PRESS RELEASE: Macon, Georgia Presents a Jam-Packed October Schedule in the Spirit of the Season and “Beyond”

MACON, Ga. (August 20, 2024) — This October, Visit Macon has put together a one-stop resource guide for visitors and locals alike to experience why Macon, Georgia is a fantastic place to be in October! “Macon Beyond” is a month’s glimpse through the veil of Fall events, as well as, Macon’s haunts, history and a place where legends lurk! Take a look at the schedule of events that have already been released below. And, make sure to check visitmacon.org/beyond often as more events are added every week leading up to October!

As an additional ‘treat’ this season, Visit Macon has partnered with Actress/Producer Carrie Genzel to investigate a few iconic locations in Macon, where stories from the past and suspicions of the spooky still linger. Carrie Genzel is a well-known actor with popular roles in horror TV and film projects such as The Walking Dead, Supernatural, Jennifer's Body, Dead Rising: Watchtower, Evil Feed, and They're Watching. Fascinated by the unexplained, she has had numerous ghostly encounters. Dedicated to investigating and collaborating with paranormal experts, she aims to reveal historical tales and communicate with spirits holding untold stories. Her recent move to Macon, GA, has sparked her passion for exploring the city's haunted sites and interacting with its supernatural inhabitants.

Visit Macon will release a new episode of “Macon Beyond” each month leading up to October, including well-known locations of Macon, including the Macon City Auditorium, the Allman Brothers Museum at the Big House and the 1842 Inn.

Interested in investigating a location with the “Macon Beyond” guest team? A special public “Hunt” is part of the schedule as well! (See below for details and tickets will go on sale this September.)

“This is all in good fun!” explains President & CEO of Visit Macon, Gary Wheat. “We saw the attention and sincere appeal a few of Macon’s October events had last year to our National press partners and to visitor appeal… we had to give the visitors what they asked for! WIth our October on the way, our main goal is creating experiences where guests will want to join us and stay for a while this season.”

“Thanks to this campaign already, Macon in October has already been mentioned on HGTV.com!” continues Wheat. “By doing an outside-the-norm video partnership that gained so much engagement from just a teaser video… to placing everything to do in October in one convenient spot… you can plan an entire weekend (or more!) of Fall fun for families, friends and the fiercely curious!”

“MACON BEYOND” OCTOBER SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Market Square North Pumpkin Patch at 5468 New Forsyth Rd

Friday, Sep 27 - Thursday, Oct 31

Open daily starting in late September, bring the whole family to one of Macon's hidden gems, Market Square North! Pick pumpkins, enjoy boiled peanuts, take a picture in front of the mural and enjoy the weather as it cools off!

Corn Maze Play Dayz at Lane Southern Orchards

Wednesday, Oct 2 - Thursday, Oct 31

Make your way to the massive 6-acre corn maze for a month full of autumn excitement. Try your hand at our new Maize-O-Poly game where you can win prizes and vie for the title of Farmer of the year! Enjoy some friendly competition as you race rubber ducks down the flume, and hop on an old-fashioned hayride for a leisurely tour around the maze. The Fall Festival is planned for Saturday, Oct 19 from 11am-3pm. Learn more at lanesouthernorchards.com

Rock Candy Tours’ Macon Macabre Tour at the Downtown Macon Visitors Center

Every Friday: Oct 4, 11, 18 and 25

The Macon Macabre Tour is a ghastly, ghostly and as Southern gothic as it gets. This 1.5 hour public walking tour features ghosts and macabre history focusing on Downtown Macon’s nightlife district. Reservation for tours will open on September 5th, 2024 and will be able to be booked online directly at visitmacon.org!

Legends & Lore Tour at The Hay House

Every Friday: Oct 4, 11, 18 and 25

Experience Hay House after dark! Go behind the scenes at what Architectural Digest calls one of the “13 Most Beautiful Haunted Destinations Around the World.” Hear spine-tingling tales of unexplained noises, lights with a mind of their own, and real-life ghost sightings. Purchase tickets now at georgiatrust.com

First Friday / Fair Food Frenzy in Downtown Macon

Friday, Oct 4 - Sunday, Oct 6

Kicking off during the October First Friday event, “Fair Food Frenzy” is presented by Performance Food Service and NewTown Macon. Get ready for a weekend of delicious fair-themed food and drinks in Downtown Macon! From crispy funnel cakes and sizzling hot dogs to savory street corn and mouth-watering sugary delights like cotton candy, candied apples, and caramel corn — we’ve got all the flavors you crave!

Macon Witches Float at Amerson River Park
Sunday, Oct 6
Witches, warlocks, and wizard costumes encouraged! Paddle into the spirit of the season with this family-friendly event on the Ocmulgee River. Get ready for a spellbinding afternoon on the water. Swap your broomsticks for paddles and bring your non-motorized flotation device – if you don't have one, rentals are available from Ocmulgee Outdoor. A special guest “personality” will also be announced soon! Fundraiser & program by Macon Periods Easier. Get your tickets: HERE.

40 Wacks: A Haunting Cocktail Ax-perience at Society Garden
Wednesday, Oct 16 - Saturday, Oct 19
Society Garden’s pop-up bar experience presents a storytelling experience about infamous Lizzie Borden. Advanced tickets available HERE!

Meet Former NASA Astronaut Joan Higginbotham at the Museum of Arts & Sciences

Thursday, Oct 17

This FREE community event compliments the museum’s special exhibition “Hubble Space Telescope: New Views of the Universe” which is on display at the Museum of Arts & Sciences through Oct 26, 2024.

MJ Live: Michael Jackson Tribute Concert

Saturday, Oct 19

The Tubman African American Museum presents “MJ Live,” a Michael Jackson Tribute Concert, at the historic Grand Opera House. Doors open at 7:00 pm. Tickets available HERE and at The Grand Opera House box office.

Classics at the Bibb at Bibb Theatre in Downtown Macon

Sunday, Oct 20

Nestled on Third Street, the Bibb Theatre first graced Macon with its presence in 1938, becoming a beloved landmark for the community. However, it lay dormant for four decades, longing for the buzz of moviegoers and the flicker of cinematic adventures. In a bid to breathe life back into this cherished building, NewTown Macon, with the support of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, Peyton Anderson Foundation, and Knight Foundation, secured a Downtown Challenge Grant. This grant aimed to shine a spotlight on the iconic downtown edifice and reintroduce movies to the historic theatre. For the spooky month of October, catch Night of The Living Dead for FREE… if you dare!

Steve Gonsalves Live: A Life with Ghosts at the the Capitol Theater

Wednesday, Oct 23

Ghost Hunt Weekends presents an unforgettable evening with Steve Gonsalves, the acclaimed paranormal investigator, bestselling author, and filmmaker! Known for his work on Ghost Hunters, Ghost Nation and his film The House Inbetween, Steve brings his unique experiences and insights to the stage in a live theater show titled “A Life with Ghosts.”

Steve takes you on a journey through haunted locations from his book A Life with Ghosts and his television shows. He shares his most chilling encounters, complete with haunted items from his favorite locations for an interactive show-and-tell experience. Prepare to be on the edge of your set as Steve unveils clips of real paranormal phenomena, captured during his investigations. But it’s not all about scares. Steve’s knack for storytelling shines through as he recounts his most comical encounters with both the living and the dead. The show concludes with a live Q&A session, where you can ask Steve your most pressing questions about the paranormal. And for those seeking a more exclusive experience, a limited number of VIP tickets are available. “A Life with Ghosts” is a thrilling blend of frights, laughs and revelations. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to delve into the unknown with Steve Gonsalves. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

Spirits in October: Saints & Sinners at Riverside Cemetery

Thursday, Oct 24 - Sunday, Oct 27 and Friday, Nov 1 - Sunday, Nov 3

Exceptional southern storytelling will be alive and well in Historic Riverside Cemetery next month as Riverside Cemetery and Conservancy’s Spirits in October offers a guided walking tour with actors representing spirits of some of Macon’s most fascinating characters. Stroll through the beautiful 126-year old cemetery grounds for a one-hour guided tour, “Saints & Sinners,” during the annual Spirits in October tour. Come out and learn how every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future. Spirits in October is not a scary ghost tour. It’s about honoring and sharing the stories of the fascinating people who came before us to make Macon what it is today. The museum shop will have T-shirts, relevant books, gifts and souvenirs. All proceeds benefit the Conservancy.
Tickets: riversidecemetery.com

Trucks and Treats at the Atrium Health Amphitheater

Saturday, Oct 26

Join the Atrium Health Amphitheater for a Trucks -or- Treats FREE event on October 26th! This family-friendly event features creatively decorated vehicles offering candy and treats, alongside an exciting array of trucks and emergency vehicles for kids to explore. Attendees can enjoy interactive games, live entertainment, and delicious food from local vendor!

Rock Candy Tours’ Macon Macabre Tour + Macon Beyond: The Hunt in Downtown Macon

Friday, Oct 25

Following this special Rock Candy Tours’ Macon Macabre Walking Tour, stay behind at the final stop of the tour located at The Bohemian Den, 502 Cherry Street (formerly the site of Ralston Hall which was consumed by a fire in 1886, currently the Newberry Building)! This special ‘after-hours adventure’ with “Macon Beyond” host Carrie Genzel – and some paranormal investigator friends – will dive deep into tips, technology, stories of the paranormal and a chance to investigate activity at this location where a pesky poltergeist has been known to tease and play games! Tickets will be available beginning September 5th at visitmacon.org. Only a limited number of spots will be available!

17th Annual Thriller Parade in Downtown Macon

Saturday, Oct 26

Located in Cherry Street Plaza from 7-10pm, Hayiya Dance Theatre, Inc.’s Annual Thriller Parade brings together each year thousands of people in Downtown Macon to watch 100+ Zombie dancers recreate Michael Jackson’s thriller. Coupled with the fantastic 2-hour pre-show and family-friendly street afterparty, Hayiya, Inc.’s Annual Thriller Parade is a community staple.

Rose Hill Ramble at Rose Hill Cemetery

Sunday, Oct 27

Take a guided stroll through Rose Hill Cemetery alongside Historic Macon Foundation.

This year, we are pleased to offer TWO opportunities to participate in our most popular educational event of the year. Local historians Kathleen O'Neal and Jim Barfield will both be leading tours on October 27th. Kathleen's tour will begin at 9am, and Jim's tour will begin at 2pm.

Please be sure to wear comfortable shoes, sun protection, and bring a bottle of water with you for this 1.5 hour walking tour. We will be walking along a paved route, but please be mindful that Rose Hill has big elevation changes and the paved roads are not always perfectly smooth. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

Pumpkin Paddle Palooza at Rhythm & Rally Sports & Events

Sunday, Oct 27

Celebrate Halloween with a fun-filled family event from 1-5pm at Rhythm and Rally! Pumpkin Paddle Palloza offers a spook-tacular way for families to enjoy pickleball together. Event highlights will include: Trick or Treat Challenges (perform fun pickleball tricks and earn tasty treats), face painting, crafts for kids, and family open-play courts where families can rally together! Cost is only $5! Dress in your Halloween best, grab a paddle and join for a ghoulishly good time for all ages!

Haunts & History on the Hill at InTown Macon Neighborhood/College Hill

Monday, Oct 28 & Wednesday, Oct 30

A walking ghost tour of Macon’s Macon’s historic neighborhood structures and the spirits that inhabit them. This tour will highlight stories of ghosts and legends that surround many of the historic buildings in Macon’s College Hill Corridor. Hear spine tingling tales of supernatural activity in one of Macon’s most haunted neighborhoods. Tickets available: HERE.

Downtown Macon Trick or Treating

Thursday, Oct 31st

From 4PM to 7PM, the entirety of Downtown Macon gets into the spirit offering a safe,walkable, free trick or treating experience for the whole family. Downtown Macon businesses and organizations will open their doors for a trick or treat extravaganza! Join us for lots of candy and fun activities!

In addition, you’ll find Jason Aldean live at the Atrium Health Amphitheatre on Saturday, Oct 5th, a groovy evening of nostalgia with “60 Years of Fab” when Macon Pops honors The Beatles on Friday, Oct 11th at The Grand Opera House, The Black Crowes on Saturday, Oct 12th at the Amphitheatre, and S&S Cafeteria’s Fall Festival Week Oct 25-31st… just to name a few!

For more information, please contact Marketing & Special Events Manager, Lucy Hughes, at (478) 743-1074 x101 or email lhughes@visitmacon.org. 

About Visit Macon: The mission of Visit Macon is to unify and lead our community in marketing the Macon-Bibb County area as a superior visitor and meeting destination. Visit Macon promotes Macon, Georgia to travel writers, meeting planners, group tour operators, and leisure travelers in an effort to bring people and revenues into the community and area businesses. visitmacon.org