Macon Pride this year will feature ten days of events celebrating inclusivity and unity in Macon from Friday, September 20th through Sunday, September 29th.

Macon Pride first took place in 2019 when local business owner and philanthropist Scott Mitchell partnered with individuals, local businesses, and organizations to bring a pride festival to the heart of Georgia.

Scott Mitchell (right) and DeMarcus Beckham (left) remembered the talented Tangerine Summers at last year's PRIDE in the Park (Photographer Nate Weeks)

The following events are currently scheduled to take place at this year's Macon Pride: 

• Friday, September 20th > 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Storytellers Macon Live: Chosen Family with Macon Pride
  • This Storytellers Macon event will focus on the theme "Chosen Family" and include entertaining stories told by those who lived them. General admission tickets to Storytellers Macon Live Pride Edition cost $10 on eventbrite.com.

• Saturday, September 21st > 7-10 p.m.: Mx. Macon Pride Pageant at JBA
  • The Mx. Macon Pride Pageant will include a competition that will showcase "talent, empowerment, and unity." The theme for this entertaining event will be "Express Yourself" and will feature talent, formal wear, and question-and-answer presentations. This year's pageant will honor Shaun "L'Oreal" Kennedy, who was crowned the winner of last year's pageant. 

• Sunday, September 22nd: Classics at the Bibb: "To Wong Foo: Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar" > 8 p.m.
  • The colorful and hilarious movie "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar", which stars Wesley Snipes, Patrick Swayze, and John Leguizamo as courageous drag queens, will be screened on the side of the historic Bibb Theatre. Attendees at this free event are invited to bring chairs or picnic blankets to relax in the small park across from the theater and enjoy the film with other Middle Georgians.

• Monday, September 23rd: Lively Libations Social at Piedmont Brewery and Kitchen > 6-8 p.m. T
  • Piedmont Brewery will be releasing a beverage commemorating 2024 Macon Pride. This event also gives guests a chance to network, socialize, play games, and hear live music from local musicians.

• Tuesday, September 24th: Rainbow Table Talk at McEachern Art Center > 6-8 p.m. 
  • Rainbow Table Talk will feature a panel discussion with special guests that will "share experiences, promote understandings, [and how to] create change." This event is free to attend.

• Wednesday, September 25th: 
  • Macon Pride's Pioneers & Trailblazers Photo History Exhibit at the Grand Opera House > 6:30 p.m.
    • This exhibit will commemorate the history of LGBTQ+ individuals in Middle Georgia and serve as a way to educate people about the stories of the lives and impacts those individuals had in different areas of business, culture, science, and service. Works from local photographers like DSTO Moore will be on display in the lobby of the Grand Opera House before Broadway Does Pride.
  • Broadway Does Pride at the Grand Opera House > 7:30 p.m.
    • Broadway Does Pride is a part of The Grand Opera House's "Broadway Does" series and will feature local talents performing Broadway-style music, from show tunes to hit songs, on the historic stage at The Grand Opera House in Downtown Macon. Tickets to Broadway Does Pride cost $10 on tixr.com.

• Thursday, September 26th: Karaoke in the Park (Third Street Park) > 6-8 p.m.
  • This annual event invites Middle Georgia songbirds and visitors from out of town to come together and sing together, whether well-known Broadway hits or popular music. Karaoke in the Park will take place in Downtown Macon's Third Street Park.

• Friday, September 27th: Haus Party Featuring Latrice Royale and LaLa RI at the Capitol Theatre > 9-11 p.m.
  • Haus Party will feature two stars of the show RuPaul's Drag Race, Latrice Royale, and LaLa Ri, as well as members of The Tribe Empire and Feral Fever. Christina Leon will host Haus Party, and there will be a meet and greet for VIPs at 7 p.m. The doors open at 8 p.m., and the show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets to Haus Party start at $20 on seetickets.us.
• Saturday, September 28th: 
  • Pride in the Park with Special Guest Lala RI in Third Street Park > 2-9 p.m.
    • The most popular event of the Macon Pride Festival is Pride in the Park. The celebration includes food trucks, booths from local businesses and vendors, as well as nonprofit organizations, games, public speakers, dancing, live music entertainment, and more. This event is free and open to the public.

There was a large variety of vendors with booths at last year's Pride in the Park (Photographer Nate Weeks)

• Official Afterparty of the Macon Pride Festival at JBA Featuring LaLa Ri > 10 p.m.
  • This party is for the night owls and will feature Lala Ri. Expect dancing, music, and lots of laughter on the dance floor and game room at JBA. Or enjoy a cold beverage in the fancy lounge or at one of the two other 

• Sunday, September 29th: The Macon Pride Family Picnic and Worship on Coleman Hill (12-3 p.m) 
  • Macon Pride's third annual Family Picnic and Worship will take place on the last day of Macon Pride. This event includes families and friends meeting for food, games, music, and dancing, as well as a multi-denominational worship service.

Make sure to check the Macon Pride website for changes and updates.

The large stage at last year's event featured fierce competition and a lot of humor (Photographer Nate Weeks)

Support Middle Georgia's mission of spreading positivity in the heart of Georgia!

Last year's Pride in the Park featured a designated stage for live music (Photographer Nate Weeks)

Macon's Sheriff David Davis spoke at last year's Pride in the Park (Photographer Nate Weeks)

Several bands rocked out on the music stage at last year's Pride in the Park (Photographer Nate Weeks)