First Friday
First Friday, presented by Robins Financial Credit Union, is your ticket to downtown Macon! During the first Friday of each month, the streets of downtown Macon come alive with live music, art exhibitions, delicious eats, and cold brews. First Friday offers something for everyone!
You can find a sample of several events you can't miss this First Friday by browsing through this page which is updated monthly with the latest specials!
2026 First Friday Dates
January 2
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February 6
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March 6
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April 3
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May 1
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June 5
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July 3
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August 7
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September 4
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October 2
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November 6
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December 4
SPECIAL EVENTS
Art Walk
Here's your Art Walk Lineup!
- Macon Arts Alliance (486 1st Street), 4-7 pm
Macon Arts Alliance presents their September exhibit, “The Work of Jeff & Laura Surace - In Tandem."
- The 567 Center for Renewal (456 1st St), 5-8 pm
The 567 presents “Nothing Concrete,” featuring abstract art by various artists in a variety of mediums, including paintings, mixed media, sculpture and fabric art. See the new exhibit and enjoy light refreshments.
- McEachern Art Center (332 2nd St), 4-8 pm
“The American South” featuring artwork by Cal Walker will be on exhibit.
- Wesleyan College Leadership Lab (522 Cherry St), 5-8 pm
Wesleyan Leadership Lab presents "Hazel Caldwell: Recent Work." Artist talk at 6 pm. Refreshments served.
- Gallery West (447 3rd St), 5-9 pm
Visit Gallery West for the opening reception of Psychodelik Pete’s "Electrified Church."
Other spots to find art:
The Bohemian Den (502 Cherry St), 5-9 pm
Join The Bohemian Den for “In Full Color, A Pride Art Show.
The Rose Room (378 2nd St), 5 pm-midnight
Join us at The Rose Room for the continuation of Will Washburn’s Solo Exhibition: Growth in Stillness. The exhibition features mixed media pieces on canvas and paper, embracing the peace of nature that grows and thrives when left alone in the wild. Works range from $25 and up. $10 frozen drink special all night to cool off and relax in the stillness. Enjoy listening to Jon & Kate’s vinyl DJ set 8pm-10pm.
NIghtLIfe & Entertainment
September First Friday:
- - Switch Macon, 470 1st Street: Grand Opening night of Halloween Themed Bar! From September 4th through November 8th, we’re transforming Switch into your new favorite spooky-season destination with immersive Halloween décor, themed cocktails, creepy little surprises, and an experience you’ll want to come back to again and again. Reserve your spot today!
- - Last Living Souls at Grant's Lounge, 9 PM
Catch this Southern rock and soul-infused band bringing gritty guitars and powerful live energy to Grant's Lounge. Fronted by Daniel NeSmith, Last Living Souls blends roots rock, blues, and heartfelt storytelling into a sound that's both raw and polished. - - JBA, 8PM - 2 AM
JBA brings the dance floor to downtown Macon with a spacious 6,500 square foot layout, multiple bars and space for pool and darts. Featuring weekly DJs, it's the spot to keep the night going. Check their socials closer to First Friday to find out about specials. - - Giant DeNiro at The Hummingbird, 9:30 PM
Milledgeville-based Giant DeNiro brings their indie and pop punk sound to Hummingbird for a night full of your favorite hits. - - Hightales & Loom at Hotel Forty Five, 7-9 PM
Start the month right on the rooftop at Hightales, 7-9 PM, with live music, crafted cocktails, and comfort bites made for lingering. Then head downstairs to Loom for their own First Friday food and drink specials, plus live singers and bands filling the room. -
- Wellness Hug, 8:30-9:30 PM,476 3rd St Ste 2,:
On every 1st Friday, a special guest takes the spotlight to showcase their talent, whether that's spoken word, art, or an instrumental performance. The evening closes out with a sound bath led by Cam.
Rose Room
Experience vinyl DJ sets every First Friday from 8 pm to midnight at this upscale cocktail lounge on Second Street. Find unique seasonal cocktails and timeless classics in a comfortable, laid-back atmosphere where exceptional hospitality meets authentic Macon charm.
Grant's Lounge
The Original Home of Southern Rock hosts live music every weekend and offers happy hour deals. It also has a delicious new food menu featuring hot chicken, burgers, catfish sandwiches, and its famous pork chop sandwich. This historic venue, where the Allman Brothers and Southern rock legends got their start, welcomes all with cold beer, great music, and authentic Macon hospitality.
JBA
JBA joins the First Friday festivities each month with their signature themed events featuring live entertainment and a vibrant atmosphere. JBA is Downtown Macon's largest nightclub, hosting live performances and DJs weekly! JBA has two main rooms; the front has a dance floor to groove the night away on, and the back has pool tables, dart boards, and more. They have three bars, so there's no waiting here!
Loom and Hightales at Hotel Forty Five
See local artists set the mood starting at 7 pm at Hotel Forty Five's premier restaurant Loom. Plus, enjoy craft cocktails and small bite specials. Or head up to the 6th floor of Hotel Forty Five to see the beautiful skylines of Macon at the rooftop bar, Hightales. See live entertainment options and sip on delicious Macon-themed drinks!
Restaurants & Retail
September Specials
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- NEW RESTAURANT: Andalusia (497 2nd Street)
Downtown has a new spot to fall in love with. Inspired by the warmth, hospitality, and flavors of Southern Spain, Andalusia brings great food, great conversation, and memorable evenings together in one beautifully designed space. Stop by and get your first look this August First Friday. -
- NEW SHOP The Dress Bar, 551 Cherry St Suite 102 , 5-9 PMThe Dress Bar offers designer prom, homecoming, pageant, and special occasion dresses at prices that make luxury fashion affordable! Join them for First Friday there, featuring guest business Pearl & Reed: This Florida coast candle maker crafts clean candles with natural oils, and made special Game Day candles just for us to match this month's First Friday collegiate theme.
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- Wellness Hug, 8:30-9:30 PM,476 3rd St Ste 2
On every 1st Friday, a special guest takes the spotlight to showcase their talent, whether that's spoken word, art, or an instrumental performance. The evening closes out with a sound bath led by Cam. -
- Rose Room: Check out their speciality drinks, art, and catch their DJ spinning some vinyl!
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- Sixth Ave has vintage clothing bins and also puts out newly stocked items in their shop on First Fridays. Check out their authenticated shoes, streetwear clothing brands and more!
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- Shuster's Candy and Creamery is perfect for a date night! They are open through 10 PM on Fridays so you can get a late-night snack after enjoying live music or on the way to your next spot!
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-The Bohemian Den: Stays open late through 9 PM on First Fridays and features artists!
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- Sweet Eleanor's is now hosting Afterglow on Friday and Saturday nights. This is a sober late-night event with low lights, coffee, mocktails, and small plates.
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- Longleaf Distillery has "Appy Hour!" From 4 PM to 7 PM, get the snack of the month for 50% off. Check out their picnic special!
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- First Fridays at Hotel Forty Five: Kick off the month the right way—under the stars, with good vibes and even better deals! Head to Hightales Rooftop Bar for live music from Rachel Forehand and specials like Loaded Fries and a Cucumber Mint Moscow Mule from 7-10 PM. Check out Loom for drink specials like half off select wine bottles all day and Wells with a choice of mixer from 5-7 PM. Or get a glass of their house wine all day for only $8.
