In town this week we have a Back-to-School bash, the Macon Film Festival and a night of Motown tunes.
Thursday, Aug.17
Macon Film Festival Kick Off: Chasing “Chasing Amy” at the Douglass Theatre and After Party
The Macon Film Festival (Aug 17-20) kicks off with the documentary “Chasing ‘Chasing Amy,’” which traces the transformational effect the ‘90s romantic comedy “Chasing Amy” had on the LGBTQ+ community and in particular, documentary director Sav Rodgers. After the film, there will be an after party.
7:15 p.m.; $50 tickets can be purchased online or in person at the Grand Opera House; Film and party at the Douglass Theatre 355 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, 31201; (478) 742-2000; douglasstheatre.org
The Macon Film Festival offers multi-level ticket packages for the four-day event ranging from All Access ($150) which includes all screenings and receptions, to Single Block ($10) which gets the ticket holder into one screening. In-person purchase of tickets must be done at the headquarters for the Film Festival which is The Grand Opera House (651 Mulberry St., 31201). Visit the Macon Film Festival website for more information and a complete schedule of films and screening locations.
Friday, Aug.18
Motown with the Macon Pops
Make sure you have your dancing shoes on for this event. The Macon Pops take on the songs of Motown with a little help from vocalists Charles Davis, Brenda Nicole Moorer, Cleveland P. Jones and others.
7 p.m.; $21.50 General Admission tickets available at tixr.com; Mercer University’s Hawkins Arena 1501 Mercer University Drive, 31207; (478) 301-5470; maconpops.com
Saturday, Aug 19
The Georgia Thunderbolts at Grant’s Lounge
Hailing from Rome, The Georgia Thunderbolts are steeped in Southern Rock and people are noticing. With positive write-ups in publications such as “Louder,” ”Rolling Stone” and “Paste,” this may be a band that you can tell your friends you saw once at Grant’s before they got big
9 p.m.; $10 tickets available at wl.seetickets.us. ; 560 Poplar St., 31201; (478) 746-9191; historicgrants.com
Black Business and Community Expo at The Macon Coliseum
The first Black Business and Community Expo is centered around awareness of Black-owned businesses and building relationships between those businesses and the people of Middle Georgia. With the theme of “Together We Rise,” attendees will have the chance to attend panel discussions focused on business building, inspiring parents, getting small business certifications, and doing business with Macon-Bibb County. Atrium Health will be on hand for health screenings and Georgia Power will be offering energy assistance sign up. In addition, influential Black Maconites Elaine Lucas, Muriel Jackson and Billy Pitts will receive Humanitarian Awards for their work.
11 a.m.; Free; 200 Coliseum Drive, 31217; cgcaab.org
Sunday, Aug. 20
Back to School Bash at Society Garden
The Historic Ingleside Neighborhood Association is putting on a fundraiser/school supply drive at Society Garden. The event benefits Rosa Taylor Elementary School and will have bubbles, hula hoops and chalk art for kiddos. In addition, there will be Italian Street Food from Liliana’s. HINA is looking for donations of water bottles, cleaning wipes, clear and mesh backpacks, pens, pencils and dry erase markers.
4-6 p.m.; Free; 2389 Ingleside Ave., 31204; (478) 508-7096; thesocietygarden.com
Monday, Aug. 21
Take in the sunrise on Coleman Hill
Macon is fortunate in a few ways: we have great music, a lively downtown and being that we’re on the fall line, we have some beautiful views. One of the best views in town is atop Coleman Hill Park. Plan to get there around 6:50 a.m. or so to see the sun rise over downtown Macon.
Free; 285 Spring St., 31201
Tuesday, Aug. 22
Toddler Friendly Pool Time at Rigby’s Water World
According to the National Weather Service, there have only been two days so far in August that have been below 90 degrees. That would make anyone grumpy, and a toddler, furious. For those angry toddlers Rigby’s Water World has designated 10 a.m.- noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays in August as toddler time in their Little Surfers Cove which holds three water slides, a jumbo slide and a kiddie pool. Ticket price includes a drink and a snack for the little ones during playtime. Both parents and toddlers require a ticket before entering.
10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays; Children must be 3 year old or younger; $10 tickets available at tickets.rigbyswaterworld.com; 2001 Karl Drive Warner Robins, 31088; (478) 287-6465; rigbyswaterworld.com
Wednesday, Aug. 23
Bingo at Society Garden
It’s Bingo every Wednesday over at Society Garden. Hosted by Christina Leon (from the local drag troupe “The Tribe”) and full of laughs and old-school fun, this all-ages event is sure to convince you that those church-hall bingo ladies were on to something.
6-8 p.m.; Free; 2389 Ingleside Ave., 31204; (478) 508-7096; thesocietygarden.com
