6-30-2024 8:01pm

Adventures in Middle Georgia: Things to Do this Week in the Heart of Georgia

Nate Weeks Editor

Many people have been floating down the Ocmulgee River through Amerson River Park to fight the heat of summer (Photographer Nate Weeks)

The first week of July will be a busy one, with lots of Independence Day celebrations, inexpensive things for kids to do, and the return of First Friday to Downtown Macon with live music, art, and more. The following are just a few of the fun, and often free, events taking place in the Heart of Georgia this week!

MONDAY, July 1st

Battle of the Brains at The Brick (7 p.m.)

Put your thinking caps on and head over to The Brick on Monday evening. The Battle of the Brains will take place over six weeks and teams, of no more than 8, who get the most points during the trivia tournament will get a chance to win $600 on week six while there will also be hundreds of dollars worth of other prizes during the other weeks, according to the restaurant. The Battle of the Brains will take place every Monday through August 5th.

> The Brick Macon - 1305 Hardeman Avenue, Macon

TUESDAY, July 2nd

2024 Summer Kid Show Series presents “How to Train Your Dragon” at GTC Houston Lakes Cinemas (9:15-10 a.m.)

The animated, family-friendly film “How to Train Your Dragon” (2019) will be screened at GTC Houston Lakes Cinemas on Tuesday morning. If you aren’t able to make it to this screening, there will be another on Thursday at the same time. Tickets cost $2 at the door at online at this link.

> GTC Houston Lakes Cinema - 1121 GA Highway 96, Warner Robins

WEDNESDAY, July 3rd

Whistling Past the Graveyard at the Twiggs County Library (10 a.m.)

Susan Crandall, who writes women’s fiction, romance, and suspense, and recently wrote the novel “Whistling Past the Graveyard”, which has a 4.5 star rating on Amazon.com with over four thousand ratings. Crandall will be appearing at the Twiggs County Library this Wednesday morning. Crandall’s first book won the RITA award for best first book.

> Twiggs County Library - 109 Main Street, Jeffersonville

Independence Day Celebrations

The following are a few of the family-friendly, free Independence Day celebrations taking place on Wednesday in Middle Georgia:

MMCC Independence Day Picnic (5:30-9 p.m.) - Bring your picnic baskets, coolers, tables, and chairs for an “old-fashioned festive event”. Madison-Morgan Cultural Center - 434 S. Main Street, Madison
Celebrate Freedom ’24 in Byron (6:30 p.m.) - This event from The Assembly at Warner Robins will have 15 food vendors, a splash pad, 2 water slides, 2 gaming trucks, and a DJ who will play family-friendly, patriotic music. The Assembly at Warner Robins - 6040 Watson Blvd., Byron
Family Patriotic Celebration (7 p.m.) - Mikado Baptist Church will be celebrate their “first-ever church-wide Family Patriotic Celebration”, according to the church. The event will end with a whiffle ball tournament and refreshments. Mikado Baptist Church - 6751 Houston Rd., Macon
Griffin-Spalding 4th of July (10 a.m.) - The City of Griffin and Spalding county will be hosting this 4th of July event. A fireworks show will start at dark and there will be a parade starting at 10 a.m. If you would like to participate in the parade, visit the Chamber’s website. Downtown Griffin - 100 South Hill Street, Griffin

THURSDAY, July 4th

INDEPENDENCE DAY

The following are a few of the family-friendly, free Independence Day celebrations taking place on Thursday in Middle Georgia:

Freedom Fest 2024 in Thomaston (4-10 p.m.)

Thomaston will celebrate their 7th annual City of Thomaston Freedom Festival on Thursday. Greatest Generation Memorial Park features a pickleball court, picnic areas, disc golf, an interactive fountain, playground, restrooms, and trails. This family-friendly event is free to attend.

> Greatest Generation Memorial Park - 213 Park Drive, Thomaston

Perry Independence Day Celebration (7-9 p.m.)

Historic Downtown Perry will host the Perry Independence Day Celebration, which will include fireworks, food trucks/drink and snack vendors (Scott Boys Smokin BBQ, The Gym Cantina, Insane Wangz, Pit Stop Beverages, Slush Bus, Kona Ice of Houston County, and three others). This event will also celebrate the City of Perry’s 200th birthday.

> Historic Downtown Perry - 757 Carroll Street, Perry

FRIDAY, July 5th

Summer Ranch Water Series at Fall Line Brewing Co. (12-9 p.m.)

This event is a part of Fall Line Brewing Co.’s Summer Ranch Water Series, which features a “new, tropical-inspired ranch water seltzer”. Devoted attendees can win the brewery’s exclusive Summer Ranch Water Series trucker hate.

> Fall Line Brewing Co. - 565 2nd Street Lane, Macon

July First Friday in Downtown Macon (4-10:45 p.m.)

July’s First Friday will feature a special birthday celebration for the music venue/bar JBA (with music from DJ B3 at 10 p.m., and tasty mocktails and cocktails to drink). The 567 Center will have one of their Corks & Canvas classes ($30 for 11x14 canvas, $35 for 16x20 campus and bring your own drinks). There will also be live music outside of Just Tap’d (Conner Henderson) and Bob and Blender with Zack Matthews will play at Vice Bar (10 p.m.-1 a.m.).

> Downtown Macon

SATURDAY, July 6th

Kids Pottery Program at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park (2-2:30 p.m.)

Attendees at the Ocmulgee Mounds will learn how to make pottery the traditional way that Native Americans made it. This event is free to attend.

> Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park - Macon

Fireworks at Lake Meriwether in Woodbury (5 p.m.-12 a.m.)

The Friends of Lake Meriwether Park will host this family-friendly event, with a live band, kids’ activities, and food vendors.

> Lake Meriwether Park - 728 Lake Meriwether Road, Woodbury

Macon Music Live presents “Smokestack” at Allman Brothers Band Museum (7-9 p.m.)

Smokestack is a band from Jacksonville that features musicians who are experts in playing genres like jazz, blues, reggae, bluegrass, and country. Derek Maines (keyboard/vocals), Bryan Spradlin (bass/vocals), Kenny Nasta (drums/vocals), Dylan Adams (lead/rhythm guitar), and Jack Corcoran (lead/rhythm guitar). The band mixes blues, old school and southern rock covers, and New Orleans funk music. The museum will be accepting donations for this show.

> Allman Brothers Band Museum at the Big House - 2321 Vineville Avenue, Macon

Uncle Dave’s Waycross Stagecoach (9 p.m.)

Uncle Dave’s Waycross Stagecoach is a “traveling stagecoach musical roadshow” lead by Uncle Dave Griffin and featuring four acts including Andy Johnson & Trey Dunnahoo, The Page Brothers & Elizabeth Rase, and an Allstar Finale Tribute to Neil Young. Tickets cost $12 at the door or online at this link.

> Grant’s Lounge - 576 Poplar Street, Macon

SUNDAY, July 7th

Mimosa Festival at Buffington’s in Milledgeville (3-8 p.m.)

The Mimosa Festival will feature 5 different types of mimosa, live music, glass painting, and more.

> Buffington’s - 120 W. Hancock Street, Milledgeville