7-01-2025 5:30pm

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

Nate Weeks Editor

Art lovers of all ages can appreciate the exhibits currently on display at Macon's Museum of Arts and Sciences (Photographer Nate Weeks)

While some families are out of town for summer vacations, there are plenty of people left looking for something to do in Middle Georgia this week. NewTown Macon's Macon Staycation Week offers deals every day of the week, there will be live music at Fresh Produce Records and a wide variety of music venues, and many special events celebrating Independence Day with grilled food and cold drinks. The following are just a few of the adventures to be had this week in the heart of Georgia.

Monday, June 30th

Macon Staycation Week (6/30-7/6)

NewTown Macon is offering a Macon Staycation Week deal for those staying close to home during this summer vacation season. From Monday through Sunday, guests can receive food and drink deals around downtown at eateries like Rookery, H&H, and Baldinos, discounts at businesses like Serenity Entertainment Complex, Hightales, and Hello Boba Cafe, free items from various places include Reboot Retrocade & Bar, and much, much more. Tickets for Macon Staycation Week are only $10 on eventbrite.com.

> Various location in Downtown Macon

TUESDAY, July 1st

MUSIC: Will Hicks, Ollie Becker, and Goddess Complex at Fresh Produce Records (7 p.m.)

Noise bands Will Hicks, Ollie Becker, and Goddess Complex (which is a local band) will perform at Fresh Produce Records on Tuesday evening. There will be a $10 cover at the door for this unique show.

> Fresh Produce Records: 567 Cherry Street, Macon

MUSIC: Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks at Macon City Auditorium (7 p.m.)

Jon Anderson, lead singer of Yes, will be performing the hits of Yes, like “And You and I” and Close to the Edge” (1972), with the band the Band Geeks. Interestingly, the Band Geeks started as a podcast called Band Geek with Richie Castellano, who was a member of the rock band Blue Öyster Cult, that turned into a YouTube band and now a touring band. Tickets currently start at $55.65 on ticketmaster.com.

> Macon City Auditorium: 415 1st Street, Macon

WEDNESDAY, July 2nd

2025 Summer Kid Show Series “Garfield” at GTC Houston Lakes Cinemas (7/1-7/3) (9 a.m.-12 p.m.)

GTC Houston Lakes Cinema and Paws in Middle Georgia is partnering to present a screening of “The Garfield Movie” (2024) on Tuesday and Thursday as part of the 2025 Summer Kid Show Series. This animated comedy features Chris Pratt and Samuel L. Jackson and one seriously overweight orange cat. General admission tickets to attend the 2025 Summer Kid Show series cost $2 with drinks, popcorn, and M&M’s Minis will cost $2 as well.

> GTC Houston Lake Cinemas: 1121 GA Highway 96, Warner Robins

Celebrate Freedom 2025 at The Assembly at Warner Robins (6:30-9 p.m.)

The Assembly at Warner Robins will have an Independence Day-themed event with 19 food trucks, bounce houses, and a splash pad. The church will also present a fireworks show around 9 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m. This family-friendly event is free to attend.

> The Assembly at Warner Robins: 6040 Watson Boulevard, Warner Robins

MUSIC: The Pauses with Slerrrp, and Buster Chrome at JBA (6-8 p.m.)

There will be a concert at JBA on Wednesday that will include performances from The Pauses with Slerrrp and Buster Chrome. This unique 18 and older show will include music from multiple music genres, including indie, alternative, and rap. There will be a $10 cover at the door, or you can purchase tickets at this link before the show.

> JBA: 425 Cherry Street, Macon

Buster Chrome is a Macon band that recently performed on Athens GA Live Music

MUSIC: Lampshade Music Jam at The Den (8-10 p.m.)

The Den hosts an event for local musicians to jam together, unplugged, every Wednesday night. There is no cover charge to take part in the Lampshade Music Jam.

> The Den: 84 East Johnston Street, Forsyth

THURSDAY, July 3rd

Thirsty Thursdays at Hotel Forty Five (6 a.m.-11 p.m.)

Hotel Forty Five’s Reckon Coffee and Wine Bar, Loom Comfort Kitchen & Cocktails, and Hightales Rooftop Bar offers 20% off all drinks (adult beverages, coffee, mocktails, and adult beverages) every Thursday. Hotel Forty Five is one of the newer hotels in Downtown Macon and got its name from the 45-degree angle made by the intersection of Cherry Street, First Street, and Cotton Avenue. Guests at the hotel’s Hightales Rooftop Bar can enjoy a view of each roadway while enjoying discounted cold drink each Thursday on what feels like an endless stretch of hot days.

> Hotel Forty Five: 401 Cotton Avenue, Macon

FRIDAY, July 4th

INDEPENDENCE DAY

4th of July Paddle on the Ocmulgee with Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions (10 a.m)

Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions (OOE) will be exploring the “4 mile stretch of the Seven Islands area” that is more isolated and scenic than many of the sections of the Ocmulgee River used by boaters and floaters. There are Class 1 shoals mixed in with calm waters, according to OOE. Tickets for the OOE’s 4th of July Paddle can be purchased at this link.

> Georgia Power Ocmulgee Boat Ramp: 9260 Jackson Lake Road, Monticello

July 4th Independence Day Celebration at Lane Southern Orchards (11 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Lane Southern Orchard will be celebrating Independence Day with bouncy houses, arts and crafts vendors, face painting, and an educational wildlife program with a porcupine, hedge hodge, snakes, a vulture, and more interesting animals. This family-friendly Independence Day event is free to attend.

> Lane Southern Orchards: 50 Lane Road, Fort Valley

Fourth of July Celebration at Rigby’s Water World (11 a.m.-6 p.m.)

Rigby’s Water World will be one of the many businesses in Middle Georgia celebrating the July 4th holiday this year. Starting with water aerobics at 11:30 a.m. and continuing with events like a whipped cream pie eating competition, line dancing, a cannon ball competition, and other humorous events. Tickets to Rigby’s Water World can be purchased at this link.

> Rigby’s Water World: 2001 Karl Drive, Warner Robins

Fourth of July Hotdog Happy Hour at Fall Line Brewing Co. (12-5 p.m.)

Fall Line Brewing Co. will celebrate July 4th with a unique hotdog happy hour. Every pint of beer comes with a free hot dog from 12 to 5 p.m., according to the brewery. Fall Line Brewing Co. often hosts special events that are creative and fun for groups of friends.

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

MUSIC: Sunset & Sundress Rooftop Day Party with DJ AD and Live at Loom: First Fridays at Hotel Forty Five (4-10 p.m.)

DJ AD will be entertaining the crowds at Hightales Rooftop Bar on Friday night and there will be live performances from Scotty Pimpin and John during the Sunset & Sundress Rooftop Day Party this Friday night. Tickets are $10 in advance at this link. Guests at Hotel Forty Five’s Loom will also enjoy live music on the patio from local artists (7-10 p.m.) and drink and food specials.

> Hotel Forty Five: 401 Cotton Avenue, Macon

MUSIC: Plum Tucker’d at Lake Tobosofkee’s Sandy Beach Park (6-9:15 p.m.)

Party band Plum Tucker’d will perform at Lake Tobosofkee’s Sandy Beach Park on Independence Day. After the band performs, a fireworks show will end the Fourth of July celebration. There is a $3 fee per person for visitors 6 years old and older.

> Lake Tobesofkee’s Sandy Beach Park: 6880 Moseley Dixon Road, Macon

SATURDAY, July 5th

Stars and Stripes Pickleball Tournament at Play Rhythm & Rally (7/5-7/6) (8 a.m.)

Southern Pickleball will host the Stars and Stripes Pickleball Tournament from Friday through Saturday this weekend. Participants will play on the sports venue’s 32 indoor pickleball courts with Men’s and Women’s Doubles taking place on Saturday, July 5th, and Mixed Doubles on Sunday, July 6th. Skill levels for this tournament range from 2.5 through 4.5+. Currently registration is closed and 317 players are scheduled to play during the Stars and Stripes Pickleball Tournament.

> Play Rhythm & Rally: 3661 Eisenhower Parkway, Macon

Braddock’s Cask & Table One Year Anniversary (5-10 p.m.)

Braddock’s Cask & Table will be celebrating its first anniversary this Saturday with food specials and sparkling wine.

> Braddock’s Cask & Table: 347 Cotton Avenue, Macon

MUSIC: Gray City Limits at The Society Garden (8-10 p.m.)

The members of the local band Gray City Limits might be young, but their talent is indisputable. They will be performing southern rock hits on the big stage at The Society Garden this Saturday.

> The Society Garden: 2389 Ingleside Avenue, Macon

Karaoke Kruise at The Hummingbird (9:30 p.m.-1 a.m.)

Talk Nerdy to Me’s Karaoke Kruise is meant to bring the beach to Middle Georgia with a tropical cruise and beach themed karaoke party. The first fifty singers will get a flower leis and there will be a contest for the best Hawaiian shirt. There will be a $5 cover at the door for this special summer event.

> The Hummingbird Stage & Taproom: 430 Cherry Street, Macon

MUSIC: Saturday Night Live Featuring Do or Die at Macon Arts Center (10 p.m.)

OG Ball and DJ Ric Flare will present Saturday Night Live featuring Do or Die on Saturday evening. AP Yo Host will host with music from DJ Slimm3. Tables and sections for Saturday Night Live can be reserved by texting (478) 320-2127.

> Macon Arts Center: 4570 Pio Nono Avenue, Macon

SUNDAY, July 6th

Yoga Flow at the Overlook (11 a.m.)

Enjoy a relaxing yoga flow (and mimosas afterward for those 21+) at Yoga Flow at the Overlook on Sunday. This all-levels flow will take place in the beautiful ambiance of The Overlook On First, one of the newest venues in Downtown Macon.

> The Overlook on First: 484 1st Street, Macon

Smiley’s 40th Anniversary Celebration (12-3 p.m.)

Smiley’s Flea Market is celebrating its 40th anniversary this Sunday with live music, face painting, balloon twisting, with free carousel and bumper car rides, a bounce house, and ice cream. Shoppers can enter for a chance to win $10,000 (winners must be present to win)

> Smiley’s Flea Market: 6953 Cochran Field Road, Macon