If you love movies, cool venues, and a good time, you need to check out the Macon Film Festival. Held every summer in downtown Macon, Georgia, this indie film fest has been bringing together filmmakers and fans for 20 years — and it’s only getting better with age.
The 2025 Macon Film Festival runs from August 21–24 and features all kinds of independent films: shorts, documentaries, full-length narratives, student work, and even films made right here in Georgia. Whether you’re into quirky comedies, emotional dramas, or eye-opening documentaries, there’s something for everyone.
One of the most unique parts of the festival is the immersive full-dome screenings at the Mark Smith Planetarium. Yeah, that’s right — movies projected in a dome where you feel like you’re in the film. It’s a wild experience that’s hard to describe until you see it for yourself.
The venues are another reason this festival stands out. Instead of big-box theaters, you’ll be hopping around historic spots like the Douglass Theatre and Theatre Macon. It gives the whole event a cool, vintage vibe — and you’ll probably stumble into a few local gems along the way (think: soul food, live music, and great coffee).
But the best part? The people. Macon’s film fest is known for being one of the friendliest around. Filmmakers, locals, and visitors mix and mingle at Q&As, afterparties, and workshops. You can actually chat with the people who made the movies you just watched — it’s not stuffy or exclusive, just genuine and fun.
So whether you’re a die-hard film buff or just looking for something different to do this summer, the Macon Film Festival is worth the trip. Come for the movies, stay for the good vibes, and leave with a few new favorite films (and maybe some new friends, too).
Learn more and grab tickets at maconfilmfestival.com!