaging the community and partner organizations, we aim to make a lasting impact on Georgia’s pristine coastline.

Operation Shell to Shore

Shell to Shore, is a Georgia oyster shell recycling program that collects oyster shells from various sources, including Savannah, to return them to coastal areas for environmental restoration projects.

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