Soul, Sound, and Sacred Ground
Words by Ashley Locke
Photos provided by Visit Macon
There’s something special about the kind of weekend that stays with you—the kind that leaves you a little more inspired, a little more grounded, and a whole lot more connected. That’s what’s waiting for you in Macon, Georgia, the weekend of September 12–14, where two of the most culturally rich festivals of the year unfold side by side.
Whether you’re a music lover, a history nerd, a festival hopper, or just someone who craves meaningful experiences in cool places—this weekend has your name on it.
Friday: A Jazz-Fueled Tribute to the King of Soul
Start your weekend with soul.
Friday night, downtown Macon transforms into a living tribute to Otis Redding—Georgia native, music icon, and the voice behind the soundtrack of a generation. The King of Soul Music Festival kicks off with “An Evening of Respect”, a one-night-only concert at the Macon City Auditorium.
Headlined by the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band (yes, that Preservation Hall), the night features powerhouse guests like Yola, Lamont Landers, Dexter Redding, and Charles Davis.
Think New Orleans soul meets Georgia roots, with a whole lot of love, rhythm, and reverence.
Bonus: Your ticket helps fund music education programs through the Otis Redding Foundation. Feel good, do good, dance your face off.
Saturday: Walk the Earth, Dance the Night Away
Morning:
Spend the morning somewhere sacred: Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, the ancestral home of the Muscogee people and the site of the Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration. This is not your average cultural fest—it’s an immersive, beautiful gathering of Southeastern Native American tribes, celebrating heritage through traditional dance, storytelling, food, crafts, music, and hands-on workshops.
There’s pottery making for kids, trails to wander, and vendors offering one-of-a-kind artisan goods. It’s joyful, vibrant, and deeply moving—a reminder of the cultures that shaped this land long before we ever stepped foot on it.
Evening:
Time to switch gears (but keep the energy high). Head back downtown for the Big ‘O’ Homecoming Show & Dance at the Capitol Theatre. A nationally recognized DJ is spinning the kind of hits that’ll have you on the floor all night, surrounded by strangers who feel like friends. It’s sweaty, soulful, and exactly the kind of night out you’ll talk about for weeks.
This isn’t just about checking off events. It’s about rediscovering the stories behind the South—listening deeper, dancing harder, and leaving a little better than you came.
So whether you’re road-tripping with friends, planning a solo adventure, or making it a couples weekend, Macon is where soul still lives—and it’s calling you.
