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

This week in Middle Georgia, the adventurous can strike a pose under the full moon at a fundraising yoga session, share their most compelling stories about "playing both sides," build botanical LEGO masterpieces while sipping wine, feast on all-you-can-eat crabs at a local brewery, and celebrate the soulful legacy of Otis Redding with New Orleans jazz royalty. The following are just a few of the interesting, fun, and often free things to do from Monday, September 8th through Sunday, September 14th in the heart of Georgia.

MONDAY, September 8th

WELLNESS: September Full Moon Yoga and Fundraiser at Coleman Hill (6:30-7:45 p.m.)

There's something magical about practicing yoga under the full moon, and Coleman Hill's scenic view of Downtown Macon makes it the perfect location for this unique event. This donation-based yoga class is also a fundraiser that helps support Wellnessu Hug, a nonprofit yoga studio that offers a variety of yoga classes. The evening includes chalk art and journaling for those who want to get creative. Attendees should bring mats (some will be available to borrow) and water to fully enjoy the experience.

    > Coleman Hill: 934 Georgia Avenue, Macon

TUESDAY, September 9th

Storytellers Macon presents “Playing Both Sides” at Grant’s Lounge (6-8:30 p.m.)

Life rarely offers us clear-cut choices: the theme for month's Storytellers Macon event at Grant’s Lounge explores the art of navigating the many gray areas of our lives with stories about "Playing Both Sides." DeMarcus Beckham will host the evening and featured storyteller Colin Penndorf will share his own tale that fits the evenings theme. An open mic portion of the evening will allow audience members to share their own 5-minute true stories as well. The stories are uncensored (except for hate speech) at this free event, so parents should consider this entertainment for a mature audience.

    > Grant’s Lounge: 576 Poplar Street, Macon

Graphic courtesy of Storytellers Macon

WEDNESDAY, September 10th

Jones County Lions Club Fair (9/9-9/13) (8 p.m.)

The Jones County Lions Club returns to Gray for five days of food, live music, and a sense of community. The Kenny Ray Williams Band will perform on Tuesday, with Just Friends taking the stage on Wednesday, and the Renegade Band playing on Thursday. Lions Clubs International is a global organization that helps serve local communities as well as important causes. Tickets cost $2 for students and $5 for adults, with armbands costing $20 from Tuesday through Thursday and $25 from Friday through Saturday.

    > The Jones County Lions Club: 399 Highway 18 East, Gray

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

THURSDAY, September 11th

Ladies LEGO Build Night at Brick Brigade (6-8 p.m.)

Who says LEGO nights are just for kids? Brick Brigade in Forsyth is hosting an adults-only build and sip evening for women that combines the joy of building with LEGOs with the social pleasure of sharing charcuterie and sipping a cold beverage. Choose from three botanical builds (Lucky Bamboo, Tiny Orchid, or Petite Sunny Bouquet) that will add a colorful addition to your home that won’t require any watering. The Ladies LEGO Build Night cost $49.99 and only 15 spots are available: register online at this link.

    > Brick Brigade: 17 North Lee Street, Forsyth

FRIDAY, September 12th

ART: Macon Mural Festival (9/12-9/14)

The Macon Mural Festival returns to transform walls in Downtown Macon into outdoor galleries, proving that some of the best art isn’t in galleries and museums. The Macon Arts Alliance has once again paired talented muralists with local businesses for the return of this unique annual event. The Macon Mural Festival is a weekend celebration that highlights Macon's reputation as a creative hub where artistic expression thrives. The festival runs all weekend, giving you multiple chances to catch artists in action and see how blank walls become community masterpieces. The four locations for the 2025 Macon Mural Festival murals are 240 Second Street (next to the Fickling building), outside Hotel 45, at Petals Flowers & Market, and at the corner of Second Street and Poplar Street. Petals Flowers & Market will host a Mural Party on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., that will feature food, pop-up vendors, giveaways, and more.

    > Various Locations around Downtown Macon

There were many creative murals added to walls in Macon during last year's Macon Mural Festival (Photographer Nate Weeks)

FOOD: Macon Restaurant Week (9/12-9/20)

The inaugural Macon Restaurant Week is here to school your taste buds with price points that won't break the bank. NewTown Macon and Macon Magazine have orchestrated a culinary celebration with everything from $10 specialty bites to $50 ultimate feasts, plus a $47.80 date night challenge that celebrates Macon’s offerings for foodies in love. The restaurant passport program could event win you a $500 gift card. With participating spots ranging from Longleaf Distilling Co.'s vodka-sauced gnocchi to Social Duck's quack-tastic loaded mac and cheese, this nine-day celebration proves Macon's food scene is anything but ordinary.

    > Various Restaurants in Downtown Macon

Rabbit Educational Show-N-Tell at the Jones County Library (10 a.m.)

Clay Hill Homestead & Rabbitry is bringing adorable furry bunnies to the Jones County Library on Friday for an educational morning that's bound to be both adorable and informative. Young rabbit enthusiasts will share their knowledge about proper rabbit care, handling techniques, and different rabbit breeds. The Rabbit Educational Show-N-Tell is a free educational program.

    > Jones County Library: 146 Railroad Street, Gray

MUSIC: The 4th Annual King of Soul Festival (9/12-9/13) (8 p.m.)

The 4th Annual King of Soul Festival will honor the incomparable Otis Redding with two nights of celebration. Friday's "An Evening of Respect" at the Macon City Auditorium features the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band alongside Yola and members of the Redding musical family. Saturday's "Big 'O' Homecoming Show & Dance" takes place at The Capitol Theater with producer and rapper Mannie Fresh presenting a fresh party atmosphere that the King of Soul himself certainly would have appreciated. All proceeds benefit the Otis Redding Foundation's music and arts programs, ensuring that the King of Soul's legacy continues inspiring the next generation of musicians. Tickets for “An Evening of Respect” currently start at $71.05 (with $25 balcony seats available for college student with ID) on ticketmaster.com while tickets for the "Big 'O' Homecoming Show & Dance” cost $26.94 online at this link (and $10 for college students.

    > Macon City Auditorium: 415 1st Street, Macon

Graphic courtesy of The Otis Redding Foundation

SATURDAY, September 13th

Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration at the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park (9/13-9/14) (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)

The Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park transforms into an energetic celebration of Southeastern Native American cultures every year during the Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration. The family-friendly event offers visitors a chance to experience traditions that thrived in this region for thousands of years. Partnering with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, the National Park Service presents authentic dances, music, storytelling, and art that connect modern visitors to the rich indigenous heritage of Middle Georgia. An ADA shuttle service runs throughout the two-day event from the Macon Bibb County Health Plaza. Kids' activities at the festival helps younger generations understand and appreciate the indigenous roots of the land they call home. The Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration is free and open to the public.

    > Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park: 1270 Emery Highway, Macon

Bacon Fest 2025 at Luther Williams Field (11 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Luther Williams Field becomes ground zero for bacon lovers with the arrival of Bacon Fest 2025 this Saturday. The event’s bacon cook-off promises serious competition among local chefs who have perfected their bacon cooking skills. With over 40 local vendors, food trucks, live music, and bounce houses for the kids, this free festival serves up family fun with a side of crispy goodness.

    > Luther Williams Field: 225 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon

ROAD TRIP: World Oddities Expo at the Savannah Convention Center (11 a.m.-7 p.m.)

The World Oddities Expo makes its Savannah debut for those who embrace their weird side and aren't afraid to show it. This event is a celebration of the strange, unusual, and beautifully bizarre, complete with live performances, interactive workshops, and vendors who specialize in the delightfully different. At two hours from Macon, the World Oddities Expo is the perfect road trip for anyone whose idea of normal shopping involves specimens with medical anomalies and one-of-a-kind curiosities. Tickets to this unique event cost $25 online at this link (with add-ons for special events like butterfly pinning or owl pellet dissection also available).

    > Savannah Convention Center: 4032 International Drive, Savannah

Graphic courtesy of the World Oddities Expo

ART: Art Night: Vintage Visions at Artspace Macon (6 p.m.)

Artspace Macon invites adults and teens to enjoy an evening of vintage-inspired collage creation using authentic retro magazines and nostalgic materials. A bring-your-own snacks and drinks policy means you can fuel your creativity however you choose, whether that's wine and cheese or coffee and cookies. Groups can share tables for a more social experience, or you can discover new friendships while crafting a piece of retro-inspired artwork. Tickets for Vintage Visions cost $25 per person, and all materials are included in the ticket price.

    > Artspace Macon: 2378 Ingleside Avenue, Macon

MUSIC: Downtown GetDown Concert Series in Downtown Eatonton (7-10 p.m.)

Eatonton's downtown transforms into an outdoor concert venue this Saturday as The Atlanta Jazz Players take City Center Stage for another free installment of Eatonton’s Downtown GetDown Concert Series. Vendor will set up at 6 p.m., allowing attendees time to browse before settling in with lawn chairs and coolers for three hours of live jazz. Eatonton Main Street has created a great formula for community entertainment with good music, no admission fee, and permission to bring your own refreshments.

    > Downtown Eatonton: 124 North Jefferson Avenue, Eatonton

SUNDAY, September 14th

FOOD: Crab Fest at Fall Line Brewing Co. (12, 3, 6 p.m.)

Fall Line Brewing Co. partners with SouthEast Crab Feast to deliver the ultimate Sunday indulgence: all-you-can-eat fresh steamed blue crabs paired with their signature craft beers. Three seating times give diners flexibility to choose their crab-cracking adventure, with 2.5 hours to dig into the seafood spread that includes crispy fish and chips alongside those succulent blue crabs. Crab Fest costs $53.95 per ticket (available at this link) and offers an outdoor, rain-or-shine experience that will definitely test your crab-shelling skills.

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

MUSIC: Bragg Jam’s Second Sunday Concert Series: ALäZ on Coleman Hill (6-8 p.m.)

Coleman Hill provides the perfect backdrop for Bragg Jam’s Second Sunday Concert Series finale as ALäZ brings his unique blend of lyrical prowess and trumpet mastery to one of Macon's most interesting concert venues. ALäZ sound is inspired by music legends like KRS-One, Miles Davis, and Outkast. The family-friendly atmosphere welcomes picnics, lawn chairs, and leashed furry friends, though tents and grills are not allowed. This free concert from Bragg Jam will help wrap up your weekend with stunning views and unforgettable sounds.

    > Coleman Hill: 938 Georgia Avenue, Macon

Graphic courtesy of Bragg Jam