Weekday Adventures in the Heart of Georgia (9/7-9/10)

The adventurous this week can float down the Ocmulgee to celebrate Labor Day, attend a storytelling event at Downtown Macon's The Rookery, learn how to line dance, and much more. History lovers can visit Milledgeville's Brown-Stetson-Sanford House after hours and take a tour of Macon's many significant locations connected to many African American musicians, some of whom went on to achieve worldwide fame. The following are just a few of the unique, interesting, and often free things to do this week in the heart of Georgia.

MONDAY, September 7th

LABOR DAY: This federal holiday honors the contributions of workers and the labor movement, which was able to reduce the working day from 10 to 8 hours, and it was established as a holiday by President Grover Cleveland in 1894, according to timeanddate.com.

  >> Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions’ Labor Day Guided Paddle from Popes Ferry Landing on the Ocmulgee River in Juliette (9 a.m.)

Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions will lead a guided trip on the Ocmulgee River with Class 1 shoals on Labor Day. While that might sound intimidating, Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions promises that even novice paddlers can handle the shoals. The paddle will start at Pope’s Ferry Boat Ramp, then be brought back to the starting location from Amerson River Park by Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions’ bus. This float will last approximately 5 to 6 hours. Book your spot for Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions’ Labor Day Guided Padded online at this link.

    > Popes Ferry Landing: Popes Ferry Lane, Juliette

People have been traveling by Middle Georgia's waterways for thousands of years, as detailed in this interpretive sign at the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park (Photographer Nate Weeks)

  >> MUSIC: Strength Check at Roco’s Bar in Bonaire (10 p.m.)

The band Strength Check will be playing alternative rock, emo, and post-punk-inspired music at Roco’s Bar on Monday night. Strength Check will play originals and the band’s favorite covers. There is no cover charge for this show.

    > Roco’s Bar: 7158 Highway 96, Bonaire

TUESDAY, September 8th

  >> SHOPPING: The Vintage Social: A Joint Celebration at Payne Mill Antiques Mall in Macon (4-6 p.m.)

The Vintage Social celebrates the opening of Cara Heard and Lindsey Gean Mote’s Storied Living and Elizabeth Solomon Schorr’s The Sunshine Cottage, and the expansion of Onica Matsika Schmidt’s Chance Vintage & Modern. Payne Mill Antique Mall features 40,000 square feet of individual shops selling antiques, collectibles, furniture, and more. Complimentary snacks and drinks will be provided at this free event, according to the organizers.

    > Payne Mill Antique Mall: 342 Rose Avenue, Macon

  >> Storytellers Macon presents “Caught in a Pickle” at The Rookery (6:30-8:30 p.m.)

Middle Georgia storytellers will tell true stories about the times they were caught up in a tough or complicated situation (“Caught in a Pickle”) at Downtown Macon’s The Rookery on Tuesday. Storyteller Macon presents monthly storytelling events, usually at the historic Grant’s Lounge, on the second Tuesday of the month. Audience members can become a part of the event by signing up to tell their own 5-minute-long story about the night’s theme. Socials start at 6:30 p.m., and the stories start at 7:00 p.m. This unique event is free and open to the public.

    > The Rookery: 543 Cherry Street, Macon

Georgia Military College's Bulldogs won 94 to 0 against Community Christian College this past Saturday (Photographer Nate Weeks)

WEDNESDAY, September 9th

>> DANCE: Line Dancing with Kipala at the Southern Roots Tavern & Eatery in McDonough (7-10 p.m.)

Learn how to line dance with dance instructor Kipala at Southern Roots Tavern this Wednesday. Southern Roots Tavern won the Georgia Country Award’s “Country Dance Venue of the Year 2025,” so you know they know a thing or two about dancing. Line Dancing with Kipala is an all-ages event and costs $5 per person.

    > Southern Roots Tavern & Eatery: 15 Griffin Street, McDonough

  >> MUSIC: Happy Hour Music Trivia and Open Jam at Grant’s Lounge in Macon (5:30-7:30 and 8 p.m.)

Rock Candy Tours, Visit Macon, and The Creek 100.9 FM will present another Happy Hour Music Trivia this Wednesday at historic Grant’s Lounge. After trivia at 8 p.m., an Open Jam invites the musically inclined to make music together. Both these events are free and open to the public.

    > Grant’s Lounge: 576 Poplar Street, Macon

THURSDAY, September 10th

  >> History After Hours at the Brown-Stetson-Sanford House in Milledgeville (5:30 p.m.)

Georgia’s Old Capital Heritage Center at the Depot will hold History After Hours at the Brown-Stetson-Sanford House this Thursday. Attendees will explore the historic house, which is a Federal-style house built in 1825, after regular hours, while enjoying refreshments and chatting with docents. This networking event will also be fun for history lovers and those looking to make new acquaintances and friends. History After Hours is included in the $10 price of museum admission.

    > Brown-Stetson-Sanford House: 601 W. Hancock Street, Milledgeville

  >> TOUR: African American Music Experience in Macon (9 p.m.)

Visitors to Macon on Thursday can take a tour of the “architectural and cultural highlights” of the city from Visit Macon and Douglass Theatre on Thursday. This unique tour takes place most Thursdays and highlights African Americans who shaped music in Macon. Entry to the historic Douglass Theatre and Otis Redding Museum is included in the price of the African American Music Experience tour, which is $28 online at this link.

    > Visit Macon: 450 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Macon

NOTABLE EVENTS THIS WEEKEND:

  >> FRIDAY, September 4th through SATURDAY, September 5th: MUSIC: The 5th Annual King of Soul Festival in Macon: The 5th Annual King of Soul Festival is a celebration of the life and legacy of the King of Soul, Otis Redding. This year, there will be a Nina Sky DJ set at the Big ‘O’ Homecoming Show and Dance on Friday evening, with Special Guests like CeeLo Green and Lamont Landers appearing at An Evening of Respect on Saturday Night. Tickets can be purchased online at this link. (499 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Macon)

The 5th Annual King of Soul Festival takes place this Friday and Saturday (Graphic courtesy of the Otis Redding Foundation)

  >> SUNDAY, September 13th: MUSIC: Bragg Jam’s September Second Sunday Concert with Trombone Love on Coleman Hill in Macon: Bragg Jam is presenting a concert with the talented Trombone Love this Sunday on top of Downtown Macon’s Coleman Hill. Attendees are welcome to bring picnics, drinks, seats, and blankets for this family-friendly concert. This concert is free and open to the public. (934 Georgia Avenue, Macon)

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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.