Coastal Ga. Weekend: Savannah And Coastal Events Oct. 2-5

Amy Brock of Visit Savannah and Heather Henley of Do Savannah help you plan a fun weekend in Savannah.

Amy’s picks:

-This weekend marks the opening of Dreadful Pestilence: Savannah’s Yellow Fever of 1820 at the Davenport House. The living history presentation features perspectives from a cast of historical characters on the deadly disease that struck the city. It’s the production’s final season, and reservations are strongly recommended. Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 31, 7:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.; $15 in advance for adults and $10 for kids 8-17, $17 adults and $15 kids at the door

-Enjoy a number of art events at the Jepson Center this weekend:

The Savannah Collects exhibit will open, showcasing the art in the city’s private collections. A lecture is included in museum admission on Oct. 2. Oct. 3-Jan. 18; $12 admission, $5 for students

The whole family can enjoy the Port City exhibition with Free Family Days, which includes activities to teach visitors about the ships seen in the exhibit’s artwork. Saturday, 1-4 p.m.; free

Try your hand at your own port-inspired art with a group “Sketch Crawl.” Tour the Port City exhibit before heading down to the river with sketchbooks in hand to draw the scenes. Saturday, 3-6 p.m.; free with registration

-Have some fun for a cause on Saturday with the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society’s Buddy Walk in Forsyth Park. The one-mile walk is open to all -- including strollers, pets, wheelchairs and wagons. Saturday, 10 a.m.; $12 per person, $40 for family of four

Heather’s picks:

-Celebrate Oktoberfest on River Street all weekend long, with the special highlight of the annual wiener dog race on Saturday. In addition to the races, the event will feature a costume contest and owner-pet lookalike contest. Oktoberfest Friday noon-10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; free. Races Saturday 10 a.m., registration 8:30-10:30 a.m.; $25 to enter, free to watch

-You’ve got another chance to support local musician and artist Keith Kozel in his battle with kidney disease with a benefit show Saturday at the Jinx. Bands including Hot Plate and Winston Facial will play, plus raffles and silent auctions. Saturday, 6 p.m.; $10

-Enjoy the beautiful music of the Savannah Philharmonic and a number of other groups with Picnic in the Park on Sunday in Forsyth Park. And don’t forget an elegant picnic spread -- there’s a contest for the best display, following the theme “Fly Me to the Moon.” Sunday, 3-9 p.m.; free

Tags: Savannah, coastal ga weekend, keith kozel, the jinx, picnic in the park, savannah philharmonic, davenport house, jepson center, Oktoberfest, do savannah, Visit Savannah