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Mercer's McEachern Gallery, pictured here during last June's exhibit, will open its 2026 Summer Artist Exhibit this Friday in Macon (Photographer Nate Weeks)
6-05-2026 4:07am
Weekend Adventures in the Heart of Georgia: First Friday in Macon, Georgia Peach Festival in Fort Valley, and Much More (6/5-6/7)
Nate Weeks
Editor
This weekend includes First Friday celebrations in Downtown Macon, an event for fans of food trucks in Centerville, lots of live music, and shopping opportunities. This Sunday, Furever After Rescue presents the 2nd Annual Spring Spectacular: Dog's Day Out at The Society Garden, featuring a unique doggy fashion show, a treat-catching contest, and more. The following are just a few of the fun, interesting, and often free things to do this weekend in the heart of Georgia.
FRIDAY, June 5th
>> June First Friday in Macon (12-11:45 p.m.)
> June's First Friday in Macon, presented by Robins Financial Credit Union, brings one of the city’s most anticipated monthly gatherings back to the streets, galleries, and patios of the city's historic core. This month's First Friday theme is summer all the way.
> The centerpiece of the evening is Picnics & Popsicles at Turpin Park, running from 5 to 7 p.m. at the corner of 3rd and Poplar Streets. Grab a to-go special from a participating downtown restaurant, spread out a blanket, and enjoy free popsicles, yard games, live music, and a performance by Soul Spots artist The Basement Club. Robins Financial Credit Union will host a picnic basket raffle on-site.
Graphic courtesy of NewTown Macon> June's First Friday Art Walk will draw visitors to galleries and studios across downtown. The McEachern Art Center (332 2nd St.) opens its summer exhibition at 6 p.m., featuring works by Craig Coleman, Wendy Deschene, Reed Gallo, Jenni Horne, Hannah Mock, Isabel Neely, Meredith Ochoa, and Jeff Schmuki. The show explores how artists at different stages engage with process, experimentation, and form. The 567 Center for Renewal (456 1st St.) hosts the opening reception of See the Children, featuring work by Black artists, from 5 to 8 p.m. At Macon Arts Alliance (486 1st St.), mixed media artist Courtenay Puckett opens Embodiment from 4 to 7 p.m., an exhibition using the banana tree as a metaphor for the human life cycle. Gallery West (447 3rd St.) will offer 50% off Kirk West blues photography and sale pricing on original paintings by the late Lynn Nate, some appearing publicly for the first time (5–8 p.m.). The Bohemian Den (502 Cherry St.) presents UNRESTRICTED, an exhibition by Rhonda “Sunshine” Miller celebrating freedom and resilience (5–7 p.m.), and stays open through 9 p.m. for First Friday. At The Rose Room (378 2nd St.), local artist and Artspace Macon owner Casie Trace opens What We Grow Through, a solo showcase exploring womanhood and growth: it also doubles as her birthday celebration, with an artist talk at 5:30 p.m. followed by cake and snacks (5:30 p.m.–midnight). Meanwhile, Tanglewood Art Studios is bringing artist Adrienne Berkland, who creates striking paintings of crushed aluminum cans, to Just Tap'd for a live painting of a Fall Line crushed can.
> Soul Spots, presented by Bragg Jam and NewTown Macon, will feature live music outside several downtown businesses. The Dubshak Band will perform outside J. Reid's Tavern and Braddock's Cask and Table from 6 to 8 p.m., and Halfgrass will play outside The Social Duck during the same window.
> Downtown restaurants and retailers will offer special deals to celebrate the first Friday of the month and special events, including a happy hour at Longleaf Distillery (4–7 p.m., snack of the month at 50% off), a gathering of local artists on the patio at Loom in Hotel Forty Five beginning at 7 p.m., and a sober late-night fare at Sweet Eleanor's Afterglow event. For the full list of First Friday restaurant specials and special events at businesses, visit Newtown Macon’s website.
> Various Locations in Downtown Macon
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>> June Food Truck Friday in Centerville (5-9 p.m.)
The City of Centerville brings back Food Truck Fridays at Center Park this week. This event features live entertainment from The Chris Anderson Band, whose frontman has shared stages and songwriting credits with The Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bad Company, and Hank Williams Jr., from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by Nashville recording artist and Macon native Kaleigh Courson from 7 to 9 p.m. And of course, Food Truck Fridays will also feature a lineup of food trucks, including Chick-fil-A, the Peach Cobbler Factory, Salsa's Mexican Grill, and others. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public.
> Center Park at Centerville: 103 East Church Street, Centerville
>> Georgia Peach Festival in Fort Valley (6/5-6/6) (5-10 p.m.)
The Georgia Peach Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary this weekend in Fort Valley, before a grand finale in Byron on June 13th. The Fort Valley kickoff includes live entertainment, vendors, the Georgia Peach Queens, and lots of peaches. Bring your lawn chairs and celebrate four decades of one of Georgia's sweetest traditions in Fort Valley at this free to attend, family-friendly event.
> 307 West Church Street
Graphic courtesy of Georgia Peach Festival>> SHOPPING: Switch Macon’s First Friday Patio Vendor Market (5 p.m.)
Switch Macon's patio transforms into a 90s-themed vendor market for its First Friday Patio Vendor Market, featuring permanent jewelry from Macon Sparx, vintage clothing from Holy Fools, custom hats from Soul Shine Hat Co., and more, all alongside throwback cocktails. There is no charge to attend this event.
> The Hummingbird Stage & Taproom: 430 Cherry Street, Macon
>> BOOKS: Bon Voyage (Summer Reading Program) at Bear’s Books in Macon (6 p.m.)
Bear’s Books’ Summer Reading Program returns this Friday with Bon Voyage: A Summer Literary Excursion. This unique summer reading program is meant to let participants travel the world through the power of reading. Registration for this event includes a summer reading passport, a goodie bag, an opportunity for free events at Bear’s Books, like a June Book Talk with author Tiffany Crum, and access to several events throughout Bon Voyage, which ends on September 7th, including closing parties. Registration for the Bon Voyage Summer Reading Program costs $40 online at this link.
> Bear’s Books: 835 Forsyth Street, Macon
>> MUSIC: Tell Me Lies (Fleetwood Mac Experience) at The Society Garden in Macon (8 p.m.)
Music fans can enjoy the hits of Fleetwood Mac, whose music is beloved across the world, from Tell Me Lies at The Society Garden this Friday evening. Tell Me Lies is currently on an east coast tour of the U.S. Tickets to see Tell Me Lies in concert cost $20 online at this link.
> The Society Garden: 2389 Ingleside Avenue, Macon
>> THEATRE: Dear Evan Hansen at Theatre Macon (6/5-6/14) (8 p.m.)
The talented thespians at Theatre Macon will present their production of the stage musical Dear Evan Hansen starting this Friday night. This musical tells the story of Evan Hansen, a high school student with social anxiety, "who invents an important role for himself in a tragedy that he did not earn.” General admission tickets to Dear Evan Hansen cost $30 online at this link.
> Theatre Macon: 438 Cherry Street, Macon
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>> MUSIC: Georgia Red Clay at The Hummingbird in Macon (9:30 p.m.-1 a.m.)
Atlanta-based southern rock band Georgia Red Clay will perform at Downtown Macon’s The Hummingbird this Friday night. The band has performed at concerts along with The Marshall Tucker Band, .38 Special, Colt Ford, and more. There is a $5 cover at the door for this show.
> The Hummingbird Stage & Taproom: 430 Cherry Street, Macon
SATURDAY, June 6th
>> SHOPPING: Rivoli Downs Yard Sale in Macon (8 a.m.-2 p.m.)
Bargain hunters will want to head to Rivoli Downs early Saturday morning, when more than a dozen homes in the neighborhood open their doors for a community-wide yard sale until early afternoon. Shoppers will find everything from furniture and tools to baby gear and hidden treasures at this yard sale, according to the organizers. There is no charge to attend this family-friendly event.
> Rivoli Downs: 209 Carriage Way, Macon
>> Workout to End Alzheimer’s at OneLife Fitness Macon (8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.)
Group Fitness Director Justine and OneLife Fitness Macon hosts its Workout to End Alzheimer's event this Saturday. This event will include special group fitness classes, local vendors, food trucks, giveaways, and raffles, all in support of the Alzheimer's Association. Members are encouraged to bring a guest and, instead of the usual guest pass fee, the gym is accepting donations to help toward its $2,500 fundraising goal. Attendees are encouraged to wear purple to show their support. Register for the Workout to End Alzheimer’s or donate at this link.
> Onelife Fitness Macon: 245 Tom Hill Sr. Boulevard, Macon
>> SHOPPING: Humane Society of Houston County’s Spring Sale in Centerville (9 a.m.-12 p.m.)
The Humane Society of Houston County holds a spring sale this Saturday. Shoppers will find Leland cypress trees, azaleas, hostas, baked goods, and yard sale items. There will be a limited supply of the plants, so show up early for your best chance of snagging the ones you want. This event is free and open to the public.
> Humane Society of Houston County: 810 Carl Vinson Parkway, Centerville
>> Pioneer Day: Junior Ranger Family Weekend at Jarrell Plantation Historic Site in Juliette (6/6-6/7) (10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1 p.m.-3 p.m.)
Pioneer Day: Junior Ranger Family Weekend at Jarrell Plantation Historic Site runs Saturday and Sunday this week. Pioneer Day offers hands-on activities for those ages 6 and up. Saturday's two sessions cover planting seeds, harvesting vegetables, caring for farm animals, churning butter, spinning yarn, and making toys. Sunday’s session (1-3 p.m.) will teach how pioneers used nature to survive and about natural dyes. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch for this educational event. Admission to Pioneer Day is $10 for adults, $8.25 for seniors, and $7.50 for youth. Reservations are required to attend Pioneer Day: call (478) 986-5172 to reserve your spot.
> Jarrell Plantation Historic Site: 711 Jarrell Plantation Road, Juliette
>> SPORTS: Family Fun Day (Pickleball Edition) at Play Rhythm & Rally in Macon (10 a.m.-12 p.m.)
Rhythm & Rally Sports & Events hosts its Family Fun Day: Pickleball Edition this Saturday. At just $5 per person, with paddles and balls included, it's an affordable way to get the whole crew moving in a climate-controlled, welcoming environment. No experience is necessary; whether you're a veteran "dinker" or have never seen a court before, everyone is welcome. The next Family Fun Day after this Saturday is scheduled for Saturday, August 8th. Register for Family Fun Day online at this link.
> Play Rhythm & Rally: 3661 Eisenhower Parkway, Macon
Play Rhythm & Rally is located on two floors inside the Macon Mall (Photographer Nate Weeks)>> SHOPPING: Monroe County Vendor Pop Up Market in Forsyth (10 a.m.-4 p.m.)
In Forsyth this Saturday, the Monroe County Vendor Pop Up Market returns to Monroe County Parks & Recreation. Over 20 local small businesses and independent makers will offer unique goods, and food trucks will feed hungry shoppers. Vendors include businesses like Deckled Roots, which will bring "Blind Date with a Book" bundles, handcrafted bookmarks, journals, and paper goods. There is no charge to attend this family-friendly event.
> Monroe County Parks and Recreation: 100 Dan Pitts Drive, Forsyth
>> Greg Lewis presents The Underground Economy: How Native Plants and Fungi Build Stronger Gardens at Georgia Military College (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
The Warner Robins Native Plant Education Center presents another seminar this Saturday when Greg Lewis discusses how native plants and fungi can help make your garden stronger. This event will take place on the Georgia Military Campus. Afterward, attendees can walk over to the Native Plant Education Center to purchase and learn more about plants native to Middle Georgia. This educational event is free to attend.
> Georgia Military College: 801 Duke Avenue, Warner Robins
>> SHOPPING: Macon Market: June Edition at stARTup Studios (6/6-6/7) (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Macon's own stARTup Studios hosts the June Macon Market both Saturday (10 a.m.–5 p.m.) and Sunday (noon–5 p.m.) this week. The market will feature 19 vendors selling handmade soaps, candles, jewelry, art, crochet plushies, custom knives, concrete décor, and much more. It's a great stop for gift-givers and browsers alike. There is no charge to attend this family-friendly shopping event.
> stARTup Studios: 1055 Riverside Drive, Macon
>> Brunch with Bluey at Emersyn’s Corner in Forysth (11 a.m.-3 p.m.)
Young fans of the beloved animated pup will want to reserve their spot at Emersyn's Corner for Brunch with Bluey this Saturday. This event is held in partnership with Bake It Till You Make It. Tickets include brunch, playtime, a meet-and-greet, and complimentary adult coffee and snacks. Only 10 spots are available for this event, which is pre-pay only: contact Emersyn’s Corner for more information about Brunch with Bluey.
> Emersyn’s Corner: 109 Patrol Road, Suite C, Forsyth
>> BOOKS: Washington Memorial Library Summer Reading Program Kick Off in Macon (2 p.m.)
The Washington Memorial Library invites kids and families to participate in its Summer Reading Challenge Kick Off this Saturday. Sign up for the summer challenge and stay for crafts, face painting, a scavenger hunt, and snacks. Admission to this family-friendly event is free.
> Washington Memorial Library: 1180 Washington Avenue, Macon
>> The 3rd Annual Juneteenth Jr. Debutante Presentation at The Douglass Theatre (6 p.m.)
The 3rd Annual Juneteenth Jr. Debutante Presentation, organized by Macon Black Culture, takes place Saturday evening at the historic Douglass Theatre in Macon. Its theme this year is “Celebrating Heritage. Inspiring the Future.” Doors open at 6 p.m. and the program begins at 6:30 p.m. Ms. LaTasha Pryor and Dr. Ken Blair will serve as this event’s co-masters of ceremony. Tickets to the 3rd Annual Juneteenth Jr. Debutante presentation are $25 at this link.
> The Douglass Theatre: 355 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Macon
>> MUSIC: Payton Sassaman & Friends at The Society Garden in Macon (7 p.m.)
At The Society Garden this Saturday evening, Payton Sassaman & Friends will perform a three-hour show of southern rock favorites. The Waffle Shop food truck will be on site for the hungry audience members. The Society Garden will charge a cover of $10 at the door for this show.
> The Society Garden: 2389 Ingleside Avenue, Macon
>> MUSIC: The Jack Shealy Band at Grant’s Lounge in Macon (7 p.m.)
The Jack Shealy Band performs at historic Grant's Lounge this Saturday night. Shealy hails from the Florida Everglades and has been writing and performing southern roots rock and roll songs throughout the South for over two decades. Tickets to see The Jack Shealy Band in concert cost $10.
> Grant’s Lounge: 576 Poplar Street, Macon
>> MUSIC: The Hummingbird’s 21st Birthday Party featuring The Macon Sound in Macon (9:30 p.m.-1 a.m.)
The Hummingbird Stage & Taproom rings in a milestone Saturday night: its 21st Birthday Party. Middle Georgia party band The Macon Sound will perform as part of the celebrations, and there will be drink specials for the thirsty. Macon Sound can often be found performing at venues and special events across Georgia.
> The Hummingbird Stage & Taproom: 430 Cherry Street, Macon
>> MUSIC: DJ Turnt at Late Nite in Macon (10 p.m.)
This Saturday night, DJ Turnt makes their Late Nite debut to kick off the summer. Late Nite is an 18-and-up bar known for dance music and theme nights.
> Late Nite: 420 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Macon
SUNDAY, June 7th
>> 2nd Annual Spring Spectacular: Dog’s Day Out at The Society Garden in Macon (3-7 p.m.)
Furever After Rescue presents the 2nd Annual Spring Spectacular: Dog's Day Out at The Society Garden this Sunday. This family-friendly event benefits the foster-based, no-kill rescue and includes local vendors, a doggy fashion show, a treat-catching contest, and more. Middle Georgians are invited to bring their leashed, dog-friendly pup and come celebrate. The 2nd Annual Spring Spectacular is free to attend, but donations are welcome and appreciated by Furever After Rescue.
> The Society Garden: 2389 Ingleside Avenue, Macon
Graphic courtesy of Furever After RescueNOTABLE EVENTS NEXT WEEK:
>> TUESDAY, June 9th: Storytellers Macon presents Heated Rivalry at Grant’s Lounge (6:30 p.m.): Storytellers Macon will present another free storytelling event at historic Grant’s Lounge on Tuesday. The theme for this event will be Heated Rivalry, and storytellers (which could include you) will tell stories about “relationships where the tension is part of the fun.” (576 Poplar Street, Macon)
>> SATURDAY, June 13th: Middle Georgia Oddities Chaos and Catnip Market at the Reverb Room in Warner Robins (12-6 p.m.): This art market will help benefit a Middle Georgia animal rescue, Kitty City Cat Rescue, and feature over 20 of “Georgia’s weirdest artists.” (1758 Watson Boulevard, Warner Robins)
>> SUNDAY, June 14th: Raised on the 90’s: Father’s Day Brunch at Switch Macon (12 p.m.): This unique Father’s Day celebration invites attendees to enjoy a throwback to the 90’s with brunch, whiskey, and beer specials, 90’s music, and 90’s TV shows and sports on the television. (470 1st Street, 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.
