9-01-2025 1:58pm

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

Nate Weeks Editor

One of the runners at the Labor Day Road Race on Monday was dressed as the rat-inspired chef (along with his furry friend) from the Pixar/Disney film Ratatouille (Photographer Nate Weeks)

This week in Middle Georgia the adventurous can take part in a Taylor Swift Camp, search for jobs at two job fairs, enjoy lunch with author Vera Stewart, take a break from the kids at Rigby's Water World for a special adults only event, and much more. The following are just a few of the interesting, fun, and often free things to do from Monday, September 1st through Sunday, September 7th in the heart of Georgia.

MONDAY, September 1st

LABOR DAY

Taylor Swift Camp at Paint with Lush Art (9/1-9/2) (1-4 p.m.)

The Taylor Swift Camp at Paint with Lush Art is a two-day creative camp that combines the love of Taylor Swift's music with hands-on art projects that will have kids singing while they paint. Running September 1st and 2nd from 1-4 p.m., this drop-off camp at Paint with Lush Art welcomes artists ages 5 and up for two afternoons of music-inspired creativity. Kids will explore different art techniques while jamming to their favorite Taylor Swift hits with snacks provided. Registration for Taylor Swift Camp is available at this link.

> Paint with Lush Art: 1222 Main Street, Perry

TUESDAY, September 2nd

FOOD: From the Pages: Reimagining Southern Cookbook Classics at Dovetail (9/2-9/4) (5:30-8:30 p.m.)

Food lovers won't want to miss this unique, three-day-long culinary experience at Dovetail, where Chef Brad Stevens transforms forgotten recipes from vintage Southern community cookbooks into modern masterpieces. From Tuesday, September 2nd through Thursday, September 4th, Middle Georgia diners can experience an intimate 8-course tasting menu that brings new life into classic church cookbook favorites. Each guest receives a custom spiral-bound keepsake menu featuring both the original recipes and Chef Stevens' contemporary interpretations, making this more than just a meal—it's a piece of culinary history you can take home. Reservations via Resy for this special event are $150 per guest plus tax.

> Dovetail: 543 Cherry Street, Macon

NEW BUSINESS: Soft Opening of Aaron's Asian Market (9 a.m.)

Aaron's Asian Market will host a soft opening on Tuesday. Aaron's Asian Market will bring more uncommon food and snacks from far away locations to Macon. This shopping event is open to the public.

> Dovetail: 543 Cherry Street, Macon

WEDNESDAY, September 3rd

JOBS: Career Day in Gray (9 a.m.-1 p.m.)

Job seekers have two excellent opportunities to connect with employers this Wednesday, starting with Career Day in Gray. This job fair is hosted by Lynn Haven Health & Rehabilitation in partnership with Autumn Lane Health and Rehabilitation. More details about Career Day in Gray can be found at this link.

> Autumn Lane Health and Rehabilitation: 302 East GA-18, Gray

JOBS: Career Fair at the Georgia Veterans Education Career Transition Resource Center (VECTR) (10 a.m.-1 p.m.)

Military veterans and transitioning service members should head to the Georgia VECTR Center in Warner Robins on Wednesday for a specialized career fair. Both events welcome community members looking to launch or advance their careers. More information about this event can be found at this link.

> Georgia VECTR: 1001 South Armed Forces Boulevard, Warner Robins

SUPPORT OUR MISSION OF FOCUSING ON THE POSITIVE IN MIDDLE GEORGIA!

THURSDAY, September 4th

BOOKS: Lunch with Vera Stewart at the Historic Macon Foundation (11:30 a.m.)

Book enthusiasts can enjoy an intimate lunch with author Vera Stewart (of The VeryVera Show and the VeryVera Cookbook series) at the Historic Macon Foundation this Thursday. The event features a catered boxed lunch from Satterfield's, complete with Southern favorites like pimento cheese sandwiches and cheese straws, plus dessert made by Stewart herself. After the meal, attendees get first access to a book signing, with copies available for purchase at the event or in advance at Bear's Books. The book signing at 12:30 p.m. opens to the public without a ticket requirement. Lunch with Vera Stewart tickets are $25 at this link.

> Historic Macon Foundation: 950 Third Street, Macon

BOOKS: Local Author Talk: Seeking Asylum by Jessica Whitehead (4 p.m.)

The Washington Memorial Library hosts Jessica Whitehead at 4 p.m. for a compelling discussion about her book "Seeking Asylum," which documents conditions at Central State Hospital in Milledgeville. This free event offers insights into an important chapter of Georgia's mental health history and the lessons we can learn from events in the not so distant past. You can find more details about this free event at this link.

> Washington Memorial Library: 1180 Washington Avenue, Macon

MUSIC: September Slaughter with Peacemaker, Mauled, Soul of Suki, and Icepick at stARTup Studios (6 p.m.)

Heavy music fans can warm up for Wartown Fest on Thursday with September Slaughter, featuring touring acts Peacemaker and Mauled alongside local favorites Soul of Suki and Icepick. This all-ages showcase of MySpace-era deathcore music starts with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the show starting at 7 p.m. Those with Wartown Fest tickets get free entry to this pre-show event, according to the organizers. Regular admission to this show is $8 at the door.

> stARTup Studios: 1055 Riverside Drive, Macon

MUSIC: Brit & Blonde at Parish on Cherry (7-10 p.m.)

Brit & Blonde will perform "live acoustic music, high-energy DJ sets, and karaoke" at Parish on Cherry on Thursday evening. One of my favorite things to hear while walking through Downtown Macon is the sound of a band like Brit & Blonde performing for diners and passerbys at restaurants like Parish on Cherry. There is no cover charge for this show.

> Parish on Cherry St.: 580 Cherry Street, Macon

FRIDAY, September 5th

CLOTHES: Macon Vintage Market at Lofts at Mercer Landing (11 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Buy vintage men's and women's clothing and accessories from 20 vendors including The Vintage Thread at the Macon Vintage Market on Friday. Acoustic duo “The Locals” will entertain shoppers with live music as well as this free shopping event.

> Lofts at Mercer Landing: 1500 Mercer University Drive, Macon

First Street Art and Wine Festival in Downtown Macon (12-8 p.m.)

The First Street Art and Wine Festival returns to Downtown Macon on Friday through Sunday this week. This festival encourages visitors to Downtown Macon to take part in an activity, enjoy the rhythms of live music, and more. The following list of event scheduled for the First Street Art and Wine Festival is courtesy of the organizers: click on the links for ticket and registration information:

> FRIDAY, September 5th

- Palette of Pairings Wine Class: 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Just Tap’d

- Browse Humanity…and Other Myths: Artwork by Darlene Murphy at The 567 Center

- Marvel at colorful artwork by local artist Casie Trace at Macon Arts Alliance

> SATURDAY, September 6th

- Artist Market: 2–6 p.m. on First Street

- Wine Sampling: 2–6 p.m. on First Street

- Live Music with Blane Dunnam: 2–4 p.m. on First Street

- Live Music with Dani Lassetter: 4–6 p.m. on First Street

- Paint a Cheese Plate Class: 4 p.m. The 567 Center

- Corks & Canvas Class: 7 p.m. at The 567 Center

> SUNDAY, September 7th

- Artspace Wine Tote Bag Painting Class: 1 p.m. at Just Tap’d

- Bottomless Mimosas: All Day at Just Tap’d

> Downtown Macon: First Street, Macon

SHOPPING: The Milledgeville Marketplace (4-7 p.m.)

The Milledgeville Marketplace is a farmers market held by Milledgeville Main Street and the Downtown Development Authority Project every Tuesday from 4-7 m. in historic Milledgeville. The organizers claim more than 400 visitors ever week and shoppers can take advantage of free parking in the city parking lot or the grassy cut field behind the parking lot (accessible from Elbert Street). Expect to find items for purchase include fruits, vegetables, peanuts, plants, bulbs, flowers, honey, baked goods, beverages, beef, seafood, and arts and crafts. This family-friendly event is free to attn

> 222 East Hancock Street, Macon

ART: “Overgrown” by Casie Trace at the Macon Arts Alliance (4-7 p.m.)

Macon Arts Alliance presents the artwork Casie Trace at the exhibit “Overgrown”starting with a reception on Friday. Trace is a local artist and teacher as well as the founder of Artspace Macon. “Overgrown” was inspired by Trace's experience with endometriosis, which included chronic pain, anxiety, and infertility, as well as her journey to find ways to continue to thrive at the same time. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.

> Macon Arts Alliance: 486 1st Street, Macon

ART: David C. Jensen First Friday Art Opening (5-8 p.m.)

Painter and graphic designer David C. Jensen will present a First Friday art show opening at Gallery West this Friday. Jensen's artistic path led him from a graphic designer in the days before software like Adobe Photoshop to a painter whose work focuses on "Middle Georgia flora and fauna and birds" along with a little strangeness. Gallery West will serve complimentary hors d'oeuvres and cold drinks and this free, family-friendly event.

> Gallery West: 447 3rd Street, Macon

COMMUNITY: Good Medicine’s September Harvest at Third Street Park (5 p.m.)

Third Street Park will become a center of creativity and wellness in Downtown Macon during Good Medicine's September Harvest celebration on Friday evening. This free, all-ages event features a silent disco with local DJs, an art and wellness market, flow arts sessions, and community crafts. September Harvest honors the approaching autumn equinox with activities designed to foster connection and joy. Learn more about Good Medicine's event and sign up to participate at this link.

> Third Street Park: 456 Oglethorpe Street, Macon

September First Friday in Downtown Macon (5-11:45 p.m.)

The monthly First Friday celebration in Downtown Macon returns this week with an impressive lineup of special events throughout downtown. September's First Friday events include the launch of the First Street Art & Wine Festival and the weather-themed Stormy Sips cocktail crawl.

The "Find Your People" community meetup at The Overlook on First (5-8 p.m.) where you are invited to find a local community of people interested in the same things you are.

Art lovers can explore multiple gallery openings, including Casie Trace's powerful "Overgrown" exhibit at Macon Arts Alliance and David C. Jensen's nature-inspired works at Gallery West.

The night also marks the opening of "Into the Woods" at Macon Little Theater.

Many First Friday events are free and family-friendly.

> Downtown Macon

First Friday Family Fun, Fun Night at Theatre Dublin (7 p.m.)

Visitors to Downtown Dublin will gather at Theatre Dublin this Friday for a First Friday Family Fun, Fun Night. This event encourages everyone, whether young or old, to find a sense of silliness and fun while playing games, belting out karaoke, and laughing at cartoons. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.

> Theatre Dublin: 314 Academy Avenue, Dublin

TRIVIA: 6th Annual Dragon Con Trivia and Cosplay (Marvel vs. DC) at The Brick Macon (8 p.m.)

Talk Nerdy to Me and smart patrons at The Brick Macon will take part in 6th Annual Dragon Con time on Friday this week. This yearly trivia and cosplay event will have the theme of "Marvel vs. DC" and trivia will cover the heroes and villains from both the Marvel and DC universes. Prizes for the winners of trivia and the cosplay contest will provided by Fanboy Collectibles & Comics. There is no fee to take part in this event.

> The Brick Macon: 1305 Hardeman Avenue, Macon

IF YOU FOUND SOMETHING FUN TO DO HELP US CONTINUE OUR MISSION IN MIDDLE GEORGIA!

SATURDAY, September 6th

Thomson Bikes Demo Day at the L.H. Thomson Trail (10 a.m.-3 p.m.)

Mountain biking enthusiasts can test ride high-performance Thomson bikes at the L.H. Thomson Trail this Saturday. L. H. Thomson is a local aerospace company that also manufactures bike components and is hosting this community celebration with demo rides, grilled food, group rides, and craft beer from Fall Line Brewing. With multiple bike sizes and builds available for testing, this free event offers a perfect opportunity to experience premium local products. RSVP and find more details about Thomson Bikes Demo Day at this link.

> North Macon Ball Park: 815 North Macon Park Drive, Macon

Georgia Day at the Museum of Arts and Sciences (10 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Macon's Museum of Arts and Sciences will once again celebrate all things Georgia during Georgia Day on Saturday. Visitors can learn about Georgia while shopping from local vendors, exploring the museum's nature trail, and spending time near Georgia's native animals, and taking part in fun activities in the museum's lobby. Georgia Day activities are included with regular admission with museum members getting in for free.

> Museum of Arts and Sciences: 4182 Forsyth Road, Macon

International City Festival in Warner Robins (11 a.m.-6 p.m.)

The International City Festival will celebrate cultural experiences from all over Earth on Saturday at Warner Robins' Perkins Field. This family-friendly festival will include live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, activities, and events from cultures near and far. The International City Festival is free to attend.

> Perkins Field: 105 Mulberry Street, Warner Robins

MUSIC: Wartown: HXC Showcase with Two Piece, Gimmick, Kongstyle, Reviler, Slingblade, Massakrd, Kaiju, and more at VFW Warner Robins (1 p.m.)

GMO Productions and Friends on the Hill are presenting the Wartown Hardcore Showcase with "the best of hardcore, metalcore, and deathcore" at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6605 in Warner Robins this Saturday. Fourteen bands, including Two Piece, Gimmick, Kongstyle, Reviler, Slingblade, Massakrd, Kaiju, will perform at this all-ages event. Presale tickets for the Wartown: HXC Showcase cost $20 and tickets on the day of the show will cost $30.

> VFW Warner Robins: 1011 Corder Road, Warner Robins

Adults Only Water Park Day at Rigby’s Water World (4 p.m.)

Parents will finally get their turn at the Rigby's Water World this Saturday when Rigby's opens exclusively for guests 21 and older. All the water park's attractions will be available to enjoy without the usual crowds of kids everywhere. Tickets for Adults Only Day at Rigby's Water World are $25 per person.

> Grant’s Lounge: 576 Poplar Street, Macon

MUSIC: Ginger Tea at The Society Garden (8-10 p.m.)

Ginger Tea is a local band who will entertain the crowds at The Society Garden this Saturday evening with original songs and popular covers. The Society Garden normally charges a fee at the gate for live shows like this one.

> The Society Garden: 2389 Ingleside Avenue, Macon

Middle Georgia Honor Flight Welcome Home Mission #28 at the Middle Georgia Regional Airport (9 p.m.)

Welcome home U.S. Military veterans at the Macon Regional Airport on Saturday night as the arrive back from their Day of Honor in Washington, DC. The Honor Flight Network takes American Veterans to the U.S. capitol as a way to honor and celebrate them. Parking is free at the Middle Georgia Regional Airport for this patriotic event.

> Middle Georgia Regional Airport: 1000 Terminal Drive, Macon

MUSIC: 12eleven at The Hummingbird (9:30 p.m.-1 a.m.)

12eleven will return to The Hummingbird for a late evening performance on Saturday night. This band was started in Troy, Alabama by high school friends and other musically inclined acquaintances from the area. The Hummingbird will charge a $5 cover at the door for this show.

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

MUSIC: Cash's Juke Joint featuring Angel Ocasio, Jr. at Grant's Lounge (10 p.m.)

Cash's Juke Joint and Angel Ocasio, Jr. will celebrate the release of the new album "The Road Home" at historic Grant's Lounge on Saturday evening. Ticket can be purchased online before the show or for $10 at the door.

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

Cash's Juke Joint performed the song "Walk With Me" at the 2024 Atlanta Blues Challenge

SUNDAY, September 7th

Nature Day for Families at Amerson River Park’s Native Plant Garden (4-5 p.m.)

Families can enjoy a nature-themed afternoon at Amerson River Park's Native Plant Garden this Saturday. This family-friendly educational event will feature author Gillian Niemark reading from her book "Forest Joy," which is written for adults and children interested in mindfulness, nature, and forest bathing. The first 30 participants will receive free stickers at Nature Day. The Fringed Campion Chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society hosts this free event which includes crafts.

> Amerson River Park: 2551 North Pierce Circle, Macon

Yoga at the Rose Room (4-5 p.m.)

End your weekend with a grounding yoga practice led by Rachel Bass at the Rose Room in Downtown Macon this Sunday. This all-levels class focuses on releasing stress and building body confidence, followed by craft cocktails or mocktails for participants. Tickets can be purchased at this link.

> The Rose Room: 378 2nd Street, Macon