Macon GA
11-05-2023 3:23am

Adventures in Middle Georgia: First Fridays in Downtown Macon

Second Street became a dance floor during Play Streets: Downtown (Photographer Nate Weeks)

Many cities in Middle Georgia now host First Friday events on the first Friday of each month to encourage people to visit downtown businesses and enjoy live entertainment, fine dining, and cultural activities.

Visitors to Downtown Macon during its First Friday events can visit multiple art exhibit openings and receptions at art galleries as part of a self-guided "art crawl". 

Colorful artwork by artist Bo Walker on display at the Macon Arts Alliance (Photographer Nate Weeks)

There are multiple art galleries located on First Street including the Macon Arts Alliance, the 567 Center for Renewal, and the new Green Light Gallery.

Brianne Hall posed beside the beautiful vase she created with Macon in mind at Macon Arts Alliance's "200 Celebrating Macon's Bicentennial" exhibit  (Photographer Nate Weeks)

Other art galleries in Downtown Macon that also usually take part in First Fridays are Mercer University's McEachern Art Center, stARTup Studios, and Kirk West's Gallery West.

The artwork of Jefferson Ross, an artist, singer, and songwriter from Atlanta, is currently on exhibit at Gallery West (Photographer Nate Weeks)

During November's First Friday, Bike Walk Macon and NewTown Macon presented "Play Streets Macon: Downtown". This special event closed down some of Second Street, Poplar Street, and Cherry Street to make a temporary public park.

Play Streets Macon: Downtown closed off some roads in Downtown Macon to make an impromptu park (Photographer Nate Weeks)

During Play Streets Macon: Downtown, people practiced yoga, played games, danced, listened to live music, and enjoyed being outside without worrying about speeding cars.

Yoga teacher Elizabeth Robinson from Sparks Yoga led a free yoga class on Cherry Street (Photographer Nate Weeks)

A pickleball court was even set up in the middle of Second Street during Play Streets Macon: Downtown.

Visitors to Downtown Macon played pickleball during November's First Friday (Photographer Nate Weeks)

First Fridays also often feature live music performances at different outdoor locations, such as at Parish on Cherry St., in front of the Bohemian Den, and behind a fenced area next to the Bearfoot Tavern.

The band Groundhum performing next the Parish on Cherry during November's First Friday (Photographer Nate Weeks)

There are also live music performances and entertainment events that take place at other places in Downtown Macon like Grant's Lounge, JBA, The Capitol Theatre, The Hummingbird, the Grand Opera House, and at many restaurants and bars as well.

During December's First Friday, the Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza will light up the nights with more than a million festive Christmas lights to get visitors in the holiday spirit.

Visitors to "The Central City" during First Fridays can experience the charm of Macon at special events, art galleries, live music performances, and by just exploring all downtown has to offer. 

More News from Macon
Kelly Kernich's artwork at the 567 Center for Renewal is sure to appeal to any art collectors who are also Georgia Bulldogs fans (Photographer Nate Weeks)
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