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The adventurous can dance to Irish jigs, attend a plant-themed pop-up art exhibit, or learn how to capture great photographs from professional photographer Stephen Cook this weekend. Doing things for others is a great way to give back, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Georgia is presenting a fundraising event this weekend that helps it fulfill its important mission of helping boys and girls with mentorship. The following are just a few of the unique, interesting, and often free things to do this weekend in the heart of Georgia.
FRIDAY, February 20th
>> MUSIC: Irish Night with Harry O’Donoghue at St. Peter Claver Catholic School (7 p.m.)
Irish entertainer Harry O’Donoghue will sing Irish folk ballads, and The May Belles will perform traditional Irish music during Irish Night at St. Peter Claver Catholic School this Friday. Guests are invited to bring their own dinner and decorate their table for this unique cultural event. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets for Irish Night cost $40 online and $50 at the door, with sponsorships and tables for 10 also available.
> St. Peter Claver Catholic School: 133 Ward Street, Macon
>> ART: Ocmulgee Artist Guild’s Arrival: Flora & Flower Exhibit (6 p.m.-12 a.m.)
The talents behind the Ocmulgee Artist Guild (OAG) will present a one-night-only pop-up art exhibit featuring artwork series inspired by “flora, nature, or flower(s).” OAG’s art parties are known for their creativity and wide range of artwork. OAG’s Arrival: Flora & Flower Exhibit is free to attend.
> 452 1st Street, Macon
Graphic courtesy of Ocmulgee Artist Guild>> ASTRONOMY: Public Observing at Indian Springs State Park with the Flint River Astronomy Club (7-9:30 p.m.)
The Flint River Astronomy Club will host a night of public astronomy at beautiful Indian Springs State Park on Friday night. Attendees are invited to bring a blanket or chair and learn about the universe with telescope viewing (if the weather is right), guided stargazing, and planets, stars, and deep-sky objects. A valid state park parking pass is required for entry to this free event.
> Indian Springs State Park: 706 Indian Springs State Park, Flovilla
>> MUSIC: Mercer Jazz Ensemble present “It’s Miller Time” at Fickling Hall (7:30 p.m.)
It’s Miller Time will feature Mercer alum Matt Miller along with Mercer’s Jazz Ensemble, directed by Monty Cole, performing everything from “cool jazz to sophisticated bebop” on saxophone at this concert on Friday. It’s Miller Time is free and open to the public.
> McCorkle Music Building’s Fickling Hall: 1433 Adams Street, Macon
>> MUSIC: Parker Barrow at Grant’s Lounge (9 p.m.)
Parker Barrow will be performing blues-infused Southern rock and roll at historic Grant’s Lounge on Friday evening. This band is based in Nashville and recently released its latest EP, “Hold The Mash.” Tickets to see Parker Barrow in concert cost $10 at the door.
> Grant’s Lounge: 576 Poplar Street, Macon
SATURDAY, February 21st
>> Smoke Stack Farmer’s Market (9 a.m-1 p.m.)
Smoke Stack Farmer’s Market takes place every Saturday, rain or shine. The market is located right next door to the sprawling Payne Mill Antique Mall, making it a great place to browse for antique treasures after shopping for breads, meats, including shrimp, beef, and lamb, fresh fruit juices, honey, fresh flowers, and more. Smoke Stack Farmer’s Market is free to attend.
> 342 Rose Avenue, Macon
>> Intro to Digital Photography with Stephen Cook at The 567 Center for Renewal (10 a.m.-1 p.m.)
Professional photographer Stephen Cook will lead a hands-on introductory to photography class at The 567 this Saturday. Cook’s photography ranges from Macon architecture to incredible scenes he has captured during his travels. This class includes a lecture and instructions for taking photographs (make sure you bring your camera). This photography class cost $55 for 567 members and $65 for everyone else.
> The 567 Center for Renewal: 342 Rose Avenue, Macon
Graphic courtesy of The 567 Center for Renewal>> Family Fun Skate at Rigby’s Entertainment Complex (10 a.m.-2 p.m.)
Rigby’s Entertainment Complex offers an event for the whole family every Saturday. This event includes interactive activities like Limbo, Family Skate, Four Corners, Freeze Skate, and Sock Races, according to Rigby’s, with prizes given out throughout the event. Rigby’s also claims to be Georgia’s largest laser tag arena, and offers mini-golf, go-kart racing, bowling, billiards, a snack bar and restaurant, and an arcade. Prices at Rigby’s Entertainment Complex are determined by what activities patrons take part in.
> Rigby’s Entertainment Complex: 2001 Karl Drive, Warner Robins
>> ART/YOGA: Yoga + Art Flow & Let Go with Shan Hunt at Artspace Macon (10 a.m.-12 p.m.)
Artspace Macon and Empowering Peace Yoga & Wellness are hosting an event that combines yoga and art. Registered yoga teacher Shan Hunt, who is also a certified Wellness Coach, will lead this all-levels class. Attendees can bring their own art journals/supplies or use those supplied by Artspace Macon. The organizers ask that attendees bring their own yoga mats for this event. Yoga + Art Flow & Let Go cost $35 online.
> Artspace Macon: 2378 Ingleside Avenue, Macon
>> Cherry Blossom Festival’s Little Mr. and Miss Cherry Blossom Pageant at The Douglass Theatre (10 a.m.)
The newest Little Mr. and Miss Cherry Blossom will be crowned at this event from the Cherry Blossom Festival on Saturday. The venue this pageant is taking place in, The Douglass Theatre, is celebrating its 105th anniversary this year. Tickets to this family-friendly event cost $10 online.
> The Douglass Theatre: 355 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Macon
>> Children’s Trolley Tour: A Frozen-Inspired Adventure with Elsa (1 p.m.)
This unique 15 to 20-minute experience will include singing along with winter songs during a Frozen-inspired trolley ride and photo opportunities with Elsa. Participants will ride through historic Milledgeville on Milly the Trolly. Tickets to the Children’s Trolley Tour cost $15 per rider.
> 200 West Hancock Street, Milledgeville
>> 3rd Annual Love Walk in Milledgeville (2-5 p.m.)
Black Girls Network invites the public to “come together to honor, remember, and raise awareness for heart health, breast cancer, and lupus at the 3rd Annual Love Walk on Saturday. Attendees are invited to wear meaningful colors to remind them of the reason they are participating. The 3rd Annual Love Walk will also include music from DJ Cutmaster D, line dancing, and community vendors.
> Howard Field: 771 Dunlap Road, Milledgeville
>> Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Big Fat Mardi Gras Party at Gracie’s (7 p.m.)
The nonprofit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Georgia will hold its second annual Big Fat Mardi Gras Party this Saturday night at Gracie’s. Guests are requested to dress to impress for an evening that will include a DJ, New Orleans-style bites, and a cash bar. Tickets to the Big Fat Mardi Gras Party cost $25 online.
> Gracie’s: A Rooftop Bar: 1056 SR 96, Warner Robins
>> MUSIC: Tier Blue and Jaguar Glass and Abandcalledlove at Capricorn Sound Studios and Museum (7 p.m.)
From Hindsight to Tier Blue, join us in celebrating 10 years with our friends Jaguar Glass and Abandcalledlove. Performing songs spanning the last decade at the historic and intimate Capricorn Sound Studios. Tickets for this concert event cost $20 online.
> Capricorn Sound Studios and Museum: 530 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Macon
>> MUSIC: The Regulars with Jackson Tanner at Grant’s Lounge (9 p.m.)
The Regulars, along with special guest Macon's Jackson Tanner, will perform in Grant's Lounge this Saturday night. Tickets to this show cost $10 at the door.
> Grant’s Lounge: 576 Poplar Street, Macon
SUNDAY, February 22nd
>> Mvskoke Origins Class at Mill Hill Community Arts Center (1 p.m.)
Artists Star Hardridge and Randy Heart will lead an interactive community art class at the historic Mill Hill Community Arts Center on Sunday afternoon. This free class is presented by the Macon Arts Alliance.
> Mill Hill Community Arts Center: 213 Clinton Street, Macon
Image courtesy of the Macon Arts Alliance>> Fingerboard Jam Sesh at Reverb Room (2-5 p.m.)
The Reverb Room will host a unique Fingerboard Jam Sesh on Sunday. Fingerboarders use their fingers to ride on small skateboards, doing tricks just like skateboarders in order to win Best Trick or Best Run competitions. Prizes awarded include fingerboards and rails. Entry to the Fingerboard Jam Sesh is $5 at the door.
> Reverb Room: 1758 Watson Boulevard, Warner Robins
>> MUSIC: Resistor and Yosemite in Black with Actus Reus, Massakrd, and Garrotepv (7 p.m.)
Hippie Hardcore band Yosemite in Black and Wika Wika Core band Resistor from New York, along with Actus Reus, Massakry, and Garrotpv, will perform an all-ages show on Sunday. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $15 online before Sunday or $20 at the door.
> Reverb Room: 1758 Watson Boulevard, Warner Robins
NOTABLE EVENTS NEXT WEEK:
Tuesday, 7 p.m. - Luke Schneider plays ambient, drone-based music on pedal steel guitar at Fresh Produce Records. $10 at the door.
Luke Schneider released the office music video for his song "exspirio" 5 years ago
Wednesday, 8 p.m. Swan Lake at The Piedmont Grand Opera House. Tickets cost $50+.
Saturday, 6:30 p.m. - Night at the Museum: Historical scenes will be performed by Theatre Macon, Macon Pops will perform, and heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be served. 21+. $125.
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.