Adventures in the Heart of Georgia: Things to Do this Weekend in Macon and Greater Middle Georgia

While the U.S. National Weather Service is warning of a potentially dangerous ice storm this weekend, if Middle Georgia isn't impacted by this rare weather event, there will be many adventures to be had. The Macon Mayhem will place the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs on Friday and Saturday, music fans can attend an album release party at Vice Bar with a live performance from Middle Georgia's The Open Seas, and adrenaline junkies can attend a monster truck racing event in Perry. The following are just a few of the interesting, exciting, and often free events taking place this weekend in the heart of Georgia.

The US National Weather Service (Peachtree City) has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Middle Georgia from Saturday afternoon through Monday morning (Photographer Nate Weeks)

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23rd

  >> SHOPPING: Oldham’s Opticians Estate/Going Out of Business Sale (1/23-1/24) (9 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Oldham's Opticians has been located in Downtown Macon's Mulberry Street for many years. This weekend, the business will hold an estate/going-out-of-business sale. Shoppers will find frames, office furniture, office supplies, art, household goods, and more. There will be a second day of shopping on Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m. This shopping event is open to the public.

    > Oldham’s Opticians: 524 Mulberry Street, Macon

  >> Navigating AI in Today’s Workplace at The Web (9:30-11:30 a.m.)

ProLearn Dynamics invites business owners and employees to explore "how AI is changing work and learn tips to thrive in today’s tech-driven office." ProLearn Dynamics helps businesses grow through digital marketing and media. Navigating AI in Today's Workplace is free to attend.

    > The Web: 1083 Washington Avenue, Macon

  >> HOCKEY: Macon Music Night at the Macon Mayhem vs. Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Game in the Macon Coliseum (7 p.m.)

Macon Music Night will celebrate the many iconic musicians who have been part of Macon's musical history on Friday. This themed game is presented by Coca-Cola and will include tributes to everything from soul to southern rock as the Macon Mayhem hit the ice with the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs. The Macon Coliseum's doors open at 6 p.m. and the puck drops at 7 p.m. The Mayhem will again face off against the Rail Yard Dawgs on Saturday during Star Wars Night, where hockey fans can take pictures with the heroes (and villains) from the Star Wars universe. Tickets for either game start at $17.35 online at this link.

    > Macon Coliseum: 200 Coliseum Drive, Macon

  >> MUSIC: Bob Lennon at The Society Garden (8 p.m.)

Rapper/singer/songwriter Bob Lennon will bring his unique style of hip hop to Macon's The Society Garden to start off the icy weekend. The Agave Azul food truck will be at the venue for those fans who get the munchies during the concert. The Society Garden will charge a $10 cover at the door for this show.

    > The Society Garden: 2389 Ingleside Avenue, Macon

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  >> MUSIC: The Open Seas Album Release Party for “Natural Circuit” at Vice Bar (9 p.m.)

The Open Seas will be performing their newest album, "Natural Circuit," at Vice Bar on Friday to celebrate the album's release. Afterward, DJ Montalbon Junior will entertain patrons with additional opportunities to dance and groove. This event is free to attend.

    > Vice Bar: 499 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Macon

Graphic courtesy of The Open Seas

  >> MUSIC: The Psycodelics at Grant’s Lounge (9 p.m.)

The Psycodelics combine elements from funk, blues, gospel and rhythm and blues to great a sound all their own. The band's debut album, “Please Keep Off The Grass,” is set to be released on Easter Sunday, April 20th. The band has previously performed at Peach Fest, the Joshua Tree Music Festival, and Jam Cruise. The Psycodelics band is made up of Cameron Wescott (bass/vox), Sean Bing (drum/vox), Noah Jones (keys), Whitt Burn (guitar), and Chris Barnwell (percussion). Tickets to see The Psycodelics in concert cost $10 at the door and can also be purchased in advance.

    > Grant’s Lounge: 576 Poplar Street, Macon

SATURDAY, JANUARY 24th

  >> Monster Truck Wars at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter (1/24-1/25) (12-3:30 p.m.)

Monster Truck Wars will include exciting monster truck races, a chance for attendees to ride in a monster truck, Quad Wars racing, and kids' power wheel races. Race fans will get a chance to see famous monster trucks like Shark Attack, T-Rex, and Outlaw. Tickets to Monster Truck Wars currently start at $40 online at this link.

    > Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter's Reaves Arena: 401 Larry Walker Parkway, Perry

  >> Milledgeville Bridal & Event Showcase at the Magnolia Ballroom (12-4 p.m.)

The inaugural Milledgeville Bridal & Event Showcase will take place this Saturday at Magnolia Ballroom. Local and regional vendors will present offerings of unique venues, catering, photography, florals, décor, entertainment, event planning, and more,  according to organizers. The Milledgeville Bridal & Event Showcase is free to attend.

    > Magnolia Ballroom: 300 W. Hancock Street, Milledgeville

  >> White Whiskers Adoption Event at Pet Supermarket (1-4 p.m.)

4 Paws and a Tail will hold an adoption event at Macon's Pet Supermarket this Saturday afternoon. 4 Paws and a Tale is a licensed rescue, according to the organization's Facebook page. This adoption event is free to attend.

    > Pet Supermarket: 265 Tom Hill SR Boulevard, Macon

  >> Distiller’s Choice Barrel Pick - Whiskey at Longleaf Distillery (3 p.m.)

Longleaf Distillery's head distiller will present an exclusive distiller's choice barrel pick with Heirloom American Whiskey this Saturday. Guests will receive a guided tour of the distillery, sample whiskey straight from the barrel, and learn about the smell and tasting notes of whiskey. Attendees will even get a chance to bottle and label their own bottle of whiskey. The ticket price of $100 includes the tour, tasting, and the first bottle of the selected spirit. 

    > Longleaf Distillery: 664 2nd Street, Macon

  >> MUSIC: Paul McDonald & The Mourning Doves with Parker Gispert at Grant’s Lounge (9 p.m.)

Paul McDonald has been compared to iconic musicians like Rod Stewart and Bob Dylan. McDonald's lyrics are catchy but also contain a lot of depth, which makes sense when you consider he is a poet and visual artist as well as a songwriter and a singer. Parker Gispert (The Whigs) has helped open for Kings of Leon, Black Keys, and Jason Isbell. The musician has also played on the Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and Jimmy Kimmel Live! Tickets to see Paul McDonald and Parker Gispert in concert cost $10 at the door and can also be purchased before the show online at this link.

    > Grant’s Lounge: 576 Poplar Street, Macon

Parker Gispert's 'Golden Years' album was release in 2022

>> MUSIC: DJ Aladdin at Late Nite (10 p.m.)

DJ Aladdin will perform for the first time at Downtown Macon's Late Nite on Saturday. DJ Aladdin is a touring DJ, producer, and radio DJ, as well as the Tour DJ for Atlanta rapper/singer/songwriter Roscoe Dash. 

    > Late Nite: 420 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Macon

SUNDAY, January 25th

  >> Junk Journaling Workshop at Bear’s Books (3:30 p.m.)

Bear's Books invites creatives to learn how to use "junk" (think stickers, washi tape, stamps, etc.) to create a one-of-a-kind journal. This unique workshop cost $10 online at this link.

    > Bear’s Books: 835 Forsyth Street, Macon

Graphic courtesy of Bear's Books

  >> YOGA: Sunday Slow Flow Yoga Session at The Rose Room (3:45-5 p.m.)

The Rose Room in Downtown Macon will host a Sunday Slow Flow yoga class this Sunday. This beginner friendly, 60 minute yoga practice will be led by Empowering Peace Yoga’s founder Shan Hunt. The yoga class will include a 15 minute meditation and a new year, new month intention setting time, according to the organizers. Afterward, attendees can enjoy a social hour with a beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) from The Rose Room's talented bartenders. You can register for the Sunday Slow Flow Yoga Session online at this link.

    > The Rose Room: 378 2nd Street, Macon

  >> ICE SKATING: Public Ice Skating at the Macon Coliseum (12-6 p.m.)

Skate on the ice rink in the Macon Coliseum where the Macon Mayhem hockey team compete this Sunday, starting at noon. Skaters can enjoy 1-hour-long skating sessions. Tickets to skate in the Macon Coliseum cost $12.35 online at this link.

    > Macon Coliseum: 2172 Anthony Road, 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.