Weekend Adventures in the Heart of Georgia: Friday, October 3rd through Sunday, October 5th

Music takes center stage this week in Middle Georgia, from Fresh Produce Records hosting Shy Company's album release listening party for "Growing Pains" on Friday night to the 4th Annual 478 Music Awards celebrating local talent on Sunday evening. One of Macon's biggest draws for the weekend is October's First Friday downtown, where a Disney themed event will include character scavenger hunts, princess meet-and-greets, villain-themed cocktails, and more. Thsi weekend also offers unique events like a ghost hunt at the stately Burke Mansion and the return of the popular Macon Witches Float. The following are just a few of the fun things going on this week in the heart of Georgia

FRIDAY, October 3rd

October First Friday in Downtown Macon (4:30-11:45 p.m.)

First Friday returns to Downtown Macon this week with a special Disney theme celebrating the upcoming "Disney on Ice presents Road Trip Adventures" show at the Macon Centreplex, which takes place from November 1st through 2nd. Disney princesses and characters will be at businesses around downtown, including at Sweet Eleanor’s (Moana) and Pet Party Palace (Frozen). Various businesses will also be offering villain-themed cocktails for those 21 and over. You can pick up a Scavenger Hunt card to complete for a chance to win tickets to the show at the Robins Financial Credit Union tent that will be set up in front of Sweet Eleanor's.

ART:

As usual, First Friday will include the openings of new art exhibits at the many art galleries in Downtown Macon. October’s First Friday’s art gallery exhibit openings (which usually include an artists talk, free refreshment, and cold drinks) include:

 - Macon Arts Alliance: “Molten and Mud Pumpkin Patch” (4-7 p.m.) will feature a variety of glass and ceramic artwork from stARTup Studios

 - The 567 Center for Renewal: "Not For the Faint of Heart” (5-8 p.m.) will feature intriguing and psychedelic Southern Surrealist works from local artists Beth Smith and Marcos Velez

Artwork from Beth Smith (left) and Marcos Velez (right) (Images courtesy of The 567 Center for Renewal)

 - McEachern Art Center: Dotan Appelbaum's "Sever Optimism” (6-8 p.m.) will feature furniture and other art from Dotan Appelbaum, who will be presenting a short artist talk at 6 p.m.

 - Wesleyan College Leadership Lab (4-8 p.m.) will feature the artwork of William Downs and will also include a talk on Wesleyan Sisterhood/Locating Slavery’s Legacy starting at 4 p.m.

 - Gallery West (5-9 p.m.) will feature the artwork of Maura Lucchese, an award-winning collage artist

GOOD MEDICINE:

October’s First Friday’s Good Medicine will be themed "Once Upon a Fright" and take place in Third Street Park. The free family-friendly event will include music and Halloween-themed fun with trick-or-treat booths, music, flow arts, face painting, and more, according to the Court of Miracles.

MUSIC:

 - Barks N Brews: Life of a Showgirl Album Release Party (6–9 pm) Swifties will be celebrating the latest album of Taylor Swift at Barks N Brews while making DIY friendship bracelets and letting their furry friends play with other adorable dogs this First Friday.

 - Grant’s Lounge: Half Grass (9 p.m.) Half Grass is a local bluegrass band whose members have gained a lot of fans from their other various successful music projects.

 - The Hummingbird: Jared Petteys & the Headliners (9:30 p.m.) This Charleston band will be performing rockabilly music late into the night at The Hummingbird.

COMEDY:

The Douglass Theater: Wait A Minute Comedy Tour (7 pm) Comedian D’Lain li along with A-Train, Andromeda Jones, Double D, and TuRae will be entertaining crowds in the historic Douglass Theatre as part of the “Wait a Minute Comedy Tour” during this First Friday as well. Tickets start at $29.75 online at this link.

FOOD AND DRINKS:

Multiple restaurants and bars will offer themed specials and events during October’s First Friday, including JBA, the Rose Room (which has a DJ mixing vinyl records every First Friday) Taste and See (Disney-themed trivia starting at 6 p.m.), Shuster’s Candy and Creamery (Mickey-themed ice cream scoop), Oliver’s Corner Bistro (Ratatouille-themed specials and more), Hello Boba (Attack on Titan Trivia starting at 6 p.m.), and Longleaf Distillery (“Appy Hour” from 4 to 7 p.m.)

Live music can often by enjoyed outside while visiting Downtown Macon during First Friday festivities (Graphic courtesy of NewTown Macon)

    > Various Locations in Downtown Macon

SHOPPING: Historic Macon Foundation’s Flea Market Preview Party (5-8 p.m.)

Historic Macon Foundation hosts its annual fundraiser, Preview Party, offering first access to the various unique items in their huge warehouse before the public sales on Saturday and Sunday. The evening includes tasty food from the iconic Satterfield's BBQ, wine sponsored by Macon Magazine, beer sponsored by Fall Line Brewery, and tunes by DJ Deck. Three ticket tiers are available: VIP includes the party and champagne while being the very first to shop from 5-8 p.m., General Admission includes the party and shopping from 6-8 p.m., and HMF Members receive discounted general admission. Tickets to HMF’s Flea Market Preview Party start at $35 (for HMF members) and can be purchased at this link.

    > Historic Macon Foundation’s Warehouse: 357 Oglethorpe Street, Macon

The Hunt at Burke Mansion (6 p.m.)

Visit Macon and the Macon Beyond will present a night of spookiness at the historic Burke Mansion this Friday. Guests will spend the night in the property while taking part in a ghost hunt. Actress and Producer Carrie Genzel (The Walking Dead, Supernatural, Jennifer's Body, etc.) along with two guides, spiritual medium Morrighan Lynne, and paranormal investigator Jonathan Morgan, will lead guests on the hunt. Unfortunately for those who haven’t already purchased tickets for The Hunt, tickets are currently sold out online at this link. Hopefully, this event will be a hit and become an annual event for those who weren’t able to attend this time.

    > Burke Mansion: 1085 Georgia Avenue, Macon

MUSIC: Shy Company Listening Party at Fresh Produce Records (7-8 p.m.)

Fresh Produce Records hosts Macon’s Shy Company’s album release listening party for the band's new album "Growing Pains" this Friday. Attendees will have the opportunity to listen to the full album and purchase Shy Company CDs and merchandise on-site. The free listening party will provide the band’s many fans an intimate setting to experience Shy Company’s newest music.

The creative official music video for Shy Company’s “Growing Pains”

    > Fresh Produce Records: 567 Cherry Street, Macon

SATURDAY, October 4th

SHOPPING: Historic Macon Foundation’s Public Sale (8 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Historic Macon Foundation (HMF) opens its warehouse to the public for bargain hunting on Saturday and Sunday following Friday's Preview Party. The HMF warehouse is packed to the brim with surprising finds available for purchase. On Sunday, the sale will take place from 12 to 4 p.m. Both days of Historic Macon Foundation’s Public Sale are free and open to the public.

    > Historic Macon Foundation’s Warehouse: 357 Oglethorpe Street, Macon

2025 SCARE 5K and Rhythm of Life Health Fair at Amerson River Park (9 a.m.)

The Georgia Arrhythmia Foundation presents its 15th Annual SCARE 5K this Saturday at scenic Amerson River Park in Macon. The SCARE 5K serves as the annual fundraiser for this 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which provides devices to aid heart attack victims (AEDs) to local organizations and offers community CPR and AED education to combat cardiac arrest. Race packet pickup is available on October 3rd from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Georgia Arrhythmia Consultants or on race day at Amerson River Park from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Tickets for the 2025 SCARE 5K, 1 mile SCARE Heart Walk, and SCARE Virtual 5K can be purchased at this link.

    > Amerson River Park: 2551 North Pierce Drive, Macon

ROAD TRIP: The Cotton Fair in Gay (10/4-10/5) (9 a.m.-5 p.m.)

The Cotton Fair returns for its fall edition this Saturday and Sunday in Gay, Georgia. The fair will feature over 300 artisans from across the country gathered at this annual arts, crafts, and antiques show. Gates are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, with free parking in all Cotton Fair lots on a first-come, first-parked basis, and organizers recommend arriving early on Saturday to avoid traffic or visiting Sunday, which tends to be slightly less crowded. Online ticket purchases are automatically entered to win a Gozney Arc Liquid Propane Outdoor Pizza Oven, with general admission tickets costing $10 online compared to $15 at the gate and discounted tickets available for seniors and active duty military members. Children 10 and under receive free entry, and pets are not permitted except for service animal. More information about The Cotton Fair can be found online on its website. Purchase tickets for either day of The Cotton Fair online at this link.

    > 18830 GA Highway 85, Gay

Blessing of the Animals at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church (9-10 a.m.)

St. Peter Claver Catholic Church hosts a Blessing of the Animals on Saturday as Franciscan Friars honor their founder, St. Francis of Assisi, by blessing four-legged friends and furry family members. Mass will follow from 11 a.m. to noon, with snacks and treats served after Mass. All are welcome to bring their pets for this free special blessing.

    > St. Peter Claver Catholic Church: 131 Ward Street, Macon

ART: Art Hike with Artspace Macon (10 a.m.)

An October art hike takes place at Indian Springs State Park with a focus on watercolors this Saturday, with participants welcome to bring their own supplies or share from Artspace Macon's collection. The group will meet in the grassy parking area at the multi-use trailhead and begin the hike at 10 a.m., covering 2 miles at a slow pace with stops to paint, draw, or journal along the way. This moderate trail features a couple of short but steep hills along with roots and rocks, and can be done with trekking poles or a cane if needed, with all-terrain chairs also available for those who are certified through advance reservation at this link. The Art Hike with Artspace Macon is free and open to the public.

    > Indian Springs State Park: 678 Lake Clark Road, Flovilla

Fall and Fossil Fest at the Museum of Arts and Sciences (10 a.m.-4 p.m.)

The Museum of Arts and Sciences celebrates Fossil Month and the start of the fall season with Fall and Fossil Fest this Saturday featuring East TN Dinosaur Adventure, pumpkin carving, and fossil activity tables. This event features two dinosaur programs with meet-and-greets in the Auditorium at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Attendees can enjoy hands-on activities throughout the day celebrating prehistoric creatures and autumn traditions. Entry to the Fall and Fossil Fest is available with a general admission ticket for the museum.

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

Graphic courtesy of the Museum of Arts and Sciences

MUSIC: Townsend Family Day Concert in Fickling Hall (11 a.m.)

The Townsend Family Day Concert is an annual tradition on Mercer's Macon campus during Mercer University’s Family Weekend, which takes place from Friday, October 3rd through Sunday, October 5th, showcasing performances by talented students in a festive concert setting. This year's program features pieces on the new Desautels Organ, a brass quintet, two string quartets, solo flute and piano pieces, and a jazz combo. The Townsend Family Day Concert is free and open to the public.

    > McCorkle Music Building’s Fickling Hall: 1329 Adams Street, Macon

ROAD TRIP: RockHill Castle Fall Renaissance Festival in Barnesville (10/4-10/5) (11 a.m.-6 p.m.)

This weekend, outdoor event venue RockHill Castle hosts a mystical Fall Renaissance Festival on its grounds with more than 30 vendors, food, live music, and plenty of magic. The Renaissance festival runs both Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Tickets to Rockhill Castle’s Fall Renaissance Festival $13.51 online at this link.

    > Rockhill Castle: 150 Freeman Circle, Barnesville

Annual Oktoberfest at The Society Garden (12-7 p.m.)

The Society Garden celebrates its annual Oktoberfest on Saturday with a full lineup of German-themed festivities including German and Oktoberfest craft beers, a classic car show from noon to 4 p.m., a live DJ from 2-6 p.m., and a Beer Stein Holding Competition at 4 p.m. Attendees dressed up for the occasion receive half off their first beer. Food available during the event from on-site food truck El Amigo includes brats, pretzels, and more. The Society Garden will charge a $5 cover for entry during Oktoberfest.

    > The Society Garden: 2389 Ingleside Avenue, Macon

Masquerade Ball: Unmask the Mystery - Mend the Hearts at the Tubman Museum (6:30 p.m.)

The Georgia Arrhythmia Foundation hosts "Masquerade Ball: Unmask the Mystery – Mend the Heart" on Saturday at the Tubman Museum. This black-tie fundraising evnet begins with a cocktail hour at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner and dancing. Guests will hear moving stories from survivors of cardiac events as well as about the challenges and success stories of treatment from cardiac physicians. Proceeds from the evening will help support the Foundation's mission. Individual tickets start at $100 and can be purchased online. Individual tickets to the Masquerade Ball start at $100 online at this link.

    > Tubman Museum: 310 Cherry Street, Macon

Graphic courtesy of the Georgia Arrhythmia Foundation

Ratchet Bingo at the Macon Arts Center (6 p.m.)

Ratchet Bingo combines the elements of a happening party with the excitement of bingo. This event is hosted by 32 Flavors and the Ratchet Squad, and is an experience for mature adults looking for something unique and fun to do. Tickets to Ratchet Bingo cost $40 online at this link.

    > Macon Arts Center: 4570 Pio Nono Avenue, Macon

Empire Presents: The Life of a Showgirl (A Drag Show) at the Tic Toc Room Macon (9 p.m.-12 a.m.)

The Tic Toc Room Macon will host a Taylor Swift-themed drag celebration this Saturday at The Second Floor Next Door as performers celebrate the release of Swift's new album, “The Life of a Showgirl”. Hazel Moon, Zoya Marx, Akasha Giselle Vidalle, Tina, and Jacey Rockett will entertain the crowds while DJ lolzoya will keep the crowd hyped. Dressing for the occasion, with friendship bracelets, sparkly outfits, and other Swiftie-related wear is highly encouraged.

    > Tic Toc Room at Late Nite: 408 Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, Macon

SUNDAY, September 28th

Fall Line’s Fall Market at Fall Line Brewing Co. (1-5 p.m.)

Fall Line Brewing Co. hosts its Fall Market this Sunday, October 5th, featuring items from local vendors with an assortment of items including sparkling jewelry, sweets, clothing, and gifts. Fall Line’s bar will also be serving adult beverages, including fall-themed cocktails during the market. Fall Line’s Fall Market is open to the public.

    > Fall Line Brewing Co.: 567 Plum Street, Macon

Macon Witches Float (2-3:30 p.m.)

Visit Macon sponsors the return of Macon's Witches Float this Sunday, now presented by Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions. Participants are encouraged to bring feminine product donations for Macon Periods Easier to be entered to win prizes including a paddle excursion from Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions. Check-in and shuttles to the launch run from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Porter Pavilion in Amerson River Park, with the Witches' Gathering and float departure at 3:30 p.m. from the Jay Hall Memorial Canoe Launch. Those who wear costumes and decorate their flotation devices as spookily as possible will have a chance to win a $100 gift card for Best Dressed presented by Visit Macon. Tickets for the Macon Witches Float start at $20 (for shuttle only for solo crafts) and can be purchased online at this link.

    > Amerson River Park: 2551 Pierce Drive North, Macon

MUSIC: The 4th Annual 478 Music Awards at p.m.)

The 4th Annual 478 Music Awards takes place this Sunday evening. This annual event celebrates local talent with live performances, award presentations, and plenty of entertainment. This in-person event offers attendees the opportunity to support the incredible music community in Middle Georgia. Tickets to the 478 Music Awards start at $33.85 on eventbrite.com.

    > 3270 Bloomfield Rd, Macon

Did we miss an event you are excited about? Leave a comment below to let others know about other fun and interesting events taking place this week in Middle Georgia.