It’s film fest week! Get ready to see and talk about some amazing films. If you aren’t a cinema buff, there is still tons to do including a free show in the park, the potential to do “The Charleston” in an appropriate environment and playing with clay (in a freeform or instructed way). 

Thursday, August 18

Macon Film Festival at multiple venues

Thursday marks the beginning of the 17th Annual Macon Film Festival. The festival runs from Thursday, Aug. 18 to Sunday, Aug. 21. There will be documentaries, narrative films and  workshops on topics such as acting, directing and location scouting. Additionally, there will be student films, shorts, family-friendly films and “Fulldome” films that are shown at the planetarium of the Arts & Sciences Museum. 

 $10 Single Block Ticket, $25 Single Day Ticket, $65 Screening Pass, $150 All Access Pass; Tickets available at the Festival Headquarters at the Grand Opera House 621 Mulberry St., 31201 but film and workshop venues vary; tickets are also available online (478) 227-3840; maconfilmfestival.com

Friday, August 19

Pinch Pot Pet Portraits at the 567 Center for Renewal

$35 ($30 for members) is all that separates your pet from the immortality of art: In pinch pot form. During this (seriously cute) event, participants learn how to turn a lump of clay into a portrait of their pet dog, cat, fish, chicken, donkey, or whatever by pinching the clay with their hands. This kid-friendly (ages 10 and up) event doesn’t require any previous experience. The portraits will be created in the class but not glazed (painted). Registrants are welcome to come back and paint their creations at no extra cost during one of the Clay Studio Nights in August at the 567. 

6:30-8:30 p.m.; Ages 10 and up; $30 for members, $35 for non-members; 456 First St.; (478) 238-6051; the567center.org

Blair Crimmins & The Hookers at Society Garden

Get ready to dance like your grandparents before the Stock Market fell. Crimmins and his band specialize in Dixieland and Ragtime-inspired music that has been updated for the 21 Century. It’s both whimsical and hugely danceable. Their cover of the Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer” will have you tapping your toes and maybe even doing the Lindy Hop. 

8:30-11 p.m.; Free; 2389 Ingleside Ave, 31204; (478) 508-7095; thesocietygarden.com

Saturday, August 20

The Henrys at Grant’s Lounge

The Henrys describe their music as “if Thin Lizzy and Lynyrd Skynyrd” had a child. Founded in 1993 and steeped in Southern Rock, The Henrys are a throwback to good old fashion rock and roll. 

9 p.m.; $10 at seetickets.us; 576 Poplar St.; (478) 746-9191; historicgrants.com

Tuesday, August 23

Poplar Unplugged

Why not make summer last with a free outdoor music show? Local beer brewers “Fall Line” organized this free event that will be held in the grassy median on Poplar Street in front of JBA. Bring your chairs and picnic blankets and take advantage of a free live show by local musicians James Worsham, Matt McMilian and Scott Baston. There will also be yard games and activities placed around the park. Part of the “Gettin’ Down in Downtown Macon” event.

5-8 p.m.; Free; Grassy Median on Polar between MLK, Jr. Blvd and Third Street; falllinebrewingco.com

Wednesday, August 24

Clay DIY at StARTup Studios

StARTup Studios has a real, “no pressure, just have fun” vibe emanating from it. This attitude is apparent in their Clay DIY event where for $15 attendees can let their inner Rae Dunn shine. The fee covers two pounds of clay, hand-building tools and one bisque firing. There is no instruction during this event so either come to the with some ceramics knowledge or let the muse move you without judgment. Macon has so many quietly creative people that we wouldn’t be surprised if this self-guided DIY event sells out within hours. 

3-7 p.m.; $15; 1055 Riverside Drive, 31201; (478) 254-1830; startupstudios.art

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