Weekend Adventures in the Heart of Georgia (6/12-6/14)

The adventurous can visit a lavender farm in full bloom, go on an exciting Downtown Macon art scavenger hunt, take a cemetery tour for Allman Brothers fans, and enjoy a wide range of live music this weekend. The following are just a few of the interesting, creative, and often free things to do this weekend in the heart of Georgia.

FRIDAY, June 12th

  >> Atrium Health Navicent's Community Health Drive-Thru Food Distribution in Macon (9 a.m.-12 p.m.)

Atrium Health Navicent and community partners will hold a drive-thru food distribution event at Central Georgia Technical College starting this Friday morning. Food will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. This event is drive-thru only, and attendees should enter from Eisenhower Parkway, according to the organizers. More details about this event are available online. Admission is free.

    > Central Georgia Technical College: 3330 Macon Tech Drive, Macon

  >> Wild Daisy Farm's Lavender and Lilies Flower Festival in Molena (6/12-6/14) (9 a.m.–2 p.m.)

Wild Daisy Lavender Farm opens its gates this weekend for its annual Lavender and Lilies Flower Festival, running Friday through Sunday. Visitors can experience a working lavender farm in full bloom, pick their own lavender and flowers, peruse thousands of daylily blooms, enjoy a picnic on the farm grounds, listen to live bluegrass music, and more. The farm is debuting a six-acre Butterfly Sanctuary planted with native wildflowers and grasses to attract monarchs, native bees, and birds, four years in the making. Attendees should note that professional cameras are not permitted, but cell phone cameras are welcome. Tickets are $25 per vehicle with a limit of five persons per vehicle, and can be purchased online via Eventbrite. 

    > Wild Daisy Farm: 1885 S. Main Street, Molena

  >> Rose Hill Cemetery Tour: Allman Brothers Band in Macon (10 a.m.)

Historic Macon Foundation (HMF) will lead a walking tour of Rose Hill Cemetery on Friday morning, spotlighting the burial grounds and sites connected to Gregg Allman and the Allman Brothers Band. The tour builds on Thursday evening's premiere screening of the documentary Gregg Allman: The Music of My Soul at the Piedmont Grand Opera House. Resident tour guides Kathleen O'Neal and Liz Riley will lead the approximately 90-minute walk along a paved route with some unpaved detours. Attendees should wear comfortable shoes, bring sun protection, and carry water. HMF members can email membership@historicmacon.org for a discount code. More details are available at this link. Tickets for this tour are $20 and can be purchased online here.

    > Rose Hill Cemetery: 1071 Riverside Drive, Macon

  >> Fractal Friday at the Museum of Arts and Sciences in Macon (6–8 p.m.)

The Museum of Arts and Sciences is partnering with the Fractal Foundation of Albuquerque, New Mexico, for an evening of art-infused science in the planetarium this Friday and every second Friday through December. The 6 p.m. showing is a family-friendly introduction to fractals, the complex, never-ending geometric patterns that repeat at different scales. Attendees will explore where fractals appear in nature, from the smallest plants to the shapes of galaxies. The 7 p.m. showing, "Fractals Rock," is a more experiential production featuring dramatic flight animations and dynamic color cycling. Live presenters will explain the mathematical formulas behind each show. More details about Fractal Fridays are available online at this link. Admission costs $8 for museum members and $10 for non-members: tickets can be purchased online at the MAS website. 

    > Museum of Arts and Sciences: 4182 Forsyth Road, Macon

Graphic courtesy of the Museum of Arts and Sciences

  >> THEATRE: The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, Jr. at Warner Robins Little Theatre (June 12–14) (7:30–9 p.m.)

Warner Robins Little Theatre kicks off a four-show run of The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, Jr. this weekend. The family-friendly musical follows Stanley Lambchop, an ordinary ten-year-old who wakes up flat after a bulletin board falls on him in his sleep, and then travels the globe,  from Hollywood and France to Honolulu and beyond, in search of a way to become three-dimensional again. More details about this production are available at this link. General admission tickets to this show are $15 and can be purchased online here.

    > Warner Robins Little Theatre: 501 S. Pleasant Hill Road, Warner Robins

  >> MUSIC: Derrick Dove & the Peacekeepers at Grant's Lounge in Macon (9 p.m.)

Derrick Dove & the Peacekeepers will perform at historic Grant's Lounge on Friday night. The band is described online as a "Southern fried blues rock band from deep in the South Georgia Pines." The band has won both the  International Blues Challenge and the Best Guitarist of the International Blues Challenge this year. Tickets to see Derrick Dove & The Peacekeepers are $10.

    > Grant's Lounge: 576 Poplar Street, Macon

  >> MUSIC: Birdleaf at The Hummingbird in Macon (9:30 p.m.–1 a.m.)

Savannah psych-rock quintet Birdleaf makes its Macon debut at The Hummingbird on Friday night. The band's newest live album, Starland Yard, was released in October of last year. There is a $5 cover at the door for this show.

    > The Hummingbird Stage & Taproom: 430 Cherry Street, Macon

SATURDAY, June 13th

  >> Final Day at Between Friends Coffee in Warner Robins (7 a.m.–2 p.m.)

Saturday marks the last day Between Friends Coffee will be open. This coffee shop has gained a lot of loyal customers in Middle Georgia since it opened in 2016. The author-themed coffee shop, which sold drinks named after famous authors, also regularly brought unique events like the Middle GA Lit Fest, meet and greets with authors, and more to Middle Georgia's residents. Between Friends Coffee is inviting patrons to stop in one final time this Saturday, sign a memory book, and take home a favorite mug, decorative sign, or piece of artwork.

    > Between Friends Coffee: 1080 GA Highway 96, Warner Robins

  >> Macon Pride & Southern Queer Folk Hikes' Pride in Our Park at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park (8:30 a.m.–12 p.m.)

June is Pride month, and Macon Pride and Southern Queer Folk Hikes are inviting Middle Georgia community members to join a clean-up event at beautiful Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park on Saturday morning. The initiative promotes environmental stewardship while strengthening the connection between the LGBTQ+ community and local green spaces. Sign up for this community event online here. Admission is free.

    > Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park: 1207 Emery Highway, Macon

  >> ART: The 567 Center for Renewal's The Great Art Hunt in Macon (June 13–14)

The 567 Center for Renewal is hosting its Great Art Hunt this weekend. This annual two-day scavenger hunt involves Downtown Macon's unique and plentiful murals and sculptures. Participants pick up a tote bag, map, and clues at The 567 Center between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, then hunt for 20 art locations, either by foot, vehicle, or bicycle, at their own pace. Teams that find all 20 locations and submit photo proof by Sunday at 7 p.m. will be entered to win the grand prize: a two-night stay with dinner at Hotel 45 and a $150 gift certificate for art classes at The 567. Smaller prizes, including a $50 art class gift certificate, are also available. Children 10 and under are free. Tickets, which include a Great Art Hunt tote bag, start at $40 and can be purchased online at this link (children 10 and under can participate for free).

    > The 567 Center for Renewal: 456 First Street, Macon

Graphic courtesy of The 567 Center for Renewal

  >> ART: Game of Shrooms at The 1823 Artisan Guild in Forsyth (10 a.m.–2 p.m.)

The 1823 Artisan Guild invites visitors to decorate their own mushroom (aka shroom) and pick up clues to hunt for a hidden artistic mushroom somewhere nearby. More details about this unique event are available online at this link.

    >> The 1823 Artisan Guild: 30 East Main Street, Forsyth

  >> ART: Hike and Paint in Nature at Indian Springs State Park in Flovilla (10 a.m.)

We Outside GA and Nature Is Therapy are hosting a free outdoor event at Indian Springs State Park on Saturday. The event begins with a hike on the Overland Nature Trail, an easy 0.9-mile loop with creek views suitable for families and beginners, followed by a painting session near the rocks and creek area. All painting supplies will be provided, according to the organizers. Attendees should bring water, snacks, and a chair or blanket. No registration is required. Attendees should meet at the springs before the hike. More details about this event can be found at this link.

    > Indian Springs State Park: 678 Clark Road, Flovilla

  >> FESTIVAL: Mossy Corner Nursery and Country Market's Blueberry Festival in Forsyth (10 a.m.–5 p.m.)

Mossy Corner Nursery and Country Market is celebrating "all things blueberry" on Saturday. This festival will feature specials on blueberry bushes, Blueberry 101 growing sessions, blueberry-inspired treats, and recipe sharing. More details about this event are available online at this link. Admission is free.

    > Mossy Corner Nursery and Country Market: 3131 US-41 South, Forsyth

  >> Downtown Eatonton Murder Mystery Shop Crawl (10 a.m.–4 p.m.)

Nine downtown Eatonton businesses are teaming up Saturday for an interactive Murder Mystery Crawl through the city's historic core. Participants begin at Barrel 118, where they will view a "crime scene" and receive a clue packet and route map, then work their way through participating shops (including the Georgia Writers Museum, Crooked D Creamery, and Tipsy Turtle), gathering clues along the way. Every correct final guess submitted at Tipsy Turtle by 4 p.m. is entered into a grand prize giveaway. Many participating businesses will also host their own in-store raffles throughout the crawl. More details about the Downtown Eatonton Murder Mystery Shop Crawl are available online at this link.

    > Downtown Eatonton: 124 N. Jefferson Avenue, Eatonton

  >> SHOPPING: Middle Georgia Oddities' Chaos and Catnip Market at the Reverb Room in Warner Robins (12–6 p.m.)

Middle Georgia Oddities brings the Chaos and Catnip Market at the Reverb Room this Saturday. This bi-monthly pop-up market features more than 20 of Georgia's most unusual artists selling handmade oddities, curiosities, taxidermy, preserved specimens, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind creations, according to Middle Georgia Oddities. This edition benefits Kitty City Cat Rescue. Admission is $3 at the door, or a pet food donation of equivalent value, preferably Friskies Shreds, Fancy Feast, or any wet kitten food, and Purina One Kitten-dry food or Purina One Adult-dry food. 

    > Reverb Room: 1758 Watson Boulevard, Warner Robins

  >> Community Plant Swap at Cam's Plants at Ingleside Village in Macon (6 p.m.)

Cam's Plants at Ingleside Village is hosting a community plant swap Saturday evening. The concept of this event is simple: bring a healthy, pest-free plant, cutting, prop, or planter, and trade it for something new. Labeling plants is encouraged, but those without anything to swap are still welcome to browse and socialize, according to Cam's Plants. There is no admission for this plant swap event.

    > Cam's Plants at Ingleside Village: 2320 Ingleside Avenue, Macon

  >> MUSIC: Roofdog at Downtown GetDown Concert Series in Eatonton (7–10 p.m.)

Eatonton Main Street's Downtown GetDown Concert Series returns to the Eatonton City Center Stage on Saturday evening with a free performance by Roofdog, who are set to deliver "a dynamic blend of blues and rock" music. Vendors will be ready at 6 p.m., with music beginning at 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and coolers for comfort. Admission to this Downtown GetDown Concert with Roofdog is free.

    > Downtown Eatonton: 124 N. Jefferson Avenue, Eatonton

  >> MUSIC: Thurston Howell: A Yacht Rock Spectacular at The Society Garden in Macon (8 p.m.)

Thurston Howell brings their Yacht Rock Spectacular to The Society Garden on Saturday night, covering smooth hits from Toto, Michael McDonald, Hall and Oates, Steely Dan, and more. The six-piece band features a horn section, keys, guitar, bass, drums, and vocals. Tickets are $20 online and at the gate.

    > The Society Garden: 2389 Ingleside Avenue, Macon

  >> MUSIC: The Wobblers at Grant's Lounge in Macon (9 p.m.)

Upstate South Carolina's Wobblers bring their four-piece horn section and genre-bending sound to Grant's Lounge on Saturday night. Drawing on New Orleans "second line" rhythms, jazz, and the songwriting sensibilities of acts like The Kinks, Elvis Costello, and Dr. Dog, The Wobblers have built a devoted following over more than 13 years. The band's repertoire is described as a "dynamic mix" of original songs and eclectic covers. Tickets are $15 online or at the door.

  > Grant's Lounge: 576 Poplar Street, Macon

SUNDAY, June 14th

  >> Raised on the 90's: Father's Day Brunch at Switch Macon (12 p.m.)

Switch Macon is celebrating Father's Day a week early with a 90s-themed brunch featuring whiskey and beer specials, throwback music, and 90s TV shows and sports on the screens. Switch Macon can draw a crowd, so reservations are recommended.

    > Switch Macon: 470 1st Street, Macon

NOTABLE EVENTS NEXT WEEK

  >> TUESDAY, June 16th: Bragg Jam Then & Now Stroll in Downtown Macon (6–7:30 p.m.): Bike Walk Macon hosts its monthly Walk 'n' Talk, this time led by Bragg Jam President Olivia Walter. The free guided walk will highlight historic Bragg Jam venues and a preview of this year's Concert Crawl. (543 Cherry Street)

FRIDAY, June 19th: Ocmulgee Artist Guild's Euphoria: Edge of Bliss in Macon (6–11:59 p.m.): The Ocmulgee Artist Guild (OAG) presents a one-night-only fine art exhibition and party at 452 First Street, exploring pop art, psychedelia, and summer in the city. Original artwork from a dozen artists will be available for purchase at tiered, competitive prices, with complimentary adult beverages for those 21 and over with a donation. There is no cover charge for this event. (452 1st Street)

Graphic courtesy of OAG

SATURDAY, June 20th: Juneteenth Festival in Warner Robins

Obsidian Hope and Visit Warner Robins, along with the City of Warner Robins, will present a community Juneteenth celebration featuring food trucks, music, entertainment, and local business vendors next Saturday.  For more information, call (478) 396-8863. (900 N. Houston Road)

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.

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