In town this week we have a podcast taping, a reason to shop small, graffiti lessons and an annual Christmas concert and lights show.
Thursday, Nov. 23
Happy Thanksgiving
This year, we’re thankful for all the concerts, gallery shows, restaurants, family-friendly activities, store openings and free outdoor events that make Macon such a cultural hub for Middle Georgia.
Friday, Nov. 24
Macon Pops Christmas Spectacular
Kick off the Christmas season with this yearly light show and free concert. The concert takes place on Poplar Street in the block between First Street and Second Street at Addison Tinsley Park. The Macon Pops live Christmas music performance will be synchronized to the one million lights of the Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza. Seating isn’t provided, so make sure to bring some beach chairs or picnic blankets. According to the event website, the concert and light show can draw up to 12,000 people so be sure to arrive early and carpool if you can.
The Christmas lights show continues until Jan. 3, 2024 with shows every 45 minutes at 6 p.m, 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.
6 p.m.; Free; Addison Tinsley Park between First and Second streets; maconchristmaslightsextravaganza.com
Saturday, Nov. 25
Shop Small Saturday Downtown
No thanks, Amazon. This Saturday, Macon is shopping locally. From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., over 35 small businesses downtown will be offering steep discounts, but only for one hour each. For example, from 8-9 a.m., Z Beans will be offering 30% of coffee beverages, from 9-10 a.m. Elizabeth’s Vintage will offer 30% off store wide. Every hour from 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. will see downtown stores and restaurants offering a 60-minute-only discount. A list of vendors, times and discounts can be found at the Newtown Macon website.
Sunday, Nov. 26
Artists Sunday at Triangle Arts Macon
This event will feature craft vendors, open studio hours, puppetry performances, face painting, graffiti lessons (yes, you read that right) and more. Wear your painting clothes if you decide to attend because there is also a mural wall that attendees are encouraged to add to. There will also be a furniture making demonstration led by Triangle Arts founder, Ric Geyer. More information can be found at the Artists Sunday Facebook event page.
Noon- 5 p.m.; 206 Lower Elm St., 31206; (478) 333-4371; triangleartsmacon.com
Monday, Nov. 27
Author Mariah Turner Visits Washington Memorial Library
Teenage author Mariah Turner will be reading from her book, “Living in Variety” on the Children’s Floor of the Washington Memorial Library. The book centers around Emmaunuel Parker, a young man with autism, who moves to a new city with his parents. Parker realizes that no matter how large our differences can be, those differences can be overcome using an openness to new people and experiences.
10:30 a.m.; Free; 1180 Washington Ave., 31201; (478) 300-6744; bibblib.org
Tuesday, Nov. 28
Music Therapy with The Kenny Ray Williams Band at JBA
Singers and musicians are welcome to the stage at JBA Bar with the backing of The Kenny Ray Williams Band. This twist on an open-mic night encourages musical creativity with would-be musicians and singers to jump on stage and jam with the band.
9 p.m.-midnight; Free; 425 Cherry St., 31201; jbamacon.com
Wednesday, Nov. 29
Points South Live in Macon at Grant’s Lounge
Venerable magazine of Southern Culture “Oxford American,” will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary Music Edition with a release party and live podcast taping of “Points South,” the magazine’s podcast, at Grant’s Lounge. Karla Redding-Andrews and Justin Andrews from the Otis Redding Foundation will be interviewed along with members of the Macon Music Review, with a performance by the band following.
5:30; Free with registration; 576 Poplar St., 31201; (478) 746-9191; historicgrants.com
