Autumn is upon us. While some days it still may be 80 degrees outside, the leaves are changing, cardigans are out of the closet, and the spooky season is here.
Living in Macon, there are many great fall activities within a 40-minute drive. Here is my list of activities you won’t want to miss in the coming weeks.
Watch the leaves change colors
The best way to determine if fall is here is by looking at the colors of the leaves around you. I love walking in Amerson River Park this time of year for this very reason. As you explore, you will see many shades of orange, red and yellow with the gorgeous river in the background. Pro tip: Go around 5:30 p.m. to catch the sunset and watch the trees sway with the breeze.
Attend the Macon Bike Party
Macon Bike Party is a monthly free, slow-paced community bicycle ride for people of all ages and skill levels, hosted by Bike Walk Macon. This month’s ride is Oct. 13, and attendees are encouraged to come dressed in Halloween costumes. Meet at 830 High St. at 6 p.m.
Get scared in a haunted house
My favorite fall activity is a haunted house. I’ve been to many around Middle Georgia, and I think the best one, hands down, is Haunted Montrose. Just 40 minutes from Mercer, this haunted house is a guaranteed good time. Open every weekend in October, Haunted Montrose has three houses full of scares and a corn maze.
Head downtown for First Friday
On the first Friday of each month, downtown Macon is the place to be. You’ll find live music on the streets, restaurant and drink specials, art gallery openings, and more! Head to the NewTown Macon Facebook page for more details on the Oct. 7 event.
Cheer on the Bears
There’s no better place to be than Five Star Stadium on game day, especially when the Mercer Bears win! This has been a great football season for Mercer. Put on your favorite orange and black outfit and scream “Go Bears!” every Saturday this fall.
Watch ‘Hocus Pocus’ at The Grand Opera House
The Grand Opera House in downtown Macon hosts monthly film screenings. This month, it will be showing the 1993 film “Hocus Pocus” at 7 p.m. Oct. 22. Tickets are just $5. If you’ve never been to The Grand, you’ll be blown away by the ambiance and the stunning interior.
Do the time warp
Lovers of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” can experience the cult classic at two different venues this month. Local talent will perform the musical at Theatre Macon from Oct. 7-22. Tickets are just $10 online for students. Then, The Grand Opera House continues its annual Halloween tradition of showing the 1975 film with a shadow cast on Oct. 29. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 9 p.m. Costumes are encouraged. Tickets are $5.
Hear local ghost stories
Hear ghost stories from Mercer and Middle Georgia during Mercer Theatre’s “Mercer Haunts.” Performances are Oct. 29, Oct. 31 and Nov. 12, and a newly constructed technical booth will provide exciting special effects. The production is part of Mercer’s Gothic Festival, which includes a panel discussion, game night, movie night, art exhibition, costume contest and more.
Hang with your besties at the Macon Beer Festival
Oct. 22 will be a great day in downtown Macon. More than 50 breweries are heading to the streets and giving unlimited pours to Macon Beer Festival attendees who are 21 and up. In addition to great brews, there will be live music, a beer run, a cornhole tournament and more. Tickets are $35 and selling fast.
Feature photo by Bekah Howard.
