From opera for kids to the county fair, Middle Georgia is always buzzing with things to do. Betsy Fitzgerald, local harpist extraordinaire and Huffington Post film critic Jackie K. Cooper have some ideas to get you out the door!

Take a listen to our conversation above and check out the ideas below.

Here are Betsy’s best bets:

A Muskrat Lullaby: Opera for Young Audiences
As a new mom, I am always looking for opportunities to introduce my daughter to the arts in an age-appropriate environment. Mercer University is offering the perfect opportunity by presenting this cute musical opera for young children featuring Miles the Muskrat and his musician friends, who take us along their adventure in the big swamp where they meet Boss Alligator and his Alligator Gang. Families will enjoy the brief performance that includes audience participation as well as a Q and R session following the program. Directed by Martha Malone and conducted by Richard Kosowski, they recommend this “mini” opera for students K through 6.

A Muskrat Lullaby: Opera for Young Audiences
Friday, Sept. 25: 6:00-6:20 pm; 7:30-7:50 pm
Saturday, Sept. 26: 4:00-4:20 pm; 6:00-6:20 pm
Neva Langley Fickling Hall at the McCorkle Music Building, Mercer University
1329 Adams Street, Macon, GA
Free Admission

Toast and Taste at the Hay House
A staple in my fall social calendar is the Hay House’s annual fall fundraiser, Toast and Taste. For only $25, there is nowhere else you can taste so many wines, brews and spirits from local distributors as well as nibbles from leading local restaurants and caterers. As you sip on something delicious under the big tent on the lawn or in the gorgeous Hay House, you also have the chance to bid on fabulous auction items in their live and silent auctions.

Toast and Taste at the Hay House
Thursday, October 8
6:00-9:00 PM
Hay House, 934 Georgia Avenue, Macon, GA
$25 per person
Call (478) 742-8155 for more information.

Here are Jackie’s ideas:
GEORGIA NATIONAL FAIR
Oct. 8-18, 3PM till 10 PM, Tickets $6, children 10 and under free with paying adult. Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter, Perry. Exhibitions of arts and crafts, animal shows, rides, food, live performances and more. For tickets or more information, visit www.georgianationalfair.com. Free concert on Thursday, October 8 – Three Dog Night – 7:30 PM

Three Dog Night’s hits wind through the fabric of pop culture today, whether on the radio where they are heard day in and day out, in TV commercials or in major motion pictures — songs like “Mama Told Me (Not To Come)”, “Joy to the World”, “Black and White”, “Shambala” and “One” serve to heighten our emotions and crystallize Three Dog Night’s continuing popularity. They have performed thousands of concerts over the years, including two Super Bowls. With 21 top 40 hits, including three number 1 songs, Three Dog Night is a concert that should be on everyone’s bucket list!

Opening Act: The Grapevine
Based in Macon, Georgia, but entertaining crowds across the southeast, The Grapevine is the total party experience. The unbeatable selection of music, The Grapevine horns, the interaction with the crowd… This and so much more brings crowds back time after time!
Date/Time - 10/08 - 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Location Jeff Smith Chevrolet/WDEN Stage

Tags: Leah Fleming, Jackie K. Cooper. Betsy Fitzgerald