Weekend Adventures in the Heart of Georgia: Friday, November 28th through Sunday, November 30th

The holiday season arrives in full force this weekend as Middle Georgia transforms with colorful lights, holiday markets, and festive celebrations. The free Macon Pops Christmas Spectacular entertains thousands of Middle Georgians in Downtown Macon on Friday, Small Business Saturday brings shopping opportunities from Gray to Warner Robins, and much more. The following are just a few of the festive, family-friendly (and often free) things to do this weekend in the heart of Georgia.

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FRIDAY, November 28th

Friendsgiving Market at the Houston County Galleria Mall (11/28-11/30) (7 a.m.-5 p.m.)

The Houston County Galleria Mall hosts a three-day Friendsgiving Market featuring over 16 local vendors offering unique gifts and goods that starts on Friday. The extended market runs through Sunday, providing multiple opportunities to support small businesses throughout the holiday weekend. The Friendsgiving Market is free to attend.

    > Houston County Galleria Mall: 2922 Watson Boulevard, Centerville

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Elf on The Farm Hunt at Skipper Family Farms (10-4 p.m.)

Skipper Family Farms offers a real-life elf hunt adventure on hayrides throughout the day this Friday. Guests can search for life-size elves and discover surprises hidden throughout the farm.

    > Skipper Family Farms: 4164 Jones Road, Macon

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MUSIC: Record Store Day at Fresh Produce Records (10 a.m.)

Fresh Produce Records celebrates Record Store Day Black Friday with exclusive vinyl releases available only at independent record stores (browse the releases at this link). The store opens early at 10 a.m. for customers who submitted requests through October 16th, with remaining inventory available online at this link starting 8 a.m. on Saturday, November 29th for those who can't shop in person. Record Store Day Black Friday is free to attend.

    > Fresh Produce Records: 567 Cherry Street, Macon

Graphic courtesy of Fresh Produce Records

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SHOPPING: Black Friday Sale at Heroes & Villains Comics and Games (10 a.m.-8 p.m.)

Heroes & Villains Comics and Games offers Black Friday discounts, including 25% off everything in store and online, 50% off back issues, 40% off all Gundam models, and 60% off yellow sticker items. According to the store, the sale excludes new products released within the last two weeks, Pokémon TCG, MTG, One Piece TCG, Gundam TCG, and already discounted items.

    > Heroes & Villains Comics and Games: 117 Russell Parkway, Suite F and G, Warner Robins

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MUSIC: Keith Williams and a Potluck Thanksgiving Dinner and Music at 20’s Pub (5 p.m.-2 a.m.)

20's Pub hosts a Black Friday Thanksgiving celebration featuring fried turkeys provided by the venue and potluck dishes from attendees. Dinner runs from 5-8 p.m., followed by live music from Keith Williams from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. The potluck dinner and live music show from Keith Williams are free to attend.

    > 20’s Pub: 3076 Riverside Drive, Macon

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Macon Pops Christmas Spectacular and Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza (6 p.m.)

Downtown Macon launches the holiday season with the annual Macon Pops Christmas Spectacular, a free opening night concert for the Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza at First and Poplar Streets. According to the organizers, Macon Pops performs live music "perfectly synchronized to over 1 million lights" presented by Northway Church, creating a magical audiovisual experience. The Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza continues nightly through January 4th with shows every hour from 6-10 p.m., with lights remaining on (without motion or music) until 11 p.m. each night. The Macon Pops Christmas Spectacular and all nightly light shows are free and open to the public.

    > Downtown Macon: Poplar Street, Macon

Many families take photographs during the annual Macon Christmas Lights Extravaganza (Photographer Nate Weeks)

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TRIVIA: Twilight Movies Trivia on The Patio At Rigby’s (7:30 p.m.)

OutLoud Jeff hosts trivia night focused on the Twilight movie series at The Patio at Rigby's this Friday night. Teams compete while enjoying food and drinks. There is no fee for this trivia event.

    > The Patio At Rigby’s: 2001 Karl Drive, Warner Robins

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SATURDAY, November 29th

SHOPPING: Hometown Christmas Market in Gray (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)

This Saturday, Main Street Gray presents the Hometown Christmas Market sponsored by Cadence Bank, featuring vendors throughout downtown Gray. The day concludes with the downtown Christmas tree lighting at 6 p.m., creating a full day of holiday festivities. The Hometown Christmas Market is free to attend.

    > Downtown Gray

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SHOPPING: Fall Market at Rigby’s Conference Center (11/29-11/30) (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)

This Saturday and Sunday, Rigby's Conference Center hosts a two-day Fall Market featuring local vendors offering custom and unique gifts for the holiday season. This event encourages shopping local during Black Friday weekend. The Fall Market at Rigby's Conference Center is free to attend.

    > Rigby’s Conference Center: 2001 Karl Drive, Warner Robins

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SHOPPING: Bookish Art Fair at Gottwalls Books (10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Gottwalls Books celebrates Small Business Saturday with a variety of local vendors selling candles, wax melts, bookmarks, stickers, earrings, personalized cups, fine art, Dungeons & Dragons merchandise, tote bags, keychains, plushies, and more this Saturday. More than 10 vendors are scheduled to participate in the bookish-themed fair, including The Honeybee Dragon, Lee & Rose Collective, J & R Creations, Bunnyroll, A Novel Bauble, Chris Garrett, The Goblin's Glen, Millie G., Julie D., Sarah H., Rose Bud Creations, and Michayla V. Gottwalls Books' Bookish Art Fair is free to attend.

    > Gottwalls Books: 1903 Watson Boulevard, Warner Robins

Graphic courtesy of Gottwalls Books of Middle Georgia

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SHOPPING: Roberta Merry Market (11 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Local crafters and artisans gather at Bailey Park in Roberta for holiday shopping this Saturday. The market offers handmade goods while supporting vendors from the community. The Roberta Merry Market is free to attend.

    > Bailey Park: Roberta

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Fairytale Food Drive by Fairytale & Friends at Little Light Coffee Co. (12-3 p.m.)

Fairytale & Friends will partner with Little Light Coffee Co. for a drop-in event featuring a storytime, photos, and meet-and-greets with popular Fairytale & Friends characters this Saturday. According to the organizers, each attending family is asked to bring a suggested donation of two pantry items or $5, with all donations going directly to the Lindsey Student Support Center Food Pantry to help local students and families in need. Recommended items include spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, canned meats, and boxed items like stuffing and rice dishes. The suggested donation is 2 pantry items or $5 per family, benefiting the Lindsey Student Support Center Food Pantry.

    > Little Light Coffee Co.: 4027 Watson Boulevard, Warner Robins

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SHOPPING: Artspace Holiday Art Shop (12-5 p.m.)

On Saturday, Artspace Macon launches its seasonal Local Artist Shop featuring handmade artwork and gifts from community artists. The curated holiday pop-up includes original pieces, prints, cards, ornaments, and mixed media work from Creative Pathways Artists, Casie Trace, Lindsey Hopkins, Megan Hunter, and other local makers. The shop remains open through December 20th. The Artspace Holiday Art Shop is free to browse.

    > Artspace Macon: 2378 Ingleside Avenue, Macon

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Cocoa, Cookies, & Cards at Bear's Books (1-4 p.m.)

Bear's Books is offering patrons a unique way to focus on getting holiday cards signed and addressed while enjoying sweet treats like cocoa and cookies with other Middle Georgia neighbors this Saturday afternoon. Attendees are reminded to bring address books and holiday cards, both of which can also be purchased at Bear's Books. This event is free and open to the public.

    > Artspace Macon: 2378 Ingleside Avenue, Macon

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Candy Cane Lane Christmas Parade in Hawkinsville (5:30-7 p.m.)

Hawkinsville celebrates the season with a full afternoon of holiday activities this Saturday evening. A Holiday Open House with pictures with Santa runs from 1-5 p.m., followed by children's activities at The Opera House from 2:30-5 p.m., the community tree lighting at 5 p.m., and the Candy Cane Lane Christmas Parade from 5:30-7 p.m. These family-friendly events are all free to attend.

    > Commerce Street, Hawkinsville

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HOCKEY: Disney Night at the Macon Mayhem vs. Quad City Storm Hockey Game (6 p.m.)

The Macon Mayhem face the Quad City Storm on Disney Night this Saturday. According to the organizers, the Centreplex will fill with "sights and sounds from decades of Disney magic", followed by a postgame skate. Doors open at 5 p.m. with puck drop at 6 p.m. Tickets to the Macon Mayhem game start at $17.35+ online at this link.

    > Macon Coliseum: 200 Coliseum Drive, Macon

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COMEDY: Danae Hays: The First Time Tour at the Macon City Auditorium (8 p.m.)

Comedian Danae Hays brings The First Time Tour to the Macon City Auditorium for an evening of stand-up comedy this Saturday night. Hays is a comedian, actress, and content creator from Alabama. She is also a former softball star and has millions of followers on TikTok. Tickets to see Danae Hays start at $35.65 on ticketmaster.com.

    > Macon Coliseum: 200 Coliseum Drive, Macon

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SUNDAY, November 30th

Public Skating at the Macon Coliseum (12-8 p.m.)

The Macon Coliseum offers one-hour public skating sessions throughout the afternoon and evening this Sunday. Tickets for one hour of ice skating cost $12.35 on ticketmaster.com.

    > Macon Coliseum: 200 Coliseum Drive, Macon

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Local DIY Show with Robin Callaway and Klaymour at Fresh Produce Records (7 p.m.)

Fresh Produce Records hosts a unique music experience featuring performances from Robin Callaway and Klaymour. The Local DIY Show has no cover charge.

    > Fresh Produce Records: 567 Cherry Street, Macon

Graphic courtesy of Fresh Produce Records

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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.