WELCOME TO MACON, GEORGIA
Contact these organiza ons for more informa on about Macon, Georgia:
Macon‐Bibb County Conven on & Visitor Bureau 478‐743‐1074 or 800‐768‐3401 450 MLK Jr. Blvd h p://www.visitmacon.org/ Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce 478‐621‐2000 305 Coliseum Dr. h p://maconchamber.com/ Macon Economic Development Commission 478‐621‐2030 305 Coliseum Dr. h p://www.maconworks.com/ Macon‐Bibb County 478‐751‐7400 h p://www.maconbibb.us/
FESTIVALS & EVENTS Bragg Jam Music Arts & Kids Fes val For 15 years now, the last Saturday of July is Macon, Geor‐ gia's ul mate summer music fes val. Rain or shine, more than 50 bands take to 15 stages and put on one unfor‐ ge able show a er another in a jam‐packed, rock, blues and soul‐infused night. But the Bragg Jam Fes val isn't just for live‐music lovin' night owls. During the day, Bragg Jam's Arts @ the Park hosts a free day me event where families are invited to create, perform and play in the heart of the city. The event features art, food and beverage vendors, live music, com‐ munity performances and nature‐oriented ac vi es. As the sun goes down, Bragg Jam's signature Concert Crawl is already geared up, featuring live music perfor‐ mances at a variety of Macon hotspots.
Central Georgia Greek Fes val Opa! Macon, Georgia’s Greek community rolls out the red carpet and puts on its apron to share their culture with Macon during this late September fes val at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Downtown Macon. Some 3,000 guests each year come out to enjoy a weekend of live Greek music and dance, delicious authen c cuisine, tours of the church and shopping courtesy of vendors selling religious items, iconography, music and videos, and tradi‐ onal Greek clothing and jewelry. Macon Beer Fes val The Macon Beer Fes val is a party with a cause. In its third year as a Pints for Prostates event, this grassroots cam‐ paign uses the universal language of beer to reach men with an important health message. The campaign raises awareness among men about the need for regular health screenings and PSA tes ng. Put on by the Rotary Club of downtown Macon, Main Street Macon and several of the downtown venues. You’ll be able to stroll to different loca ons and sample three beers at each loca on. Men 40 and over will be offered a free PSA blood test, a $75 dollar value.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS Ocmulgee Indian Celebra on During the third weekend in September, Macon welcomes to town the largest Na ve American gathering in the Southeast. More than 200 cra smen, dancers, storytellers, living history demonstrators and others with es to the area return to their ancestral home at Ocmulgee Na onal Monument in Macon, Georgia. Named one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, the celebra on shares this vital piece of American history with some 20,000 guests to the monument each year. The Ocmulgee Indian Celebra on allows new genera ons to understand their Na‐ ve American heritage, arts, and culture first‐hand through interac on and observa on. Pan African Fes val
Since 1996 Macon’s Tubman African American Museum has enjoyed the success of this signature event celebra ng Afri‐ can influences on world‐wide culture. Founded by Nigerian immigrant and Tubman supporter Chi Ezekweche, the Pan African Fes val fills Macon’s Ta nall Square Park with live music, dance, food, cultural demonstra ons, children’s ac vi‐ es, outdoor movies and a poetry café in an adjacent coffee house. Two stages provide live Gospel, Hip‐Hop, Rhythm & Blues, Caribbean and Reggae, while a variety of vendors sell art, jewelry, books and other handcra s. People of all ages and ethnici es come together for this fes val formed around the principles of Love, Peace, Unity and Hope. Annual Soap Box Derby
On your mark, get set, GO! The second Saturday of April brings out the compe tor in everybody as teams of home‐ made soapbox racers vie to be named the fastest and most crea ve cars in a thrilling race down the steep hill of Magno‐ lia Street, beside the College Hill Corridor’s beau ful Wash‐ ington Park in one of InTown Macon's friendliest neighbor‐ hoods. Coupled with the park's invi ng early‐spring blossoms and great live music, the derby not only brings out compe ‐ tors, but hundreds of spectators and fans who enjoy a full day in the park with picnics and pets. Always family‐friendly, the Magnolia Street Soap Box Derby is full of ac vi es for children, including big wheel races, and is host to on‐site lo‐ cal vendors and food trucks, for those who prefer to picnic with the convenience of no packing. It's a spring me a er‐ noon of wholesome, old fashioned fun in historic downtown Macon, Georgia, and racers and race fans of all ages are invit‐ ed to par cipate and join the merriment. Be there to see‐‐or be one of‐‐Macon‐Bibb's best good‐sports in ac on at the Magnolia Street Soap Box Derby!
FESTIVALS & EVENTS Crossroads Literacy Fes val Over the past four years, the conference has been proud to bring hundreds of writers together to learn from the likes of Steve Almond, Rick Moody, Joshilyn Jackson, Jay Parini, Judith Or z‐Cofer, Carlo Rotella, Gail Simone, Idris Goodwin, Tina McElroy‐Ansa, Adam Davies, Laure a Han‐ non, and several others. Not to men on all the talented writers from the metro Macon area who’ve given their me to make this conference happen. Macon Film Fes val A er another record‐breaking year in 2013, the Macon Film Fes val is heading in to its 9th year with a four‐day fes val. The Macon Film Fes val screens independent films from around the world in mul ple historic theatres in the city's downtown district. The fes val features film screenings, celebrity guests, special screenings, and work‐ shops throughout the fes val weekend. Macon Cherry Blossom Fes val Each March, Macon becomes a pink, co on‐spun paradise as over 300,000 Yoshino cherry trees bloom in all their glory. For 10 days, fes val‐lovers are treated to one of the most extravagant displays of spring me color in the na‐ on as they visit the town referred to by Congressional Records as the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World. The Interna onal Cherry Blossom Fes val has a racted people to Macon, Georgia from across the world since 1982. Cherry Blossom Fes val has won over 110 Haas and Pinna‐ cle Awards from the Interna onal Fes val and Events As‐ socia on and was recently named Favorite Fes val/Event in Georgia by the Reader’s Choice Awards in Georgia Mag‐ azine.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS Second Sunday With more than 90 public parks and green spaces, Macon was once described as “a city in a park.” One of the most beloved, Washington Park on charming Magnolia Street, is home to the popular Second Sunday free concert series hosted by the College Hill Alliance. From March to Novem‐ ber, every second Sunday of the month is celebrated with a free family friendly outdoor concert featuring a local or regional musical act. Hundreds of neighbors (from throughout the city) bring their lawn chairs, blankets, pic‐ nic baskets, visi ng friends, and even pets to enjoy the rich heritage for which the city is famous and that es us all together – music! First Friday Every First Friday of the month in downtown Macon, Georgia, is a mul ‐block party! Art galleries host openings and shows, shops stay open later and frequently host spe‐ cial events, family events take place, local downtown res‐ taurants offer First Friday specials, musicians set up on the sidewalks to fill the streets with live Georgia music, and live concerts are sponsored by NewTown Macon, the city’s urban renewal agency. If you're looking for a pleth‐ ora of things to do in Macon GA, First Friday is prime‐ me! The monthly celebra on of the arts and downtown Macon GA life is a long me favorite and a mainstay among Middle Georgia’s calendar of events. Screen on the Green There’s nothing like watching a movie under the stars, but since most drive‐in theaters are a thing of the past, the College Hill Corridor and Macon Film Fes val have joined forces to present Big Screen Movie Nights around the Cor‐ ridor and downtown each spring, summer and fall. Ta nall Square and Amerson Waterworks parks, Coleman Hill overlooking the city, the historic Terminal Sta on, neighborhood gardens and even Riverside Cemetery have hosted movie‐goers with their blankets, lawn chairs and snacks for these family friendly movie nights.
Performing Arts & Venues Performing Art Venues The Grand Opera House has hosted Gregg Allman, American Idol Stars, The Nutcracker, Lewis Black, and an annual Broadway series. The Grand Opera House is a 1,030 seat theater, and is Macon’s premier per‐ forming arts venue. Cox Capital Theatre has hosted Mother’s Finest, Travis Tri , Packway Handle Band, and Wet Willie. Cox Capital Theatre has become a cornerstone in the revitaliza on effort of downtown Macon and is once again a symbol of community, opera ng as a movie house and live entertainment venue. Douglass Theatre hosts Macon Film Guild and simul‐ cast Metropolitan Opera performances. The Douglass Theatre hosted early jazz and blues greats such as O s Redding, Bessie Smith, James Brown, Ma Rainey and Li le Richard while running the feature length films and serials popular throughout the country at the me. Now newly renovated, the Douglass Theatre provides mul cultural events and films and holds educa onal performances for area school children. Macon Centreplex & Auditorium has hosted the All‐ man Brothers, BB King, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Widespread Panic, Elton John, Bill Cosby, and the Ringling Brothers. The Macon Centreplex is Georgia’s largest entertainment facility & conven on center outside of metro‐Atlanta. The Macon Auditorium’s unique copper dome is reportedly the largest in the world. MUSIC & THEATER Macon Symphony Macon Pops Theatre Macon Macon Li le Theatre
Museums & Attractions The Georgia Sports Hall of Fame Museum in Macon, Georgia, is the country’s largest state sports museum. The 43,000 square feet state‐of‐the‐art museum houses over 3,000 ar facts. From the old style cket booths to the brick columns in the rotunda and special ligh ng, the museum invites visitors to experience the history of sports in Georgia with more than 14,000 square feet of high‐energy exhibit space and a Hall of Fame corridor that honors the over 300 inductees.
The Museum of Arts and Sciences is a community re‐ source for life‐long learning and enrichment, serving au‐ diences of all ages and interests. As Georgia’s largest mu‐ seum devoted to the arts and sciences, the Museum seeks to engage visitors, evoke wonder, s mulate curiosi‐ ty, and open minds to new worlds of discovery. The Mu‐ seum serves about 65,000 visitors annually, including 20,000 school children. In 2006, the Museum celebrated 50 years of service to Central Georgia and beyond.
The Big House Allman Brothers Museum is at 2321 Vine‐ ville Avenue, Macon, GA. In 1969 it was for rent, and by January 1970 it became the house where members of the band, their roadies, friends and families lived un l 1973. It was the focal point of gathering in those early years when the magic that is the Allman Brothers Band was just taking shape and radia ng from this sleepy Southern town. Mulberry Street Market is a year‐round, producer‐only Farmers' Market in Downtown Macon, GA, held every Wednesday from 4‐7 PM. A partnership between The City of Macon Main Street Program, Macon Roots and Community Health Works, the Mulberry Street Market was created in 2011 with the intent to bring life and business to Macon’s Central Busi‐ ness District. In just three years, the market grew from 10 to 30 vendors and even spawned a mobile farmers mar‐ ket known as the Veggie Van, which serves the needs of lower‐income neighborhoods and serves as an educa on‐ al tool for K‐12 students on the importance of healthy ea ng. Lake Tobeso ee Recrea on Area offers a complete and hospitable recrea on facility in the Middle Georgia area. For outdoor recrea onal ac vi es, you don't have to search further than Bibb County's Lake Tobeso ee, and its three public parks for the most accommoda ng facili‐ es. At Lake Tobeso ee you can enjoy fishing, camping, boa ng, picnicking, tennis and swimming from one of our three white sand beaches.
Museums, Attractions, Recreation Cycling Macon features over 100 miles of bike trails. The GA Industrial Children’s Home (The Pig Trail) feat‐ ures a 7 mile trail that is fun for riders of all skill levels. It offers a mix of technical single‐track, a fast, twisty sec on through pine trees, and some double track. Not much climbing, but one short, steep hill dubbed “Chandler’s Challenge” may test you. This is a very popular trail, so be on the lookout for other bikes, runners, hikers, and dogs. L. H. Thompson features a 4.5‐mile trail at the L.H. Thompson Factory. The trail offers a li le bit of every‐ thing. This trail has good climbs and descents, including a few steep ones. You’ll also find long jumps, lots of ex‐ posed roots, switchbacks, and a creek crossing. The land‐ owners would like you to sign a waiver before you hit the trail. The East Macon Park 5‐mile trail is mostly single‐track with some fast downhill’s and good climbs, with a couple of switchbacks thrown. Watch out for the sand. Macon hosted 2011 Southeastern Collegiate Cycling Con‐ ference. Nearly 155 riders and 23 schools represented. 17.5 mile rolling‐hill course. Macon is also the home to the Ocmulgee Mountain Bike Associa on (OMBA). OMBA is the Middle GA Southern Off‐Road Bicycle Associa on (SORBA) Chapter. This group builds and maintains trails, supports races and fes vals, and bikes rides!
Hiking Amerson River Park ‐ This pris ne 180 park, on land do‐ nated by the Macon Water Authority, is currently the northernmost point on the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail. Featuring Macon’s only handicap‐accessible playground, Waterworks Park also features a picnic pavilion, a lovely river‐side pavilion and a canoe launch along the Ocmulgee River. Easily accessible from I‐75, this is a natural choice for locals exploring their hometown or visitors who’d like to stretch their legs and get outdoors.
UNIVERSITIES & COLLEGES Mercer University Enrollment: 4,429 (Undergraduate) 8,341 (total) High‐ est Offering: Ph. D. Founded in 1833, Mercer offers programs in liberal arts, business, engineering, educa on, medicine, and law. Mercer University, for the 13th consecu ve year, has made the Top 10 in U.S. News & World Re‐ port’s annual ranking of comprehensive universi es in the South. Mercer is ranked No. 9 in the South in the 2012 “Best Regional Universi es” category. The Univer‐ sity is also ranked No. 7 in the South in the category of “Great Schools, Great Prices,” and Mercer’s School of Engineering is once again ranked among the Top 50 undergraduate engineering programs in the na on.
Middle Georgia State College Enrollment: 9,000 Highest Offering: Bachelor’s Degree Founded in 2013 by the combina on of Macon State College (founded in 1968) and Middle Georgia State College (founded in Cochran in 1884), Middle Georgia State College is a baccalaureate‐gran ng ins tu on with an enrollment of nearly 9,000 students. With beau ful facili es in Macon, Cochran, Dublin, Eastman and Warner Robins, Middle Georgia State is focused on providing professionally oriented programs to address the workforce needs of Georgia. Wesleyan College Enrollment: 607 Full me. Co‐ed graduate programs: 81 Highest Offering: Master’s Degree The first college in the world chartered to grant de‐ grees to women, Wesleyan College was founded in 1836 and offers bachelor degrees in 32 majors and 27 minors including self‐designed majors and interdiscipli‐ nary programs, as well as eight pre‐professional pro‐ grams. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan College as one of its Best Value Colleges for 2012. Central GA Technical College
Enrollment: 14,639 at its six community campuses and online learning. As one of the largest technical colleges in the state, CGTC provides technical training, adult educa on and con nuing educa on courses. It offers more than 100 associate degrees, as well as diploma and technical cer ficate program op ons in business, health, technical, trade, industrial and personal service.
Eat. Shop. Live.
Eat
Macon has various dining op ons to choose from and to fit every budget. The local cuisine in the downtown area comes in many flavors like Southern Home Cook‐ ing, Italian, European, Chinese, Hispanic and African. Coffeehouses downtown have also brought a new fla‐ vor to those looking to try various blends of coffee and pastries as well as late night visitors looking for entertainment and friend gatherings. A wide selec on of chain restaurants can be found all over Macon‐Bibb County as well as locally owned eateries serving eve‐ rything from Northern Italian fare, elegant French cui‐ sine, or gourmet pizzas and local “watering holes’ that serve great food..
Shop
Macon, the regional shopping des na on for Middle Georgia, draws from a 35 county area and a racts travelers on Interstates 16, 75, and 475. This is appar‐ ent in the wide variety of retail, restaurants, and en‐ tertainment offerings. Macon offers a range of shop‐ ping opportuni es from the nearly 1 million square feet of fully‐enclosed retail shopping and dining at Macon Mall to specialty and an que shops and the Shoppes at River Crossing. With 750,000 square foot of open‐air shopping, dining, and entertainment, the Shoppes at River Crossing has become Macon's prem‐ ier shopping des na on. Macon is also the home to dozen locally owned bou ques. From urban chic to southern classic, we offer shopping opportuni es for everyone.
Live
Whether you are interested in apartment living or a house with a front porch and a yard, Macon has a home for every taste and every budget. There are 500+ lo s and apartments in downtown Macon, and more than 100 residen al units currently under con‐ struc on. 138 years in the making, the Dannenberg lo s is one of Macon’s premier loca ons for down‐ town living. The neighborhoods of College Hill have the lowest crime rates in the city and homes to fit eve‐ ry lifestyle and budget, from $60,000 rehabbed lo ‐ style shotgun houses to fully restored $1 million man‐ sions.
For more informa on, contact Patrick J. Topping, CEcD at 478‐621‐2030, ptopping@maconworks.com