This week in town we have celebrations of indigenous people through film, art and cultural exhibitions. There are benefit concerts from the Indigo Girls and Taylor Dayne, group walks, strings concerts and more.

Thursday, Sept. 14

Fire Starters Festival

The inaugural year of the three-day festival celebrating indigenous peoples kicks off with “From Ocmulgee to Okmulgee,” an exhibition at McEachern Art Center featuring artistsRandy Kemp (Euchee/Muscogee/Choctaw), a multidisciplinary performer, printmaker, and storyteller as well as Bobby C. Martin (Muscogee), a painter and educator. In addition, there will be short and feature-length films by indigenous directors highlighting native stories. A full schedule of films can be found here. 

“Ocmulgee to Okmulgee” begins at 5 p.m. at the McEachern Art Center (322 Second St., 31201) and is free to attend.

Films will be screened at the Grand Opera House (651 Mulberry St., 31201). Screening prices run from $10 for a single screening to $30 to attend all screenings. Additionally, there is a  $150 VIP Pass that includes all films, receptions as well as an Indigo Girls ticket to their Saturday night benefit concert for the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initative. Tickets can be purchased at the Grand Opera House website. A 50% discount is given with the code DOWNTOWN at checkout. 

Friday, Sept. 15

Magnolia Soapbox Derby Meet and Greet at Fall Line Brewery

The Magnolia Street Soap Box Derby is one of Macon’s marquee events. Hundreds of people descend on Magnolia Street once a year to watch homemade derby cars fly down the Magnolia Street hill. It’s all put together by an all-volunteer board and they are looking for new members. If you’ve been looking for a way to get involved in the city, this might be it. 

6-8 p.m.; Free; 567 Plumb St., 31201; (478) 200-1957; falllinebrewingco.com

Saturday, Sept. 16

Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration at the Ocmulgee National Historical Park

The Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration is always a must-attend event. The two-day celebration features Southeastern Native American artists, craftsmen, and educators who share their cultures through music, demonstrations and more. The dance exhibitions are a true highlight of the event (as is the Fry Bread). 

10 a.m-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Free; 1207 Emery Highway; 31217; Parking at 171 Emery Hwy with free, handicap accessible shuttle service; (478) 752-8257; nps.gov/ocmu

Ignite the Night with the Indigo Girls at the Grand Opera House

Folk rock powerhouse duo, the Indigo Girls (if you don’t know who they are, ask your girlfriend) will play the Grand Opera House with opening act Jontavious Willis. The concert is a benefit show for the Ocmulgee National Park and Preservation Initiative.

8 p.m. $59 and up tickets available at tixr.com; 651 Mulberry St., 31201; (478) 301-5470; thegrandmacon.com 

Sunday, Sept 17

Taylor Dayne at The Grand Opera House

The pop star known for her sultry songs and next-level tresses stops at The Grand for her “Evening with Taylor Dayne” show, a benefit for the Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia. Best known for her hits “Tell it to My Heart” and “Love will Lead You Back,” Dayne’s career spans over 30 years with no sign of retirement in sight. 

 7 p.m.; $45 and up tickets available at tixr.com; 651 Mulberry St., 31201; (478) 301-5470; thegrandmacon.com 

Monday, Sept. 18

McDuffie Young Artist Concert at the Historic Bell House

At this free concert, students from the McDuffie Center for Strings get an opportunity to play in public what they have been working on in the private lessons. The audience isn’t sure what the students will play, whether it’s a piece from Bach or from Amy Beach, the student concerts run the gamut and should be a treat for music lovers. 

7 p.m.; Free; 315 College Street; (478) 301-2886; mcduffie.mercer.edu

Tuesday, Sept. 19

Tattnall Tuesday Group Walk 

Cooler weather means that the Tattnall Tuesday Group Walk is back. Hosted by Bike Walk Macon, the walk is a three-mile fitness walk that snakes through Tattnall park and into the surrounding neighborhoods. Attendees are encouraged to wear sneakers and bring a bottle of water with them.

6 p.m.; Free: Group meets in the parking lot on Oglethorpe Street; (478) 335-1235; bikewalkmacon.com

Wednesday, Sept. 20 

Melissa Carper at Capricorn Sound Studios 

Carper’s music is as if Billie Holiday took up bluegrass and traveled with the Joad family across America. People into both bluegrass and jazz will find a lot to like in Carper’s music. 

7:30 p.m.; $35 and up tickets available at seetickets.us; 540 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, 3120; (478) 257-5327; capricorn.mercer.edu