Weekend Adventures in the Heart of Georgia (11/6-11/8)

This weekend features multiple events for art appreciators, fashion lovers, music fans, and more. Macon Fashion Week's Urban Runway will bring high fashion to Downtown Macon for a free community event on Friday night, adding to the many different things to do during November's First Friday celebrations. The following are just a few of the fun, interesting, and often free things to do this weekend in the heart of Georgia.

FRIDAY, November 6th

  >> SHOPPING: 33rd Annual Christmas Made in the South at the Macon Centreplex (11/6-11/8) (10 a.m.-6 p.m.)

The 33rd annual Christmas Made in the South features multiple vendors selling fine arts and crafts and runs Friday through Sunday at the Macon Centreplex this week. Rebuilding Macon will be on hand, and one raffle winner will win a playhouse built by local high schoolers. Sunday hours are 11 to 5 p.m. Attendees must follow Macon Centreplex's clear bag policy. More information about this event can be found here. Admission to Christmas Made in the South is $10 for adults and free for children 12 and under.

    > Macon Coliseum: 200 Coliseum Drive, Macon

  >> ART/MUSIC: Opening Reception for “Mad Woman Gets the Blues” at Gallery West in Downtown Macon (5-9 p.m.)

The opening reception of Cadillak Slim a.k.a A’Keara Danielle’s "Mad Woman Gets the Blues” will take place at Gallery West this Friday. The theme of the artwork in this exhibit will be “alchemy, serenity, and expansion," according to Gallery West. The talented Trombone Slim will provide the musical entertainment. There is no cover charge to attend this event.

    > Macon Coliseum: 502 Cherry Street, Macon

  >> FASHION: Macon Fashion Week’s Style Class with Nikko Smith at Wesleyan College Leadership Lab in Macon (5 p.m.)

Wardrobe stylist and style expert Nikko Smith will present a Style Class on Friday as part of Macon Fashion Week (MFW). Smith helps “women dress with confidence, intention, and a better understanding of what works for them,” according to Macon Magazine. MFW’s Style Class with Nikko Smith is free to attend.

    > Wesleyan College Leadership Lab: 522 Cherry Street, Macon

  >> ART/MUSIC/FOOD: November First Friday in Downtown Macon (12-11:45 p.m.)

First Friday returns to Downtown Macon with exciting Macon Fashion Week events, art gallery openings, live music, and specials at restaurants and businesses.

Art lovers will have many different events to attend during November’s First Friday. Macon Arts Alliance will present a group exhibit of textile art and a fashion show from 4 to 7 p.m. The 567 Center for Renewal will hold the opening reception for its annual “Favorite Things” exhibit featuring art and holiday decor for $100 or less from 5 to 8 p.m. The McEachern Art Center presents “Transformations: Layers of Time and Self” with abstract quilted artwork from Marian Zielinski from 6 to 8 p.m. Gallery West will present the opening of Cadillak Slim aka A’Keara Danielle’s “Mad Woman Gets the Blues,” along with music by Trombone Slim from 5 to 9 p.m. The Bohemian Den will present “Fashion Sketched,” featuring the artwork by Melancholeh from 5 to 9 p.m. Finally, The Rose Room presents "Cover Me" from 5 p.m. to midnight, featuring the artwork of Duane Frost that “merg[es] records and graffiti,” and includes an artist talk at 5:30 p.m. Afterward, Frost performs a live vinyl DJ set from 8:30 p.m. to midnight. There is no cover for this event.

Live music fans can hear singers and bands performing at Hotel Forty Five’s Loom from 7 to 9 p.m. or stop by one of the many live music venues downtown for performances from DJs, bands like Derrick Dove and The Peacekeepers and The Macon Sound, and more.

One unique First Friday event this Friday takes place at Wellness Hug, which will present a showcase of the talents of one special guest from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. and include a sound bath.

    > Various Locations: Downtown Macon

  >> ART: Opening Reception of Favorite Things at The 567 Center for Renewal in Macon (5-8 p.m.)

The 56 Center for Renewal presents its annual “Favorite Things” exhibit from November 6th through December 23rd. This art exhibit features artwork of local talents priced at $100 and less that make for great gifts. There is no cover charge to attend this art exhibit reception.

    > The 567 Center for Renewal: 456 1st Street, Macon

  >> FASHION: Macon Fashion Week’s Urban Runway in Downtown Macon (8 p.m.)

Muscogee designer Millie Bigler, along with local designers Ashley Monique, Quitman Alexander, Diane Jackson, Christian Searcy, Niyah Jones, and McKell Bond will showcase their fashion during Macon Fashion Week’s Urban Runway this Friday evening. Attendees are invited to visit Sixth Ave after the Urban Runway for the Runway Afterhours after-party. Urban Runway is free and open to the public.

    > 450 Poplar Street, Macon

Macon Fashion Week's inaugural Urban Runway in 2025 showcased the work of talented designers like Jamie Rolland-Hill

  >> Junior League of Macon’s Mahjong for a Mission at (6 p.m.):

The Junior League of Macon presents Mahjong for a Mission at the stylish 830 High this Friday night. Each ticket includes a complimentary cocktail, and Macon Drinks will be selling additional drinks for attendees, according to the Junior League of Macon. Tickets for the Macon Junior League’s Mahjong for a Mission start at $66.72 online at this link.

    > 830 High: 830 High Street, Macon

  >> MUSIC: Derrick Dove at The Peacekeepers at Grant’s Lounge in Macon (9 p.m.)

Derrick Dove and The Peacekeepers will perform at historic Grant's Lounge this Friday. This band won the International Blues Challenge and Best Guitarist of the International Blues Challenge awards earlier this year. Tickets to this show cost $15 online or at the door.

    > Grant’s Lounge: 567 Poplar Street, Macon

  >> MACON: The Macon Sound’s 10th Birthday Bash at The Hummingbird in Macon (9:30 p.m)

The Macon Sound, aka Georgia’s Party Band, will celebrate the band’s 10th birthday at Downtown Macon’s The Hummingbird this Friday night. The Macon Sound can often be found performing hits from the many iconic musicians who are part of Macon’s long musical history.

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

SATURDAY, November 7th

  >> Civic Advocacy and Policy Workshop at Anderson’s Goodwill Conference Center in Macon (9 a.m.-3 p.m.)

Bibb County: Georgia Watch, in partnership with Morehouse School of Medicine’s Georgia CEAL Restores Initiative, is hosting a Civic Advocacy and Policy Workshop for residents of Bibb County this Saturday. This workshop builds civic engagement skills around leadership capacity, engaging decision-makers, and mobilizing communities around health priorities,” according to the organizers. This event is free and open to the residents of Bibb County.

    > Anderson’s Goodwill Conference Center: 5171 Eisenhower Parkway, Macon

  >> SHOPPING: The Macon Market at stARTup Studios (10/7-10/8) (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)

The November Macon Market from stARTup Studios will take place this Saturday and Sunday and will offer unique goods from a wide range of local small businesses. Shoppers can find art, handmade crafts, boutique clothing and accessories, antiques, jewelry, plants, and much more during Macon Markets. This shopping event is free to attend.

    > stARTup Studios: 1055 Riverside Drive, Macon

  >> FESTIVAL: Newton County Parks & Recreation Fall Festival at City Pond Park in Covington (10 a.m.-4 p.m.)

The Newton County Parks & Recreation Fall Festival will feature live performances, food vendors, crafts, local artists, a free Kidzone, inflatables, face painting, games, and more this Saturday. Newton County’s City Pond Park includes 80 acres that include six baseball fields, batting cages, a small playground, and four tennis courts. This community event is free to attend.

    > City Pond Park: 13501 City Pond Road, Covington

  >> SHOPPING: War Town Vintage Market at Little Light Coffee in Warner Robins (12-5 p.m.)

The War Town Vintage Market will take place at Warner Robins’ Little Light Coffee this Saturday. Shoppers can browse vintage and retro clothing, accessories, collectibles, home goods, handmade items, and more from multiple local vendors, according to Little Light Coffee. This shopping event is free to attend.

    > Little Light Coffee Co.: 4027 Watson Boulevard, Warner Robins

  >> BIKING: Macon’s Big Bike Ride at Rosa Parks Square in Macon (4 p.m.)

Bike Walk Macon will present Macon’s Big Bike Ride this Saturday. This event features an 8- to 10-mile group ride that starts with a kickoff party at Rosa Parks Square and ends with an after-party at Fall Line Brewing Co. Helmets and bike lights required to participate in Macon’s Big Bike Ride. The kickoff celebration starts at 2:30 p.m., while the ride starts at 4 p.m. Tickets to Macon’s Big Bike Ride start at $10 and kids under 12 ride free.

    > Rosa Parks Square: 1st Street Lane, Macon

  >> Genesis Joy House’s 2nd Annual Casino Night at The Great Gatsby Fundraiser Gala at Cherokee Pines Wedding, Events & Fitness Club in Perry (6-10 p.m.)

Genesis Joy House presents its 2nd Annual Casino Night at The Great Gatsby Fundraiser Gala this Saturday. Guests are invited to dress in fancy Gatsby-inspired attire for an “evening of entertainment, high-stakes fun, and community impact.” Proceeds from this unique event benefit the Genesis Joy House, which provides services for homeless female veterans and their children. Tickets to this event cost $75 per person. To purchase tickets to Genesis Joy House’s 2nd Annual Casino Night at The Great Gatsby Fundraiser Gala, call (478) 236-2207 or visit the website at this link.

    > Cherokee Pines Weddings, Events & Fitness Club: 1098 Country Club Road, Perry

  >> MUSIC: Chambers Family Benefit Show at Reverb Room in Warner Robins (6:30-10 p.m.):

Reverb Room will celebrate and raise funds for the Chambers family this Saturday evening. Give Me Oblivion, Crown Curse, Trauma Code, Derailer, Half-Life, and Beretta will perform during this show. Reverb Room will also present a silent auction that will also benefit the Chambers family. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets to the Chambers Family Benefit Show cost $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

    > Reverb Room: 1758 Watson Boulevard, Warner Robins

Graphic courtesy of Reverb Room

  >> COMEDY: Marcus D. Wiley at The Piedmont Grand Opera House in Macon (7 p.m.)

Christian comedian Marcus D. Wiley will perform at The Piedmont Grand Opera House this Saturday evening. Wiley’s “feel-good comedy” is perfect for married couples and those who want to be married one day. Wiley was a professor at Texas Southern University prior to the start of his comedy career, according to the comedian’s website. Tickets to see Marcus D. Wiley cost $34+ on tixr.com.

    > The Piedmont Grand Opera House: 700 Poplar Street, Macon

  >> Jared Petteys & The Headliners at The Hummingbird in Macon (9:30 p.m.-1 a.m.)

Jared Petteys & The Headliners will once again perform at Downtown Macon’s The Hummingbird this Saturday. This Charleston, South Carolina-based roots rock band’s sound “fuses blues, early rock ’n’ roll, rockabilly, and modern rock with a high-energy, guitar-driven edge,” according to the band’s website. Tickets to see Jared Petteys & The Headliners live cost $5 at the door.

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

SUNDAY, November 8th

  >> Veterans Day Parade in Downtown Macon (3 p.m.)

The Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates Veterans at the annual Veterans Day Parade that takes place on Sunday afternoon. Visitors to Downtown Macon will see “patriotic-themed floats, military units, marching bands,” and more. This community celebration is free and open to the public.

    > Downtown Macon

Downtown Macon will be filled with the rousing sounds of marching bands during the Veterans Day Parade on Sunday (Photographer Nate Weeks)

  >> Jackson Tanner Trio perform at Bragg Jam’s November Second Sunday Concert on Coleman Hill in Macon (6-8 p.m.)

The last concert of Bragg Jam’s Second Sunday Concert series this fall will take place next Sunday, featuring the Jackson Tanner Trio. Music lovers will bring picnic baskets, lawn chairs, and blankets, along with family, friends, and neighbors to Downtown Macon’s Coleman Hill for this unique concert experience. This family-friendly concert is free and open to the public.

    > Coleman Hill: 934 Georgia Avenue, Macon

NOTABLE EVENTS NEXT WEEK:

  >> TUESDAY, November 10th: Storytellers Macon presents “Fits Just Right” at Grant’s Lounge in Macon (7 p.m.): Storytellers Macon presents another interesting night of storytelling at iconic Grant’s Lounge next Tuesday. The topic for the evening’s stories will be “Fits Just Right.” Audience members are invited to sign up to tell their own true 5-minute story that fits the theme for the night. This open-mic event is free and open to the public. (576 Poplar Street, Macon)

  >> FRIDAY, November 13th through SATURDAY, November 21st: FESTIVAL: 8th Annual Fire & Ice Ceramic and Glass Festival at the Round House in Macon (10 a.m.-4 p.m.): The Macon Arts Alliance’s annual Fire & Ice Ceramic and Glass Festival will feature thousands of unique pieces of ceramic and glass artwork from southeastern artists. This unique event is free to attend. (115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon)

  >> SUNDAY, November 22nd: MUSIC: Skydog Music Festival at Carolyn Crayton Park in Macon (12-5 p.m.): Music fans will celebrate the 60th birthday of Duane Allman, aka Skydog, next Sunday at Macon’s Carolyn Crayton Park, aka Central City Park. Proceeds from this annual benefit concert benefit “the poor, hungry, and homeless” and help raise fund and supplies for DePaul USA Daybreak, according to the festival. Attendees can bring one or more of the following items for admission to the Skydog Music Festival: paper towels, spray deodorant, double/triple blade razors, liquid laundry detergent, shampoo, toilet paper, backpacks, coffee creamer, and/or lawn trash bags (33 gallon or larger). (155 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon)

Graphic courtesy of Skydog Music Festival

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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.