“It’s the Fourth of July weekend, or, as I call it, Exploding Christmas.” – Stephen Colbert
Your pets may be gearing up for a major freak out, but there’s plenty of community fun for you to enjoy.
Thursday, July 4
There are so many options, so why limit ourselves to just one event?!? Here’s a great round-up of July 4th festivities written by Casey Choung of The Macon Melody, our collaborative partner and Macon’s newest non-profit news organization You should check them out!
Friday, July 5
From architectural masterpieces to the places that inspired musical legends, Visit Macon’s guided van tour is a one-hour journey through Macon’s most soulful stories at the city’s most historic sites. Plus, you get to enjoy it all from the comfort of an air-conditioned space!
11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.; Adults are $8 while seniors (60+), children, military members and Macon residents are $7; reserve your spot online here.
Saturday, July 6
The Big House Summer Concert Series continues with the Allman Brothers-inspired Jacksonville (FL) band Smokestack playing a mix of blues, New Orleans groove, old school rock, and (of course!) Southern rock covers.
7 – 9 p.m.; concert is free, but they’d love a donation to non-profit The Big House Foundation; The Big House, 2321 Vineville Ave, 31204
Sunday, July 7
The annual Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration is two months away, but kids can get a head start by learning some of the games the Mississippians played when they settled this region more than a thousand years ago. There’s “Chunkey”, where a player rolls a disc-shaped stone across the ground while other players throw their spears at it, and also a ball game that looks a lot like lacrosse.
2 – 2:30 p.m.; free; 1207 Emery Highway, 31217; Meet at the green space next to the visitor center parking lot.
Monday, July 8
Explore the world of mixed media art journaling as you experiment with texture, color, and storytelling at one of the newer Ingleside venues, Artspace Macon. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this class is a welcoming space to get creative, learn new techniques, and meet new people. This week’s theme is Emotion & Expression.
4 – 6 pm; $30; Artspace Macon, 2378 Ingleside Avenue, 31204; NOTE: the class is designed for adults, but teens 12+ are invited to join. Most supplies are included except Mixed Media Journal. Participants are encouraged to bring in their favorite supplies & collaging materials to use in class. Questions? Email [email protected] or call (478)336-5886
Tuesday, July 9
Join Storytellers Macon for a ”Hot and Heavy” night at the iconic Grant’s Lounge. It’s an open mic and they want your sizzing stories about life’s most intense moments. Maybe it’s a steamy summer romance or a heated family debate. Bring your tale that packs a punch or simply sit in a seat and soak it all up. Please be mindful of bringing children as stories are uncensored, except for hate speech.
6:30 pm for social before the open mic; free; Grant’s Lounge, 576 Poplar Street, 31201. NOTE: If you plan to share your 5-minute story, be sure to sign up before the event at https://bit.ly/2024StorytellersPresentsSU
Wednesday, July 10
Did you know that the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame is one of the country’s largest state sports museums? The building, which resembles a turn-of-the-century ballpark, features more than 14,000 square feet of exhibits highlighting Georgia’s prep, college, amateur and professional sports. You can also walk the Hall of Fame Corridor for the more than 400 inductees.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; ranges from $3.50 for children (16 & under) to $8 for adults (17+), with group tours also available; 301 Cherry St, 31201.
Hop, Skip and a Jump (Thursday, July 4th)
Grab the kids and head out to Juliette to celebrate July 4th at Jarrell Plantation. Learn about blacksmithing, spinning and wood stove cooking and enjoy live patriotic and bluegrass music. Eat cold watermelon and hear a reading of the Declaration of Independence at noon, then chase it all with old fashioned games, farm skills relays, sack races, carnival style games and more.
10:30 am – 3:30 pm; Admission is $2-$9; groups of 15 or more can make a reservation for reduced rates by calling 478-986-5172. 711 Jarrell Plantation Rd, Juliette, GA 31046
