On Sunday, October 22 at 7pm, NewTown Macon, in partnership with the Macon Film Festival, will kick off Classics at the Bibb Theatre with a free movie screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window and “lighting of the Bibb” ceremony.

NewTown Macon won a Downtown Challenge Grant from the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, Peyton Anderson Foundation, and Knight Foundation to draw attention to the iconic downtown building and bring movies back to the historic theatre. Throughout the Classics at the Bibb series, movies produced during the years the Bibb Theatre was in operation will be projected onto the façade of the building. Third Street will be partially closed so that patrons can set up chairs and blankets to enjoy the outdoor film series.

“Classics at the Bibb reimagines a space where all Maconites can gather and enjoy a wonderful evening together watching classic movies,” said Scott Mitchell, owner of The Bohemian Den and Treasurer of NewTown’s Main Street Board. 

NewTown Macon purchased the Bibb Theatre in 2018 through a Program Related Investment (PRI) with Peyton Anderson Foundation Ventures. The Bibb Theatre had been vacant for 40 years and is the only historic downtown theatre that has not been renovated and reopened to the public, primarily due to its condition. In partnership with Peyton Anderson Foundation Ventures, NewTown stabilized the structure by rebuilding the floor and recently restoring the iconic marquee. NewTown is currently looking for local developers and entrepreneurs who are interested in leasing and operating the restored theater, which could become a bar, brewery, distillery, restaurant, movie theater, or other type of entertainment venue.  

"The Bibb Theatre holds a unique place in Macon's history, and by restoring it, we aim to preserve the soul of our city while catalyzing downtown's growth,” said Josh Rogers, NewTown’s President and CEO. “Saving the Bibb Theatre is a testament to our commitment to maintaining Macon's rich heritage and the immense potential of historic buildings to reinvigorate our vibrant downtown community."

At 7pm, representatives from NewTown Macon will light the historic marquee for the first time in 40 years. Following the lighting ceremony, Rear Window will start at 7:30pm. Participants can watch the film from the Third Street Park median between Poplar Street and Cherry Street. This event is free and open to the public.