GABBAFEST 2025 – Keeping the Flame Alive
Since its founding in the early 1990s, the Georgia Allman Brothers Band Association—better known as GABBA—has been dedicated to preserving the history, music, and cultural impact of one of America’s greatest rock groups. What began as a fan-driven gathering has grown into a celebrated festival that brings music lovers to Macon, Georgia each year.
At its heart, GABBAfest is more than a music festival. It’s a community event, a homecoming, and a pilgrimage rolled into one. It connects fans not only to live performances but also to the historic sites, stories, and people tied to the Allman Brothers Band. It’s about carrying the legacy forward while celebrating the spirit of Macon’s rich musical roots.
Why GABBAFEST Is Unique
Unlike larger festivals that focus only on big-name acts and sprawling stages, GABBAfest feels deeply personal. Attendees gather in historic venues like the Grand Opera House, the Big House Museum, and the legendary Grant’s Lounge. These aren’t just concert halls—they’re places with living ties to the music. The Big House, once the Allman Brothers’ communal home, has become a museum where visitors can stand in the very rooms where songs were written and lives were lived.
There’s also the sense of family among the fans. Many who attend have been coming for years, turning the festival into a reunion. Newcomers are welcomed in, instantly made part of a larger circle that shares a deep love for Southern rock, blues, and the stories that shaped them. That welcoming spirit makes GABBAfest feel different from other festivals—it’s not just about watching a show, but about belonging to something bigger.
What’s Included in GABBAFEST 2025
This year’s festival runs from Friday, September 26th through Sunday, September 28th, and ticket options are designed to give fans flexibility:
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All-Weekend Tickets include:
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Friday, September 26th evening show at the Grand Opera House
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Saturday, September 27th evening show at the Grand Opera House
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Saturday, September 27th afternoon show at the Big House Museum
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Sunday, September 28th afternoon show at the Big House Museum
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VIP Tickets include all of the above, plus:
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A wristband granting access to the Friday and Saturday night shows at Grant’s Lounge
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An exclusive GABBAfest T-shirt
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A VIP Bag filled with festival keepsakes
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VIP ticket holders should email gabbafest2025@gmail.com to select their shirt size. Options range from S, M, L, XL, 2XL, and 3XL.
Whether you go with the standard weekend pass or opt for the full VIP treatment, both tickets promise a powerful experience filled with unforgettable performances and community spirit.
Why 2025 Will Be Bigger Than Ever
Each year, GABBAfest has continued to grow—not only in terms of its lineup but also in the way it embraces its role as a cultural event. Last year, fans packed the venues and spilled out into Macon’s streets for free shows, community events, and meet-ups. The excitement showed just how much this festival means to people both locally and around the country.
For 2025, expect even more energy. The Grand Opera House will again serve as the centerpiece for the festival’s evening shows, while the Big House Museum offers fans a daytime experience that feels like stepping directly into the Allman Brothers’ history. With Grant’s Lounge hosting late-night performances for VIP ticket holders, there’s truly music happening at every turn.
What to Expect When You Attend
If you’re planning your first GABBAfest, here are a few things to keep in mind:
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Multiple Venues – Be prepared to move between the Grand Opera House, the Big House Museum, and Grant’s Lounge. Each spot offers its own unique atmosphere and connection to Macon’s music history.
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A Full Schedule – From afternoon shows and late-night jams to historical tours and casual meet-ups, the weekend is full. Don’t forget to pace yourself so you can enjoy every moment.
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Community Spirit – One of the festival’s biggest draws is the people. Expect to meet lifelong fans, local musicians, and newcomers alike, all eager to share stories and celebrate together.
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Memorabilia – Even if you’re not a VIP ticket holder, there’s plenty of festival merchandise available. Many fans view GABBAfest T-shirts, posters, and keepsakes as lasting reminders of their experience.
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Georgia Weather – Late September in Macon can be warm and humid, especially in the afternoons. Plan ahead with comfortable clothes, hydration, and maybe even a light jacket for cooler evenings.
More Than Music
The beauty of GABBAfest is that it goes beyond live performances. Attendees often take time to visit Rose Hill Cemetery, where members of the band are laid to rest, or stroll through downtown Macon to see landmarks tied to the group’s early days. Many also explore Capricorn Studios, another key piece of the city’s musical legacy. These experiences turn a weekend of concerts into something much deeper—an exploration of history, memory, and meaning.
It’s also important to note that GABBAfest isn’t just about nostalgia. Proceeds from the festival help support local charities and historic preservation projects in Macon, ensuring that the festival gives back to the very community that gave the world so much music. In this way, attending GABBAfest means you’re part of something larger: a continuation of the Allman Brothers’ legacy and a commitment to keeping Macon’s cultural heritage alive.
Come Join Us
For over three decades, GABBAfest has been a touchstone for fans of the Allman Brothers Band. It’s a chance to hear incredible music, visit sacred places in Macon’s history, and connect with a community that spans generations.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan who knows every note of “Whipping Post” or someone just discovering the magic of Southern rock, GABBAfest 2025 promises a weekend of music, history, and connection that you won’t soon forget.
So grab your tickets, pack your bags, and get ready to celebrate the legacy of the Allman Brothers in the very city where it all began. Learn more at Visit Macon.
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