Weekend Adventures in the Heart of Georgia: Friday, November 7th through Sunday, November 9th

This weekend in Middle Georgia, there are events for all kinds of interests. Vampire Diaries fans can make the pilgrimage to Covington/Mystic Falls and meet some of the show's cast members, enjoy a designer runway show as part of Macon Fashion Week, and attend a free concert from DireWoof on Coleman Hill as you look out over Downtown Macon. Whether you're seeking art, entertainment, community connection, or something different, this weekend in the heart of Georgia is the place to be.

FRIDAY, November 7th

32nd Annual Christmas Made in the South at the Macon Coliseum (11/7-11/9) (10 a.m.-7 p.m.)

The 32nd Annual Christmas Made in the South will feature holiday décor from 300 artists and makers from around the United States. Shoppers can enjoy browsing items like personalized ornaments, fine art, clothing, jewelry, gourmet delights, toys, pottery, photography, and wreaths. Christmas Made in the South will also feature a visit from Santa Clause and a Holiday Buffet. Operating hours on Saturday run from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Call (704) 847-9480 for group rate tickets. Learn more about Christmas Made in the South online at this link. Tickets to Christmas Made in the South, which are available only at the door, cost $9 for adults and are free for children 12 years and under.

    > Macon Coliseum: 200 Coliseum Drive, Macon

Graphic courtesy of Christmas Made in the South

ROAD TRIP: Vampire Diaries Fan Appreciation Weekend (11/7-11/9) (10 a.m.-9 p.m.)

Fans of the television series The Vampire Diaries can step into the show’s Mystic Falls this weekend as Covington hosts a three-day Fan Appreciation Weekend featuring cast meet-and-greets, photo opportunities, and free activities around Covington's historic downtown. According to organizers at Vampire Stalkers/Mystic Falls Tours, multiple actors from the series have been confirmed with more being finalized, and local businesses will host special fan activities allowing visitors to explore the charming downtown where iconic scenes were filmed. It's completely free to visit Mystic Falls, take photos around town, and join in the community festivities. For those wanting more exclusive experiences, tickets for various events start at $20 on eventbrite.com, with selfies ranging from $20-$50 and meet & greets priced between $100-$200 per person.

    > 1102 Monticello Street, Covington

Choose Macon Biz Bazaar in Downtown Macon (3:30 p.m.)

Part of Downtown Macon will turn into a street festival Friday afternoon as the Choose Macon Biz Bazaar takes over the block in front of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, kicking off November's First Friday celebrations. This free event highlights service-based businesses that serve our community, with local organizations setting up booths to showcase their offerings while food trucks and beverages create a festive atmosphere. The Macon Biz Bazaar is networking meets street party, offering residents the opportunity to discover professional services available right in their own backyard while supporting Macon's economic vitality. The Choose Macon Biz Bazaar is free and open to the public.

    > Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce: 338 Poplar Street, Macon

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

Downtown Macon will be a busy place during November's First Friday, featuring everything from the Bright City opening reception showcasing Muscogee (Creek) fashion photography to Macon Fashion Week's "Put It On" designer showcase, art gallery openings, theatrical performances, live music at multiple venues, and an exclusive Hard Hat Happy Hour tour of Neel's Lofts.

Several restaurants and bars throughout downtown offer extended hours and specials, from Longleaf Distillery's half-price appetizers during "Appy Hour" (4-7 p.m.) to Hello Boba's Anime Food Trivia Night (6 p.m.).

Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment, from Bragg Jam’s Soul Spots that feature live music at The Bohemian Den with Trombone Love and at The Social Duck with Jackson Griffith. to late-night concerts at The Hummingbird and Grant's Lounge.

As usual, art lovers will find plenty to enjoy during First Friday’s art crawl at multiple art exhibit openings, which often feature light snacks and beverages for free, including:

 - Macon Arts Alliance (486 1st Street), will present their November exhibit, “Inheritance of the Unstable Self”, with artwork from University of North Florida’s Jason John from 4 to 7 p.m.. John’s artwork explores “instability of identity and the relationship between figure and surroundings,” according to NewTown Macon.

 - The 567 Center for Renewal (456 1st Street) will host the opening reception of its annual “Favorite Things” exhibit with a wide variety of artwork for $100 and less from 5 to 8 p.m.

 - The McEachern Art Center (332 2nd Street) will continue to feature Dotan Appelbaum’s “Severe Optimism” exhibit from 4 to 8 p.m. Appelbaum’s artwork is impressive and compelling, from his marquetry to his furniture building and beyond.

 - Wesleyan College Leadership Lab (522 Cherry Street), will present the opening reception for the Bright City Armor and Adornment: Muscogee Fashion Rooted in Identity exhibit, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. 

Graphic courtesy of Mark Hill

 - Gallery West (447 3rd Street) will have some of music legend photographer Kirk West’s early works on display from 5 to 8 p.m.

Most First Friday activities in downtown Macon are free and open to the public: for complete details and schedules, visit Newtown Macon’s website.

    > Downtown Macon

Bright City’s Armor and Adornment: Muscogee Fashion Rooted in Identity and Put it On - Local and Indigenous Designer Showcase (Macon Fashion Week) (5-8 p.m.)

Macon Fashion Week continues on Friday evening with an event that celebrates local and Indigenous design. This special event begins with the Bright City photography exhibition opening at Wesleyan Leadership Lab at 5 p.m., featuring "Armor and Adornment: Muscogee Fashion Rooted in Identity" with authentic designs made and modeled by Muscogee (Creek) people captured by Macon-based photographers. The Bright City photographs will remain on display in downtown Macon through October 2026.

After an artist talk at 6 p.m. and viewing the photography installation in Cherry Street alleyway, attendees will gather at Poplar Street Park at 7 p.m. for the main event: a designer runway presentation featuring collections from Ashley Monique, Diane Jackson, Isiah Miller, Jamie Bennett, Quitman Alexander, Monique Pitts-Taylor, and Jamie Rolland-Hill, followed by an after party at Late Nite. According to organizers, the exhibition presents fashion as both art and identity, rooted in traditions yet alive in the present, with designs by Jamie Rolland-Hill, Julia Wakeford, and Luann Bear (Ms. Muscogee Nation Royalty). VIP tickets and volunteer opportunities are available at Macon Fashion Week’s website. The Bright City opening reception and runway presentation are complimentary programs, free and open to the public.

    > Wesleyan College Leadership Lab: 522 Cherry Street, Macon

Graphic courtesy of Macon Fashion Week

Main Street Fest in Hawkinsville at The Green Space (6-8 p.m.)

Hawkinsville's downtown Green Space comes alive with activity this Friday evening with Main Street Fest, featuring live music by Mama & Them, food trucks, the Main Street Awards presentation, and raffle prizes. According to organizers, this annual tradition kicks off the holiday season with two hours of community celebration, where attendees can purchase limited-edition holiday ornaments available exclusively during the event. Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for an evening under the stars as neighbors connect and celebrate small-town charm. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and holiday spirit to Main Street Fest, which is free and open to the public.

    > The Green Space: 80 Commerce Street, Hawkinsville

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Good Medicine: Cancelled! A Vigilante Dance Party in Downtown Macon (6-9 p.m.)

Downtown Macon's Poplar Street transforms into a celebration of creative rebellion Friday evening with Good Medicine's “Cancelled!” This unique event is a vigilante dance party and open call for artists, street performers, and creatives of all kinds to claim their space in the spirit of play, according to the organizer, Court of Miracles. Court of Miracle’s Good Medicine movement centers on creating a safe environment where everyone can perform, play, and be themselves without judgment or hierarchy, emphasizing "there are no heroes here, only humans.” Good Medicine: Cancelled! is free and open for all ages.

    > Downtown Macon: 500 Block of Poplar Street, Macon

The Rainbow Fish at The Piedmont Grand Opera House (7 p.m.)

The beloved children's classic picture book "The Rainbow Fish" comes alive on The Piedmont Grand Opera House’s stage Friday evening in a theatrical adaptation that brings Marcus Pfister's underwater world to life for young audiences and their families. In partnership with Theatre Macon, the approximately 45-minute to one-hour production captures the original book’s heartfelt messages about friendship, sharing, and belonging. The show provides an excellent introduction to live theater for children ages 3 and up, with bright visuals and engaging performances that are perfect for younger theatergoers. Tickets to The Rainbow Fish cost $10 and are available online at tixr.com.

    > The Piedmont Grand Opera House: 651 Mulberry Street, Macon

Graphic courtesy of The Piedmont Grand Opera House

Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy at The Capitol Theatre (8-9:30 p.m.)

The Capitol Theatre transforms into a 19th-century portal to the spooky world of Edgar Allan Poe’s fiction on Friday evening. Led by the speakeasy's lead mixologist working alongside Poe historians, attendees will sip their way through four expertly crafted cocktails, each inspired by one of Poe's most beloved stories, in what organizers promise will be "a chillingly unforgettable experience." Tickets to the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy start at $55 and are currently available online at this link (though the organizer says this event usually sells out quickly).

    > The Capitol Theatre: 382 Second Street, Macon

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SATURDAY, November 8th

Veterans Day 5k at Middle Georgia State University (8:30 a.m.)

Runners will combine exercise with philanthropy Saturday morning at Middle Georgia State University's Georgia Premier Cross Country Course, with race proceeds benefiting the Georgia Veterans Services Foundation. The Georgia Veterans Services Foundation helps provide financial support to organizations directly serving veterans in communities across the state. The scenic course is appropriate for runners of all fitness levels, from competitive athletes to casual participants, with check-in beginning at 7:00 a.m. Registration for the Veterans Day 5k starts and $25 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, November 6th: register online at this link.

    > Middle Georgia State University: 100 University Parkway, Macon

Healthcare for Both Ends of the Leash at Macon Area Habitat for Humanity (10 a.m.-12 p.m.)

Macon Area Habitat for Humanity hosts a unique health fair Saturday morning that recognizes wellness matters for every family member, whether they walk on two legs or four. Healthcare for Both Ends of the Leash features free veterinary wellness checks, vaccinations, and microchips for cats and dogs alongside healthcare screenings for people. Pet owners can also schedule future spay or neuter appointments at affordable rates ($25 for cats and $35 for dogs), helping address pet overpopulation while encouraging responsible pet ownership. Healthcare for Both Ends of the Leash is free to attend, with complimentary veterinary wellness checks, vaccinations, and microchips for cats and dogs. along with free healthcare screenings for their humans as well.

    > Macon Area Habitat for Humanity: 690 Holt Avenue, Macon

Eatonton Mistletoe Market (10 a.m.-3 p.m.)

The Putnam County Courthouse Lawn transforms into a holiday wonderland Saturday with over 100 local artisans and craft vendors offering handmade, unique gifts at Eatonton's annual Mistletoe Market. The five-hour marketplace provides the perfect opportunity to get a head start on holiday shopping while supporting small businesses and local creativity. The Eatonton Mistletoe Market also features food vendors, food trucks, and live holiday music, and is free and open to attend.

    > Downtown Eatonton

Macon Fashion Week Catwalk Closing at The Overlook on First and Shop with a Stylist at Dillard’s (11 a.m.-5 p.m.)

The inaugural Macon Fashion Week concludes Saturday with a celebration proving that fashion belongs to everyone. The Catwalk Closing features familiar faces from the Macon creative community showcasing their personal styles through Dillard's collections. According to organizers, these "usual suspects" demonstrate that elevated style is within everyone's reach, with guidance from stylists helping them choose pieces that feel authentic to who they are. The celebration continues from 3-5 p.m. at Shops at River Crossing with Dillard's "Shop with a Stylist" event featuring champagne, professional style tips, and expert shopping guidance. On Saturday, 10% of all sales at Dillard's will be donated to support Macon Fashion Week. The Macon Fashion Week Catwalk closing program is free to attend.

    > The Overlook On First: 484 First Street, Macon/Dillard’s: 5080 Riverside Dr Suite 800, Macon

Macon Maker Holiday Market at stARTup Studios (11/8-11/9) (12-6 p.m.)

stARTup Studios and The Treasure Finder are presenting a two-day indoor market this Saturday and Sunday called the Macon Maker Holiday Market featuring vendors offering handmade products and artwork from local creatives as well as baked goods, body care items, and more. This market will also take place every second weekend of the month through December of this year. The Macon Maker Holiday Markets are free to attend.

    > stARTup Studios: 563 Mulberry Street, Macon

Macon’s Big Bike Ride 2025 from Bike Walk Macon (2:30-6 p.m.)

Hundreds of Middle Georgia cyclists will take to the streets Saturday for Bike Walk Macon’s Macon's Big Bike Ride. This event includes a 7-mile journey by bike honoring NewTown Macon’s Josh Rogers. Rogers was a passionate champion for walkable and bikeable streets whose vision helped transform the city's approach to transportation. The casual-paced route will highlight projects Rogers helped bring to life, starting at the Otis Redding Center for the Arts and winding through Intown and East Macon before traversing sections of the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail. Macon’s Big Bike Ride’s attendees can also meet at Fall Line Brewing Co. for an after party at 6:00 p.m., where a portion of Trailblazer beer sales supports the continued development of the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail. Free registration is available for anyone in need by contacting kaylee@bikewalkmacon.com. Participants must wear helmets, have bike lights, and sign waivers, youth riders under 16 must be accompanied by an adult (1 adult per 2 kids), and bikes with training wheels or under 24" are not permitted. Registration for Macon’s Big Bike Ride 2025 costs $10 per person, with kids under 12 riding free: register and learn more online at this link.

    > Otis Redding Center for the Arts: 436 Cotton Avenue, Macon

Graphic courtesy of Bike Walk Macon

GAMING: Reboot Rivals 12 Tournament at Reboot Retrocade (3-10 p.m.)

Retro gaming enthusiasts and competitive fighting game players will be taking over Reboot Retrocade this Saturday for the twelfth Reboot Rivals tournament. This gaming tournament features classic arcade fighting games and seven hours of competition. Practice setups will be ready by 3 p.m. before progressing through four featured games: Melty Blood AACC (3:30 p.m.), Sailor Moon S (4:30 p.m.), Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 (5:30 p.m.), and Plasma Sword (6:30 p.m.). Registration closes one hour before each game's start time. Pre-registration is required and can be completed online with payment via cash or PayPal. Players under 18 are welcome until 8 p.m. when accompanied by a parent or guardian. The venue fee for the Reboot Rivals 12 Tournament is $5 per person, but is waived for players who bring a full gaming setup: register online at this link.

    > Reboot Retrocade: 566 Cherry Street, Macon

GAMING: Neurodivergent Board Game Meet-Up at Artspace Macon (4-6 p.m.)

Artspace Macon creates a safe and welcoming space for neurodivergent individuals to connect over board games, card games, and good conversation in a relaxed, judgment-free environment at the Neurodivergent Board Game Meet-Up on Saturday. Participants can dive into games or simply socialize, with no pressure to perform socially or engage in any particular way. The Neurodivergent Board Game Meet-Up is free to attend, though donations are welcome and appreciated to support Artspace Macon’s diverse programming.

    > Artspace Macon: 2378 Ingleside Avenue, Macon

Graphic courtesy of Artspace Macon

SUNDAY, November 9th

Pre-Run Macon Music Half Marathon Course with Macon Tracks Running Club (6:45 a.m.)

Macon Tracks Running Club invites runners to preview the route of the Macon Music Half Marathon course this Sunday morning with a supported group run starting from the parking lot behind Luther Williams Field. Maps of the course and downloadable versions for Garmin or Apple watches are available online at this link. at maconmusichalfmarathon.com, allowing runners to familiarize themselves with the route before race day. This pre-run is free and open to all runners.

    > Luther Williams Field: 250 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon

Hay Day at the Hay House (11 a.m.-4 p.m.)

The historic Hay House opens its doors Sunday for the annual Hay Day. This year the free community event features "Inspired Surroundings," a student-led art exhibition showcasing work by Bibb County high school students. Visitors can self-tour the magnificent Italian Renaissance Revival mansion, enjoy refreshments, and create their own inspired artwork. Hay Day offers a rare opportunity to explore one of Macon's most treasured landmarks while supporting the next generation of local artists. Hay Day at the Hay House is free and open to attend.

    > Hay House: 934 Georgia Avenue, Macon

Graphic courtesy of the Hay House

Veterans Day Parade in Downtown Macon (3 p.m.)

The Cherry Blossom Festival honors veterans this Sunday afternoon with Macon-Bibb County's Veterans Day Parade in downtown Macon. The parade will include patriotic-themed floats, military units, and marching bands honoring hometown heroes. Spectators will line downtown streets to enjoy the procession and show appreciation for veterans in the community. The Veterans Day Parade is free and open to the public.

    > Downtown Macon

Bragg Jam Second Sunday Concert Series: Direwoof on Coleman Hill (6-8 p.m.)

Bragg Jam's Second Sunday concert series returns to Coleman Hill Sunday evening with a free performance from the band Direwoof. This local band faithfully performs Grateful Dead covers and has gained a strong following in Middle Georgia due to their energetic and somewhat psychedelic performances. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnics, lawn chairs, and leashed furry friends for a family-friendly evening under the stars at this free concert.

    > Coleman Hill: 934 Georgia Avenue, 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.