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Scenic and historic Fort Frederica National Monument in St. Simons Island is a relatively short getaway for many Middle Georgians (Photographer Nate Weeks)
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States this weekend with events at a water park, beach, baseball stadium, live music, and fireworks. Please celebrate safely and responsibly, as it is a senseless tragedy to hear of those who hurt themselves or worse while celebrating July 4th in the wrong ways. The following are just a few of the fun, interesting, and often free things to do this weekend in the heart of Georgia.
FRIDAY, July 3rd
>> July First Friday in Downtown Macon (11 a.m.-11:45 p.m.)
Another First Friday means lots of art exhibit openings, live music, special events, and tasty meals. During July’s First Friday, football (aka soccer) fans will gather at Ocmulgee Brewpub for a World Cup Watch Party (and Bearfoot Tavern will have one too). Visitors can listen to live music from Matt McMillan (5-8 p.m.) at the Lofts of Poplar Pointe, and DJ Streetz at Macon Water Ice (6-8 p.m.). NewTown Macon’s new Summer Snaps program means you can earn a gift card worth 20% of your combined total (up to $50) on your purchases at Downtown Macon’s businesses through the end of July. And last but not least, art lovers can visit the many art galleries in Downtown Macon for inspiration and maybe take a chance and buy something beautiful.
> Downtown Macon
Visiting Downtown Macon's many art galleries is a great way to meet new people and enjoy beautiful art (Photographer Nate Weeks)>> MUSIC/FIREWORKS: 2026 Independence Day Celebration at Center Park in Centerville (3-10 p.m.)
Centerville will celebrate Independence Day this year with music from Cashmere and a performance from headliner DEPARTURE (The Journey Tribute Band). Visitors will also have local food trucks to dine from, family-friendly activities, and a dunk tank. This community event is free to attend.
> Center Park at Centerville: 103 East Church Street, Macon
>> MUSIC: Heath and Denise Holly at Hightales Rooftop Bar in Macon (6 p.m.)
Heath and Denise Holly will entertain patrons at Hotel Forty Five's Hightales Rooftop Bar this Friday. This band can be found performing in Perry and Macon, as well as farther afield in Florida. There is no cover for this show.
> Hotel Forty Five's Hightales Rooftop Bar: 401 Cotton Avenue, Macon
>> TRIVIA: Naruto Anime Trivia at Hello Boba Cafe in Macon (6 p.m.)
Hello Boba Cafe will be hosting an evening of anime trivia this Friday. One lucky winner will win a Naruto-themed prize. Naruto Anime Trivia is free to play.
> Hello Boba Cafe: 359 Third Street, Macon
>> BASEBALL: Macon Bacon vs. Greenville Yard Gnomes at Luther Williams Field in Macon (7 p.m.)
The Macon Bacon baseball team will face off against the Greenville Yard Gnomes on Friday night. The theme for the night is Strike Out Cancer, and there will be a fireworks show. Baseball fans can also attend another game on Saturday evening, when the Macon Bacon take on the Catawba Valley Stars during Alter Ego Night. Individual tickets for either game start at $15 and can be purchased online at this link, while full season packages and more can be purchased here.
> Luther Williams Field: 150 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon
>> SPOKEN WORD/ART/MUSIC: Vibes, Verses, Visuals at Wellness Hug in Macon (8:30-9:30 p.m.)
On the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month, special local talents will showcase their talent at Downtown Macon’s Wellness Hug. Afterward, attendees will receive a soothing sound bath from Cam. Tickets to this unique event cost $20 online at this link.
> Wellness Hug: 456 First Street, Macon
>> Jackson Lake Independence Day Celebration (9 p.m.)
The Jackson Lake Association will present a fireworks show over Jackson Lake this Friday, with boat owners encouraged to patriotically decorate their crafts. Mark Ware will perform a concert during this event, which will only be viewable by boat. There will be a No Wake zone observed during this event, according to the organizers.
> Jackson Lake: 465 Tussahaw Point Drive, Jackson
>> But Wait…There’s Drag at Reboot Retrograde & Bar (9 p.m.)
Macon’s first Infomercial-themed drag show will take place this Friday at Reboot Retrograde & Bar. Performers will include: Diamond X, Twinkerbell, Blair Bitch Project, Hazel Moon, Kenny BullLeon, and Papi Bull.
> Reboot Retrocade & Bar: 566 Cherry Street, Macon
SATURDAY, July 4th - Happy Independence Day -
>> Stars & Stripes Trail in Downtown Monroe (9 a.m.-2 p.m.)
Downtown Monroe will celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States around the city’s historic courthouse on Saturday. There will be live entertainment, historical tours, a farmers’ market, food, and more. This community event is free to attend.
> Downtown Monroe: 111 South Broad Street, Monroe
Graphic courtesy of Downtown Monroe>> Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions’ 4th of July in Juliette (9:30 a.m.)
Join a self-guided paddle trip down the beautiful Ocmulgee River to celebrate Independence Day with Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions. The 4.5-mile paddle will go from Highway 83 to Juliette Park. Tickets for the 4th of July in Juliette can be purchased at this link.
> Juliette Park: 5543 Juliette Road, Juliette
>> Ol’ Time Fourth of July Celebration at Jarrell Plantation Historic Site in Juliette (10 a.m.-2 p.m.)
Celebrate our country’s anniversary with historic farm skill demonstrations like blacksmithing, weaving, and woodstove cooking. The Young America Music Schools and the Middle Georgia Dulcimer Club will perform patriotic and bluegrass music. There will also be old-fashioned games, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and more. Admission to this family-friendly event costs $2 to $9.
> Jarrell Plantation Historic Site: 715 Jarrell Plantation Road, Juliette
>> Fourth of July Celebration at Rigby’s Water World in Warner Robins (10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.)
The weather forecast calls for a hot Saturday, but some Middle Georgians will be staying cool in the pool with American Aerobics (10:30 a.m.), Red Light, Green Light in Adventure Bay (11:30 a.m.), an 18-and-older Belly Flop Competition (2 p.m.), Line Dancing (5:45 p.m.), and more. Tickets can be purchased online at this link or at the water park.
> Rigby’s Water World: 2001 Karl Drive, Warner Robins
>> Celebrate USA’s 250th Anniversary at Lane Southern Orchards in Fort Valley (11 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Lane Southern Orchards will celebrate the Fourth of July with water slides, face painting, a foam party, arts and crafts vendors, a food truck, and more. Peaches are in season at Lane Southern Orchards, so expect this family-free event to be sweet.
> Lane Southern Orchards: 50 Lane Road, Fort Valley
>> Fourth of July Hotdog Happy Hour at Fall Line Brewing Co. in Macon (12-5 p.m.)
Celebrate the Fourth with hot dogs at Fall Line Brewing Co.: patrons will get a free hot dog with every pint of beer, according to the Downtown Macon brewery. The beer garden regularly hosts special and unique events, including activities like goat yoga and a tiki crawl.
> Fall Line Brewing Co.: 565 2nd Street Lane, Macon
Graphic courtesy of Fall Line Brewing Co.>> FOOD: All-You-Can-Eat Buffet and World Cup Watch Party at Ocmulgee Brewpub in Macon (12-7 p.m.)
Ocmulgee Brewpub will present an All-You-Can-Eat Buffet while two World Cup matches play on the big screens during an air-conditioned watch party on Saturday. The buffet will include pulled pork sandwiches, hand-cut chips, slaw, baked beans, pickles, and dessert, according to the brewery. There are two buffet sessions to choose from, 12 to 3 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. Tickets to this event cost $30.
> Ocmulgee Brewpub: 484 2nd Street, Macon
>> MUSIC: Rock the 4th with Fuzzy Wuzzy, Sweet Meteor of Death, and Sister Sandoz at The Society Garden in Macon (6 p.m.)
Rock the 4th is an all-ages show at Macon’s The Society Garden on Saturday that will feature garage, punk, psychobilly, and rock and roll music from three different acts: Atlanta’s Fuzzy Wuzzy and Sweat Meteor of Death, along with Middle Georgia’s Sister Sandoz. Tickets to this rock and roll Fourth of July celebration cost $10 at the gate.
> The Society Garden: 2389 Ingleside Avenue, Macon
>> MUSIC/FIREWORKS: 4th of July at Lake Tobesofkee’s Sandy Beach with Plum Tucker’d in Macon (6-9 p.m.)
Sandy Beach will be rocking out to the sounds of Plum Tucker’d on Saturday evening. The band starts at 6 p.m. and performs until the first rocket of the fireworks show fires off. Lake Tobesofkee was built in the 1960 to control flooding and is now one of the most fished lakes Georgia, according to Wikipedia. There is a fee of $3 per person to park at Lake Tobesofkee.
> Lake Tobesofkee: 6880 Moseley Dixon Road, Macon
>> MUSIC/FIREWORKS: Perry’s Red White and Boom in Downtown Perry (7-10 p.m.)
The City of Perry will present Red White and Boom this Saturday evening. This community event features live music, food trucks, activities for families, and a fireworks show to finish out the night. There is no charge to attend this patriotic community event.
> Downtown Perry: 900 Carroll Street, Perry
>> MUSIC/FIREWORKS: City of Warner Robins Independence Day Celebration with Kool & the Gang, Phillip Phillips, Cam Vance, and AJ The DJ Entertainment (7-11 p.m.)
Warner Robins will celebrate the 250th anniversary with music from Kool & the Gang, Phillip Phillips, Cam Vance, and AJ The DJ Entertainment, along with hot food and a fireworks show. There is no charge to attend this patriotic community event.
> 400 South Davis Drive, Warner Robins
>> MUSIC: Tony Tyler at Grant’s Lounge in Macon (8 p.m.)
Celebrate the Fourth of July with live music at historic Grant’s Lounge Saturday night. Dublin native and traveler Tony Tyler presents his “One-Man-Music-Machine” back to its original home. Tickets for this unique show can be purchased for $10 online or at the door.
> Grant’s Lounge: 576 Poplar Street, Macon
SUNDAY, July 5TH
>> Sunday Karaoke at Friends on the HILL in Warner Robins (8-11 p.m.)
Sing karaoke with friends and strangers this Sunday at Friends on the HILL. The drinking establishment also serves food and will have drink specials for the evening. There is no cover for this music-filled event.
> Friends on the HILL: 104 Westcliff Boulevard, Warner Robins
NOTABLE EVENTS NEXT WEEK:
>> WEDNESDAY, July 8th through FRIDAY, July 10th: Downtown Macon French Fry Fight (9 a.m.-11:30 p.m.): NewTown Macon’s Downtown Macon French Fight returns next week. Restaurants around town will compete for the best French fry creation during this food competition. (Various Locations in Macon)
>> WEDNESDAY, July 8th: The Princess Concert at the Macon City Auditorium (3:30 p.m.): The Princess Concert will feature music from Frozen, Wicked, Moana, Aladdin, and popular songs from artists like Taylor Swift and Coldplay. Tickets currently start at $45.65 on ticketmaster.com. (900 Carroll Street, Perry)
>> FRIDAY, July 10th: Hot Glass Supper at stARTup Studios (5:30-7 p.m.): Professional Chef David Bartlett will prepare a multi-course dinner with surprising combinations and items like Molten-Glass Seared Beef Tenderloin. Tickets for the unique Hot Glass Supper cost $125 online at this link. (1055 Riverside Drive, Macon)
Hot Supper includes a 4-course meal, beer pairings, and handmade glassblown keepsakes (Graphic courtesy of stARTup STudios)>> FRIDAY, July 10th: Macon Magazine presents $10 Beer with Shy Company at The Robins Financial Capital Theatre (8 p.m.): Macon’s premier lifestyle magazine is throwing a party with live music from the ultra-talented Shy Company next Friday. 21+ patrons will receive 1 free beer with their $10 ticket, so this concert is fun and economical. (1055 Riverside Drive, Macon)
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