Good morning, Macon.

Downtown business owners met on Tuesday at Wesleyan Leadership Lab (Cherry Street) to discuss steps to address concerns over unhoused persons and vandalism, noting that upcoming events like the Cherry Blossom Festival (March 20-29) and FIFA World Cup matches may draw more visitors while local officials stressed caution and improved outreach coordination.

The Macon-Bibb Fire Department held a live fire demonstration Friday morning to show residents how quickly smoke alarms detect fires, stressing that working alarms can boost survival rates during structure fires.

Christian music artists TobyMac, Zach Williams, Seph Schlueter + Jamie MacDonald will perform at Atrium Health Amphitheater in Macon on Wednesday, June 17 as part of a limited-run summer tour, with tickets going on sale Friday, March 13 at noon.

Gas prices in Macon are rising as global tensions (like the war in Iran) push up crude oil costs, with a professor at Wesleyan College noting a 10-cent increase in regular gas over the past week.

Local drivers are already seeing higher diesel rates and may adjust their budgets.

Partners in Education will host a P.I.E.

Day celebration on March 12 at 10:30 a.m. at Pierce Chapel at Wesleyan College to raise funds for musical instruments and free music lessons in Bibb County and Middle Georgia, with music by Dr. Monty Cole and Dr. Marcus Reddick, a raffle, and a pie auction with bids starting at $25.

Students at Sonny Carter Elementary are growing vegetables through a new garden club and donating their produce to local families in need.

The project teaches practical skills & supports community well-being.

Bibb County Board of Education revisited potential elementary school consolidations after declining enrollment led to a rezoning study presented on March 4.

Board consultants and members plan to seek community input in Macon for boundary adjustments to secure full state funding.

Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority rolled out Rapid Transit, a cashless ride service that works on demand where riders book trips using an app.

The pilot covers downtown and Mercer University campus while a March 2 expansion serves south Bibb County, and additional zones will launch later this year and next.

Fresenius Kidney Care announced that its Eastman dialysis center (1078 Plaza Ave) will close on March 27, affecting 39 patients.

The team will help each patient arrange alternate care at centers 20 to 60 miles away.

Couples Line Dance Class

6:00-6:45 p.m. — South Bibb Recreation Complex — Registration covers 2 people — Learn fun line dances together regardless of your experience level.

Sweet Georgia Jamz Music Festival

2-7 p.m. — Brad Henderson Memorial Stadium — $10 Adults, $5 Kids — Enjoy a lively music festival featuring local and national artists along with family activities and health screenings.

Cherry Blossom Festival Ball

7-11 p.m. — Macon City Auditorium — Black-tie optional — Experience a night of elegance with dining, décor, and entertainment themed 'Cirque de Sakura'.

Kindred Valley Live Performance

9 p.m. - 12 a.m. — Grant's Lounge — Ticket information unavailable — Experience the harmonious sounds of indie folk band Kindred Valley as they take the stage.

Cherry Blossom Parade

3:00 – 11:59 p.m. — Cherry Blossom Festival — Free entry — Celebrate Central Georgia's spirit with vibrant floats and lively marching bands in a family-friendly parade.

Micro Wrestling Federation

8-11 p.m. — Society Garden — Tickets from $76 — Experience the unique entertainment of the Micro Wrestling Federation in a lively venue.

Captain Midnight Band Live at Grant's Lounge

10 p.m. — Grant's Lounge — Tickets available — Experience the unique 'Waterbed Rock & Roll' with the electrifying Captain Midnight Band.

9th Annual MCAC Fit to Achieve 5K

8:00 – 9:30 AM — Monroe County Achievement Center — Check registration for fees — Promote a healthy lifestyle through exercise and healthy food choices.

Huntsville Havoc vs. Macon Mayhem

3-4 p.m. — Macon Coliseum — Parking $5 — Catch the exciting ice hockey action between the Huntsville Havoc and Macon Mayhem.

Deaf Andrews Live Performance

9 PM – 12 AM — Grant's Lounge — Entry price varies — Experience the electrifying blend of indie pop rock from Charlotte's own Deaf Andrews.