It’s festival season in town with both the Pan African and Craft Beer festivals kicking off this weekend. There’s also some art in the park, Southern jams at Grant’s Lounge and we have the inside track on where to spot some amazing butterflies. 

Thursday, April 20

Tony Tyler Trance at Grant’s Lounge 

Tony Tyler’s music is an amalgam of the best music that has come out of Macon. Influenced equally by the soul of Otis Redding and the jam band energy of the Allman Brothers, Tyler’s music is a love letter to his hometown. Hearing Tyler’s music, so influenced by his Southern mentors at the place where Southern Rock found its home, makes for an unmissable night of performer and venue working together. 

9 p.m.; $10 tickets available at seetickets.us; 560 Poplar St., 31201; (478) 746-9191; historicgrants.com

Friday, April 21

Pan African Festival Kick Off at the Tubman Museum 

The 27th Annual Pan African Festival of Georgia weekend kicks off on Friday with a Sneaker Ball at the Tubman Museum. Attendees are encouraged to come in their most legendary sneakers with the general attire being African or Cultural. Cas’s Jukejoint and DJ Phil will provide the music for the event. The festival continues over the weekend at the Macon Coliseum. 

7-10 p.m.; $35 Sneakerball tickets available at tubmanmuseum.com; $10 per day tickets for the Pan Africian Festival available at the Coliseum gate;  310 Cherry St., 31201; (478) 743-8544; tubmanmuseum.com

Saturday, April 22

Just Tap’d Craft Beer Festival 

Just Tap’d brings their craft beer festival back for the seventh year with an exclusive selection of craft beer choices from across the country. Attendees can buy single beers, but there are ticketing options that may save the beer devotees money in the long fun. Just Tap’d is offering two tiers of tickets for the event. The $45 “Beer Lover” tier includes a limited edition 5 oz. beer tasting glass and unlimited access to all the various beers being poured. The $65 “Beer Connoisseur” tier includes everything in the “Beer Lover” tier, plus early admittance to the festival, a VIP lounge area and private bathroom. The Beer Connoisseur ticket holders also get access to a special craft beer only available to VIPs. There will be two food trucks (Johnson Brothers Barbecue and Wild Caught Seafood) and yard games available to everyone. 

1-5 p.m.; Free but with ticketed options available at eventbrite.com; 488 First St., 31201; (478) 599-9951; justtapd.com

Sunday, April 23

Cosplay Weekend at Hello Boba Cafe

Sunday is the final day of Cosplay Weekend at Hello Boba Cafe. Come dressed as your favorite anime, manga, video game or comic book character and receive 50% off the price of a drink. 

Noon-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday; 359 Third St, 31201; (478) 201-9311; hellobobacafe.com

Monday, April 24

Wind and Pipes at First Baptist Church of Christ 

The Mercer University Wind Ensemble plays their final concert of the season at the First Baptist Church of Christ on High Street. The theme of the concert is the powerful musical combination of the wind band and pipe organ. The ensemble will play music composed by Julie Giroux, Charles Ives and Bach.

7:30 p.m.; Free; 511 High Place, 31201; (478) 742-6485; fbcxmacon.org 

Tuesday, April 25

Dip Your Toes into Lake Tobesofkee

Why wait for the weekend to visit Macon’s Lake Tobesofkee (nicknamed “Lake Tobo” by locals). The lake’s recreation area has three public parks: Claystone, Sandy Beach and Arrowhead with Sandy Beach being the local favorite. There are pickleball courts, disc golfing areas and cycling trails available at the different parks. Nature lovers shouldn’t miss the Mary Jane Newberry Butterfly Habitat at Claystone Park. 

7 a.m.- 9 p.m.; $3 per person; Sandy Beach and Claystone Park entrance: 6880 Moseley Dixon Road, 31220, Arrowhead Park entrance:  2800 Arrowhead Drive, 31052; (478) 803-4556; laketobo.maconbibb.us

Wednesday, April 26

Art in the Park at the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park 

The Ocmulgee Mounds Historical Park is expanding its programing with its “Art in the Park” events. Local artist Cheryl Collins will lead a class on sketching and drawing basics. All ages are welcome and art supplies are provided. The event is limited to a maximum of 12 attendees, with sign-up at the Visitor Center. The class is held outdoors and is weather dependent, so check the forecast before you head out. 

2-3 p.m.; Free; 1207 Emery Highway, 31217; (478) 752-8257; nps.gov/ocmu

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