September in Macon: A Month of Community Connection and Cultural Celebration

A number of exceptional events are scheduled to take place this September in Macon that highlight the arts, culture, music, and community spirit. From a festival all about colorful and creative murals to soulful celebrations of musical legends, this month offers residents and visitors countless opportunities to connect, create, and celebrate together.

Art That Brings Us Together

The month kicks off with the Macon Mural Festival, which takes place from Friday, September 12th through Sunday, September 14th. This annual event from Macon Arts Alliance pairs talented muralists with local businesses to create stunning visual narratives throughout downtown. 

Muralists will create completely new murals during the Macon Mural Festival this September (Photographer Nate Weeks)

This event isn't just about beautifying spaces, though. It is also about community storytelling, where each mural becomes a conversation starter and a source of neighborhood pride. 

Visitors can take self-guided walking tours, meet the artists at work, and witness firsthand how public art transforms both public spaces and how they make you feel.

Art enthusiasts will find even more hands-on opportunities at the All Hands Art Festival, which takes place from Saturday, September 20th through Sunday, September 21st. This unique celebration focuses on traditional crafts—clay, glass, metal, and wood—bringing together artisans and the community in a truly interactive experience. 

The annual All Hands Art Festival includes many talented individuals showing off their skills in competitions against other skilled creatives (Photographer Nate Weeks)

Watch master craftspeople demonstrate their skills, try your own hand at pottery, and witness the Art Olympics where artists compete in technical challenges. It's a festival that celebrates not just the finished product, but the process of creation itself.

Music That Moves the Soul

No discussion of Macon's September event calendar would be complete without honoring the city's rich musical heritage. The 4th Annual King of Soul Festival will take place from Friday, September 12th through Sunday, September 14th and celebrates the life and legacy of Otis Redding with a weekend that captures the power of soul music and the impact of the King of Soul. 

Friday's "Evening of Respect" at the Macon City Auditorium brings New Orleans soul to Georgia with performances by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and other incredible artists, while Saturday's "Big 'O' Homecoming Show" at the Capitol Theater keeps the party going with Mannie Fresh.

The Preservation Hall Jazz Band office music video for the song "Keep Your Head Up"

What makes this festival particularly meaningful is its commitment to nurturing the next generation - all proceeds benefit the Otis Redding Foundation's music and arts programs, ensuring that young people from Middle Georgia have opportunities to explore their own creative dreams.

For those who prefer a more intimate musical experience, Bragg Jam's Second Sunday Concert Series featuring ALäZ (September 14) offers a free concert with the best view in town. Perched on Coleman Hill overlooking downtown Macon, families can bring picnics and lawn chairs for an afternoon of music that welcomes everyone, including furry friends on leashes.

ALäZ official music video for his song "M E D I T A T E"

Music lovers shouldn't miss GABBAfest 2025, taking place from Thursday, September 25th through Sunday, September 28th, a multi-day celebration that honors the Allman Brothers Band's legacy with tribute performances, member jams, and intimate gatherings at historic venues like the Grand Opera House and the Big House Museum.

The Allman Brothers Band made a big impact on a lot of people across the world and GABBAfest celebrates that year after year (Graphic courtesy of GABBAfest)

Running concurrently with GABBAfest 2025, the Macon Pride Festival also takes place from Thursday, September 25th through Sunday, September 28th. 

This festival is a celebration of love, identity, and community in the heart of Middle Georgia and includes a family-friendly interfaith worship service, community picnic, and vibrant drag performances at late-night shows like Haus Party.

The annual Macon Pride Festival includes lots of entertainment and humor (Photographer Nate Weeks)

Through visibility, performances, art, and advocacy, Macon Pride demonstrates acceptance and appreciation are community values worth celebrating together.

Cultural Heritage and Learning

The Ocmulgee Indigenous Festival, which takes place from Saturday, September 13th through Sunday, September 14th at the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, offers a powerful opportunity to connect with the area's deep Indigenous roots. 

This free annual festival celebrates Southeastern Native American cultures through traditional dances, music, storytelling, and hands-on activities. 

The Ocmulgee Indigenous Festival includes vendors selling unique jewelry, toys, and clothing that you won't find in any stores in Middle Georgia (Photographer Nate Weeks)

It's a great chance for families to learn together while honoring the original stewards of this land, hosted in partnership with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.

Culinary Adventures That Build Community

Food has always been a universal connector, and the arrival of Macon Magazine and NewTown Macon's inaugural Macon Restaurant Week from Friday, September 14th through Saturday, September 20th, seeks to transform dining out into an adventure. 

With offerings ranging from $10 appetizers to $50 ultimate feasts, Macon Restaurant Week encourages Middle Georgians to partake in fine dining while supporting local businesses. 

Graphic courtesy of NewTown Macon

The Restaurant Week Passports add a fun element to the event, encouraging diners to explore multiple establishments and potentially win a $500 gift card to their favorite downtown spot.

The special "478 Date Night Challenge" also creates affordable romantic experiences for couples, proving that relationship building, much like community building, happens as much over shared meals as it does at festivals and concerts.

Reimagining Public Spaces Together

Perhaps the most innovative community event is Open Streets Macon: Pleasant Hill to Beall's Street on Sunday, September 28th, where some of the streets of Macon becomes a giant, paved park. 

This car-free celebration transforms Monroe Street, Tattnall Street, and Oglethorpe Street into spaces for walking, biking, skating, and playing. 

Volunteers at a previous Open Streets Macon event in the Ingleside Village neighborhood installed a colorful traffic calming crosswalk (Photographer Nate Weeks)

Open Streets Macon is part of a global movement that reimagines how we use public spaces, encouraging Maconites to see their city streets as community gathering places rather than just transportation corridors.

Getting Involved: Your Community Awaits

These events succeed because of community participation, and there are numerous ways to get involved beyond simply attending:

For the Creatively Inclined: The Macon Mural Festival and All Hands Art Festival both welcome volunteer artists and supporters. Local businesses seeking mural partnerships can connect with the Macon Arts Alliance, while aspiring artisans can participate in workshops and demonstrations.

For Music Lovers: GABBAfest welcomes musicians for jam sessions, while the Otis Redding Foundation offers ongoing volunteer opportunities in music education. Second Sunday concerts always need volunteer support for setup and community outreach.

For Community Builders: Open Streets Macon specifically calls for activity hosts - from fitness instructors offering sidewalk yoga classes to artists leading chalk art sessions. The event thrives on grassroots programming from residents, local businesses, schools, and churches. The Macon Pride Festival also welcomes volunteers and advocates who want to support LGBTQ+ visibility and create inclusive spaces for all community members.

For Supporters: Every event benefits from volunteers helping with logistics, setup, community engagement, and promotion. The Macon Arts Alliance, Visit Macon, and individual festival organizers all maintain volunteer networks that welcome new members year-round.

For Families: Many events feature specific children's programming, making them perfect for family volunteering opportunities that teach civic engagement while having fun.

Mark Your Calendar

September in Macon offers something for every interest and schedule:

 - Arts enthusiasts: Macon Arts Alliance's Macon Mural Festival (September 12-14), All Hands Art Festival (September 20-21)

 - Music lovers: King of Soul Festival (September 12-14), Bragg Jam's Second Sunday Concert Series featuring ALäz (September 14), GABBAfest (September 25-28)

 - Cultural explorers: Ocmulgee Indigenous Festival (September 13-14)

 - Food adventurers: Macon Magazine's Macon Restaurant Week (September 14-20)

 - Community builders: Open Streets Macon (September 28), Macon Pride Festival (September 25-28)

Whether you're a longtime Macon resident or new to Middle Georgia, September presents the perfect opportunity to discover your special play in the community. In a month filled with so many ways to connect, the only question is: which adventure will you choose first?