The first game of the college football season deserves more than a day trip.
Spend Thursday night with the Goo Goo Dolls, explore town on Friday and head to the FCS Kickoff Saturday. Macon is the perfect place to turn opening weekend into an unforgettable getaway.
Stay for three days and experience live music, legendary Southern cuisine, outdoor adventure and the birthplace of Southern rock — all before the first snap of the season.
Dinner Downtown
Start your trip with dinner at one of Macon's local favorites.
Live Music
There's no better way to a music city than with a concert — and we've got a special show in town.
Spend Thursday evening at the Atrium Health Amphitheater as the Goo Goo Dolls take the stage before thousands of fans.
Whether you're reliving the soundtrack of the '90s or hearing your favorite songs live for the first time, there's no better way to kick off an unforgettable weekend.
Keep the night going
Just because the concert ended, doesn't mean the night has to.
Grab a rooftop cocktail overlooking downtown at Hightales Rooftop Bar, sip local craft beer at Fall Line Brewing Co. or catch live music at Grant's Lounge — the legendary venue where artists like the Allman Brothers Band got their start.
If you're looking for a more laid-back evening, unwind with a dessert at Sweet Eleanor's before heading back to your hotel.
Choose Your Own Adventure
Macon has something for every interest. Pick from any of our curated itineraries, or create your own!
- Walk through music history
- Discover over 17,000 years of history
- Spend the day outdoors
- Explore with your family
- Take a guided tour or explore on your own
- Create your own itinerary
Macon After Hours
The night before kickoff has its own energy — and Mercer students certainly have their own pre-game day rituals.
As fans begin arriving from across the country, downtown fills with excitement. In the afternoon, you'll find the young crowd at Amici's rooftop bar celebrating Friday After Class, a happy hour with music and a cool breeze.
End the evening with live music, craft cocktails, an after hours outing or one last stroll through Macon's walkable downtown before the biggest day of the weekend arrives.
Kick Off the big day
The big day is officially here. Grab a quick coffee and pastry from Village Coffee, or head over to Z Beans in Mercer Village to be right near the action.
Visit the Mercer Bookstore to pick up orange and black gear, snap photos with the bear statue in front of the University Center and take time to walk one of Georgia's most beautiful college campuses before kickoff.
Keep an eye out for the stunning Newton Chapel, which is filled with to-die-for stained glass and has hosted many Mercer weddings.
Soak in the excitement as alumni, students and fans begin gathering around Black Field.
Welcome to the Bear's Den
Grab lunch at Mercer favorite, Margaritas, for Mexican food and pitchers of cocktails, or head straight to the tailgate on Black Field for some freshly grilled burgers and hot dogs.
Mercer tailgates are where game day truly begins.
Search through the sea of orange and black to find bouncy houses in the "Kid's Zone," docks for furry friends to leap into pools during hot, summer days, cut throat corn hole competitions and hundreds of Bears fans eagerly anticipating kick off.
When the tailgating ends, head over to the ticketing booth, pick up your thunder stick, smile for ESPN and roar as loud as you can when the Bears take the field.
Celebrate in Downtown
The game may be over, but the celebration is just getting started.
Just minutes from campus, downtown offers the perfect postgame destination.
Enjoy dinner at one of Macon's award-winning restaurants, grab a craft beer with fellow fans, catch outdoor live music or toast the weekend from a reservation-style speakeasy.
Win or lose, Saturday night in Macon is part of the tradition.
