Sunset Jazz Festival Will Mark the Opening Note of a New Era for the City

The City of Port Wentworth will turn a new page in its nearly 70-year history on August 1, 2026, when the VyStar Pavilion at Anchor Park opens its doors for its first-ever ticketed event, the Sunset Jazz Festival.The 5,200-seat VyStar Pavilion will make the Sunset Jazz Festival the moment Anchor Park officially comes to life as a true entertainment destination for Port Wentworth, the greater Savannah region and the Southeast. “We aren’t just opening a venue, we’re beginning a new chapter in our city,” said City Manager, Steve Davis. “This day represents a community that dared to dream big and work together. This would not be possible without the bold vision of our Mayor and City Council and the unwavering commitment of our partners who helped us turn an ambitious idea into a reality.”

A Milestone Years in the Making

Port Wentworth has long been known as a close-knit community anchored by its river heritage and steady growth. Anchor Park represents the City's most ambitious investment to date, and its first concert marks the culmination of years of planning, construction and community partnerships. The venue sits alongside the Ice Cove, home of the Savannah Ghost Pirates' training facility (set to open soon), positioning the Anchor Park complex as a year-round hub for sports, music, and community life.

Investing in the City's Future

The Anchor Park development reflects one of the largest capital undertakings in Port Wentworth's history. City leaders anticipate that a venue of this scale, drawing touring artists and thousands of visitors from across the region, will generate substantial economic activity for Port Wentworth. Hotel stays, restaurant visits, and retail spending tied to concerts and events at VyStar Pavilion are expected to support local businesses and strengthen the City's Hotel/Motel Tax revenues, funds that are reinvested directly into further community and tourism improvements.

A Gathering Place for Generations

Beyond its economic impact, Anchor Park was designed from the outset to serve as a true community gathering space, giving residents of Port Wentworth and neighboring communities a shared destination for concerts, sporting events, farmers markets, and family gatherings alike. ‘The first concert at the VyStar Pavilion in Anchor Park marks a generational investment in our city.” said Mayor Tracy Saunders.City officials say the Sunset Jazz Festival is only the beginning. With additional concerts (Billy Currington, Kip Moore, Brantley Gilbert, ZZ Top and Cheap Trick) and community events already planned at VyStar Pavilion in the months ahead, Anchor Park is expected to become a cornerstone of life in Port Wentworth for years to come.