Island info
Tybee throws the kind of parties a five-square-mile island can get away with: a water-fight parade in May, a pirate invasion in October, and fireworks launched straight off the pier deck in July.
The unofficial start of summer and the world's largest water fight. Floats roll down Butler Avenue armed with tanks and hoses, spectators return fire, and nobody stays dry. Bring a super-soaker, leave the phone in a dry bag, and stake a curb spot an hour early.
Four days of costumed chaos on Tybrisa Street: a buccaneer parade, a thieves' market, live music on the pavilion stage and a lot of very committed beards. Cottages book out months ahead for this weekend, and the shuttle runs late.
Fireworks launch from the end of the pier over the Atlantic, so almost any south-end sand has a clean view. Arrive by late afternoon, park once, and plan to sit tight for an hour after the finale — one road on, one road off.
The Tybee Post Theater programs live music, films and comedy in the restored 1930s army theater on Fort Screven. Add the Saturday market near the lighthouse, spring and fall beach cleanups, the Tybee Wine Festival, and the polar plunge on New Year's Day for people who don't feel the cold.