PRESS RELEASE: The Macon Witches Float Returns This October, presented by Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions & Visit Macon

MACON, Ga. (September 3, 2025) — Visit Macon is proud to sponsor the exciting return of Macon’s annual Witches Float, now presented by Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions, on October 5, 2025! The exciting return of this annual extravaganza promises to be a bewitching event filled with costumes, outdoor recreation, and community spirit!

“We ride at dawn, witches!” jokes Carly King, Marketing Manager for Visit Macon. “Well, we’ll ride at 3:30 pm to be precise, but we’ll adopt whatever rallying cry you can think of to see you there! We are so thankful that Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions is stepping in to keep this beloved event alive and well, and hope to see as many witches and warlocks out on the Ocmulgee River for this enchantingly iconic event!”

The Macon Witches Float began five years ago as a fundraising project for the nonprofit ABC Breathe, with support from Macon Periods Easier, and then became an annual fundraising opportunity due to its success and its mission to combat period poverty in Macon-Bibb County. However, sadly, last year’s event was cancelled due to Hurricane Helene in late September 2024. Now, due to the community's interest, and with Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions' trusted team of safety specialists, this magical… photo-perfect opportunity with family, friends, and guests alike… will float again!

Join Us for a Simply Spellbinding Day!

• Date: Sunday, October 5, 2025

• Check-in & Shuttles to Launch: 2:00 - 3:30pm

Check-in tent and parking will be at the Porter Pavilion in Amerson River Park, Shuttles provided by OOE will take paddlers and gear to the Launch Point.

• Witches’ Gathering & Float Departure: 3:30pm

Departs from Amerson River Park Jay Hall Memorial Canoe Launch

• Return/Disembark: Bragg Jam South River Access, near the Porter Pavilion

• Parking: Parking in Amerson River Park will be at the Porter Pavilion

Participants are encouraged to wear costumes and decorate their flotation devices! A guest judge in attendance will select a winner for Best Dressed to win a $100 gift card presented by Visit Macon. Bring a feminine product donation for Macon Periods Easier the day of the event, and your name will be entered to to win spell binding prizes like a free paddle excursion from Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions ($120 value!).

Ticket Information:

Secure your spot early with ticket prices ranging from $20-85, available now on FareHarbor. Act fast, as the first 100 participants will receive exclusive goodie bags! Rentals are available:Including a choice of kayaks, canoes (1-2 people), inflatable stand-up paddle boards or tandem kayaks. Or, opt to bring your own!

A portion of the proceeds will go to Macon Periods Easier.

Macon Periods Easier is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of period poverty and providing menstrual products to those in need. The organization's mission is to normalize conversations about menstruation, empower individuals, and create a more equitable future. For more information, please contact maconperiodseasier@gmail.com

“The Macon Witches Float is just the beginning of a month-long celebration of Macon’s haunts, history, and a place where legends lurk!” continues King. “Named last year by HGTV as a ‘Best Small Town to Celebrate Halloween’ and profiled by Travel+Leisure Magazine as ‘One of the Best Halloween Destinations for Its Haunted Mansions, Ghost Tours, and 'Witch Float' Down the River, ’ we’re continuing to provide our visitors and locals a one-stop guide to experience it all! Our website provides the best schedule of Macon’s Fall events! It is also a repository for our “Macon Beyond” video series that dives deep into the history of some historic locations rumored to still hold residual energy. Be sure to check visitmacon.org/beyond often, as more events are added every week leading up to October!”

For more information, please contact Visit Macon’s Marketing Manager, Carly King, at (478) 743-1074 x101 or emailcking@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