Weekend Adventures in Middle Georgia

The new year starts with a busy weekend that will include celebrations of First Friday in Downtown Macon, hockey games with the Macon Mayhem, live music, shopping, special events, and more. There will be several special, free events at Indian Springs State Park this weekend if you want to get outside and enjoy nature. Bridgerton fans can take part in a regency ball on Saturday, and even get a chance to seek an audience with The Queen. The following are just a few of the unique, fun, and often free things to do in the heart of Georgia this weekend.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 2ND

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

Downtown Macon celebrates the beginning of each month during First Friday with an art crawl at galleries like the Macon Arts Alliance, 567 Center for Renewal, Gallery West, and Lore Gallery. Live music, special deals at restaurants and stores, and events for families to enjoy together are another big part of what makes First Fridays so much fun. The first First Friday of 2026 includes one the last chances to see the Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza (which ends on January 4th), a performance from DJ Steetz at The Bohemian Den (6-8 p.m.) as part of the brand new Soul Spots from Bragg Jam and Newtown Macon with sponsorship by JBA, and more.

    > Downtown Macon

Graphic courtesy of NewTown Macon

  >> 2nd Annual Vision Board Party at the Bloomfield-Gilead Recreation Center (6 p.m.)

2026 gives us a new beginning and another chance to bring your visions to reality. The Bloomfield-Gilead Recreation Center will host its second annual Vision Board Party to help you define what you wish for your future. This family-friendly event is free to attend.

    > Bloomfield-Gilead Recreation Center: 1931 Rocky Creek Road, Macon

  >> HOCKEY: Wicked Night at the Macon Mayhem vs. Fayetteville Marksmen Game in the Macon Coliseum (7 p.m.)

Attendees at Friday’s Macon Mayhem game will find themselves transported to the Emerald City as the Mayhem celebrate Wicked Night, paying tribute to the hit musical and movies. Dressing up for this game is recommended. If you want a double dose of hockey, the Mayhem will face off again against the Marksmen on Saturday during Wizardry Night. Tickets to Wicked Night at the Macon Mayhem game start at $17.35 online at this link.

    > Macon Coliseum: 200 Coliseum Drive, Macon

  >> MUSIC: Macon Music Revue at Grant’s Lounge (9 p.m.)

The Macon Music Revue plays all the hits from artists that Macon had a big impact on, including Otis Redding, Little Richard, and Sam & Dave (whose trumpet player Newton Collier still calls Macon home). Tickets for this show cost $10 at the door.

    > Grant’s Lounge: 576 Poplar Street, Macon

SATURDAY, JANUARY 3RD

  >> New Year’s Resolution Walk with Bike Walk Macon at Amerson River Park (9-10 a.m.)

Bike Walk Macon continues to lead the movement to make biking and walking safer and more convenient to Maconnites in 2026 with a New Year’s Resolution Walk this Saturday morning. This slow-paced walk will take the newest route in Amerson River Park, which meanders along the scenic Ocmulgee River. Registration for the New Year’s Resolution Walk starts at 8:45 a.m. at the AGL Pavilion (located next to the playground). This family-friendly event is free to attend.

    > Amerson River Park: 2600 Riverview Road, Macon

  >> SHOPPING: Depot Deals Fundraising Sale at Georgia’s Old Capital Heritage Center at the Depot (9 a.m.-12 p.m.)

Georgia’s Old Capital Heritage Center at the Depot in Milledgeville will open its 6,000 square feet for a day of shopping on Saturday. Items for sale include furniture, rugs, home décor, kitchenware, tools, garden supplies, books, and toys. Sales will help The Depot as it is renovated to become a “regional heritage center” that will focus on Milledgeville, Baldwin County, and the Oconee River basin. Only shoppers 18 and older are allowed in The Depot. This shopping event is free and open to the public.

    > Georgia’s Old Capital Heritage Center of the Depot: 95 Depot Circle Drive, Milledgeville

Graphic courtesy of Georgia's Old Capital Heritage Center

  >> SHOPPING: Smoke Stack Farmer’s Market (9 a.m.-1 p.m.)

Smoke Stack Farmer’s Market returns the first Saturday of 2026 with another chance to purchase local produce, fresh meat, sweet juices, fresh baked goods, and one-of-a-kind items from artists and craftsmen. This family-friendly event is free to attend.

    > Smoke Stack Farmer’s Market: 342 Rose Avenue, Macon

  >> Moss Meander at Indian Springs State Park (10-11 a.m.)

There is something magical about bright green moss as well as the many other varieties of this fascinating plant. Participants in the Moss Meander will meet at beautiful Indian Springs State Park’s Overland Nature Trail Hand, then walk with the park’s naturalist to learn all about different species of moss. The naturalist will also teach you how to make a unique snowflake decoration at the park’s museum from 1 to 3 p.m. and lead a mile-long hike down the park’s Multi-Use Trail, teaching attendees about Georgia’s native amphibians from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. These family-friendly events are free to attend.

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

  >> Music Workshop: Single Release Strategies and When to Use Them at Reverb Room (6 p.m.)

GMO Productions and Trent Chase will host an event all about networking and promoting bands for musicians, bands, producers, and creatives in Middle Georgia this Saturday. Trenton Chase will lead the 30-minute workshop about band promotion. Tickets for this event cost $5 at the door.

    > Reverb Room: 1758 Watson Boulevard, Macon

  >> The Diamond of Winter: A Bridgerton-inspired Regency Ball at The Overlook on First (6-10:30 p.m.)

The world of “Bridgerton” will come alive in Downtown Macon during Black Cat Fantasy Co.'s The Diamond of Winter on Saturday evening. This unique event will include live music, historical dance performances and ballroom dance lessons, professional photography, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and more. General admission tickets to The Diamond of Winter cost $95. VIP Admission, which includes early access to the event, a private meet and greet with The Queen, 1 themed cocktail or mocktail, and access to the Royal Balcony, costs $125 online. Tickets to The Diamond of Winter can be purchased online at this link.

    > The Overlook On First: 484 First Street, Macon

Graphic courtesy of Black Cat Fantasy Co.

  >> MUSIC: Karaoke at The Lazy Frog in Gray (7-10 p.m.)

The Lazy Frog restaurant will host an evening of karaoke with Tasha and Scott this Saturday evening. Singers will get a chance to quench their thirst with cool drink specials and hot southern comfort food. This karaoke event is free to attend.

    > The Lazy Frog: 300 West Clinton Street, Gray

  >> MUSIC: Blues Bound at Goat Island Tavern (8 p.m.)

Blues Bound will perform at Jackson’s Goat Island Tavern on Saturday night. This event is for music lovers 21 and older. There will be a $5 cover at the door with a valid ID for this show.

    > Goat Island Tavern: 300 West Clinton Street, Gray

  >> MUSIC: Westwall at Shawn O’Brian’s Music Venue (9 p.m.)

Westwall will be performing for patrons at Shawn O’Brian’s Music Venue this Saturday. This will be the band’s debut show and they will perform hits from the 60s through 80s. There will be a $5 cover for this show.

    > Shawn O’Brian’s Music Venue: 2400 Highway 36 E, Jackson

SUNDAY, January 4th

  >> Ceramic Textured Mug Workshop at stARTup Studios (2 p.m.)

A skilled teacher will teach how to create your very own ceramic textured mug at this unique workshop at stARTup Studios on Sunday. Tickets include materials, firing, and a follow-up glazing session and cost $55 online on stARTup Studio’s website.

    > stARTup Studios: 1055 Riverside Drive, Macon

  >> Oak Ridge Cemetery Workday with Historic Macon Foundation (2 p.m.)

This Sunday, get a free workout and help Historic Macon Foundation and the Fringed Campion Chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society clean up Oak Ridge Cemetery, which is located inside Rose Hill Cemetery. Participants will help clean up the historic African-American cemetery by pulling weeds, uncovering grave headstones, and picking up trash. Bring small hand tools and work gloves (if you have them) and dress appropriately for working outside. Oak Ridge Cemetery’s entrance is located at the entrance to Riverside Cemetery. This family-friendly event is free to attend.

    > Riverside Cemetery: 1301 Riverside Drive, 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.