Happy Labor Day week! Macon (as usual) has a lot going on this week. From blues musicians to road races to community block parties, here are eight reasons to get out of the house that we would recommend. 

Thursday, September 1

Cody Matlock at Grant’s Lounge

Blues artist Cody Matlock cut his teeth in legendary Atlanta venues like Edie’s Attic, Blind Willie’s and Northside Tavern. Matlock brings his blues/soul sound to Grant’s Lounge in what should be a perfect match of performer and venue. 

9 p.m.- midnight; $10 at seetickets.us; 576 Poplar St.,31201;(478) 746-9191; historicgrants.com

From Bach to Rock: 1,000 years of music history in 60 minutes at Wesleyan College

From Medieval to Modern, Gothic to Goth, a handful of Wesleyan music professors create a whimsical journey through the history of music in a compressed time frame. 

7- 8 p.m.; Free; Burden Parlor of the Olivia Swann Building of Wesleyan College; 4760 Forsyth Road, 31210; (478) 757-5137; wesleyancollege.edu

Friday, September 2

First Friday at Various Downtown Locations

It’s First Friday time again! September’s First Friday features a sidewalk sale from Travis Jean Emporium, free entrance to the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, local band “Tempest” playing at JBA, and much more.

A full list of times and locations can be found at newtownmacon.com

Alexa Kleinbard – “Storm Songs” Artist Talk and Reception at the McEachern Art Center

Painter Alexa Kleinbard brings her most recent “Storm Songs” collection to the McEachern Art Center on Friday. At 6 p.m., Kleinbard will give a talk about her inspiration for the collection with a reception following. 

6-8 p.m.; Free; 322 Second St. 31201; (478) 301-2959; macmacon.com 

Saturday, September 3

90’s Night with DJ Axel at JBA

Put on your platform sandals, your Nirvana t-shirt and choker necklace because JBA is partying 90’s style on Saturday. There will be drink specials all night and the “Best Dressed” wins a free bar tab. In addition, JBA will be passing around disposable cameras for party-goers to capture all the 90’s nostalgia.

10 p.m.; Free; 499 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., 31201; 

Sunday, September 4

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park

A Sunday stroll around the Ocmulgee Mounds park is just what the doctor ordered after a long week. The park is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days. Currently the Earth Lodge is closed to visitors due to repairs but the rest of the park and it’s visitor’s center is open. 

8 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Free; 120 Emery Highway, 31217; (478) 752-8257; nps.gov/ocmu

Monday, September 5

Macon Peace and Unity – A Block Party & Soul Food Competition at Mill Hill Community Center 

Mill Hill will be the location for an all-day party that will include a soul food competition, a family-friendly DJ, face painting, mindfulness spaces, public jam sessions and an outdoor drum circle. 

Noon – 9 p.m.; Free; 213 Clinton St., 31217; (478) 743-6940; maconartsalliance.com

45th Annual Macon Labor Day Road Race

The Labor Day 5K and 10K and Fun Run races lead through downtown Macon and into Carolyn Crayton Park (Central City Park). The race features chip timing and both courses are USATF certified and can serve as a qualifier for next year’s Peachtree Road Race. 

7:30 a.m. for the 5k, 8 a.m. for the 10k, 9:30 a.m. for the Fun Run; $35 for 5k or 10k, $18 for Fun Run; Start location varies; macontracks.org