Macon Pride is a celebration of love, identity, community and connection. Join locals and visitors for a lineup of events that bring people together through music, entertainment, food, art and more.
Whether you're here for the parade, live entertainment, community gatherings or simply to spend time with friends, Pride is a chance to experience Macon's welcoming spirit and vibrant LGBTQ+ community.
Macon Pride
Macon Pride was founded as a Downtown dance party in the rain in 2019. Today, they lead the largest LGBTQ+ affiliated event in Central Georgia.
The multi-day festival is packed with entertainment that is sure to take over Macon during the last week of September. Their goals are to educate the community, celebrate diversity, commemorate history and liberate the Middle Georgia community.
Music & Nightlife
Macon's music scene is legendary, and the city's nightlife is a prime example. Catch live music, dance or settle in for a cocktail at welcoming spots around town. Society Garden and JBA host drag performances and LGBTQ+ events. Don't miss Macon's favorite Drag Troupe, The Tribe, when they swing by.
For a night out with a more intimate feel, Niche Hookah Lounge & Bar — a LGBTQ+-owned and operated nightlife spot — offers cocktails, beers and a dance floor. Whether you're looking for live entertainment, a casual drink or a place to let loose with friends, Macon has plenty of ways to keep the celebration going after the sun goes down.
Food & Drink
Macon's dining scene gives you plenty of opportunities to eat, drink and support local businesses along the way. Grab a cocktail at Yollah, enjoy the welcoming atmosphere at Quill, or make plans to experience one of the city's many locally owned restaurants and bars.
For a sweet stop, head to Sweet Eleanor's Divine Desserts, a LGBTQ+-owned and operated bakery and coffee shop known for its creative treats, freshly baked goods and welcoming atmosphere. It's the perfect place to grab a coffee and pastry in the morning or satisfy your sweet tooth while exploring downtown. Don't forget to stop at Piedmont Brewery & Kitchen to try their collaboration beer with Macon Pride.
Shop Local
Spend some time exploring Macon's independent shops and small businesses, where you'll find everything from vintage treasures and records to books, gifts, art and locally made goods. The Bohemian Den, a LGBTQ+-owned and operated Metaphysical gift shop, is a great place to start.
Continue exploring downtown and nearby neighborhoods to discover farmers markets, independent boutiques, record stores, bookstores, galleries and other small businesses that give Macon its distinctive personality.
Nature & Outdoor Rec
When you need a break from the festivities, Macon's outdoor spaces offer plenty of room to slow down, explore and enjoy the natural beauty of Middle Georgia. Take a walk along the Ocmulgee River, soak up the sun at Lake Tobesofkee or spend some time discovering the area's historic landscapes.
The local LGBTQ+ community comes together outdoors through groups like Southern Queer Folk Hikes, which organizes inclusive opportunities to explore places like Amerson River Park and the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. Whether you're looking for an easy afternoon outdoors or a chance to meet new people while exploring the region, Macon's trails, parks and riverfront offer a refreshing way to experience the city.
Arts & Culture
Macon's creative spirit is everywhere, from live performances and colorful public art to museums, galleries and historic spaces that tell the stories of the people who shaped the city. During Pride and throughout the year, look for LGBTQ+ programming woven into Macon's arts and cultural scene.
Macon Pride has partnered with local organizations on art exhibitions, storytelling events, film screenings and other creative gatherings, while venues like Fall Line Brewing Co. have hosted Pride-sponsored drag performances. For a deeper look at Macon's history and culture, explore the Tubman Museum, The Douglass Theatre and the many galleries and historic landmarks.
