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 presents their October exhibit, “Music To My Eyes: The work of Warren Griffith,” as well as live music. They will also have live music outside of the gallery during the show.
The 567 presents “Rooted in Wood,” featuring turned wood by Gary Blackburn and handcrafted furniture by Ryan Saddler. See the new exhibit and enjoy light refreshments.
In “Transformations: Layers of Time and Self,” artist Marian Zielinski brings together abstract quilted works that explore memory, place, identity, and the accumulation of lived experience.
The "Hazel Caldwell: Recent Work" exhibit continues.
Visit Gallery West for artwork by Banks Art.
The Good Boi Gallery grand opening features over 70 pet photos benefiting Abbey's Angels and local animal rescue groups. Info session and check presentation to a local rescue group at 6:30 pm, plus food and drink specials and free pup cups for dogs all evening. Bring a 10-lb bag of dog or cat food for a free beer token.
Join The Bohemian Den for artwork by She Keene.
NIghtLIfe & Entertainment
October First Friday:
- Soul Spots: Catch the Ritmo Soul Band outside NewTown Macon and Rachel Forehand at The Bohemian Den.
- Piedmont Grand Opera House, 6 PM: Theater Macon presents If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, perfect for Pre-K through 2nd grade.
- Douglass Theatre, 6 PM: Can You Stand the Rain is an evening of film, a live talkback with the director, and dinner plus an 80s/90s party for Full Experience ticket holders.
- Hightales & Loom at Hotel Forty Five, 7–9 PM: Enjoy live music and cocktails on the rooftop at Hightales, then head down to Loom for food and drink specials and more live music.
- JBA, 8 PM–2 AM: Keep the night going with DJs, multiple bars, pool, and darts. For the grown-ups, after meeting characters at Downtown Goes Disney, JBA wants you to show up dressed as a Disney character for their party starting at 10 PM featuring DJ Carlos Flores!
- Wellness Hug, 476 3rd St. Ste. 2, 8:30–9:30 PM: Enjoy a special guest performance followed by a sound bath led by Cam.
- Grant's Lounge, 9 PM: The Henry Cruz Band brings classic rock, country, and blues from Nashville.
- The Hummingbird, 9:30 PM: Strictly Liquid plays funky, psychedelic jams that will keep you dancing all night.
- Switch Macon, 470 1st St.: This Halloween Spookeasy is open September 4 through November 8 with spooky décor and themed cocktails. Reserve your spot today!
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
October Specials
- NEW! Andalusia, 497 2nd St.: This new restaurant brings the warmth and flavors of Southern Spain to downtown. Stop by and get your first look!
- NEW! The Dress Bar, 551 Cherry St. Suite 102,: Shop designer prom, homecoming, pageant, and special occasion dresses at affordable prices. Plus, meet two princesses for Downtown Goes Disney!
- Longleaf Distillery, 4–7 PM: Get the snack of the month for 50% off during "Appy Hour," and check out their picnic special. Grab their Downtown Goes Disney drink too!
- The Bohemian Den: Open late until 9 PM with featured artists.
- Rose Room: Enjoy specialty drinks while their DJ spins vinyl.
- Shuster's Candy and Creamery: Open until 10 PM, so it's the perfect late-night treat or date night stop. Meet characters for Downtown Goes Disney here!
- Sixth Ave: Browse vintage clothing bins, fresh First Friday stock, authenticated shoes, and streetwear.
- Sweet Eleanor's: Afterglow is a sober late-night event with low lights, coffee, mocktails, and small plates.
- Wellness Hug, 476 3rd St. Ste. 2, 8:30–9:30 PM: Enjoy a special guest performance followed by a sound bath led by Cam.
