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A scene from Downtown Macon during last year's August First Friday (Photographer Nate Weeks)
This weekend will include events that will delight art and live music lovers, shoppers, and theatregoers. First Friday in Downtown Macon will include many art gallery openings, live music performances, and celebrations of the beginning of August. The following are just a few of the fun, interesting, and often free things to do this weekend in the heart of Georgia.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7TH
>> ART: Art Walk in Downtown Macon (4-9 p.m.)
The first Friday of the month means the First Friday Art Walk in Downtown Macon, a self-guided tour of new art exhibits and special art-related events. August’s First Friday will include:
> Macon Arts Alliance presents the opening of “Joie Debris - art beyond waste,” featuring 2D and 3D artwork made from discarded materials by both regional artists and artists from across the country, along with an interactive table on the sidewalk sponsored by Artspace Macon, from 4 to 7 p.m.
> The 567 Center for Renewal presents a statewide touring exhibition from the Woodfire Potters of Georgia with work from 6 different potters from both Macon and across the state from 5 to 8 p.m.
Pottery is a fascinating art form that can be appreciated every year at Macon Arts Alliance's Fired Works, the largest exhibition of functional pottery in Georgia that usually takes place in late April (Photographer Nate Weeks)> McEachern Art Center presents the opening reception for “The American South,” featuring artwork by Cal Walker, which will include live music from Julie Anne Steed and Jake Steed from 6 to 8 p.m.
> The Bohemian Den presents artwork from local talent Euphoria Artblock from 5 to 9 p.m.
> Gallery West presents artwork from Amoria Stephens as it celebrates its Grand Re-Opening starting at 5 p.m.
> Ocmulgee Brewpub will host Artspace Macon’s Summer Showcase with original artwork, prints, stationery, stickers, and more, along with a free Do It Yourself Mini Collage Station from 5 to 8 p.m.
> The Rose Room presents a solo show from Macon’s Will Washburn with an artist talk at 5:30 p.m.
While you are on your Art Walk, you can stop to enjoy food from the new Spanish restaurant Andalusia, dance during 80’s ladies night at the Rose Room, and enjoy specials at the many restaurants and retailers located in Downtown Macon.
> Downtown Macon
>> MUSIC: Tier Blue and Macon Magazine’s Leadership Issue Release Party at The Robins Financial Capitol Theatre in Macon (7 p.m.)
Macon Magazine and The Robins Financial Capitol Theatre present another show in the $10 Beer + A Local Show concert series, this time with a performance from Tier Blue, an alternative rock band based in Macon. Macon Magazine will celebrate the launch of its August/September Leadership Issue at 7 p.m., followed by a celebratory toast at 7:30 p.m., and announce the 2025 Macon Baking Week winners. Tickets to this concert event cost $10, which includes a Piedmont Brewery beverage for attendees 21 and up, and tickets can be purchased at this link.
> The Robins Financial Capitol Theatre: 382 2nd Street, Macon
>> THEATRE: Stage One Productions presents “Barefoot In the Park” at Methodist Children’s Home in Macon (8/7-8/8) (7:30-9:45 p.m.)
The Neil Simon romantic comedy “Barefoot In the Park” will be performed at Methodist Children’s Home this Friday and Saturday. This play tells the story of newlyweds Corie and Paul Bratter and the funny complications of married life in a small New York apartment. Tickets to “Barefoot In the Park” cost $25 online at this link.
> The Methodist Home’s Rumford Center Gym: 304 Pierce Avenue, Macon
>> MUSIC: Rare Birds at The Hummingbird in Macon (9:30 p.m.-1 a.m.)
Atlanta’s Rare Birds will be performing at Downtown Macon’s The Hummingbird this Friday night. Rare Birds’ sound is heavily influenced by 70s rock, blues, gospel, and soul. There will be a $5 cover at the door for this show.
> The Hummingbird Stage and Taproom: 430 Cherry Street, Macon
>> THEATRE: Angels in America: Perestroika and The Last Five Years (8/7-8/16)
Starting this Friday, Theatre Macon will present two shows which will run through Sunday, August 16th. The first is Tony Kushner’s play Angels in America Part Two: Perestroika, and the second is Jason Robert Brown’s musical The Last 5 Years. Tickets for either production can be purchased on Theatre Macon’s website.
> Theatre Macon: 438 Cherry Street, Macon
>> MUSIC/COSPLAY: B3 and DJ Blessed B33ZY at Mask Up & Turn Up at Friends on the Hill (10 p.m.)
B3 and Blessed B33ZY will bring the music while Middle Georgia cosplayers will come together to enjoy an evening of creative costumes and performance art late Friday night. This unique event is for the 21-and-up crowd, and there is no cover charge.
> Friends on the HILL: 104 Westcliff Boulevard, Warner Robins
Cosplayers gather at the Cherry Blossom Festival's Isekai Esports and Anime Convention every year in Downtown Macon (Photographer Nate Weeks)SATURDAY, August 8th
>> SHOPPING: War Town Vintage Pop-Up Market at Coffee on the Moooove in Warner Robins (9 a.m.-3 p.m.)
Coffee on the Moooove will host War Town Vintage Market's first vintage pop-up market this Saturday, featuring two local vendors. Visitors will find Y2K fashion, vintage items, and lots of delicious coffee.
> Coffee on the Moooove: 1806 Russell Parkway, Ste 100, Warner Robins
>> Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions’ Sunset Paddle on the Ocmulgee River in Juliette (6 p.m.)
The Ocmulgee River is one of Middle Georgia’s many natural treasures, and the folks at Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions will be presenting a Sunset Paddle in Juliette this Saturday that will highlight its beauty at the beginning of the night. This event is for both experienced paddlers and those trying it out for the first time, according to Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions. Tickets for the Sunset Paddle start at $35 online at this link.
> Juliette Park on the Ocmulgee River: 5543 Juliette Road, Juliette
>> MUSIC: Surf Goth Music at Reverb Room in Warner Robins (7 p.m.-1 a.m.)
Middle Georgians are invited to dress in their best surf goth attire and dance this Saturday evening at Reverb Room in Warner Robins. Surf Goth, also called Beach Goth, is a subgenre of music that was created in the middle of the 2000s and mixes “"beachy" garage rock, psychedelia, and aspects of reggae and cumbia, with dark "goth" style lyrics.” Four different DJs will keep attendees moving until early in the morning. Admission is $15 for this all-ages event.
> Reverb Room: 1758 Watson Boulevard, Warner Robins
>> THEATRE: “Daddy’s Home But My Husband Ain’t!” at The Douglass Theatre in Macon (7-9 p.m.)
“Daddy’s Home… But My Husband Ain’t!” will be performed at The Douglass Theatre this Saturday. This play is written and produced by Deedria Chauntee and includes “laughter, drama, and jaw-dropping family secrets,” according to the organizers. Playwright and producer Deedria Chauntee says that the play was inspired by “real conversations, real pain, real laughter, and real healing.” Tickets to see “Daddy’s Home But My Husband Ain’t!” start at $35 on rebelity.com.
> The Douglass Theatre: 428 Mulberry Street Lane, Macon
>> MUSIC: The Ray Howard Band at the Downtown GetDown Concert Series in Eatonton (7-10 p.m.)
Eatonton Main Street at the Eatonton City Center Stage will present another show in the Downtown GetDown Concert Series this Saturday featuring the Ray Howard Band, whose music pays tribute to one of the best-selling bands ever, Earth, Wind & Fire. Attendees are invited to bring lawn chairs and coolers. Onsite vendors open at 6 p.m. and the music starts at 7 p.m. This family-friendly event is free to attend.
> Eatonton City Center Stage: 124 N. Jefferson Avenue, Eatonton
>> MUSIC: Cory Bolden & The Roadhands at The Hummingbird in Macon (9:30 p.m.)
Atlanta’s Cody Bolden and The Roadhands will play country music that combines traditional ballads, classic country, and honky tonk tunes, according to The Hummingbird. There will be a $5 cover at the door for this show.
> The Hummingbird Stage and Taproom: 430 Cherry Street, Macon
SUNDAY, August 9th
>> MUSIC: Jamaican Day Celebration at The Society Garden in Macon (2-8 p.m.)
Enjoy relaxing reggae music, food from a Jamaican food truck, local vendors, and dancing during Jamaican Day Celebration this Sunday at The Society Garden. There is a $5 cover for this show.
> The Society Garden: 2380 Ingleside Avenue, Macon
>> Entomology Intro at Indian Springs State Park in Flovilla (2 p.m.)
Indian Springs State Park’s naturalist will talk about the interesting study of insects during the Entomology Intro this Sunday at the park’s museum. Attendees will also have a chance to do a bug-related craft, according to the historic park. There is no fee for this event, but there is a small parking fee at the park.
> Indian Springs State Park: 678 Lake Clark Road, Flovilla
NOTABLE EVENTS NEXT WEEK:
>> MONDAY, August 10th: Nancy Drew Confidential at Washington Memorial Park in Macon (5:30 p.m.): Readers of the vintage mystery series Nancy Drew can attend an event led by Paige Henson, who has been on her own quest to find out everything about the junior detective. Next Monday will be the first of three discussions about the long-lasting legacy of Nancy Drew. This family-friendly event is free to attend. (1180 Washington Avenue, Macon)
>> TUESDAY, August 11th: Storytellers Macon presents Top Of My Game with Macon Magazine at Grant’s Lounge in Macon (6:30-8 p.m.): Socials start at 6:30 pm | Stories start at 7:00 pm Storytellers Macon once again returns to historic Grant’s Lounge for a night of true stories. The topic for next Tuesday’s stories will be “Top Of My Game.” This storytelling event is held in partnership with Macon Magazine's 5 Under 40 Young Leaders program. The featured storytellers will include Macon Magazine’s owner and publisher Susannah Cox Maddux and 5 Under 40 recipient Melissa Rodriguez. Audience members are encouraged to sign up to tell their own stories about the evening’s topic as well. This inspiring event is free to attend. (576 Poplar Street, Macon)
>> SATURDAY, August 15th: The Rich Flip - A Little Richard Beat Battle & Art Experience at the Mill Hill Community Art Center in Macon (12-8 p.m.): The Rich Flip is presented by Beatkonductaz and the prolific artist Kevin "Scene" Lewis and will pay tribute to Macon’s Little Richard. Hip-hop radio personality djOHLOW will host this music and art-filled event, which will also include live sound and design as well as live painting and an art exhibit from Scene. Rich Flip will feature producer Shawn J Period, known for working with artists like DJ Krus and Mos Def, along with special guest Ma Dukes, mother of J Dilla and founder of the James Dewitt Yancey Foundation. The Rich Flip is free to attend, and you can reserve your spot on eventbrite.com. (213 Clinton Street, Macon)
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