| Macon’s wealth of arts and entertainment offerings partly reflects the fact that it is home to several small noteworthy colleges, including Mercer College, historic Wesleyan College and Macon State College. Whether you’re passion is music or art, there’s something for everyone in Macon, including museums, concerts, theatre performances, professional sporting events and year round festivals.
Take a day to explore Macon’s art galleries, which display an interesting mix of fine arts and crafts by local artists; visit the Museum of Arts & Sciences, which features an artist's garret, humanist's study and scientist's workshop in addition to a variety of art and science exhibits; or explore Georgia’s rich musical heritage at the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, which features exhibits representing Georgia’s homegrown artists, including Ray Charles, Little Richard, James Brown, Otis Redding, the Allman Brothers, REM and the B-52s.
Concert lovers will enjoy the Macon Symphony Orchestra, which performs a classical series, pops series and special events concerts at the Grand Opera House, a spectacular venue built in 1884, now owned and operated by Mercer College as part of its Performing Arts Center. Theatre lovers will enjoy a performance by Theatre Macon, a community theatrical troupe presenting fare that is more interesting than the usual small theatre offerings.
Annual festivals and events keep the Macon climate vibrant with regional and nationally recognized entertainment. The Cherry Blossom Festival, held in March, draws thousands for its concerts, parades and art exhibits, not to mention its 300,000 blossoming yoshino cherry trees. Georgia Music Week, held in September at the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, features free daily luncheon concerts along with Monday and Friday evening free outdoor concerts.
Click here for a comprehensive listing of Macon’s arts and entertainment offerings.
Macon, Georgia, the city known as the “The Song and Soul of the South,” holds a treasure trove of potential story ideas. The Macon-Bibb County Convention and Visitors Bureau is eager to assist writers by gathering information, providing photos and coordinating interviews, as requested. Below are general topics of interest with brief descriptions; please call or e-mail the MBCCVB Communications Director at any time to discuss your ideas or needs.
Architecture
One of the great cities of the American South, Macon has been called “a textbook of historic architecture,” with 5,500 individual structures in 11 historic districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places - more acreage on the prestigious register than any other city in Georgia. The National Trust for Historic Preservation named Macon one of America’s “Dozen Distinctive Destinations.” Great books for research include Macon’s Treasures Remembered: The Antebellum Years, Living Macon Style and Macon Sketchbook; www.historicmacon.org also provides valuable information.
Music
A true birthplace of Soul and Southern Rock, Macon’s holds a storied place in American music history. Little Richard and Otis Redding grew up in Macon and began their legendary careers here, while James Brown recorded his first single in town at WIBB. In the ‘70s, Macon’s Capricorn Records introduced the Allman Brothers Band, Marshall Tucker Band and Wet Willie to rock music fans. Revered landmarks, including a life-sized bronze statue of Otis Redding, the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and lively nightclubs and festivals keep the local music scene exciting.
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