Your Fall Playbook
A month of music, flavor and culture
Fall is when Macon comes alive. The summer heat starts to fade, the calendar fills up and there’s no shortage of reasons to visit. Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines, discovering new art, tasting your way through the city or celebrating the sounds and stories that make Macon unique, this season is packed with unforgettable experiences.
Consider this your fall playbook — your guide to the biggest events, celebrations and moments you won’t want to miss.
Ultimate Fall Kickoff
Aug. 29
Fall starts a little early in Macon. Kick off the season with Mercer Football's Game Zero, where the energy of college football meets Southern hospitality. Spend the afternoon tailgating with fellow fans, radiating excitement around Five Star Stadium and watching the Mercer Bears take the field to begin a new season.
Whether you're a die-hard football fan or simply looking for an exciting way to spend the weekend, Game Zero offers the perfect introduction to fall in Macon. Expect marching bands, school spirit, family-friendly fun and the electric atmosphere that only college football can deliver.
Grab your Bears gear, gather your family and get ready to roar as football returns to Macon.
King of Soul Festival
Sept. 11-12
There are few places where you can celebrate soul music in the city that helped define it. The King of Soul Festival honors Macon's own Otis Redding with two days of unforgettable performances, community events and tributes to one of the greatest voices in music history — special for his birthday.
Throughout the festival, you'll experience live performances from talented artists, opportunities to explore Macon's rich musical heritage and the unmistakable spirit that continues to inspire generations of musicians.
Whether you're a lifelong soul fan or discovering Otis Redding's legacy for the first time, this celebration captures why Macon remains one of America's great music cities.
Macon Mural Festival
Sept. 11-13
Macon’s walls tell stories — and during Macon Mural Festival, those stories come to life.
Every September, Macon becomes an open-air art gallery. During the Macon Mural Festival, talented artists transform blank walls into breathtaking public works of art, adding new color and creativity to downtown streets and neighborhoods.
Watch murals come to life in real time, meet the artists behind the work and explore the growing collection of public art that has become one of Macon's most photographed attractions.
Between mural unveilings, local vendors, entertainment and plenty of nearby restaurants and shops, it's the perfect weekend to experience the city one block at a time.
Eat Your Way Through Macon Restaurant Week
Sept. 11-20
If you've been looking for an excuse to try that restaurant you've been eyeing — or revisit an old favorite — this is it.
Macon Restaurant Week showcases the city's thriving culinary scene with exclusive fixed-price menus, chef specials and limited-time dishes at restaurants across Macon.
From elevated Southern cuisine and international flavors to barbecue, burgers, bakeries and everything in between, there's something for every appetite.
It's one of the best times of the year to sample Macon's diverse dining scene while supporting the local chefs and restaurants that make the city a destination for food lovers.
Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration
Sept. 12-13
Experience one of Macon's oldest landmarks at the Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration, held at the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. This annual event honors the Native peoples who have lived, gathered and celebrated on these sacred grounds for thousands of years.
Visitors can enjoy traditional dance performances, storytelling, living history demonstrations, artisan vendors, cultural exhibits and hands-on educational activities while learning about the enduring traditions of Tribal Nations from across the Southeast.
It's a meaningful opportunity to deepen your understanding of the land beneath your feet and the cultures that continue to shape its story.
Celebrate the Day “Tutti Frutti” Was Recorded
Sept. 14
On September 14, 1955, music changed forever. It was the day "Tutti Frutti" was recorded, launching Little Richard into rock-and-roll history and helping shape a genre that would influence generations.
Celebrate the anniversary by diving into Macon's incredible music legacy.
Visit legendary recording studios, explore museums dedicated to the city's musical icons, snap a photo with the Little Richard mural and follow the footsteps of artists whose influence can still be heard around the world.
There's no better reminder that in Macon, music history isn't locked away in museums — it's woven into the city's streets.
Pride in the heart of Georgia
Sept. 24-27
September is a time to celebrate authenticity, inclusion and community as Macon Pride brings a full calendar of events to the city.
From lively socials and community gatherings to drag performances, live entertainment, local vendors and the annual Pride Festival, there's something happening all week long.
Whether you're attending your first Pride or returning year after year, you'll discover an atmosphere that's welcoming, joyful and unmistakably Macon. It's a celebration of diversity, creativity, and belonging that showcases the city's vibrant spirit and inclusive community.
Dance Into Fall at GABBAfest
Sept. 24-27
End the month with four unforgettable days celebrating the music that helped define Macon.
GABBAfest pays tribute to the legendary Allman Brothers Band and the city's enduring Southern rock legacy with live performances, special performances and events hosted at iconic music venues throughout Macon.
Fans travel from near and far to celebrate the band that forever changed American music, but you don't have to be a lifelong Allman Brothers fan to enjoy the experience.
GABBAfest is a celebration of Macon's rich musical heritage, bringing together incredible performances, passionate fans and the unmistakable sound that still echoes through the city today
From the first kickoff to the final encore, September is a month where every weekend offers something new to discover. Come hungry, come curious, and come ready to experience the music, culture, creativity and community that make Macon unforgettable.
Your September calendar is filling up — prepare yourself for October!
