Weekend Adventures in the Heart of Georgia (10/2-10/4)

Adventurers can immerse themselves in the world of Netflix's "Stranger Things" series, shop large warehouses full of unique items, and much more this weekend. This Friday, Downtown Macon will present its October First Friday with a self-guided art crawl, live music, specials, and more. The following are just a few of the fun, interesting, and often free things to do this weekend in the heart of Georgia.

FRIDAY, October 2nd

  >> Welcome to Hawkins (A "Stranger Things"-themed event) in Jackson

Fans of Netflix’s "Stranger Things" television series will gather in Jackson this weekend for a chance to meet cosplayers dressed as Walking Dead characters, take part in a costume contest on the lawn of the “Hawkins Public Library”, meet actor Liam Stuckey of Stranger Things, and more. Jackson was one of the filming locations of "Stranger Things". Visitors to Jackson can see memorable buildings used in the series like the city’s historic courthouse, which served as the Hawkins Library in the show. Jackson GA Escape Games offers five escape room games and four of them have "Stranger Things" themes. Several other events will be taking place around Jackson, including a The Village of Indian Springs. Learn more about Welcome to Hawkins online at this link.

    > Various Locations in Jackson

  >> First Friday in Downtown Macon (5 p.m)

Downtown Macon celebrates October’s First Friday with an opportunity to meet and take photos with Disney-inspired characters, to take part in a window scavenger hunt, and a chance to win tickets to the upcoming “Disney on Ice” show returning to Macon from October 30th through November 1st.

Several restaurants and stores will have specials to mark the occasion, including Bearfoot Tavern, where you can enjoy meatballs and spaghetti like the characters in Disney’s Lady and the Tramp while meeting adoptable dogs in the beer garden. Learn more about other events taking place during First Fridays at this link.

The First Friday art crawl, a self-guided tour of Downtown Macon’s art galleries, will include the opening reception of She Keene’s “Let Equality Bloom” at The Bohemian Den from 5 to 9 p.m., as well as exhibits at Gallery West (opening reception for Banks Art from 5 to 9 p.m.), Mercer’s McEachern Art Center (opening reception for an exhibit featuring works by Marian Zielinski starting at 6 p.m.), and Macon Arts Alliance (opening reception for Music to My Eyes, which features the work of Warren Griffith with live music).

First Fridays also include live music, both inside venues and on sidewalks, chances to visit the many restaurants and retailers located downtown, and much more.

    > Various Locations in Downtown Macon

  > SHOPPING: Historic Macon Foundation’s Fall Flea Market in Macon (10/2-10/4)

The 50th Anniversary of the Historic Macon Foundation’s Fall Flea Market takes place this weekend, with a Preview Party on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. where attendees can enjoy tasty food from Satterfield’s BBQ and a complimentary bar from Fall Line Brewery and R. Lars Anderson, Esq. while getting a look at all the flea market has to offer this year. VIP Shopping will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. On Saturday (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Sunday (12 to 4 p.m.) everyone is invited to shop for everything from art to toys in the enormous packed warehouse. The Historic Macon Foundation’s Fall Flea Market helps raise funds for Historic Macon Foundation’s mission to “revitalize communities by preserving architecture and sharing history.” General admission tickets to the Flea Market Preview Party cost $50 and Historic Macon Foundation members pay $35 online at this link.

    > Historic Macon Foundation Warehouse: 357 Oglethorpe Street, Macon

  > Terror Fest at Lake Joys Trails of Terror in Kathleen (10/2-10/3) (5-11 p.m.)

The 3rd Annual Terror Fest returns to Lake Joys Trails of Terror this Friday and Saturday with vendors, food, live music, and family activities. Saturday’s live music acts include The Boggz Family, Tyler Austin, and Malfunktion 365. Saturday’s Terror Fest hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. There are several spooky options, including two trails (Blood Run and Salem Woods) with plenty of chances to scream in terror while staying safe. Tickets for Blood Run or Salem

Woods start at $16.15 online at this link.

    > Lake Joys Trails of Terror: 428 A Lake Joy Road, Kathleen

Graphic courtesy of Lake Joy Trails of Terror

  > MUSIC: Henry Cruz Band at Grant’s Lounge in Macon (9:30 p.m.)

The Henry Cruz Band will perform at historic Grant’s Lounge late on Friday night. Henry Cruz is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter that hails from Nashville, Tennessee. Cruz most recently released “The Big Nashville Record” last October. Tickets to see the Henry Cruz Band cost $10 online or at the door.

    > Grant’s Lounge: 576 Poplar Street, Macon

SATURDAY, October 3rd

  >> SHOPPING: Depot Deals Fundraising Sale in Milledgeville (9 a.m.-12 p.m.)

Shoppers can browse through 6,000 square feet of “furniture, rugs, home décor, kitchenware, tools, garden supplies, books, toys,” and more at the Depot Deals Fundraising Sale this Friday. This fundraising event helps support The Depot’s renovation and mission. Only shoppers 18 and over are allowed in The Depot building. The Depot Deals Fundraising Sale is free to attend and takes place the first Saturday of the month through December.

    > Georgia’s Old Capital Heritage Center at the Depot, Inc.: 95 Depot Circle Drive, Milledgeville

  >> Fall Festival at Tattnall Square Baptist Church in Macon (9 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Tattnall Square Baptist Church will hold its Fall Festival this Saturday. Attendees will find Arts and Crafts vendors, food trucks, and activities for kids, along with food from Smoke Time BBQ, Loaded Popcorn, Dawg Eat Dog Concession, Pops Peanuts, and more, according to the church. This family-friendly event is free to attend.

    > Tattnall Square Baptist Church: 4925 Zebulon Road, Macon

  >> SHOPPING: Smoke Stack Farmer’s Market in Macon (9 a.m.-1 p.m.)

Every Saturday, the Smoke Stack Farmer’s Market presents an opportunity to shop local from Middle Georgia’s farmers, bakers, and makers. This rain or shine event offers a chance to purchase breads, field-cut flowers, meats, produce, and more. The Smoke Stack Farmer’s Market is free to attend.

    > Smoke Stack Farmer’s Market: 342 Rose Avenue, Macon

  >> Pistons & Pages Car Show at Milner Community Library in Milner (10 a.m.-2 p.m.)

The Pistons & Pages Car Show will include door prizes, live music, food, and, of course, a car show. Proceeds from this community event will go toward helping support the Milner Community Library. Pre-register your car for the car show online at this link for $20 (or $25 on Saturday). This family-friendly event is free to attend.

    > Milner Community Library: 159 Main Street, Milner

  >> SHOPPING: The Cannonball House’s Fall Bazaar in Macon (10 a.m)

The Cannonball House’s Fall Bazaar will feature opportunities to buy unique jewelry, skillfully crafted pottery, sculptures, crafts, and more this Saturday. A Kids’ Bake Sale will also take place during this family-friendly event. The Cannonball House is a historic house museum that includes artifacts from the Civil War and offers special events throughout the year. There is no charge to attend The Cannonball House’s Fall Bazaar.

    > The Cannonball House: 856 Mulberry Street, Macon

  >> SHOPPING: October Macon Market at stARTup Studios in Macon (10/3-10/4) (10 a.m.-5 p.m)

The October Macon Market at stARTup Studios this Saturday and Sunday includes chances to purchase baked goods, gifts, and more from local artists, makers, crafters, and small businesses. stARTup Studios is a “3D art space” with a glassblowing hot shop, ceramics studio, and more. Sunday’s October Macon Market takes place from 12 to 5 p.m. Sign up to become a vendor at one of stARTup Studio’s Macon Markets online at this link. The October Macon Market is free to attend.

    > stARTup Studios: 1055 Riverside Drive, Macon

Graphic courtesy of stARTup Studios

  >> MUSIC: Vintage Vixens at Eatonton City Center Stage in Eatonton (7-10 p.m.)

Music fans can hear hits from the 60s and 70s as the Vintage Vixens perform this Saturday at the Eatonton City Center Stage as part of Eatonton's Downtown GetDown Concert Series. Attendees are invited to bring lawn chairs and coolers, along with friends and family, to this concert. Vendors will open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m. This community concert is free and open to the public.

    > Eatonton City Center Stage: 124 N. Jefferson Avenue, Eatonton

  >> MUSIC: The United European Ballet presents Cinderella at The Piedmont Grand Opera House in Macon (7-9:20 p.m.)

The United European Ballet Company will present Cinderella, a full-length classical ballet, at The Piedmont Grand Opera House this Saturday evening. An international cast of ballet artists will perform in fanciful costumes in front of hand-painted scenery during this event. Cinderella is a folk tale about overcoming unfortunate circumstances that has been told in thousands of different stories dating back to 7 BC, according to Wikipedia. Tickets to this family-friendly production start at $39.25 online at this link.

    > The Piedmont Grand Opera House: 651 Mulberry Street, Macon

  >> MUSIC: Supper at Grant’s Lounge in Macon (9 p.m.)

The band Supper will perform soul music Saturday night at Grant's Lounge. The band can often be found performing in Atlanta venues, but they are no stranger to Macon or cities like Chattanooga. Tickets to see Supper cost $10 online or at the door.

    > Grant’s Lounge: 576 Poplar Street, Macon

SUNDAY, October 4th

  >> THEATRE: Little Miss Red at Douglass Theatre in Macon (1 and 5 p.m.)

A production of Shirley Marshall’s faith-based play “Little Miss Red” will be performed at the Douglass Theatre this Sunday in Macon. “Little Miss Red” “brings laughter, life lessons, family truth, and faith” to Douglass Theatre’s historic stage. Tickets to see Little Miss Red start at $25 online at this link.

    > Douglass Theatre: 355 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Macon

  >> MUSIC: Sunday Night Jam Session at Grant’s Lounge in Macon (9 p.m.)

Local talents will converge at Grant’s Lounge for the Sunday Night Jam Session this Sunday night. Musicians can play with others in a venue that has provided a place to see live music in Middle Georgia since 1971. Tickets to the Sunday Night Jam Session will be available at the door.

    > Grant’s Lounge: 576 Poplar Street, Macon

NOTABLE EVENTS NEXT WEEK:

  >> THURSDAY, October 8th through SUNDAY, October 18th: Georgia National Fair in Perry: The Georgia National Fair returns to Perry next week with concerts, rides, fair food, and more. The Georgia National Fair includes live music each night. This year’s musical acts include Hanson, Lonestar, Rumba Latina, and more. Learn more about this annual event online at this link. (401 Larry Walker Parkway, Perry)

Graphic courtesy of the Georgia National Fair

  >> SATURDAY, October 10th: Monroe Fall Fest (10 a.m.): The city of Monroe invites Middle Georgians to Monroe’s annual Fall Fest next Saturday. Over 200 vendors will be on hand, along with activities for children, shopping opportunities at Monroe’s unique retailers, and more. (Monroe)

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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.