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
AUGUST Art Walk
To enter the Art Supplies Giveaway, head to the Robins Financial Credit Union tent between 5 and 7 pm to pick up your map. The map will show you where to go and walk you through how to enter the giveaway. You can also pick up maps from Art Walk Stops, listed below.
Here's your Art Walk Lineup!
Macon Arts Alliance (486 1st Street), 4-7 pm
Macon Arts Alliance presents their August exhibit, "Joie Debris — art beyond waste." This exhibit explores the beauty, creativity, and possibilities found in discarded materials, featuring 2D and 3D work from regional artists and those across the country. There will also be an interactive table sponsored by ArtSpace Macon on the sidewalk for people to make their own art from junk.
The 567 Center for Renewal (456 1st St), 5-8 pm
The 567 presents the Woodfire Potters of Georgia, a statewide touring exhibition bringing long-overdue attention to Georgia's vibrant woodfiring tradition. Work by six different potters from Macon and across the state will be on display. See the new exhibit and enjoy light refreshments.
McEachern Art Center (332 2nd St), 6-8 pm
The MAC celebrates the opening reception of "The American South," featuring artwork by Cal Walker, with a special musical performance by Julie Anne Steed and Jake Steed.
The Bohemian Den (502 Cherry St), 5-9 pm
Join The Bohemian Den for artwork by Euphoria Artblock.
Gallery West (447 3rd St), starts at 5- 9 pm
Visit Gallery West for its grand re-opening celebration featuring artwork by Amoria Stephens. This iconic Macon art gallery changed ownership recently after eleven years under its previous owner, and now it's reopening.
Ocmulgee Brewpub w/ Artspace Macon (484 2nd Street), 5-8 pm
Join Artspace Macon at Ocmulgee Brewpub for their Summer Showcase. Shop original artwork, prints, stationery, stickers, collage packs, and more. Try the free DIY Mini Collage Station, open to all ages (donations appreciated). Grab dinner and a drink while you browse.
The Rose Room (378 2nd Street), 5:00 -12 PM
(Artist Talk) Local Maconian Will Washburn opens a solo show at The Rose Room, with an artist talk at 5:30 pm. Grab a specialty frozen cocktail ($10) or mocktail ($7) beforehand, then stay for 80s Ladies Night with a DJ, light refreshments, and a meet and greet. The frozen drink special runs $10 all night.
NIghtLIfe & Entertainment
August First Friday:
- Beer and A Show with Tier Blue, Robins Financial Capitol Theatre, 8 PM
Get a $10 ticket, and you'll also receive a cold beer with your ticket and get to see Tier Blue, an alternative rock band that was formed in 2016! (They are great, trust us!) - The Least Worst Guyz, Cashman's Pub, 7-10 PM
Catch their debut show in middle Georgia! - Rare Birds at The Hummingbird, 9:30 PM - 1:00 AM
Atlanta band Rare Birds are migrating south to Macon for a night of Rock & Soul at The Hummingbird on First Friday, August 7th! Music starts at 9:30 pm. - Free Lance Ruckus at Grant's Lounge, 9 PM
- Wellness Hug, 8:30-9:30 PM,476 3rd St Ste 2, Macon: 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.
- Theatre Macon: Angels in America: Perestroika, 8 PM:
Tony Kushner’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece continues with Perestroika, a moving and unforgettable story of hope, resilience, love, and transformation. Set against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis and a changing America, this landmark play explores what it means to endure, connect, and move forward. - Theatre Macon: The Last Five Years, 8 PM
An emotionally powerful and intimate musical about two New Yorkers in their twenties who fall in and out of love over the course of five years, the show's unconventional structure consists of Cathy, the woman, telling her story backwards while Jamie, the man, tells his story chronologically; the two characters only meet once, at their wedding in the middle of the show.
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
August Specials
- Redemption Tattoo, 12-10 PM: Bring a bag of school supplies and get a $40 gift card toward a future tattoo. Get one of our back-to-school flash tattoos and donate, and you're entered to win a $100 raffle. Check out their Flash Tattoos on social media!
- Sixth Avenue: Featuring vintage clothing bins and also puts out newly stocked items in their shop. Check out their authenticated shoes, clothes and more!
- Switch Macon's Midsummer Patio Market: Grab your friends, browse local vendors, sip a handcrafted cocktail from our patio bar, and make the most of a summer night in downtown Macon.
- Shuster's Candy and Creamery is perfect for a date night! They are open through 10 PM on Fridays.
- 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!
- Flight Time at Bearfoot: Located above Bearfoot on Second Street, Flight Time fuses Tiger Woods-caliber golf technology with F1 racing and flight simulators, all paired with craft cocktails and stunning views of Second Street!
- Reboot Retrocade and Bar: Macon's only arcade that doubles as a bar! Themed drink specials, plenty of arcade games, and good times guaranteed!
- The Bohemian Den: Stays open late through 9 PM on First Fridays and will have an art show!
- 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.
- Longleaf Distillery: Check out their "Appy Hour!" From 4 PM to 7 PM, get the snack of the month for 50% off. Check out their picnic special!
- First Fridays at Hotel Forty Five: Head to Hightales and Loom for drink and food specials tonight. Hightales will feature live music from Rachel Forehand, plus specials on Loaded Fries and Cucumber Mint Moscow Mules. Loom is offering several drink specials, including half off select wine bottles, well drinks, and house wine..
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)