Adventures in the Heart of Georgia: Things to Do this Week in Macon and Greater Middle Georgia

As Middle Georgia recovers from this weekend's winter weather, the community is ready to emerge from the cold with a diverse lineup of events. From endangered tree exhibits at the Museum of Arts and Sciences to a survival training workshop and live blues performances, the adventurous will find opportunities for art appreciation, personal growth, and musical entertainment. The following events offer a few of the unique and fun things to do during the final week of January in the heart of Georgia.

MONDAY, January 26th

  >> ART: Vulnerable and Vanishing Trees Exhibit at the Museum of Arts and Sciences (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Artist Carin Wagner presents a powerful environmental statement through her Vulnerable and Vanishing Trees Exhibit, which documents tree species facing extinction. Wagner's process involves photographing individual trees panoramically, then painstakingly removing each silhouette from its background to create negative images. These towering images are printed on transparent silk banners and suspended alongside photo-realistic oil on linen paintings that capture the intricate details of vulnerable species like the American Chestnut, Green Ash, Virginia Round Leaf Birch, and Blue Ash. Vulnerable and Vanishing Trees will be on display through April 18th. Entry to the Museum of Arts and Sciences costs $10 for adults or $5 for children 3 to 17 years old, with discounts available for seniors and military members. 

    > Museum of Arts and Sciences: 4182 Forsyth Road, Macon

Carin Wagner's artwork gives voice to the many trees species that under threat (Photographer Nate Weeks)

  >> Men's Mental Health Meetup at Serenity Entertainment (6:30-8 p.m.)

Serenity Entertainment, Macon Violence Prevention, and Macon-Bibb County present a Men's Mental Health Meetup designed to provide support and conversation for our community's men this Monday. The gathering offers men an opportunity to discuss the daily responsibilities and challenges they face, creating a space for open dialogue about mental wellness. This event is free to attend.

    > Serenity Entertainment Complex: 427 Poplar Street, Suite A, Macon

TUESDAY, January 27th

>> GTX Glow Up: Facepaint and Bodyart Jam at The Belltower (5-9 p.m.)

This Tuesday, The Belltower will host a beginner-focused facepaint workshop called "Before You Brush," welcoming participants at all skill levels from complete novices to experienced artists seeking professional techniques. This drop-in friendly event covers essential topics including safety and sanitation, proper setup and breakdown procedures, supplies and tools overview, and best practices for working with paint on skin. Participants will have the opportunity to build custom palettes, explore professional supplies, and create their own GTX Pro Facepaint Kit. Attendees can arrive anytime between 5 and 9 p.m. to learn in a relaxed, supportive, community-centered environment. $10 admission includes the class, light refreshments, gifts, and learning resources.

    > The Belltower: 2371 Ingleside Avenue, Suite B, Macon

  >> MUSIC: Mercer Singers Prelude to the GEMA at Fickling Hall (7:30 p.m.)

The Mercer Singers will preview their upcoming performance at the Georgia Music Educators Association annual conference in Athens with a free concert open to the public this Tuesday evening. Conducted by Stanley L. Roberts and accompanied by Cynthia Smith, the ensemble will showcase the program they've prepared for the statewide conference. This preview concert offers Macon residents a chance to experience the performance before the group travels to Athens. This concert is free and open to the public.

    > McCorkle Music Building's Fickling Hall: 1433 Adams Street, Macon

WEDNESDAY, January 28th

  >> Homeschool Field Trip Day - Volcanic Exploration at the Museum of Arts and Sciences (10 a.m.-1 p.m.)

On Wednesday, Homeschool families can explore the science of volcanoes during this educational field trip at the Museum of Arts and Sciences. The program covers volcanic formations ranging from quiet processes to violent eruptions, examining examples from nearly every continent on Earth as well as volcanoes found on other planets and moons throughout the solar system. Tickets for Homeschool Field Trip Day can be purchased online at this link.

    > Museum of Arts and Sciences: 4182 Forsyth Road, Macon

Graphic courtesy of the Museum of Arts and Sciences

  >> SparkMacon's Entrepreneur's Night at Triangle Arts Macon (6-7:30 p.m.)

SparkMacon Entrepreneur's Night will take place this Wednesday at the unique creative arts space Triangle Arts Macon. Spark Macon and local small businesses throughout Macon-Bibb organize Entrepreneur's Night, a monthly networking event designed to showcase both emerging and established businesses in the area. Entrepreneur's Night rotates among various small business locations within the community, allowing attendees to learn how their favorite local businesses began and to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and small business owners. SparkMacon's Entrepreneur's Night is free to attend.

    > Triangle Arts Macon: 206 Lower Elm Street, Macon

  >> Readers Lounge at Longleaf Distillery (7 p.m.)

Longleaf Distillery will host a cozy evening for book lovers seeking a quiet midweek escape on Wednesday evening. Participants are encouraged to bring whatever they're currently reading and settle into a relaxed atmosphere designed for unwinding with literature. Readers Lounge includes complimentary bookmarks while supplies last, free coffee and tea, and an $8 cocktail special. 

    > Longleaf Distillery: 664 2nd Street, Macon

  >> BAS Survival 101: Pack a Survival Bag at The Belltower (7 p.m.)

This Wednesday, former USAF SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape) Specialist Britton Seprish will teach a beginner-friendly survival preparedness session focused on building an effective go-bag at The Belltower. The class covers essential items everyone should pack, how to customize bags for individual needs, and strategies for staying calm during emergencies. Participants who already own survival gear are encouraged to bring it for review and adjustment recommendations, while beginner survival kits will be available for purchase for those starting from scratch.

    > The Belltower: 2371 Ingleside Avenue, Suite B, Macon

Graphic courtesy of The Belltower

  >> Galentine's: Sip and Paint with Sarah Tinsley Parker at Switch Macon (8:30 p.m.)

Switch Macon will host a creative social evening featuring painting instruction from Sarah Tinsley Parker this Wednesday. Galentine's combines artistic expression with quality beverages and music for a memorable night out. Tickets to Galentine's cost $45 per person online at this link (drinks sold separately). 

    > Switch Macon: 470 First Street, Macon

THURSDAY, January 29th

  >> Ribbon Cutting at Piedmont Macon Primary Care at Bass Road (11 a.m.)

The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the opening of Piedmont Macon Primary Care at  Bass Road with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday morning. The event will focus on the healthcare organization's investment in bringing medical care closer to the community. This event is free and open to the public.

    > Piedmont Macon Primary Care at Bass Road: 101 North Macon Street, Macon

  >> MUSIC: Tinsley Ellis at Capricorn Sound Studios (6-7:30, 8-9:30 p.m.)

On Thursday, Blues guitarist and songwriter Tinsley Ellis will perform two shows at Capricorn Sound Studios in support of his new acoustic album, "Labor of Love." The album features 13 original compositions exploring themes of floods, fires, voodoo spirits, personal hardship, and prayer, all informed by Ellis's four decades of touring experience and 21 career albums. Ellis has shared stages with The Allman Brothers, Buddy Guy, the Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Widespread Panic, along with blues legends such as Otis Rush, James Cotton, Gregg Allman, and Albert Collins. Ellis currently tours solo in what he jokingly calls his "Two Guitars And A Car" tour, finding that the stripped-down format helps him connect with the raw essence of blues music. Tickets to see Tinsley Ellis perform start at $36.53 online at this link.

    > Capricorn Sound Studios: 530 Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, Macon

Tinsley Ellis released a cover of "Morning Dew", a folk song by Bonnie Dobson

  >> MUSIC: Bragg Jamuary at JBA (8-11 p.m.)

Bragg Jam's college-aged Battle of the Bands competition continues this Thursday with performances from Sons of Midnite at 9 p.m., MothaFunka at 9:45 p.m., and Red Oaks at 10:30 p.m. Bragg Jamuary took place every Thursday in January and featured 12 bands total competing for audience votes. The winning band receives $1,500 and the opportunity to open at the Capitol Theatre during the 2026 Bragg Jam Concert Crawl. Doors open at 8 p.m. with performances beginning at 9 p.m. A final concert will showcase the top vote-getters from each Thursday, with the championship voting round taking place from February 5th through 11th. All Bragg Jamuary shows are free to attend.

    > JBA: 425 Cherry Street, Macon

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.