Events in Valdosta, GA

Set out on a saltwater diving trip in West Palm Beach focused on colorful reefs and encounters with local marine life. The experience is arranged so you can concentrate on the dives while the logistics are handled. The all-inclusive price is $150 per day and covers boat and parking fees, rental tanks, a BCD, and a regulator. A new mouthpiece is required for the regulator and is purchased separately. A personal guide leads the way underwater to support navigation and safety. Availability is limited. For details or to reserve a spot, call 229-244-4084.

This volunteer-focused gathering at Tifton Community Garden centers on caring for the garden while strengthening community connections. Recent efforts have been productive and there is appreciation for everyone who has contributed. More volunteers are requested to help continue the progress and make the space the best it can be.

Now in its 13th year, this community-wide family reunion brings South Georgia together under the leadership of the NCNW Valdosta-Lowndes Metro Section. Inspired by the work of Dr. Dorothy I. Height and the National Black Family Reunion movement, it celebrates family, service, culture, and community. The event features free food distribution while supplies last, live music and entertainment, a Kids Zone with bounce houses, Community Bingo, giveaways and prizes, and opportunities to connect with local organizations and access community resources. It takes place at Unity Park Amphitheater, and admission is free for the entire community. Organizers are welcoming support from the community, including vendors, volunteers, and donors. Vendor options include informational vendors at no cost, merchandise vendors for 25 dollars, and food vendors for 50 dollars. Volunteer participation and donor contributions help sustain programs that support families, youth, education, and community initiatives across South Georgia.

Explore the craft of candle making at Thomasville Pine Market in a hands-on workshop led by candle maker Sheri Dorminey of Blackbird Wick & Pour. You will choose a favorite scent, learn the process from start to finish, pour your own candle, and take your finished creation home. It is a welcoming option for a fun outing with friends, a mother and daughter activity, a date, or anyone ready to learn something new. The price is $50 per person, and seating is limited.

Celebrate glass pumpkin season with a hands-on glassblowing workshop led by Ezra Yant, where you will make your own glass pumpkin. Beginners are welcome and no prior experience is required. Space is limited and online registration is available. For details or help with sign-up, call 229.289.8222. The venue also showcases more than 55 vendors across over 8,000 square feet of curated booths.

Crate to Plate returns to the Thomasville History Center with Red, White, and Blueberry, a community-focused celebration of the people, places, and plates that define Thomasville. Marked by meaningful local and national milestones, the evening offers local flavors, live music, camaraderie, and a festive setting across the History Center’s historic campus. New elements this year include expanded on-campus seating, a VIP seating area, an open bar, a silent auction, and a few surprises. Guests may enjoy their crate on site or take it to go. Sponsorships are available with recognition in printed and promotional materials. Proceeds benefit the Thomasville History Center by supporting programs, operations, historic buildings, and collections.

Downtown Thomasville comes alive for First Friday at Thomasville Pine Market, with live music outside plus fresh roasted corn and snow cones. Inside, explore the largest curated vendor marketplace in Thomasville, featuring more than 45 vendors across over 8,000 square feet of booths offering antiques, vintage finds, decor, jewelry, and other unique treasures as part of the downtown celebration.

Tifton athletes can take part in a Spartan DEKA and Gryption Fitness challenge that blends testing, gamification, and a celebration of fitness. As part of the DEKA Gym Versus Gym global challenge, participants at DEKA Affiliate locations complete the same DEKA MILE race during the same weekend. Compete on behalf of your gym and compare results on a worldwide leaderboard.

Hosted by the Coastal Plain Chapter, this annual fall gathering combines a plant sale with speaker presentations, a native seed exchange, and field trips. More information will be shared as plans are finalized.

Metcalfe Market brings together a mix of vendors, food, and live music. Shop a wide selection of goods, grab a bite, and enjoy the music as you explore the market. Vendors interested in participating can apply online.

Pines Makers Market brings together local makers, growers, bakers, and artisans for an outdoor shopping experience featuring handmade goods, homemade treats, and homegrown products. Browse a lively mix of food vendors and food trucks, and enjoy family friendly activities like bounce houses and face painting. Step inside to explore more than 45 vendors across over 8,000 square feet of beautifully curated booths filled with antiques, vintage finds, furniture, jewelry, home decor, and more. Vendor spaces are limited, with openings available for food vendors, food trucks, and 10x10 booths. Additional parking is available nearby.

This year’s festival is on the way. More details, including how to register as a vendor, are available online.

Start your scuba journey with the SDI Open Water Scuba Certification, a welcoming first step into the underwater world. Registration takes place in person at the store. Purchase your eLearning code there so your enrollment is properly recorded, and complete all modules before the first class. Please do not buy codes independently online. For details, call 229-244-4084.

A midday presentation will highlight a facet of Thomas County history as part of the 2026 Bicentennial Lunch & Learn Speaker Series. The presenter and specific focus will be announced at a later time. Admission is free and all are welcome. Attendees may bring their own lunch, and light refreshments will be available. This Bicentennial program is a collaborative effort of the Thomasville History Center, the Jack Hadley Black History Museum, and Pebble Hill Plantation.

A barbecue cook-off in Valdosta brings a full day of flavor, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities with free admission. Teams will serve full plates and sides for purchase, and a limited number of tasting passes are available for $10, each good for six samples from the competitors. Guests can help decide the winner through a people’s choice vote. The event also features live music, local vendors, and a bounce house for children, creating a lively community gathering centered on great food and friendly competition.

Makers Market 2026 brings a celebration of creativity and community spirit to Downtown Valdosta, gathering farmers, growers, artisans, and producers from across South Georgia and North Florida at the historic Courthouse Square. The market showcases their work for attendees and turns the square into a lively hub of innovation and excellence. It highlights passion and talent from across the region in a dynamic setting.

Head to the springs for a day of diving at Orange Grove or Troy Springs. Check in at the dive shop on arrival to pick up gear and settle the excursion fee. The cost is $74.95 and covers regulator and BCD rental, two tanks of air or Nitrox or two refills for personal cylinders, and park admission. To make check in quicker, payment can also be completed in advance during normal business hours. For details, call 229-244-4084.

Spend a day diving at Ginnie Springs with check-in at the dive shop upon arrival. The fee of $84.95 covers park admission, a regulator and BCD rental, and gas in the form of two tanks of air or Nitrox, or two refills for personal cylinders. Payment and gear pickup can be handled at check-in, or completed in advance during regular business hours to make things quicker. For more information, call 229-244-4084.

Build confidence and versatility underwater with the SDI Advanced Scuba Diver course. This program emphasizes real-world practice across multiple specialties so divers are prepared for a wide range of conditions and environments. Training begins with one evening of in-depth classroom learning, then continues with five open water dives. Required experiences include deep diving and navigation using both a compass and natural references, plus additional training in one of the following areas: night, wreck, or drift diving. Tuition is $174.95 for the course instruction only and does not cover the required dives. Before attending the classroom session, students must buy an eLearning code in person at the store and complete the online coursework in advance.

Experience three days of saltwater diving in the Florida Keys, with opportunities to explore vibrant reefs and encounter local marine life. The all-inclusive rate is $150.00 per day and covers fees for the dive boat and parking, rental tanks, BCDs, and regulators, along with guidance from a dedicated personal guide. A personal mouthpiece purchase is required for the regulator. Space is limited. For details or to reserve a spot, call 229-244-4084.

An open horse show hosted by the ABAC Horsemen is on the way, offering participants a chance to earn points that will count toward the 2026 Camp Rock Open Show Series. The full show bill and additional details will be shared as the event approaches.

Pebble Hill Plantation Program Coordinator, Kitty Spivey, and Georgia Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist, Anna Yellen, lead a lunch-and-learn conversation about how centuries of conservation work have shaped the region’s ecology. They will also highlight community science projects for all ages, offering simple ways to make a difference right away. The program is free, and attendees may bring a sack lunch. Hosted at the Thomasville History Center. For more information, contact Kitty Spivey at kspivey@pebblehill.com or 229-227-5378.

Presented within the 2026 Bicentennial Lunch & Learn Speaker Series, Pebble Hill Plantation program coordinator Kitty Spivey and Georgia Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist Anna Yellen lead a midday talk on how generations of conservation have influenced the region’s ecology. They also outline practical ways community science efforts can contribute today. There is no cost to attend, and everyone is welcome. Bringing a personal lunch is fine, and light refreshments will be available. The program is part of a collaborative Bicentennial series from the Thomasville History Center, the Jack Hadley Black History Museum, and Pebble Hill Plantation.

Thomasville History Center's long-running community meal marks its 34th year, presented with support from Thomasville National Bank. Across South Georgia, sharing pilau on Election Day has long brought neighbors together for food and fellowship. Guests may enjoy their meals on the History Center grounds or pick them up through a convenient drive-thru line. Each plate is $12 and includes pilau, coleslaw, pickles, crackers, and dessert. Those who stay on site can relax beneath the oaks with live acoustic music by Blue Burden, a cash bar provided by Hubs and Hops, and a family-friendly area on the grounds. With Thomasville's Bicentennial nearing its close, the gathering offers another chance to recognize the places, stories, and traditions that connect the community across generations. Proceeds benefit the History Center's work to preserve historic places, collections, and stories in Thomasville and the Red Hills region.

Participants craft a unique glass ornament in a hands-on glassblowing class led by Ezra Yant. The class welcomes beginners and requires no prior experience. Located in Thomasville, Georgia.

First Friday brings downtown Thomasville to life at Thomasville Pine Market. Explore a large, curated marketplace with more than 45 vendors spread across over 8,000 square feet of booths, featuring antiques, vintage decor, jewelry, and other distinctive finds. Step outside for fresh roasted corn, frosty snow cones, and live music while you stroll. Expect a relaxed evening of shopping, snacking, and discovering new favorites throughout the PINES.

The 77 Experience channels the sound and spirit of 1977 in a high-energy tribute to the era’s biggest hits. Hear songs made famous by Boston, Journey, Foreigner, Queen, The Eagles, KC and the Sunshine Band, and more, delivered with the feel and fidelity longtime fans remember. The evening also features a nostalgic intermission with a multimedia reel of classic television commercials, movie trailers, memorable news moments, clips from Johnny Carson, and iconic Saturday Night Live sketches, all from 1977. With a history of sold-out performances across the country, this production connects with classic rock fans who enjoy revisiting the music and memories of the late 70s. Whether these tracks are lifelong favorites or new to you, the set is packed with singalong moments from the opening number to the final encore.

Pines Makers Market brings a monthly outdoor showcase to Thomasville Pine Market, featuring a curated mix of handmade, homemade, and homegrown finds alongside food vendors, bounce houses, and face painting. Beyond the outdoor marketplace, the indoor venue includes more than 45 vendors across over 8,000 square feet of thoughtfully arranged booths filled with antiques, vintage pieces, furniture, jewelry, home decor, and more. Expect a wide range of artisan creations such as fresh baked treats, jams, handcrafted decor, plants, soaps, art, and unique gifts from local makers. A limited number of vendor spaces, including options for food vendors, food trucks, and 10x10 booths, may still be available.

An annual arts celebration in downtown Tifton highlights creativity, community, and culture. Explore work from a wide range of artists and craft vendors, take in live entertainment, enjoy food, and participate in activities for all ages. It offers a chance to shop for unique handmade goods and support local artists during a day centered on the arts.

Creativity takes center stage as farmers, growers, artisans, and producers from across South Georgia and North Florida gather at the historic Courthouse Square in Downtown Valdosta. This market creates a welcoming setting for makers to present their work to an eager crowd. The square comes alive with a showcase of talent and imagination, turning the heart of downtown into a lively hub of innovation.

Megan Woods brings The Truth Tour to John Hunt Auditorium in Tifton, GA, with special guest Jeremy Rosado. Following a breakout year and a successful spring leg, this expanded 30-city run continues her first headlining journey as she shares songs and stories that have connected with audiences nationwide. Rosado, recognized from American Idol and The Voice, adds a warm, authentic presence to the night. Expect an evening centered on meaningful worship, genuine connection, and a reminder of God’s truth. A staggered entry is planned for VIP, early entry, and general admission. For a secure purchase, use the official ticketing outlet, as third party resales are not permitted on TPR event pages and are not guaranteed, which can limit access to updates and assistance.

Step into a purple-soaked celebration of Prince with a high-energy tribute packed with iconic songs and vibrant showmanship. Since 2002, Gabriel Sanchez has led The Prince Experience on stages across the country, a production that began as a small local take on Purple Rain and grew into a touring concert honoring the artist’s legacy. The performance channels the distinctive vocals, signature guitar work, style, and presence that defined Prince, guiding the audience through decades of hits. Expect favorites like Purple Rain, When Doves Cry, Kiss, Let’s Go Crazy, Little Red Corvette, 1999, and more. Presented as more than a simple homage, this concert is designed to immerse fans in the sound and spirit of one of music’s most influential figures.

Santa at the Pines brings the spirit of the season to Thomasville Pine Market with professional Christmas portrait sessions in a warm, vintage setting. Picture cozy fireplaces, glowing trees, and heirloom-style decor that feel like pages from a classic holiday tale. Families, children, couples, friends, and pets are all welcome to step into thoughtfully designed sets and capture keepsake photos filled with joy and wonder. The nostalgic atmosphere makes it easy to start a tradition and create memories to treasure year after year.

This hometown holiday gathering features sparkling lights, cheerful music, seasonal treats, handcrafted gifts, and a welcoming sense of community. Attendees can browse an open-air Christmas market showcasing local artisans and makers, enjoy sweets and bites from food vendors, and capture the moment with festive photos. Santa will be on hand, and there will be a station for children to write letters to him. A live nativity and Christmas music add to the atmosphere, creating space for both new traditions and beloved ones. There is no charge to attend. This event is presented by HomeTown Festivals, with an emphasis on unity in the community.

Create your own hand blown Christmas ornament under the guidance of Ezra Yant in a friendly glassblowing class. No experience is needed, and the focus is on a fun, creative introduction as you craft a holiday keepsake you make yourself. The setting also features more than 55 vendors across over 8,000 square feet of curated booths.

Pines Makers Market showcases an outdoor marketplace with a curated selection of handmade goods, homemade treats, homegrown items, and a variety of food vendors, with family friendly activities like bounce houses and face painting. The market highlights local makers, growers, bakers, and creators, offering one of a kind gifts and artisan finds. Inside Thomasville Pine Market, more than 45 vendors span over 8,000 square feet of thoughtfully arranged booths featuring antiques, vintage pieces, furniture, jewelry, home decor, and more. Limited vendor spaces are available for food vendors, food trucks, and 10x10 booths.