Top 10 Things to Do In Macon

Nestled in the center of the state, not too far from the mountains or ocean, is where the soul of Georgia lives. In Macon, you’d be hard-pressed not to find an event or festival taking place. While Macon has countless activities to have fun-filled days, weekends and months, we narrowed the list to help you navigate your trip to Macon. 

Go to a Festival

Macon has festivals for every season! Here's a list of just a few.

• Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration (September 16 - 17, 2023) One of the largest gatherings of Native Americans in the southeast with more than 200 craftsmen, dancers, storytellers, & more
• Central Georgia Greek Festival (October 20-22, 2023) Opa! Get your Greek on with live music, dancing, food, & tours of the restored Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church.
• Macon's International Cherry Blossom Festival (March 14- 24, 2024) Enjoy the beauty of more than 300,000 Yoshino cherry trees in full bloom while celebrating with events, concerts, exhibits, & more.

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park

• Prehistoric Native American site
• Over 17,000 years of continuous human habitation & 2,000 artifacts 
• Earth Lodge with original floors dates to 1015
• Hiking trails and picnic areas available 

Farmers and Crafts Markets

Macon’s hidden gems are our Farmers and Crafts Markets and they provide plenty of opportunities to buy Georgia Grown products.  

• Mulberry Street Market (Every Wednesday from 3:30 - 6:30 p.m.) producer-only farmers market providing fresh local produce, meats, dairy, baked goods, & more
• Wesleyan Market (Second Saturday each month from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) features a variety of locally grown and produced items ranging from flowers and organic fruits and vegetables, & more. 
• Triangle Arts 3rd Sunday Market: Arts and crafts vendors sell unique goods at this multi-structure facility that functions as studio space for artists, art galleries, event space, and more! Held every third Sunday of the month!

Unrivaled Museums

• Hay House: 7-level Italian Renaissance Revival mansion built in the mid-1800s named "The Palace of the South"
• Cannonball House: only structure damaged in Macon during the Civil War
• Tubman Museum: largest museum in the Southeast dedicated to African American art, history, & culture
• Museum of Arts & Sciences: variety of arts & science exhibitions, planetarium, mini-zoo, nature trails, & more
• The Allman Brothers Museum at The Big House: home to band members from 1970-1973 with the largest collection of ABB memorabilia in the world
• Georgia Sports Hall of Fame: 43,000-square-foot state-of-the-art museum with over 3,000 artifacts 

Sports

Home to five colleges and universities, Macon has a very active sports community.

• Mercer University 
• Wesleyan College
• Middle Georgia State University 
• Macon Mayhem 
• Macon Bacon

Restaurants

Inspire your senses at any number of our unique restaurants, each with their own local flavor and story to tell.

• H&H Soul Food: Named "The Most Iconic Restaurant in Georgia" by Thrillist 
• Nu-Way Weiners: One of America's oldest hot dog stands known for their famous hot dogs topped with the secret chili recipe
• The Rookery: Famous for their delicious burgers and milkshakes

Explore the Water

• Amerson River Park: Playground, 7 miles of trails, picnic areas, & launch location into Ocmulgee River
• Lake Tobesofkee: Year-round recreation area covering 1,800 acres with 35 miles of shoreline

Known as a City within a Park

Macon has an extensive network of community parks and walking trails that allow visitors and residents to experience Macon’s natural beauty.

• Carolyn Crayton Park: Includes a skate park, picnic areas, playground, & more
• Coleman Hill Park: Highest point in Downtown Macon, 64-foot long concrete slide, Second Sunday concert location
• Macon Dog Park: Fully-fenced city block including a small stream, agility training course, picnic tables, & park benches

Take in the Arts

• Douglass Theatre: Pays tribute to African Americans' influence on film & music
• Theatre Macon: Produces 6 major shows each year (comedy, musicals, & drama)
• Macon Little Theatre: Georgia's oldest & largest community theatre
• Capitol Theatre: Premier music venue 

Shopping

• Shoppes at River Crossing: Open-air mall with various dining options
• Bohemian Den: Metaphysical store that also has artisanal local goods!
• Smiley's Flea Market: Middle Georgia's largest yard sale & flea market

Coming soon to Macon