The first of the Southern Circuit Independent Film season opens at the Madison Morgan Cultural Center Auditorium on Sept. 12 with “Pride & Joy” a documentary chronicling Southern food culture. If you are a Food Network junkie, this film is for you. Following the film will be a reception featuring local foods from FARMeander farms to celebrate Southern food culture (come taste the bounty of Morgan County). Admission includes screening, post-screening discussion with the filmmaker and the reception. The screening will begin at 7 p.m.; tickets: $5 member, $7 non-members and $5 student. For more information call 706-342-4743.

Spend an afternoon in the Madison community enjoying the arts. Saturday, Sept. 14 is Open Art Day and it’s free and open to the public. Explore the visual art opportunities in the Madison area with free admission to: Steffen Thomas Museum, Madison Artist Guild, Morgan County African American Museum and the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center from noon – 4pm. Light refreshments will be served at each location.

If you’re a Gershwin fan then get yourself off to Eatonton’s Plaza Arts Center on Saturday, Sept. 21 for “Embraceable You”. Husband and wife team, Lisa and Dean Balkwill, two of today’s most talented young artists, will sing “They Can’t Take That Away From Me”, “I Got Rhythm”, “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” and more. Dance and fall in love to the music of George and Ira Gershwin, musical comedy at it’s best.

If you like Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Lena Horne, with a little extra modern flair then you’ll love “Embraceable You”. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 – $50. For more information 706-923-1655.

Join OPAS for a lawn concert at the newly renovated Stables in Harbor Club, for an intimate evening of Music Under the Pines on Thursday, Sept. 26. Artist Lindy Gravelle adds elements of rockabilly, swing and pop to her country music background (she began her career at age three singing in the family band), giving her a unique and personal sound all her own. There will be festival seating, bring your chairs or blankets; refreshments will be available for purchase (no outside food or beverages). Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For more information call 877-725-8849.

A new and exciting event closes out September with The Cotton South Fine Arts Festival at Town Park in Madison on Sept. 28 – 29 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. This festival is dedicated to showcasing the best in contemporary fine art and fine crafts. Every piece at The Cotton South will be original works of art, not reproductions. Participants include National and International Best of Show artists and artisans. A special section devoted to the graded artwork of Morgan County students will give you a glimpse of what can be expected from the next generation of artists. Admission is $10, children under 12 are free when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The soggy, steamy summer has now passed and there’s a lot going on this season. Get out and about to enjoy the wonderful events happening here in Lake Country.