Weekend Adventures in the Heart of Georgia (9/11-9/13)

Middle Georgians can pay tribute to the heroes and victims of 9/11, celebrate the life and legacy of the King of Soul Otis Redding, and much more this weekend. The Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration also returns to the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park this Saturday and Sunday with live music, dancing, vendors, and storytelling. The following are just a few of the interesting, unique, and often free things to do this weekend in the heart of Georgia.

FRIDAY, September 11th

  >> 9/11 Memorial at Public Safety Park in Macon (8:45 a.m.)

It was 25 years ago on September 11th that our nation came under attack by terrorists, and many brave heroes sacrificed their lives to help those around them. The Macon-Bibb Law Enforcement Foundation will present its annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony in Downtown Macon to honor those who lost their lives on that tragic day. This community event is free to attend.

    > Public Safety Memorial Park: Mulberry and Second Street, Macon

  >> FOOD: Macon Restaurant Week (9/11-9/20)

NewTown Macon and Macon Magazine’s Macon Restaurant Week returns this Friday. Diners who pick up a passport at any participating business can win prizes, including a $250 passport to a downtown business of their choice. Andalusia, Bearfoot Tavern, Braddock’s Cask & Table, Dovetail, Downtown Grill, Flight Time at Bearfoot, Grant’s Lounge, H&H Soul Food, Hotel Forty Five, House Cocktails, J. Reid’s Tavern, Macon Water Ice, Ocmulgee Brewpub, Rookery, Satterfield’s Barbecue, Shuster’s Candy & Creamery, Social Duck, Sweet Eleanor’s, and Your Pie are all offering signature dishes, described as “premium” and “chef-driven” and more “budget-friendly” specials to patrons as part of Macon Restaurant Week. Learn more about this dining event at this link.

    > Multiple Locations: Macon

  >> ART: Sculpture Reveal at Bicentennial Park in Macon (4-6)

A new sculpture of Cepvnk, a Mvskoke Stickball Player, by Kenneth Johnson (Muscogee/Seminole) will be revealed at Macon’s Bicentennial Park on Friday. This new sculpture will be part of Johnson’s previous sculpture in Bicentennial Park, Ecke, Mother Ground. This event will include brief remarks and a stickball demonstration by citizens of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, according to Macon-Bibb County. This community event is free and open to the public.

    > Bicentennial Park: 350 Olive Street, Macon

Graphic courtesy of Macon-Bibb

  >> MUSIC: King of Soul: Nina Sky at the Big ‘O’ Homecoming Show and Dance at the Robins Financial Capitol Theatre in Macon (8 p.m.-12 a.m.)

Nina Sky, a DJ duo made up of twin sisters Nicole and Natalie Albina, will perform at the Big ‘O’ Homecoming Show and Dance this Friday. The annual King of Soul Festival features two days of events celebrating the “life, legacy, and birthday" of the King of Soul, Otis Redding. Tickets for the Big 'O' Homecoming Show and Dance cost $26.30 and can be purchased online at this link.

    > Robins Financial Capitol Theatre: 382 2nd Street, Macon

  >> MUSIC: Payton Sassaman & Friends at Grant’s Lounge in Macon (9 p.m.)

Payton Sassaman and some of his talented friends will perform a mix of classic country and southern rock at Grant’s Lounge this Friday night. Grant’s Lounge opened its doors in 1971, and it went on to become a place where many legendary musicians and local music lovers made great memories. Tickets to see Payton Sassaman & Friends perform live cost $10.

    > Grant’s Lounge: 576 Poplar Street, Macon

  >> MUSIC: Delta Circle at The Hummingbird in Macon (9:30 p.m.-1 a.m.)

Savannah’s Delta Circle will perform at The Hummingbird this Friday. The Hummingbird’s patrons can expect a show with “southern fueled rock ’n’ roll,” according to the venue. The Hummingbird will charge a $5 cover charge for this show.

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

SATURDAY, September 12th

  >> 14th Annual Heart of the Dragon Boat Races at Lake Tobesofkee in Macon (8 a.m.)

The Heart of the Dragon Boat Races is a unique fundraiser that benefits the important mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Heart of Georgia. The sport of racing dragon boat dates back 2,000 years, and watching the long boats cut through the calm waters of Lake Tobesofkee is a delight. This interesting event is free to attend.

    > Lake Tobesofkee’s Central Georgia Marina: 6500 Moseley Dixon Road

Graphic courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Heart of Georgia

  >> Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park in Macon (9/12-9/13) (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)

The family-friendly Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration returns to Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park this Saturday and Sunday. This annual event features cultural crafts, storytelling, educational programs, live demonstrations, live music, dance, and vendors selling unique items, according to organizers. Visitors will park at the Macon-Bibb Health Department and ride a shuttle to the park. The Ocmulgee Indigenou

s Celebration is free and open to the public.

    > Macon-Bibb Health Department: 171 Emery Highway, Macon

  >> 12th Annual Doc Holliday Festival 2026 in Griffin City Park in Griffin (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)

If the phrase “I’m your huckleberry” gets your attention, you will want to know about the 12th Annual Doc Holliday Festival and BBQ Competition, which is returning to Griffin City Park this Saturday. The festival features three shows from the re-enactment group Spurred West, who will be depicting the infamous shootout at the OK Corral. Many might not realize that John Henry "Doc" Holliday was born in Griffin and practiced dentistry before moving out west and becoming a famous gunfighter. The BBQ competition will include over 30 professional teams presenting their recipes for judgment, with 12 of the teams offering sample platters to attendees, according to the organizers. This family-friendly event is rain or shine and is free and open to the public.

    > Griffin City Park: 601 Camp Northern Road, Griffin

  >> SHOPPING: Middle Georgia Oddities Market’s Grand Opening (11 a.m.-7 p.m)

The Middle Georgia Oddities Market holds its Grand Opening celebration this Saturday, just in time for those preparing for Halloween or just adding new strange art, antiques, clothing, collectibles, and more to their collections. Born from unique art markets, the new storefront will now be the location of future art markets, including the Halloween Market on October 10th. This grand opening event is free to attend.

    > Middle Georgia Oddities Market: 1760 Watson Boulevard, Warner Robins

  >> FOOD/MUSIC: Bites & Beats Festival in Perry (12-8 p.m)

Bites & Beats Festival will feature live music performances, food trucks, and vendors. Attendees can enjoy music from the festival's main stage, family-friendly activities, and artisan vendor booths, according to the City of Perry Government. This family-friendly e

vent is free to attend.

    > Historic Downtown Perry: 900 Carroll Street, Perry

  >> BOOKS: “Golden Boy” Book Signing at A Novel Experience in Barnesville (12 p.m)

Barnesville’s A.J. Symon will be signing copies of his book “Golden Boy” this Saturday at A Novel Experience in Barnesville. “Golden Boy” follows the story of a dog who is accidentally changed into a human by his owner, and the surprising events that follow. Readers can preorder a copy of “Golden Boy” at this link. There is no charge to attend this family-friendly event.

    > A Novel Experience: 536 Thomaston Street, Barnesville

SUNDAY, September 13th

  >> Crafty Queens - A Pride Celebration at The Society Garden in Macon (1-4 p.m.)

Macon Craft Club’s Crafty Queens features a drag show, game show, local vendors, a food truck, and a giveaway from local businesses, according to the organizers. Macon Craft Club presents bring-your-own-craft night events in Middle Georgia. Tickets to this event cost $5 plus fees on eventbrite.com.

    > The Society Garden: 2389 Ingleside Avenue, Macon

  >> MUSIC: Bragg Jam’s September Second Sunday Concert with Trombone Love and Band on Coleman Hill in Macon (6-8 p.m.)

Trombone Love, along with a full band, will present a memorable night of live music on Coleman Hill this Sunday as part of Bragg Jam’s September Second Sunday Concert. Attendees are invited to bring picnics, toys, blankets, lawn chairs, and coolers to this family-friendly event. Bragg Jam’s Second Sunday Concerts are free and open to the public.

    > Coleman Hill: 934 Georgia Avenue, Macon

NOTABLE EVENTS NEXT WEEK:

>> FRIDAY, September 18th: MUSIC: Foreigner at the Macon City Auditorium in Macon (9:30 p.m.): Foreigner

The British-American rock band Foreigner, which is one of the best-selling bands of all time, will perform at the Macon City Auditorium next Friday. Foreigner had some big hits in the late 70s and early 80s, including catchy singles like “Feels Like the First Time” and “Cold as Ice.” Tickets to see Foreigner live can be purchased online at this link. (200 Coliseum Drive, Macon)

  >> SATURDAY, September 19th through SUNDAY, September 20th: 52nd Annual Buggy Days Festival in Barnesville (9 a.m.): The 52nd Annual Barnesville Buggy Days Festival will celebrate 200 years of Barnesville history next Saturday and Sunday with live entertainment, food, an Arts & Crafts Fair, and much more. This family-friendly community event is free and open to the public. (Downtown Barnesville)

  >> SATURDAY, September 19th: Opening Reception for The Space Between at Artspace Macon in Macon (5-8 p.m.): Artspace Macon presents the opening reception for The Space Between, a group art show featuring artwork from local Macon artists that explores “positive and negative space both visually and metaphorically,” according to Artspace Macon. This art-filled event is free to attend. (2378 Ingleside Avenue, Macon)

Graphic courtesy of Artspace 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