Choose your own Savannah adventure this weekend, from Greek food to plant swaps to pirates

It's no mere coincidence that once the humidity dissipates and there's a noticeable chill after the sun dips below the horizon that Savannah's social calendar heats up. We may not have the changing of the leaves here, but fall in Savannah is full of festivals and (fun)draisers. The challenge from this weekend forward to St. Patrick's Day ― gird your loins, people, 2024 marks the 200th anniversary of the parade ― is not burning out by over-scheduling.

Oh, but the fear of missing out, you say! Okay, we'll let you choose your own adventure for the week ahead.

72nd annual Savannah Greek Festival, Oct. 5-7, Hellenic Community Center, 14 W. Anderson St.

Enjoy a big, fat dolmade along with dipples and spanakopita at the 72nd annual celebration of things Greek. The Hellenic Community Center transforms into a marketplace of foods, wares and wonder, while traditional dancers in costume twirl to the sounds of lairs, harps and lutes. Word to the uninitiated, place your pre-orders for lunch now, or arrive early on day one to enjoy a heaping plate that will offer leftovers for days. Opa!

For more information, go to savannahgreekfest.com/.

Tybee Island Pirate Fest, Oct. 5-7, Tybee Island; Parade, 3 p.m., Oct. 7

All you scalawags and wenches, prepare for the return of Pirate Fest! The Buccaneer Ball at the Crab Shack sets sail then leads into two days of family-friendly fare beachside, including live music from Voodoo Soup and aerial entertainment by the Stardust Pixxies. Don your best pirate hat and growl out an Argh! for the annual parade.

For a schedule of events, go to .tybeepiratefest.com.

ARTS Southeast and Sulfur Studios First Friday and Street Fair, 5 to 9 p.m., Oct. 6, 39th and Bull streets

The beauty of attending an event at Sulfur Studios on Bull Street in the Starland neighborhood is that you get multiple events all rolled into one.

At this First Friday, the reception continues for "Paper Cuts: An International Collage Exchange with Axelle Kieffer" featuring more than 200 collage works created via mail art by artists from around the world. Over in the Supporter Gallery, "Off the Wall" offers small works in multiple media for sale. Artist Alexandria P. Clay showcases the finale of her ON::View Residency with ARTS Southeast.

The Open Studio Night coincides with First Friday so that guests can meet the resident artists and explore their studios where the magic happens. And along 39th Street, between Bull Street and DeSoto Avenue, artists, vendors, and food trucks showcase their wares and fare.

For more information, go to artssoutheast.org.

First Friday for Folk Music, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of Savannah, 520 Washington Ave.

Cory Chambers of City Hotel and Swamptooth and harmonic player Charles Maring headline the Savannah Folk Music Society First Friday event. This celebration of acoustic finger-style guitar and bluegrass sounds makes for all-ages enjoyment and appreciation.

For more information, go to savannahfolk.org/events/.

Brats and Beer, Anyone?: Wiener Dog Races return for Plant Riverside's monthlong Oktoberfest Celebration

Don't Miss: Terror Vision Fright Fest 2023 dares you to explore horror films, Oct. 6-7

'Everybody has different abilities:' 18th annual Buddy Walk to celebrate family and community, Oct. 7

Victory Gardens Botanical Bash, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oct. 7, 2500 Tennessee Ave.

The landscape lovers at Victory Gardens celebrates the season with a large array of native plants and seedlings to plant this fall. Throughout the sale, there will be gardening classes, a Latin Chicks food truck and vendors sharing everything from granola to healthy cleaning products.

For more information, check out the Facebook page.

Jane Fishman's Savannah-style Plant Swap, 9 to 11 a.m., Oct. 7, Urban Folk Garden on Boundary Street

Longtime Savannah Morning News columnist Jane Fishman lives on in her biannual plant swap. No money is every exchanged ― only seeds, roots and starters, and a big dose of laughter and enchantment.

For more info, check out the Facebook page.

Savannah Punk Flea Market, 11 a.m to 7 p.m., Oct. 7-8, Alee Shrine Temple, 100 Eisenberg Drive

Go thrifting for vintage vinyl and clothes as well as artisan wares that live up to the name 'punk.' More information at the Facebook page.

A Tribute to the Music of John Prine, 8 p.m., Oct. 7, Tybee Post Theater, 10 Van Horne Ave.

Although two-time Grammy winner and troubadour-poet John Prine left this earthly plane three years ago, his music continues to inspire. Local Americana artist Matt Eckstine has assembled a band including Savannah all-stars Stan Ray, Igor Fiksman, Ryan Kelly and Jared Hall as a tribute to the man and his music. Watch for special appearances by Jason Bible, Kristin King, Mandy Madson and more.

For more information or to purchase tickets, go to tybeeposttheater.org.

Stile Antico, 5 p.m., Oct. 8, Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

London-based Stile Antico is comprised of 12 chamber musicians who perform like a well-honed improv team by responding to one another in the moment. They have performed all over the world and operate without a net ...er, conductor. Beautiful and uplifting.

For more information to to purchase tickets, go to eventbrite.com.

Origin of POW WOW – Celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day, 7 to 9 p.m., Oct. 9, Tybee Post Theater

Laura Moonwoman, an herbalist, tour guide and Tybee resident, will lead a discussion about the origins of the POW WOW tradition among Indigenous peoples. Southern Drum of Tallahassee, Florida, will lead a drum and dance demonstration, while the Marcellus Ford family will showcase traditional attire. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will support the TybeeMLK Human Rights Organization.

Tickets available at tybeeposttheater.org.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: What to do in Savannah this weekend greek festival pirate fest first fridays