Happy weekend, Macon! In today’s happening-today edition: Juneteenth parade road closures, a $350 million arena plan, and Otis Music Camp Grand Finale + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
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01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
New recruits welcomed: Macon-Bibb County Fire Department celebrated 26 new firefighter graduates at Rock Springs Church, honoring recruits after months of training. The department is recruiting candidates to join future classes -- learn how to apply.
Major venue plans advancing: Macon-Bibb officials approved up to $350 million in bonds for a new arena replacing the Macon Coliseum, targeting 8,500 seats and premium suites, with final design and cost still undecided -- see arena funding details.
Plan Ahead For Closures: Downtown Macon streets will close Sunday for the Juneteenth parade, with Cherry and Poplar closed from 11 a.m. The parade starts 4:30 p.m. at the Tubman African American Museum -- get The Route Details.
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Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Dial in your swing: Whether your driver is moody or your short game ghosted you, Idle Hour Golf Learning Center has coaches who translate fixes into feels, plus techy club fittings to make your sticks actually match your swing. A low-stress way to level up your game this week, right here at home.
Seafood fix, solved: Craving something that tastes like a quick beach day without the I-75 slog? Jim Shaw's Seafood is a longtime Macon go-to serving fresh, affordable plates in a friendly, no-fuss setting where a cold drink and some fried or grilled favorites instantly upgrade your weeknight mood.
Room to roll: Whether you need an easy pull-thru for a quick stop or a quieter long-term setup close to downtown, Safe Haven RV keeps it simple with full hookups, 50/30/20 power, and surprisingly peaceful piney acreage just off I-75. Bonus if you need to stash the rig, they offer on-site storage.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🧑 Smoke Stack Farmer's Market @ Payne Mill Village Antique Mall | Saturday (6/20) at 9:00 AM – Grab your tote and swing by Smoke Stack on Rose Ave for a proper Saturday haul, rain or shine, from Middle Georgia’s best farmers, bakers, and makers. Sourdough, shrimp, local meats, peak produce, fresh juices, honey, flowers, and those totally for-the-kids sweets.
🐾 Pokémon Summer Mid Year Celebration @ Prime Time Gaming | Saturday (6/20) at 3:00 PM – Take a nostalgia break and build a 40-card deck from six Perfect Order packs at Prime Time Gaming’s Pokémon Ditto throwdown, $30, capped at 20. Four-prize games, Ditto shenanigans, rainbow energy, prize packs per win, and digital goodies emailed. Raffle playmat if luck says hi.
🎶 Otis Music Camp Grand Finale @ The Piedmont Grand Opera House | Saturday (6/20) at 7:00 PM – Nothing beats watching tomorrow’s Macon headliners light up the Piedmont Grand Opera House. These Otis Music Camp kids wrote, arranged, and perform it all, from rock to rap, pop to gospel, with more heart than any playlist. Suggested $10 at the door, bragging rights included.
🧘 International Yoga Day @ Wellness Hug | Sunday (6/21) at 6:00 AM – Think your back could use a peace treaty? International Yoga Day at Wellness Hug serves up all-level classes for every body, from sunrise rooftop stretches to sound bowls, for 5 bucks a pop. Come breathe, move, and pretend your joints are 25 again.
🌺 Father's Day Luau @ sandy beach At Lake Tobesofkee | Sunday (6/21) at 9:00 AM – Whether you’re the grill master or the designated napper, there’s a Father’s Day luau at Lake Tobo with sand, music, and room for tents, chairs, coolers, grills, and kids. Pack the crew, claim your patch, then watch them crown Father of the Year.
🎵 Stone City Band @ Atrium Health Amphitheater | Sunday (6/21) at 2:00 PM – Nothing beats live funk under the lights, and Stone City Band is bringing the Rick James heat to Atrium Health Amphitheater. Expect tight horns, bass that thumps your teenage memories, and a crowd that two-steps, sings along, and pretends tomorrow’s meeting can wait.
🧚 Ceramic Fairy House Workshop @ stARTup Studios | Sunday (6/21) at 2:00 PM – Skip the yardwork and build a whimsical clay fairy house instead. You’ll learn slab-building basics, then design, decorate, and finish your one-of-a-kind abode, with materials, firing, and a follow up glazing session included. No experience needed, kid friendly for ages 10+, grandkid optional. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Macon report Weather forecastToday — High: 89°F — Low: 69°F — Precip: 28% A slight chance of rain showers between 8am and 10am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2pm and 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. North wind around 0 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southwest wind around 0 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tomorrow — High: 90°F — Low: 72°F — Precip: 48% A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 50%. This house is wildThis custom-built Maimont gem in North Macon pairs timeless charm with thoughtful design, featuring high ceilings, elegant moldings, and spacious living areas. The main level includes a primary suite, an extra bedroom, and a versatile study, while the covered porch and adjoining deck overlook a private, shady backyard filled with mature plantings and garden potential.
Take a peek inside → | | |