9-27-2024 7:14pm

Weekend Adventures in Middle Georgia

Nate Weeks Editor

There are many relaxing views of the Ocmulgee River to be enjoyed in Macon's Amerson River Park (Photographer Nate Weeks)

While many events were canceled due to Hurricane Helene, there are still plenty of things to do this week in Middle Georgia, including attending one of the 2024 GABBAfest concerts, bidding in a unique "Gone with the Wind" auction at The Cannonball House, or taking part in one of the many festivals taking place this weekend. The following are just a few of the fun and often free events you can enjoy during the next few days in the heart of Georgia.

FRIDAY, September 27th

Imani Winds Presented by the Jubilee Artists Series at Mercer’s Townsend School of Music (7:30 p.m.)

Grammy award winner Imani Winds will perform this Friday as part of the Jubilee Artists Series concert series. Tickets for Imani Winds are $7 at this link, or you can purchase tickets by calling (478) 301-5470.

> Mercer’s Townsend School of Music - 1329 Adams Street, Macon

Imani Winds performing Astor Piazzolla's "Libertango"

Hank Vegas and the Starlings at The Society Garden (8 p.m.)

Hank Vegas is a country rock band that was formed in Macon. Their unique sound can be heard in their debut album, “The Things You Are”. Musician Chad Evans will be a special guest performer at this concert at The Society Garden.

> The Society Garden - 2389 Ingleside Avenue, Macon

Sunmancer and Torn Soul with Devastate and First One Dies at Friends on the Hill (9-12 p.m.)

Fans of heavy metal and deathcore music will want to make it out to Friends on the HILL Friday night. Bands that will be performing at this show include Sunmancer and Torn Soul with Devastate and First One Dies. The doors open at 8:00 p.m., and the music starts at 9 p.m. Tickets cost $12 before the show and $20 at the door.

> Friends on the HILL - 104 Westcliff Boulevard, Warner Robins

OTIS at Grant’s Lounge (10 p.m.)

OTIS, a blues and rock and roll band influenced by The Allman Brothers Band, will perform at Grant’s Lounge as part of the 2024 GABBA Festival. GABBA Festival attendees wearing a VIP wristband get free entrance to this show and tickets are $10 in advance or at the door for everyone else.

> Grant’s Lounge - 576 Poplar Street - Macon

Matt McMillan and the City Limits at Billy’s Clubhouse (10 p.m.- 2 a.m.)

Matt McMillan & the City Limits will be playing country and classic rock music at Billy’s late Friday night. There is no cover at Billy’s Clubhouse.

> Billy’s Clubhouse - 1564 Forest Hill Road, Macon

SATURDAY, September 28th

Fall Festival at Bolingbroke Antiques & Mercantile (9 a.m.-6 p.m.)

The Fall Festival at Bolingbroke Antiques & Mercantile will include pumpkins (as well as pumpkin painting for kids), a food truck, and live music. Author Stephanie Stuckey, of Stuckey’s fame, will also be signing her book “Unstuck” at this free, family-friendly event.

> Bolingbroke Antiques & Mercantile - 6183 US-41, Macon

Hippie Day at H&H Soul Food (9 a.m.-3 p.m.)

H&H will be celebrating Hippie Day this Saturday. Customers are invited to wear bell bottoms, tie-dye, and other items that would make them fit in with a bunch of hippies for this unique event.

> H&H Soul Food - 807 Forsyth Street, Macon

Arts, Craft, and Antique Car, Truck, Tractor Benefit for Jay’s Hope at Skipper Family Farms (10 a.m.)

This event will benefit Jay's Hope and include art and Craft vendors as well as antique cars, trucks, and tractors.

> Skipper Family Farms - 4164 Jones Road, Macon

Dickey Farms’s 2024 Fall Festival (10 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Dickey Farms's 2024 Fall Festival will celebrate the arrival of fall this Saturday. Attendees can get lost in a corn maze, see a variety of pumpkins, take hayrides, shop with local vendors, eat from food trucks, enjoy live music, and there will also be a kids area with games and bouncy houses, according to Dickey Farms.

> Dickey Farms - 3448 Musella Road, Musella

Oktoberfest at Just Tap’d (12 p.m.)

Oktoberfest returns to Just Tap’d this Saturday with a “stein-holding competition, Hammerschlagen, and a costume contest” from 2 to 4 p.m., Oktoberfest-inspired music from DJ UH-OH from 6 to 9 p.m., and plenty of cold beverages, Bavarian pretzels, and brats as well.

> Just Tap’d - 488 1st Street, Macon

PRIDE in the Park in Third Street Park (2-9 p.m.)

PRIDE in the Park is the most attended event of Macon Pride each year. Downtown Macon’s Third Street Park will be filled with vendors, food trucks, music, performances, and more. This event is free and open to the public.

> Third Street Park - 379 3rd Street, Macon

William Clark Green at The Capitol Theatre (8 p.m.)

Country singer and songwriter William Clark Green will perform at The Capitol Theatre this Saturday. Green grew up in Flint, Texas, and has been performing professionally since 2008. Also performing will be country music singer Brooke Lee. Tickets to see William Clark Green and Brooke Lee in concert start at $10 for general admission tickets and $30 for balcony tickets online at this link.

> The Capitol Theatre - 382 2nd Street, Macon

Corey Smith at The Society Garden (5:30 p.m.)

Corey Smith will perform at The Society Garden’s UGA tailgate concert experience this Saturday. The music starts at 5:30 p.m., and the Georgia vs. Alabama game will be shown on the big screens directly afterward. Tickets to this event start at $30 on eventbrite.com.

> The Society Garden - 2389 Ingleside Avenue, Macon

“Gone with the Wind” 85th Anniversary Ball and Auction at the Cannonball House (6-10 p.m.)

Macon’s historic The Cannonball House will celebrate the 85th Anniversary of the movie "Gone with the Wind” with an auction, dinner, and dancing this Saturday. Stephine Hetherton will lead and teach attendees dances from the 1800s, and attendees are invited to dress in 1860s clothes for this unique event. Tickets cost $45 per person or $80 per couple, and guests must be 21 years old or older. If you are interested in attending this, call The Cannonball House at (478) 745-5982 to make a reservation.

> The Cannonball House - 856 Mulberry Street, Macon

Ruckus Station at Billy’s Clubhouse (10 p.m.-2 a.m.)

Ruckus Station will be playing heavy classic rock music this Saturday at Billy’s Clubhouse. North Macon’s Billy’s Clubhouse does not charge a cover for their shows.

> Billy’s Clubhouse - 1564 Forest Hill Road, Macon

Macon Pride Afterparty with Lala Ri at JBA (10 p.m.)

LaLa Ri from RuPaul’s Drag Race will take part in the Macon Pride Afterparty at JBA late Saturday night. Other performers at the afterparty will include Akasha Giselle Vidalle, Christina Leon, Coco Iman Starr, Hazel Moon, Valtorin Dynasty, and Yutoya Avazé Leon. DJ B3 will be on the turntables for this entertaining event.

> JBA - 425 Cherry Street, Macon

SUNDAY, September 29th

ROAD TRIP: Sunday in the Park at Oakland Cemetery (12-7:30 p.m.)

The historic Oakland Cemetery will celebrate its 46th annual Sunday in the Park with Tunes from the Tombs this Sunday. Sunday in the Park features live music, vendors, food trucks, beer tents, activities for kids, and more. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $10 for children 6 to 17. VIP tickets cost $80 (which will give entry to the restored 1899 Bell Tower, permanent restroom festivities, and more) and children 5 and under get in free. Learn more about this event and purchase tickets at this link.

> Oakland Cemetery - 248 Oakland Avenue Southeast, Atlanta

Family Picnic and Worship at Coleman Hill (12-2 p.m.)

Macon Pride’s Family Picnic and Worship is a multi-faith service that will include dance and music. Attendees are invited to bring picnic baskets and camping chairs or picnic blankets to finish out the ten-day-long Macon Pride with a celebration of unity and community.

> Coleman Hill - 917 Georgia Avenue, Macon