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
Every First Friday, Macon's vibrant art scene comes alive with an exciting array of events throughout the city's galleries. From live music and artist opening receptions to special refreshments and exclusive deals, there's something for every art lover to discover.
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Macon Arts Alliance (486 1st Street), 4-7 PM
Macon Arts Alliance is excited to present their April show, “reSISTERS”, featuring works by mixed media artist She Keene. In “reSISTERS”, Keene creates abstract and figurative mixed media pieces that collage historic photographs of early suffragists, layered with both bold and fading text; words that reflect the rights and freedoms people are still fighting to claim today. - Bohemian Den (502 Cherry Street) Open late through 9 PM
See artwork from featured artist, Lindsey Hopkins! She is a maker of things. Embracing her love of color she may be sculpting clay jewelry, hand embroidering, or painting any number of things. - The 567 Center for Renewal (456 1st St), 5-8 PM
Join us for the opening reception of the "I Still Feel Like a Child," featuring artwork by Rachel Harrelson and Jackson Griffith. These two artists explore the theme with new works in a variety of mediums, including crayon, pastels, oil paintings and sculptures. See the new exhibit, meet the artists and enjoy refreshments. The artists will also give a talk about their work at 7:10 pm. - Gallery West (447 3rd St), 5-8 PM
Gallery West presents paintings by featured artists: John Mollica, Kevin Lewis, Doug Miles, Deneise Ricketson, Maura Lucchese, and David Knoll. along with sale prices on Kirk West photos.
NIghtLIfe & Entertainment
April First Friday:
- Soul Spots, presented by Bragg Jam and NewTown Macon, features live music from artists who play outside businesses every First Friday. This month's Soul Spots are Trombone Love at J Reid's Tavern and The Ritmo Soul Band at The Bohemian Den! See both from 6-8 PM!
- Grant's Lounge has Deaf Andrews performing at 9 PM!
- Hummingbird Stage & Taproom: First Friday feature is Company of Crows, an all-acoustic, organic, street-style, eclectic band that blends Pop, Rock, Folk, Latin, and Bluegrass. Come see the band perform on Friday, April 3rd at 9:30 PM!
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
Specials in April
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Switch Macon's Chick Flicks & Cherry Blossom: The theme for this season is where cinematic vibes meet springtime glam. Inspired by Macon-The Cherry Blossom Capital of the South-we're bringing the pink energy to life with themed cocktails, fresh tapas menu, and a Sunday Brunch lineup made for main character moments. Think florals, feel-good films, shareable plates, and drinks as pretty as they are powerful.
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Shuster's Candy and Creamery is perfect for a date night! They are open through 10 PM on Fridays!
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The Social Duck: Try duck pin bowling, and we guarantee you will be obsessed after one time! They also have drink and food specials! It's perfect for a group night out or even a date!
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Flight Time at Bearfoot: Located above Bearfoot on Second Street, Flight Time is downtown Macon's newest elevated experience. Fusing Tiger Woods-caliber golf technology with F1 racing and flight simulators, all paired with craft cocktails and stunning views of Second Street — this is entertainment like nothing else in Macon. Whether you're sinking a putt on Pebble Beach, navigating Monaco at race speed, or just unwinding with a great drink and a view, Flight Time has something for everyone. Come see what all the buzz is about!
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Reboot Retrocade and Bar: Macon's only arcade that doubles as a bar! Themed drink specials, plenty of arcade games, and good times guaranteed!
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The Bohemian Den: Stays open late through 9 PM on First Fridays! Check out their art gallery show!
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Sweet Eleanor's will be open until 9 PM! Check out their Spring Special!
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Longleaf Distillery has "Appy Hour!" From 4 PM to 7 PM, get the snack of the month for 50% off.
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First Fridays at Loom, located in Hotel Forty Five: Kick off the month the right way—under the stars, with good vibes and even better deals! See local artists set the mood starting at 7 PM on the patio.
Open Container Guidelines for First Friday
Sip, stroll, and explore downtown Macon during First Friday! From 5pm to 10pm, you can grab a drink from participating bars and restaurants and take it to-go while you enjoy the night.
Here's what you need to know:
- Order your drink from any downtown bar or restaurant.
- Taking it to-go? It must be in an official First Friday cup provided by that business
- Only drinks purchased downtown and served in these branded plastic cups are allowed in public spaces, including sidewalks and outdoor gathering areas.
- Outside alcohol or unapproved containers aren't permitted
Thank you to our First Friday cup sponsors! (Fall Line, McEachern Center for the Arts, Piedmont Grand Opera House, and Capricorn logos)