The annual Macon Witches Float is set to return on October 5, 2025, with Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions taking the lead as presenter and Visit Macon as sponsor. The event will take place along the Ocmulgee River and aims to bring together participants in costumes for a day of outdoor activity and community engagement.
Carly King, Marketing Manager for Visit Macon, commented on the event’s revival: “We ride at dawn, witches! Well, we’ll ride at 3:30 pm to be precise, but we’ll adopt whatever rallying cry you can think of to see you there! We are so thankful that Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions is stepping in to keep this beloved event alive and well, and hope to see as many witches and warlocks out on the Ocmulgee River for this enchantingly iconic event!”
Originally launched five years ago as a fundraiser for ABC Breathe with support from Macon Periods Easier, the float has become an annual tradition focused on combating period poverty in Macon-Bibb County. Last year’s float was cancelled due to Hurricane Helene. This year’s edition will resume following strong community interest and support from safety specialists at Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions.
The schedule includes check-in between 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at Porter Pavilion in Amerson River Park. Shuttles provided by OOE will transport paddlers and their gear to the launch point. The float departs from Amerson River Park Jay Hall Memorial Canoe Launch at 3:30 p.m., concluding at Bragg Jam South River Access near Porter Pavilion.
Participants are encouraged to dress up and decorate their flotation devices. A guest judge will select a Best Dressed winner who will receive a $100 gift card from Visit Macon. Those who donate feminine products for Macon Periods Easier during the event will be entered into prize drawings that include a free paddle excursion from Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions.
Tickets range from $20-85 depending on equipment rental needs or if participants bring their own gear. The first 100 registrants will receive goodie bags.
A portion of proceeds benefits Macon Periods Easier, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about period poverty and providing menstrual products locally.
King added: “The Macon Witches Float is just the beginning of a month-long celebration of Macon’s haunts, history, and a place where legends lurk! Named last year by HGTV as a ‘Best Small Town to Celebrate Halloween’ and profiled by Travel+Leisure Magazine as ‘One of the Best Halloween Destinations for Its Haunted Mansions, Ghost Tours, and ‘Witch Float’ Down the River,’ we’re continuing to provide our visitors and locals a one-stop guide to experience it all! Our website provides the best schedule of Macon’s Fall events! It is also a repository for our “Macon Beyond” video series that dives deep into the history of some historic locations rumored to still hold residual energy. Be sure to check visitmacon.org/beyond often, as more events are added every week leading up to October!”
For further information about tickets or participation details, interested parties may contact Carly King at Visit Macon.
