Asian Cultural Festival / Armstrong

Molly Swagler of the Tourism Leadership Council and Scott West of Savannah Master Calendar offer some ways to have fun this weekend.

Molly’s picks:

-Learn a bit of nautical history on replicas of Christopher Columbus’s ships Nina and Pinta, in Savannah through Sunday. The Nina was built entirely by hand, just like the original would have been. Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; $8 with discounts for seniors and students.

-The Savannah Music Festival is still underway with a packed schedule of concerts through the weekend. Enjoy some of the festival for free Thursday with Swing Central Jazz, a free showcase of high school jazz band finalists from around the state hosted by GPB Jazz Spot host Masani. Thursday, 4 p.m.; free. Full festival schedule here.

-Visit some of Savannah’s beautiful, historic homes with the annual Tour of Homes and Gardens, Thursday through Sunday. Enjoy a three-hour tour, lunch at different restaurants around town, or breakout sessions where you can learn more on topics like flowers and antique furniture. Full schedule of tours and events here.

Scott’s picks:

-Celebrate Asian culture Friday and Saturday at Armstrong State University with the Savannah Asian Cultural Festival. The event will celebrate the diversity of Asian culture through cuisine, live performances, and more. Friday kickoff 7:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; free.

-Enjoy some delicious seafood at St. Peter’s on Wilmington Island at the Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fry. Friday, 5-8 p.m.; $8 adults, $4 children.

-Load up on carbs ahead of Saturday’s half marathon and 5K with the Carbs for a Cause dinner at Granite on Friday. The pasta dinner benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and comes with special deals on martinis and wine. Friday, 4:30-7 p.m. Publix Savannah Women's Half-Marathon and 5K Saturday, register here.

-Hit Savannah’s casino cruise boat for a cause on Friday with a Casino Night for the American Diabetes Association, featuring gambling, entertainment and dinner. It’s presented by the ladies of Phi Pigma Kappa, who are competing to raise money for the ADA. Friday, 6:30-11:45 p.m.; $40 in advance, $50 at the door.

-Shop for deals Saturday with a number of local sales. The Savannah Morning News Ultimate Yard Sale will run 7 a.m. to noon on Ogeechee Road, with a $1 admission fee. Charles Ellis Montessori School will host its rummage sale 7-11 a.m. at the school. And meet local artists and by their work at Georgia Furniture and Interiors Saturday at 11 a.m., with a portion of proceeds benefitting Ronald McDonald House.

-Celebrate Savannah’s favorite author with the annual Flannery O’Connor Parade and Street Fair on Sunday. The lively celebration will mark her 90th birthday with live music, a parade and costumes inspired by O’Connor. Sunday, 1-4 p.m.; free.

Tags: savannah music festival, jazz, gpb's jazz spot, christopher columbus, nina and pinta, asian cultural festival, Armstrong State University