Weekend Adventures in the Heart of Georgia: Friday, November 14th through Sunday, November 16th

This weekend, Middle Georgians can enjoy unique experiences visiting the 7th Annual Fire & Ice Ceramic and Glass Festival, celebrating the return of the Ocmulgee Artist Guild with a fine art exhibit and art party, watching Christmas movies projected on the side of the historic Bibb Theatre, and much, much more. The following are just a few of the fun, unique (and often free) things to do this weekend in the heart of Georgia.

FRIDAY, November 14th

7th Annual Fire & Ice Ceramic and Glass Festival at the Round House (11/14-11/22) (10 a.m.-4 p.m.)

The Round Building in Carolyn Crayton Park will once again transform into a showcase for ceramic and glass artistry as the Macon Arts Alliance's 7th Annual Fire & Ice Festival returns for nine days starting this Friday. Featuring artists from around the southeast displaying thousands of pieces of original work, Fire & Ice is one of Georgia's largest ceramic and glass festivals. Visitors can browse the beautiful works for both exhibition and purchase, with all proceeds supporting the advancement of arts and culture in Central Georgia. The festival runs daily through November 22nd, providing multiple opportunities to discove

Graphic courtesy of Macon Arts Alliance

r unique handcrafted pieces, according to the Macon Arts Alliance. Fire & Ice is free to attend and open to everyone.

    > Carolyn Crayton Park’s Round House: 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon

Fall Family Campout 2025 at the North Houston Sports Complex (5 p.m.)

Pack the sleeping bags and gather the family for an overnight adventure under the stars at the North Houston Sports Complex this Friday night at the Fall Family Campout 2025. This family-friendly event features stargazing with the Middle Georgia Astronomical Society with the relaxing sound of campfires nearby. Participants should bring their own tents. Registration for the Fall Family Campout 2025 costs $25 per family for Warner Robins residents and $30 for county residents: register online at this link or in person at the North Sports Complex. 

    > North Houston Sports Complex: 900 N. Houston Road, Warner Robins

ART: OAG Revival: Art Party and Fine Art Exhibit on First Street (6 p.m.-12 a.m.)

The Ocmulgee Artist Guild returns on Friday evening for a one-night-only fine art exhibit and art party celebrating creativity with artwork from more than a dozen talented local artists. The original artwork will be available for purchase at tiered and competitive prices, emphasizing the guild's commitment to making local, affordable, unique art accessible to the public. According to organizers, the evening's festivities will feature music, projected films, installations, and more. The event is kid-friendly until sundown, with complimentary drinks for guests 21 and over. OAG Revival has no cover charge and is open to the public (though donations are appreciated by OAG to help them continue presenting unique events like this free of charge).

    > 452 1st Street, Macon

Graphic courtesy of Ocmulgee Artist Guild

MOVIES: Friday Night Films on the Field Screening of “Mufasa: The Lion King” in North Peach Park Ball Field (6:15 p.m.)

The Peach County Recreation Department presents another installment of Friday Night Films on the Field this Friday at Byron's North Peach Park with a screening of "Mufasa: The Lion King" (2024). Seating and concessions begin at 5:30 p.m., giving families time to visit the food trucks onsite before settling in under the stars for the 6:15 p.m. showtime. Attendees should bring blankets or lawn chairs for comfort, and note that pets are not permitted (except service animals). Admission to Friday Night Films on the Field is free.

    > North Peach Park Ball Field: 401 White Road, Byron

Festival of Trees Gala at the Museum of Arts and Sciences (7-11 p.m.)

This Friday, the Museum of Arts and Sciences (MAS) hosts its annual Festival of Trees Gala, a black-tie event featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment, an open bar and a fine art sale. The essential donations from this event support MAS's mission to continue providing cultural and educational opportunities throughout Macon. The gala serves as one of the Festival of Trees' signature fundraising events, bringing together art enthusiasts and community supporters for an elegant evening celebrating the season. While the Festival of Trees Gala is a ticketed fundraising event and tickets are currently sold out online, you can still help support the museum's worthwhile mission by purchasing $50 raffle tickets for a chance to win one of 4 raffle baskets filled with an impressive assortment of goods and services.

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

MUSIC: Broadway Rave at the Capitol Theatre (8 p.m.)

Attention musical theatre lovers and Broadway devotees: Broadway Rave brings the Great White Way to Macon for one unforgettable night on Friday. This Broadway dance party celebrates the best in show-tunes and musical theatre with attendees encouraged to sing along to their favorite hits while dressed as their favorite characters. According to organizers, surprise guests from Broadway productions will make appearances, allowing fans to live out their Broadway fantasies. Doors open at 8 p.m. with the show starting at 9 p.m., and the event is appropriate for all ages. Tickets to Broadway Rave start at $32.90 and are available online at this link. 

    > The Capitol Theatre: 382 2nd Street, Macon

Graphic courtesy of Broadway Rave and Colt Classic Presents

SATURDAY, November 15th

RUNNING: 2nd Annual Autumn Dash 5k and Food Drive at the Oconee River Greenway (9 a.m.)

On Saturday, you can lace up your running shoes for the second annual Autumn Dash 5K in Milledgeville. This race is presented by Ragtag Running and Morning Grind and helps support the fight against hunger, according to the organizer. The 2nd Annual Autumn Dash 5k takes place on the beautiful Oconee River Greenway and welcomes both runners aiming for personal records and those simply wanting to take a leisurely run. The event organizer aims to collect 1,000 food donation items on race day to make a local impact in Milledgeville this holiday season. Those who don't plan to run but still want to donate, or runners with questions, can email Ragtag Running at runragtag@gmail.com. Registration for the 2nd Annual Autumn Dash 5k and Food Drive is available online at this link. 

    > Oconee River Greenway: 420 E. Greene Street, Milledgeville

SHOPPING: Market in the Park Christmas Market at the Monroe Co. Recreation Department (1-7 p.m.)

The Monroe County Recreation Department hosts Market in the Park's Christmas Market on Saturday. This event features arts and crafts, baked goods, and food trucks for Middle Georgians to do some holiday shopping while making community connections. Market in the Park Christmas Market is free and open to the public.

    > Monroe County Recreation Department: 100 Dan Pitts Road, Forsyth

Candy-Copie and Kandi Circle at Hello Boba Cafe (2-4 p.m.)

Cafe Heart Projects will host a unique crafting event at Hello Boba Cafe this Saturday featuring Candy Cornucopias, which are sugar cones filled with candy and sweets to create personalized fall trail mixes. The Kandi Station will also be available to make colorful accessories while socializing with other attendees. Free parking is available at the 367 Mulberry Street Lane garage with an entrance near the Douglas Theater. The Candy-Copie & Kandi Circle is family-friendly and free to attend.

    > Hello Boba Cafe: 359 Third Street, Macon

Graphic courtesy of Cafe Heart Projects

MUSIC: 2nd Annual Macon Mayhem Gym Battle (3 p.m.)

Central High School's Sugarbear Band will face off against Spalding High School's Blue Jag Funk Marching Band from Griffin in the second annual Macon Mayhem Gym Battle this Saturday afternoon. This high-energy showcase promises an unforgettable afternoon of music, culture, and school pride, according to the organizer. Tickets to the Macon Mayhem Gym Battle cost $15.00 and are available at online at this link.

    > Central High School: 2155 Napier Avenue, Macon

Spirit of Christmas Festival at Skipper Family Farms (5-9 p.m.)

Skipper Family Farms presents a Hallmark-style festival featuring a ribbon cutting, lighting ceremony, delicious treats, games, live carolers in full attire, a night hayride, and more this Saturday at the Spirit at Christmas Festival. Visitors can sip hot cocoa, hot cider, or coffee while munching on kettle corn, corn dogs, cotton candy, or caramel apples during this family-friendly event. There is a $5 parking fee at the gate: tickets for booth items can be purchased separately with cash or card, depending on the vendor, according to Skipper Family Farms.

    > Skipper Family Farms: 4164 Jones Road, Macon

MUSIC: The Open Seas at Grant’s Lounge (8 p.m.)

The Open Seas returns to the stage at historic Grant's Lounge with New Saint Nicholas (Brent Thomason) as the opening act. This performance promises to be memorable night of live music at one of Macon's most iconic venues. Tickets cost $10 at the door.

    > Grant’s Lounge: 576 Poplar Street, Macon

MUSIC: Mercer Homecoming Party with Ashes at The Hummingbird (9:30 p.m.-1 a.m.)

Late into Sunday morning, the Hummingbird celebrates Mercer Bears with a homecoming party featuring local rockers Ashes. Current Mercer students 21 and older receive free entry with valid student ID. The music starts at 9:30 p.m. for a night of rock energy and Bear pride. General admission costs $5 at the door for this show.

    > The Hummingbird Stage & Taproom: 430 Cherry Street, Macon

GAMING: M3 CON Tabletop Convention at The Overlook On First (11/15-11/16) (9 a.m.-7 p.m.)

Board game and role playing game enthusiasts will gather this Saturday at The Overlook on First for the first day of the M3 CON Tabletop Convention. This convention focuses on open gaming with a few scheduled events sprinkled throughout, according to organizers. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite games and their game-loving friends. On Sunday, the convention runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets to M3 CON Tabletop Convention start at $10 and can be purchased online at this link. 

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

Pictures with Santa at Pet Party Palace (11/15-11/16) (10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.)

Pet Party Palace's Pictures will get in the holiday mood with an event where furry friends can pose for festive photos with Santa. Each 15-minute session includes three professionally edited digital photos with a Christmas backdrop and accommodates up to two pets per session. Book your photo session at Pictures with Santa at Pet Party Palace online at this link. 

    > Pet Party Palace: 536 Third Street, Suite 3, Macon

SUNDAY, November 16th

MUSIC: Folk Songs, Fantasies, and Flourishes at Central High School (6 p.m.)

The Middle Georgia Concert Band and Mercer University Band combine forces for an evening of music featuring "timeless folk melodies, imaginative works, and vibrant musical flourishes". The fall concert showcases talented local and collegiate musicians performing to engage audiences of all ages in Central High School's excellent auditorium. Admission to Folk Songs, Fantasies, and Flourishes is free and open to the public. 

    > Central High School: 2155 Napier Avenue, Macon

Community Tree Lighting at Fall Line Brewing Co. (6 p.m.)

Downtown Macon presents a Community Tree Lighting at Fall Line Brewing Co. this Sunday featuring Fairytales and Friends' Frozen-inspired characters ready to pose for festive photos with patrons. The family-friendly event features arts and crafts, hot cocoa and cookies from Sweet Eleanor's, and live music from Reese Soul. The Community Tree Lighting is free to attend. 

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

Graphic courtesy of NewTown Macon

MOVIES: Classics at the Bibb: Christmas Edition (7 p.m.)

NewTown Macon and Macon Film Fest present Classics at the Bibb: Christmas Edition this Sunday with a screening free Christmas shorts on the front of the historic Bibb Theatre. The iconic "Frosty's Winter Wonderland" (1976) and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (1964) will be projected on the historic building while the community sits in Third Street Park with lawn chairs or blankets. This festive event is made possible by the generous support of the Downtown Challenge Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, Peyton Anderson Foundation, and Knight Foundation. Classics at the Bibb: Christmas Edition is family-friendly and free to attend. 

    > Third Street Park: 450 3rd Street, Macon