Middle Georgia and Beyond Happenings: Fairs & Festivals
Middle Georgia and Beyond Happenings
Keeping you informed of What’s Happening On and Off The Beaten Path in Middle Georgia and beyond.
This list is updated biweekly on Thursdays.
FREE events, places and activities are always listed first.
Places (individual cities) with their events and activities are next.
State Parks and local Farmer’s Market’s are at the end of the page.
Our newsletter is published once a week on Sunday nights.
Please also see Fall Fairs & Festivals In Georgia for a comprehensive list on and off the beaten path
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Free Family Fun in Middle Georgia
- “Next Generation Kid’s Event” Aug. 29-30 Free Kid’s Archery Challenge, Free BB Shooting Range, Free Crafts, Free Kid’s Archery Workshop at 2pm & 4pm each day and Free Photo download!
- Hometown Festival Sept. 5-6. Noon until 5pm. A FREE family fun event! Fun games which include, duck pond, ring toss, face painting, and crafts! FREE Hot Dogs & Funnel Cakes from 1-4pm. Much more.
- Fire Truck with Safety Cards
360 Mt. Vernon Rd. Jackson, Ga. A private, non-profit nature center with Wildlife, trails and family fun for FREE! Explore a 19th century style working farm and see goats, pigs, cows, a mule, donkey and lots of chickens. Also featured at the farm is a blacksmith shop, cane syrup mill and cooking areas, country store, chicken coop, tenant house, and a smoke house.
Museum of Aviation
GA Hwy 247 & Russell Parkway, Warner Robins, GA 31088. FREE! 9am-5pm, 7 days per week, 361 Days. Go Here for more information.
Have you never been to the Museum but you live in the area? Take a quick peek inside any or all four buildings and make plans to bring the family!
Macon Fall Outdoor Movie Series at Central City Park. Scroll down to the Macon heading for more information.
Ocmulgee National Monument Scroll down to the Macon heading for more information.
[Tweet “Find FREE Museums and Events in Middle Ga. #exploregeorgia #museumofaviation #DausetTrails”]
Georgia State Parks are all Admission Free!
Parking is $5 but you can get a FREE PARKING PASS!! Check out Georgia State Park “ParkPass” and Historic Site Pass from your local library. Ask for the Park Pass to exempt the $5 parking fee. Ask for the Historic Sites Family pass which will cover up to four visitors at State historic sites operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
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Places/Events On & Off The Beaten Path
Barnesville
Barnesville Buggy Days Festival
Sept. 18-20, 2015. The Buggy Days Festival hosts over 100 arts and craft booths and over 25 food booths. The Barnesville Buggy Days Street Dance will be held at Ritz Park in downtown Barnesville on Friday, September 18th. Come join us for live entertainment, a cornhole tournament, and the Mama’s Country Showcase/Lime-A-Rita Tiki Lounge VIP area. General admission tickets are $10 per person and VIP tickets are $15 per person. For more information, give us a call at (770) 358-5884. Pig Chase, Greased Pole Climb, Buggython Road Race, Parade, Beauty Pageant, Inflatables and more! Go HERE for more information.
Byron
Tues. Sept. 1 from 5:30-7:30 pm at the Municipal Complex on Main St. Meet and greet with Mercer University Coaches, players and mascot from Football and Men’s & Women’s Basketball. Free food, door prizes.
[Tweet “Meet the Mercer Football & Basketball Teams Sept. 1st. #BringtheRoar #MercerFootball #MercerBasketball”]
Powersville Opry House House band every Saturday night at 4:30pm with bands following around 6 and 7pm. Go HERE for directions.
Cochran
Hillside Fall Bluegrass Festival
- Sept. 16-20
Cordele
Ride in air-conditioned, 1949 vintage train cars. (Admission applies. Call 229-410-7937 for group reservations and rates).
Watermelon Express Train Ride (5hrs.35mins.) Enjoy this ride from our Downtown Cordele Depot to Historic Plains, the small Georgia town made famous by President Jimmy Carter.
- Sept. 11 and Sept. 18
Presidential Flyer Train Ride (6 hrs. 25 mn.) Riding in air-conditioned, 1949 vintage train cars, you will travel from Georgia Veterans State Park, across Lake Blackshear to Plains, Archery and back. Explore President Jimmy Carter’s boyhood farm, go shopping and sample peanut butter treats.
- Sept. 12 and Nov. 21
Americus Explorer (6 hrs.) From Cordele through Ga. Veterans State Park, across Lake Blackshear, visit Historic Downtown Americus, tour Habitat for Humanity’s Global Village (Admission applies. Call 229-410-7937 for group reservations and rates). Enjoy a mix of romantic yesteryear with the excitement of today
- Sept. 5, and Sept 19
Peanut Festival Special (9am-4pm) All aboard for a wonderful adventure with fun, food and lots of peanuts. Vendors with arts and crafts will fill the park as you step off the train.
- Saturday September 26
Dublin
Theatre Dublin
Box Office 478-277-2560. 314 Academy Ave. Dublin, Ga.
- Atlanta Pops Orchestra Sept. 12
- Gene Watson and the Farewell Party Band Oct. 17
Market on Madison
- First Friday concert series every first Friday of the month through October ( Sept. 4th Double Header Night TaylorMade & Sunbelt Revolution) and (Oct. 2nd, Country Night with Scott Brantley)
- Farm to Table every Saturday. 7:30-12:30
Southern Pines Splash Pad
Daily Memorial Day-Labor Day Monday- Saturday 10 am – 6 pm Sunday 1 pm – 6 pm 575 Southern Pines Road, Dublin.
Jackson
Indian Springs State Park, 678 Lake Clark Road, Flovilla, GA 30216
- Native American Festival Sept. 12-13. 9am-5pm at Indian Springs Hotel
Macon
Living History Map. Explore the Living History Map managed by the Historic Macon Foundation. Explore a few of Macon’s most important historic places.
Cox Capitol Theatre 382 Second St. Macon (478)257-6391 (Current Calendar)
The Grand Opera House (Current Calendar)
- Sept. 19. 7:30pm. 1964 The Tribute Rolling Stone Magazine says “The best Beatles tribute on Earth” There is a reason 1964 has played to sold out audiences around the world including Carnegie Hall and Red Rocks Amphitheatre both of which have sold out more than 12 consecutive years. 1964 takes their audience on a musical journey to an era in rock history that will live forever in our hearts. Performing songs from the pre Sgt. Pepper era, 1964 astonishingly recreates an early 60’s live Beatles concert with period instruments, clothing, hairstyles and onstage banter.
- Oct. 8 7:30pm Disney’s Beauty and The Beast. Produced by NETworks Presentations, this elaborate theatrical production will come to life on stage at The Grand Opera House one night only, Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and features the Academy Award-winning score by Alan Menken including “Be Our Guest” and the beloved title song.
Macon Little Theatre Current Season Info Follow MLT on Facebook
- On Golden Pond will be showing Aug. 28-Sept. 6
- Children Pottery 3-3:30. Aug. 29,& 30
- Ocmulgee Indian Celebration Sept. 19-29. 10am-6pm. Over 200 Southeastern gather to share their culture through music, dance, storytelling, living history, and art/craft demonstrations. (There is an admission Fee to attend the celebration.)
[Tweet “Ocmulgee Indian Mounds Indian Celebration is Sept. 19-20 in Macon. #VisitMacon #exploregeorgia #visitmacon”]
- Zoom Into Nano exhibit runs through Nov. 1. This award-winning hands-on interactive exhibition explores how scientists and innovators study and make things that are too small to see.
CountryWide Music Fest
- Sept. 11, 2015. 5 pm. Central City Park (CountryWide Music Festival is a celebration of music in remembrance of September 11, 2001. Dedicated to our Military, Police, and First Responders.) Follow on Facebook for event updates.
Sept. 12th from 4-9 pm at Middle Ga. State College. Tunes & Balloons Family Fun Fest! In addition to a balloon glow (7:45-8:45pm) and tethered hot air balloon rides, there will be a variety of kids’ activities including a rock wall and inflatables, and entertainment by Laura Starling, Rewind Retry, and the MGA Jazz Band. Bring lawn chairs and a picnic basket and enjoy the Cox fireworks finale at 9pm.
Tickets are $5 per person and children ages 6 and under get in free. Tethered hot air balloon rides (6:30-8:45pm): $10 person or $5 (kids under 12). Wristbands for unlimited play on the inflatables: $10. 2 rock wall climbs: $5. Go HERE for more information.
Sandy Beach Water Park is Open!!
Go HERE for ticket information. Sat and Sundays Only From Aug 15 – Sept. 27 (Including Labor Day) Labor Day is the LAST DAY the park will be open this season.
Macon/Bibb Parks & Recreation Department Fall Movie Series
Movies show at dark at Central City Park. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and your own food and drink. Rain cancels.
- 9/14 Big Hero 6
- 9/18 Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, NO GOOD, VERY BAD, DAY
- 10/2 Annie
- 10/18 The Dark Knight
Nancy Hanks Special Fall Excursion
- Sept. 26 & 27th Macon to Tennille. The Nancy Hanks Special ~ Macon, GA to Tennille, GA (two round trips per day; 8am & 2pm) A commissary car will be included on the train selling snacks, soft drinks, and light food items. A gift shop will also be featured on board for those wishing to purchase souvenir items. Tickets
Perry
Perry Players Club (909 Main Street, Perry, Georgia 31069)
- The Diary of Anne Frank opens Sept. 11
Georgia National Fair October 8-18 In concert Alabama and Rascal Flatts
Pine Mountain
Callaway Gardens
- Beach activities (ending Sept. 7th), kids zones, great food, drink specials and much more. Aqua Island, Paddle Boats, Miniature Golf, Table Tennis, Shuffleboard. Admission Info
- Summer Sunset Music Series Guest include;
Sept. 4 The Regulars
Sept. 5 Final Answer
Sept. 6 Ricky Gunn
Sept. 12 Barstool Prophets
Wild Animal Safari
Open daily at 10 am, closing times vary. 1300 Oak Grove Road, Pine Mountain, GA 31822
Reynolds
Silver Dollar Raceway
- Silver Dollar Bluegrass Festival Sept. 26-27 at Silver Dollar Raceway 42 Raceway Dr. Reynolds, Ga. 14 Bands! Free Camping, Arts/Crafts, Good Food. Facebook event page.
- The Zerbini Family Circus is coming to Silver Dollar Raceway! Oct. 24-25.
Statesboro
Splash In The Boro Family Waterpark & Aquatic Center NOW OPEN! Weekends only through Sept. 6. Ticket Info & Hours
Warm Springs
Roosevelt’s Little White House
- Wheels At War Sept. 12th 10am-3 pm A fantastic display of military vehicles from WWII forward by the Ga Military Vehicle Preservation Assoc and the Dixie Division MVPA. Admission $9-$14.
- Medal of Honor Recipient Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins Sept. 12th 11-2 pm. CSM Adkins, MOH recipient, will meet and greet guests from 11am-noon and from 1pm-2pm. This is a very rare opportunity to say thank you to one of our nations heroes.
Warm Springs Regional Fisheries Center
- Aquarium is open to the public 8am-4pm daily. Closed on national holidays
Museums
Warner Robins
Museum of Aviation located at GA. Hwy 247 at Russell Parkway is open daily 9 am-5 pm with Free Admission.
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FARMER’S MARKETS
What will you find at the Farmer’s Market? Fresh produce, locally hand made products and services. You may even find pet adoptions!
When are they open? Some are only open during the summer months until early fall, some are open year round.
Contact (shirleywood97@gmail.com) to have your market added to the list.
- Bolingbroke Farmer’s Market Every 1st, 3rd & 5th Tuesday. (Sept. 1, 15 &29) 3pm-6pm. Located at Country Oaks Farm & Pet Supply 5967 Hwy. 41 S.
- Byron downtown Farmer’s & Artisans Market located in the Jailhouse alley park every Saturday 9am-12pm
- Cochran Farmer’s Market (478) 832-0674 112 N. Second St. On the courthouse lawn. Saturday’s 8 am-Noon.
- Dublin Market on Madison on Facebook. Every Saturday through October. 7:30-12:30. Downtown on Madison St.
- Macon Mulberry Market Every Wednesday 3:30- 6:30 at Tattnall Square Park
- Macon Wesleyan Market Saturday’s 9 am- 1pm On the front lawn of Wesleyan College on Forsyth Rd.
- Macon State Farmer’s Market Open daily 7am-9:30 pm. Located at 2055 Eisenhower Pkwy.
- Milledgeville Marketplace Farmer’s Market Every Tuesday next to the Golden Pantry in downtown Milledgeville.
- Perry Farmer’s Market Every Saturday, year round. 9 am- Noon. Carroll St. Downtown
- Warner Robins International City Farmer’s Market. Every Thursday, year round. 1pm until dusk (6:30ish) Watson Blvd. at Maple St. Perkins Park.
Also see, Georgia Farms and Their Star Products, and Landtohand.org.
GEORGIA STATE PARKS (in Middle Ga.)
F.D. Roosevelt State Park. ($5 parking)
- Farmer’s Market. Saturdays 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM – until Sep 5, 2015Sat. Sept. 5, 6, & 19. Watch wading birds and enjoy the setting sun in this peaceful, ranger-led 3 mile canoe trip to Buck Creek. This program is open to adults and children 8 years or older who are accompanied by an adult. Reservations required.
- Paws on the Falls Aug. 15th 5-6pm and Sun. Aug. 30th 9-10am
- Movie on the Mountain: Big Hero 6 Sat. Sept. 5th 8-10:30 pm Free Drive-In movie! Bring the family and friends to this Disney computer animated PG comedy. Park your vehicle on the field and enjoy a movie under the stars. Bring chairs and blankets. Meet on the ball field across from the Liberty Bell Pool on Hwy 354
- Lake Franklin Boat Flotilla Pre-register to join hands and paddles and help us set a float record. Rent a canoe or kayak for a water gathering at 12:30 pm. Saturday, Sep 26, 2015 9 AM to 3 PM
Indian Springs State Park ($5 parking)
Follow Indian Springs State Park on Facebook
Cottage and Camping Special!! 2% off campsites and cottages. Call the park770-504-2277. Valid until August 31.
- Tour the Museum The museum is open for tours the first Sat. of each month from 2-4pm.
- The Village at Indian Springs is open! You will find Big Chief Country Store, Daisy Pearl’s Boutique, Ladybugs & Tadpoles Children’s Store, Mrs. Lee’s Stagecoach Sweet Stop, Vintage Post Antiques & Gifts and Watkins Outfitters.
Jarrell Plantation Historic Site
Labor Day at Jarrell Plantation. Sat. Sept. 5th
Travel Tips
Did you know that you can check out Georgia State Park “ParkPass” and Historic Site Pass from your local library. Ask for the Park Pass to exempt the $5 parking fee. Ask for the Historic Sites Family pass which will cover up to four visitor at State historic sites operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
The Fishing Tackle Loaner Program of The Wildlife Resources Division provides rods, reels and tackle box equipment to participating State Parks and Historic Sites Offices
Georgia State Parks Money saving Special discounts page can be found HERE. [Tweet “Find out how to get a Free Parking Pass for Ga. State Parks #exploregeorgia “]
- Get a FREE parking pass for an Georgia State Park at your local library. Go HERE for more information.
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Wow, that’s a really comprehensive list! There are so many things to do!