10-16-2025 11:16pm

Weekend Adventures in the Heart of Georgia: Friday, October 17th through Sunday, October 20th

Nate Weeks Editor

Downtown Macon's The Social Duck is the only place in Middle Georgia to play duckpin bowling (Photographer Nate Weeks)

This weekend presents many chances for an adventure, from a unique Homecoming Dance fundraiser to several festivals where you can celebrate blues music and folk art or Hispanic culture. With Halloween fast approaching, there are several events for those looking to get scared or dress up as their favorite superhero or fictional character. The following are just a few of the unique, and often free, things to do this weekend in the heart of Georgia.

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FRIDAY, October 17th

RACE: Annual Thriller 5K at the Milledgeville Georgia State Asylum (6 p.m.)

Run through the ruins and stately buildings on the old Central State Hospital’s two thousand acres in Milledgeville with “music, awards, snacks, and even zombies, according to the organizer. Central State Hospital once housed more than 10,000 patients with mental illness and developmental disabilities. The Thriller 5K will benefit the ZTA Foundation for Breast Cancer Education and Awareness.

> Milledgeville Georgia State Asylum: 620 Broad Street, Milledgeville

Macon Periods Easier: Homecoming Dance (7-10 p.m.)

Macon Periods Easier (MPE) will hold its annual fundraiser, called the Homecoming Dance, at the Overlook Ballroom this Friday. Proceeds from this event will go towards helping end period poverty in Middle Georgia. Period poverty is a term which means the lack of access to proper menstrual products and education about them. Attendees will dine on light hors d’oeuvres, drink from a cash bar, and bid in a silent auction while a DJ keeps the party lively until 10 p.m. A Homecoming Court will be chosen with donations from their peers, and the dress code is whatever makes you feel fancy, according to MPE. General admission tickets for the MPE Homecoming Dance are available for purchase at the door for $50 or online at this link.

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

HAUNTED HOUSE: Terror Behind the Temple (7-11 p.m.)

Terror Behind the Temple is a haunted house experience sponsored by the Al Sihah Shrine Center. Terror Behind the Temple will be open from Friday, October 17th, through Saturday, October 18th, Friday, October 24th, through Saturday, October 25th, and on the spookiest day of the year, Friday, October 31st. Children 12 and under get in under with an adult with a valid admission, with a limit of 4 children per adult. Tickets for the Terror Behind the Temple haunted house can be purchased at the door for $15 or on eventbrite.com.

> Al Sihah Shrine Center: 222 Shrine Park Drive, Macon

MUSIC: Shy Company Album Release Show with Buster Chrome at The Society Garden (7 p.m.)

Shy Company will be celebrating the release of the band’s debut album, Growing Pains, at The Society Garden on Friday night, along with a lot of their fans and friends. Shy Company has developed a well-deserved reputation as a band that always brings positive energy and an electrifying performance to whatever venue they perform at.

> The Society Garden: 2389 Ingleside Avenue, Macon

MUSIC: Mercer Singers with Guest Conductor Stephen Darlington in Fickling Hall (7:30 p.m.)

Dr. Stephen Darlington will combine forces with the Mercer Singers and director Stanley L. Roberts for a choral performance of “time-honored anthems by British composers and contemporary sacred selections” from international composers this Friday night. This choral concert is free to attend.

> McCorkle Music Building’s Fickling Hall: 1433 Adams Street, Macon

SATURDAY, October 18th

SHOPPING: October Artisan Market by Our Yarn Studio (9 a.m.-3 p.m.)

Our Yarn Studio will host the October Artisan Market this Saturday. This outdoor event will feature items of beauty made by creatives in Middle Georgia. This shopping event is free to attend.

> Our Yarn Studio: 4993 Russell Parkway, Suite 330, Warner Robins

ROAD TRIP: Olde Town Conyers Fall Festival 2025 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)

If you are looking to get out of town this weekend, the City of Conyers, which is about an hour and a half away from Middle Georgia, will be holding the Olde Town Conyers Fall Festival on Saturday. Visitors are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes and also dress up their pets for a costume contest, shop for Christmas presents at art and craft vendors, eat tasty food, visit a Children's Business Expo, and more. The Olde Town Conyers Fall Festival is free and open to the public.

> 901 Railroad Street, Conyers

ROAD TRIP: Mule Days with Live Music, Food Trucks, and More in Thomaston (10 a.m.-6 p.m.)

Mule Days is an event that pays tribute to the past when Upson County was known as the Mule Capital of the South. Mules were an important animal for farmers back then, as they helped them do everything from plowing fields to hauling heavy produce at harvest time. There will be live music from acts like Johnathon Heilbroun (10:15 a.m.), the Thomaston Gunfighters (12 p.m.), Lucas Smith (12:15 p.m.), the Blue Ruckus Blues Band (2:15 p.m.), and the Nick Edge Country Band (3:30 p.m.). Attendees will also be able to watch a magic show from Evan Dupree (11:15 a.m.) and dancing from the Thomaston Line Dancers (1:15 p.m.). There will also be food trucks, pumpkin painting, activities for kids, local vendors, and more. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.

> Greatest Generation Park: 106 East Lee Street, Thomaston

22nd Annual Deep Roots Festival 2025 (10 a.m.)

The Deep Roots Festival brings live music, hot food, arts and crafts, and more to Downtown Milledgeville each year. Artists who will be performing at Deep Roots Festival 2025 include Logan Crosby, The Restless Natives, Shaquille Wright and the Mocals, Dean Brown & The Dubshak Band, as well as musicians from Georgia College & State University and local high schools. The Deep Roots Festival is a family-friendly event that is free and open to the public.

> Downtown Milledgeville

HISTORY: Rose Hill Ramble (10-11:30 a.m.)

Historian Kathleen O’Neal will lead a tour through the historic and beautiful Rose Hill Cemetery this Saturday. Rose Hill was once a place where young people took their dates and families picnicked. It was designed as a garden cemetery and meant to function as both a park and the final resting place for thousands of people. Check in for the Rose Hill Ramble starts at 9:30 a.m. at Rose Hill Cemetery’s front gate. Proceeds from these tours help preserve Rose Hill Cemetery. Tickets to the Rose Hill Ramble cost $20 online at this link, and limited tickets will be sold at the gate.

> Rose Hill Cemetery: 1091 Riverside Drive, Macon

No Kings Protest in Tattnall Square Park (10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.)

No Kings Protests will be taking place all across the nation on Saturday, including in Macon’s Tattnall Square Park. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes and meet at the turnaround at Tattnall Square Park for a peaceful protest. The first No Kings Protest took place in June of this year, and organizers estimated over 5 million people participated in more than 2,000 cities and towns.

> Tattnall Square Park: Coleman Avenue, Macon

Lane Southern Orchard’s Fall Festival (11 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Lane Southern Orchards will hold its Fall Festival this Saturday. This family-friendly event will include a corn maze, hayrides, rubber duck races, arts and crafts vendors, and more.

> Lane Southern Orchards: 50 Lane Road, Fort Valley

3rd Annual All Howls Eve (11 a.m.-6 p.m.)

The 3rd Annual All Howls Eve will take place this Saturday at Lamar County Animal Services. This event will feature a trick-or-treat trail, a costume contest for both kids and pets, food trucks, vendors, family games and activities, as well as adoptable pets. Attendees at this Halloween-themed fundraiser are encouraged to wear costumes and help raise funds to help children and animals in need.

> Lamar County Animal Services: 137 Roberta Drive, Barnesville

Fall Festival and Trick-or-Treating at Hamlin Hills Farm (11 a.m.-6 p.m.)

Hamlin Hills Farm will host a Fall Festival and Trick-or-Treating event this Saturday with live music, vendors, and more.

> Hamlin Hills Farm: 477 Dames Ferry Road, Forsyth

Barktoberfest at Barks N Brews (12 p.m.)

Barks N Brews' Barktoberfest will take place this Saturday and include live music from Chip Holton (1-3 p.m.), an Oktoberfest celebration with beers on tap, and hot food from Piedmont Brewery’s food truck. There are requirements for dogs for entry (for example, dogs over 1 year old must be spayed or neutered), but those without dogs can attend for free.

> Barks N Brews: 695 Riverside Drive, Macon

All Blues Music & Arts Revival (12 p.m.)

The All Blues Music & Arts Revival returns to Macon this Saturday with live blues music from Brotha Ric (12 p.m.), Willie Farmer (2 p.m.), Alvin Hart (4 p.m.), and Lil’ Ed (6 p.m.). There will also be an exhibit of Southeastern folk art, as well as a paint project for kids. The All Blues Music & Arts Revival is family-friendly and free to attend.

> Mill Hill Community Arts Center: 302 Taylor Avenue, Macon

Macon-Bibb Hispanic Festival (1-7 p.m.)

The Macon-Bibb Hispanic Festival will take place this Saturday. This annual event celebrates Hispanic culture during the annual Hispanic Heritage Month. Attendees can expect tasty food, music, dance, and art. This family-friendly event is free to attend.

> Cherry Street Plaza: 310 Cherry Street, Macon

Braddock’s Cask & Table Oktoberfest Celebration (6-9 p.m.)

Braddock’s Cask & Table will celebrate its first Oktoberfest this Saturday. Live musicians will play German drinking songs while Chef Ingrid, who is from Berlin, Germany, will be serving German food and beer. Lederhosen and other traditional German outfits are encouraged at this Oktoberfest celebration.

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

SUNDAY, October 19th

StoryWalk Installation Workday at Amerson River Park (2-5 p.m.)

Volunteers are needed to help install permanent page holders for the StoryWalk at Amerson River Park. The StoryWalk Project encourages people to create their own permanent installations where children can walk while reading a storybook along the path. Volunteers are encouraged to dress for garden work (long pants, long sleeves, gloves, hat, work boots) and bring a water bottle and any tools you have (drill, hammer, etc.). Participants must be 12 years old or older, and those under 18 years of age must have an adult present. All volunteers must sign a waiver of liability before working on this worthwhile project.

> Amerson River Park: 2600 Riverview Road, Macon

MUSIC: Soul Sunday at 5iv70 Dueling Piano Bar (4-10 p.m.)

Soul Sunday features live performances from Blak Pearl n The Moonchild, DJ sets from DJ Drank, and adults having fun while dressed to impress. Visit 5ive70 Dueling Piano Bar’s Facebook page for more information about this event. Reserved tables for Soul Sunday are $50, while general admission tickets cost $20 at the door.

> 5ive70 Dueling Piano Bar: 570 Mulberry Street, 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.

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Weekend Adventures in the Heart of Georgia: Friday, October 17th through Sunday, October 20th

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