GABBAfest 2026 in Macon, Georgia

Above: Artistic rendering celebrating GABBAfest and Macon’s Southern rock heritage.

GABBAfest 2026: The Music and Spirit of the Allman Brothers Return to Macon

Every September, music lovers from across the country and around the world return to Macon, Georgia, to celebrate a musical legacy born here more than half a century ago.

GABBAfest 2026 will continue that tradition from Thursday, September 24, through Sunday, September 27, with four days of concerts, fan gatherings, historic locations, and the unmistakable sound of Southern rock.

Presented by the Georgia Allman Brothers Band Association, GABBAfest is much more than a series of performances.

It is a reunion for longtime fans, a welcoming introduction for new listeners, and a journey through the Macon landmarks that remain closely connected to the Allman Brothers Band.

This year’s festival will take visitors from a downtown record store and one of Macon’s most storied music clubs to the historic Piedmont Grand Opera House, Rose Hill Cemetery, and the former home of members of the Allman Brothers Band.

For anyone who wants to understand why Macon occupies such an important place in American music, GABBAfest offers the opportunity to experience that history where much of it happened.

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What Is GABBA?

The Georgia Allman Brothers Band Association, better known as GABBA, was formed in 1992 to preserve and promote the musical heritage of the Allman Brothers Band in Georgia.

GABBA is a registered Georgia nonprofit and received federal 501(c)(3) status in 2019.

Its mission reaches beyond producing an annual festival.

The organization has supported historic preservation, cared for places associated with the band, contributed to local charitable organizations, and assisted musicians and members of the extended GABBA family facing medical needs.

Among GABBA’s documented accomplishments are its participation in the preservation of Rose Hill Cemetery, support for The Big House Museum, preservation of materials connected to Capricorn Records, and contributions to the Middle Georgia Archives at Washington Memorial Library.

GABBA has also participated in projects connected to Duane Allman Boulevard, the Berry Oakley Bridge, the Macon Music Registry, and the historic site of the 1970 Atlanta International Pop Festival in nearby Byron.

These efforts make GABBAfest more than a celebration of famous songs.

The festival helps preserve the places, objects, and stories connecting the Allman Brothers Band to Macon.

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Why GABBAfest Belongs in Macon

The Allman Brothers Band was formed in 1969, and Macon became central to the group’s rise and identity.

The city was home to Capricorn Records, the label and studio operation that helped establish the band and introduced a wider audience to the developing sound of Southern rock.

The musicians lived, rehearsed, wrote, performed, and spent time throughout Macon.

Their history remains visible in places such as The Big House Museum, Grant’s Lounge, Rose Hill Cemetery, H&H Soul Food, and Capricorn Sound Studios.

GABBAfest brings those places together.

Instead of placing the celebration on one isolated festival ground, its events unfold across locations that are part of the history being celebrated.

That connection between music and place is what makes GABBAfest distinctly Macon.

Readers interested in the larger story can explore our companion article, The Allman Brothers Legacy in Macon, GA.

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Thursday, September 24

Fresh Produce Records — 5:00 p.m.

GABBAfest begins with a free meet-and-greet featuring Blake Free.

Fresh Produce Records is located at 567 Cherry Street in downtown Macon.

Beginning the festival inside a local record store is an appropriate introduction to a weekend centered on music, recordings, and the shared memories of Allman Brothers Band fans.

Grant’s Lounge — 7:00 p.m. until late

The GABBA Members Showcase will feature the Jackson Tanner Trio and three sets of Allman Brothers Band music performed by GABBA member-musicians.

This is a ticketed event, with admission included for VIP weekend ticket holders.

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Friday, September 25

Fresh Produce Records — 5:00 p.m.

Good Trees River Band will perform a free in-store set.

Piedmont Grand Opera House — 7:00 p.m.

Friday evening’s ticketed program will feature guitarist Les Dudek with support from Bonnie Blue.

Dudek contributed guitar work to the Allman Brothers Band classics “Ramblin’ Man” and “Jessica.”

His career also includes work with Boz Scaggs, Steve Miller, Stevie Nicks, Cher, and other major artists.

Bonnie Blue is a Jacksonville-based Southern rock and jam band whose music draws from rock, blues, country, and improvisational traditions.

Grant’s Lounge — approximately 10:30 p.m. until late

Cash’s Juke Joint will perform immediately following the concert at the Piedmont Grand Opera House.

The performance is ticketed, but admission is included with a VIP wristband.

GABBA has announced that individual tickets will be released separately.

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Saturday, September 26

The Big House Museum — noon to 4:00 p.m.

The annual GABBA Members Jam is free to attend.

Musicians must be GABBA members to participate, although membership can be purchased on-site.

Guests are invited to bring chairs and coolers, and a food truck is expected to be available.

The setting adds tremendous meaning to the afternoon.

Located at 2321 Vineville Avenue, The Big House was home to members of the Allman Brothers Band, their families, and friends from 1970 through 1973.

Today, it is a museum devoted to preserving the band’s history.

Piedmont Grand Opera House — 7:00 p.m.

Saturday evening’s ticketed program will feature A Brother’s Revival, led by former Allman Brothers Band bassist David “Rook” Goldflies and longtime Dickey Betts & Great Southern vocalist and keyboardist Mike Kach.

Goldflies performed with the Allman Brothers Band from 1978 through 1982.

Kach spent many years performing with Dickey Betts & Great Southern.

Together, A Brother’s Revival performs music grounded in the Allman Brothers tradition while retaining the energy and improvisation central to the sound.

Grant’s Lounge — approximately 10:30 p.m. until late

Good Trees River Band will close Saturday night with an after-show immediately following the Piedmont Grand Opera House program.

The performance is ticketed, with admission included for VIP ticket holders.

Individual tickets are expected to be released separately.

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Sunday, September 27

Rose Hill Cemetery — time to be announced

Sunday’s activities are expected to include a tree dedication at Rose Hill Cemetery.

The time and additional details had not been announced when this article was prepared.

Rose Hill is one of Macon’s most historically important landscapes.

The cemetery served as a gathering place and source of inspiration for members of the Allman Brothers Band.

Duane Allman, Gregg Allman, Berry Oakley, and Butch Trucks are among the band members laid to rest there.

Visitors should remember that Rose Hill remains an active cemetery and should approach its grounds, monuments, and burial sites with care and respect.

The Big House Museum — noon to 4:00 p.m.

The traditional GABBA Hangover will bring the festival to a relaxed Sunday conclusion with performances by Cody Matlock and Blake Free.

Admission is free.

Guests may bring chairs and coolers, and a food truck is expected to be on-site.

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The Artists of GABBAfest 2026

The announced GABBAfest 2026 lineup includes:

• Les Dudek
• A Brother’s Revival
• David “Rook” Goldflies
• Mike Kach
• Bonnie Blue
• Cash’s Juke Joint
• Good Trees River Band
• Cody Matlock
• Blake Free
• Jackson Tanner Trio
• GABBA member-musicians

The combination reflects the character of GABBAfest.

Artists with direct connections to the Allman Brothers Band share the weekend with regional performers, younger musicians, and fans who continue to keep this music alive through their own playing.

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GABBAfest 2026 Tickets

According to GABBA’s official festival information, the following ticket options were listed when this article was prepared:

• VIP Weekend Ticket: $190
• Reserved Floor Seating: $90
• Reserved Balcony Seating: $75

Weekend tickets include the Friday and Saturday evening programs at the Piedmont Grand Opera House and the Saturday and Sunday afternoon gatherings at The Big House Museum.

VIP admission includes those events as well as wristband access to the Friday and Saturday late-night programs at Grant’s Lounge, a GABBAfest T-shirt, and a VIP bag.

VIP purchasers are instructed to email gabbafest2025@gmail.com with their preferred shirt size.

Although the email address contains “2025,” it is the contact currently published by GABBA for the 2026 event.

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The Historic Venues of GABBAfest

Piedmont Grand Opera House

651 Mulberry Street, Macon, Georgia

First opened in 1905, the Piedmont Grand Opera House remains one of downtown Macon’s leading performing-arts venues.

Its historic interior gives GABBAfest’s principal concerts a sense of occasion while adding another chapter to the building’s long entertainment history.

The Big House Museum

2321 Vineville Avenue, Macon, Georgia

The Big House was home to members of the Allman Brothers Band, their families, and friends during the early 1970s.

Its rooms now hold instruments, clothing, photographs, artwork, handwritten materials, and other objects connected to the band.

During GABBAfest, the property becomes both a historic destination and a place where live music returns to the grounds.

Grant’s Lounge

576 Poplar Street, Macon, Georgia

Grant’s Lounge opened in 1971 and became an important gathering place for musicians associated with Capricorn Records.

Known as the Original Home of Southern Rock, Grant’s remains an active music venue.

Its late-night GABBAfest performances continue the club’s tradition of presenting music at close range in an informal setting.

Fresh Produce Records

567 Cherry Street, Macon, Georgia

Fresh Produce Records gives GABBAfest a downtown meeting place surrounded by vinyl, music memorabilia, and the culture of record collecting.

The Thursday meet-and-greet and Friday in-store performance are free, making them accessible introductions to the festival.

Rose Hill Cemetery

1071 Riverside Drive, Macon, Georgia

Established in 1840, Rose Hill Cemetery occupies approximately 50 acres along the Ocmulgee River.

Its paths, ravines, and historic monuments made it a gathering place and source of inspiration for members of the Allman Brothers Band during their early years in Macon.

GABBA has supported preservation and beautification work at Rose Hill, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to caring for places tied to the band’s history.

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What First-Time Visitors Should Know

GABBAfest takes place at several locations rather than one central festival ground.

Visitors should review the schedule, allow time to travel between venues, and confirm parking arrangements in advance.

September afternoons in Macon can remain warm and humid, while indoor venues may feel considerably cooler.

Comfortable clothing, good walking shoes, and water are sensible choices.

Chairs and coolers are welcome at the announced Saturday and Sunday events at The Big House.

Guests should follow venue-specific rules and check the official festival website for updates before bringing outside items.

Grant’s Lounge identifies itself as a 21-and-older venue, so guests planning to attend the late-night shows should verify entry requirements directly with the venue.

Some events are free, while others require tickets.

VIP passes include the broadest announced access, while individual late-night tickets are expected to be made available separately.

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A Festival That Gives Back to Macon

GABBAfest celebrates music, but its larger purpose is preservation and community support.

Festival proceeds have helped GABBA contribute to Middle Georgia charities, historic sites, archives, and individuals within the music community.

The organization’s work has included support for The Big House Foundation, Rose Hill preservation, the Methodist Home for Children and Youth, and projects documenting Macon’s music history.

By attending the festival or joining GABBA, fans help ensure that the Allman Brothers Band’s Georgia legacy is documented, protected, and shared.

Membership is open to Allman Brothers Band fans everywhere.

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Experience the Music City of Macon

GABBAfest shows visitors something Macon residents already understand.

The city’s music history is not confined to a museum display or a chapter in a book.

It remains present in the buildings, streets, neighborhoods, and gathering places where people continue to perform and listen to music.

Visitors may arrive because they love the Allman Brothers Band, but the festival also introduces them to the wider character of Macon.

They encounter historic architecture, established neighborhoods, locally owned businesses, restaurants, museums, and a city with a strong cultural identity.

That connection between the past and present is one of the qualities that makes Macon such a meaningful place to visit—and such a special place to call home.

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Plan Your GABBAfest 2026 Weekend

GABBAfest 2026 will take place September 24–27 at locations throughout Macon, Georgia.

Because performance times, ticket availability, and other event details may change, visitors should consult the official GABBA website before attending.

Whether you have followed the Allman Brothers Band for decades or are beginning to discover the music that helped define Macon’s place in American culture, GABBAfest offers four days to listen, remember, explore, and become part of the extended family keeping this history alive.

Planning to Visit or Move to Macon?

Whether you are planning a visit, considering a move, or already calling Middle Georgia home, events such as GABBAfest reveal the history, creativity, and sense of community that make Macon distinctive.

Joanna “JoJo” Jones understands that buying a home also means choosing a community.

Having grown up in Macon, JoJo brings a lifelong connection to the city and an understanding of the neighborhoods, landmarks, traditions, and changes that have shaped it.

From historic residences and established neighborhoods to growing communities, cultural attractions, restaurants, music, and local events, JoJo helps buyers discover more than available properties.

She helps them understand what it can mean to become part of Macon.

If you are considering buying or selling a home in Macon or Middle Georgia, contact JoJo to begin your next chapter.