Macon GA International Cherry Blossom Festival (2023)
Spring is in the air which for middle Georgia means it is nearly time for the 41st annual Macon GA Cherry Blossom Festival. The 10-day extravaganza is scheduled for March 17th – March 26th, and with hundreds of events planned, promises something for everyone.
A few of the featured events and venues sure to draw a large crowd include a parade, fashion show, gourmet food trucks, various concerts, and a street party. Other events such as plays/musicals, pink pancake breakfast, pet training, classic car show, and a golf tournament abound.
Since its humble beginnings in 1982, the Macon GA International Cherry Blossom Festival has grown into one of the 100 largest annual events in North America, earning the city the title “Cherry Blossom Capital of the World“. Put it on your calendar…you do not want to miss this opportunity to enjoy southern culture in a beautiful setting.
Cherry Blossom Festival Details
When: Friday, March 17th – Sunday, April March 26th
Location: Cherry Blossom Festival Headquarters, 794 Cherry Street, Macon GA
Contact: (478) 330-7050
Carolyn Crayton Park Details
When: Friday, March 18th – Sunday, March 27th
Time:
- Monday – Friday: Noon – 10pm
- Saturday: 10am – 10pm
- Sunday: Noon – 10pm
Location Entrances:
- Round Building at Carolyn Crayton Park
- Willie Smokie Glover Road Entrance
Admission:
- $10 per person
- Children Under 10: Free
- Heroes Day: Free and $10 Unlimited Rides – Monday, March 20th
- Must Show ID
- Active, retired, reserve, and veteran military
- DOD civilian employees
- first responders & immediate family
- Two for $2 Off Tuesday
- Receive $2 off when donating 2 items to support All About Animals
- State of Georgia Appreciation Wednesday
- State of GA employees, including teachers are free
- Must show State ID
- Thirsty Thursday
- Drink specials for guests 21+
- Seniors Day: $5 Off – Sunday, March 26th
- Clear Bag Policy
Gate & Amusement Specials:
- Monday – Friday: $20 Pay One Price, Unlimited Rides
- Saturday & Sunday: $25 Pay One Price, Unlimited Rides
- Ride Coupons are $1.25, One Coupon per Ride
Pay one price, unlimited ride specials must be purchased by 3pm.
Amusement Rides:
- Balloon Wheel
- Black Forest
- Bumblebees
- Bumper Cars
- Catterpillar
- Circus Train
- Clown House
- Cuda
- Cyclops
- Flying Elephants
- Kite Flyer
- Lolly Swing
- Mantis
- Merry Go Round
- Mixer
- Pirate
- Rocking Tugboat
- Seattle Wheel
- Super Slide
- Tea Cups
- Tilt-a-Whirl
- Wild Jungle
- X-Factor
- Zoogvogel Swing Tower
Parking: Free Everyday – First Come, First Serve!
- Carolyn Crayton Park – United Building Parking Lot
- Luther Williams Field Parking Lot
- Park & Walk Lots: Willie Smokey Glover Drive (One Way) & Atlanta Gas Light Lot
- Overflow Parking: New Street and Riverside Drive
- Handicap Parking: Inside Carolyn Crayton Park – Enter from Willie Smokie Glover Drive and turn into the United Building Parking Lot on Right
Cherry Blossom Festival Featured Events
Friday, March 17th: Opening Ceremony
Ribbon cutting ceremony to kick-start the Cherry Blossom Festival.
Time: 12pm – 1pm
Location: Carolyn Crayton Park, 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission:
- Free with Park Admission
Friday, March 17th: Cherry Blossom Ball
Come enjoy some cuisine from Oliver’s Corner Bistro, the decor by Canaan Marshall Designs, and entertainment by The Swingin’ Medallions and Streetline Percussion. Black-tie is optional.
Time: 7pm – 11pm
Catering:
- Dinner Served by Oliver’s Corner Bistro
Location: Macon City Auditorium, 415 1st Street, Macon GA
Admission: SOLD OUT
Friday, March 17th: Ocmulgee Lantern Light Tour
Wear good walking shoes for a one hour illuminated walking tour from the Ocmulgee visiting center to Great Temple Mound. Gates open at 7pm and tours run every 10 minutes.
Time: 7:30pm – 9pm
Location: Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park, 1207 Emery Highway, Macon GA
Admission: $6, Tickets
Saturday, March 18th: Award-Winning Pink Pancake Breakfast
Pancake breakfast hosted by the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department and the Macon Bacon with all proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.
Time: 7am – 10:30am
Location: Luther Williams Stadium, Willie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission:
- Individual – $7
- Children 5 & Under – $3
Saturday, March 18th: Cherry Blossom Road Race 5K & Quarter Marathon
Road race with 5k and Quarter Marathon that starts and finishes at Howard High School benefiting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Georgia.
Time:
- 7:30am, Packet Pickup
- 8:30am, Race Begins
Location: Howard High School, 6400 Forysth Road, Macon GA
Admission:
- $30, 5K
- $35, Quarter Marathon
Saturday, March 18th: Cherry Blossom Custom Car Cruise-In
Come out for a custom car cruise.
Time: 10am – 2pm
Location: Cherry Street, Macon GA (Between Second and Third Street)
Car Registration:
- Must register by March 17th
- Call or Text
- John Goodwin, (478) 283-9785
- Tal Gregory, (478) 338-0679
Contact: Jack Dean, (478) 998-4673
Saturday, March 18th: Weiner Dog Race
Come out and see who will win the title, “Fastest Wiener Dog in Middle Georgia,” with a Dachshund dog race.
Time: 12pm – 1pm
Location: Cherry Street at Third Street, Macon GA
Admission: Free
Saturday, March 18th: Bed Race
You won’t want to miss the zany entries, all vying for the “fastest bed” title. Teams of five members will participate in a bed race with only one member on the bed and the four others pushing. Team creativity and themes are greatly encouraged.
Awards:
- Dream Team Award – Fastest Team
- Sleep Walkers Award – Slowest Team
- Best in Bed Award – Best Bed Design
Time: 2pm – 3pm
Location: Cherry Street at Third Street, Macon GA
Admission: Free
Saturday, March 18th: Sean Solo w/ Hello Again
Come out to see born & raised Macon native, Sean Williams ( Sean Solo) perform.
Time: 3pm – 4:30pm
Location: Carolyn Crayton Park, 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission: Free
Saturday, March 18th: Reese Soul
Come out to see the talented Atlanta singer/multi-instrumentalist, Reese Soul.
Time: 5:30pm – 7pm
Location: Carolyn Crayton Park, 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission: Free
Saturday, March 18th: The Legendary Wailers
Come out to be serenaded by The Legendary Wailers.
Time: 8pm – 10pm
Location: Carolyn Crayton Park, 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission: Free with Park Admission
Sunday, March 19th: Cherry Blossom Festival ISEKAI
Come out for a video game tournament for the games, “Guilty Gear Strive,” “Street Fighter V,” “Tekken,” and “Super Smash Brothers.” Each game will have a prize pool starting at $200.
Time: 12pm – 8pm
Location: Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, 301 Cherry Street, Macon GA
Admission:
- $5 for Spectators
- $30 Tournament Fee/ Open Gameplay
- $5, Each Additional Game
- Registration
Sunday, March 19th: 41st Cherry Blossom Parade
Come out and see the 41st Cherry Blossom Parade that strolls the historic downtown with floats, marching bands, performers, military units, and more! You can also meet this year’s Grand Marshall’s, The Critter Fixers.
Time: 3pm – 4pm
Location: Downtown, Macon GA
Admission: Free
Sunday, March 19th: Georgia Big Band
Come out to hear the Georgia Big Band.
Time: 4pm – 5pm
Location: Vineville United Methodist, 2045 Vineville Ave, Macon GA
Admission: Free
Monday, March 20th: Heroes Day
Free Admission and $10 unlimited amusement rides for all military, DOD civilian employees, first responders and their immediate families.
Time: All Day
Location: Carolyn Crayton Park, 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission:
- Free
- $10 Unlimited Amusement Rides
Monday, March 20th: 3rd Street Park Festivities
Don’t miss all the exciting events happening on 3rd Street during the Cherry Blossom Festival!
Time: 11:30am – 1pm
Location: Third Street, Macon GA
Monday, March 20th: Demun Jones
Come out to enjoy the talented songwriter, Demun Jones.
Time: 8pm – 10pm
Location: Carolyn Crayton Park, 115 Willie Smokie Glover, Macon GA
Admission: Free
Tuesday, March 22nd: Two for $2 Off Tuesday
Get $2 off your admission plus $2 concession vendor specials with a donation at the gate to All About Animals Rescue!
Time: All Day
Location: 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Needed Donations:
- Puppy pads
- Canned puppy food
- Bones
- Treats
- Toys
- Cleaning Supplies
- Trash Bags
- Blankets
- Laundry Detergent
Tuesday, March 21st: The Macon Sound
Come out to see a performance by The Macon Sound!
Time: 5:30pm – 7pm
Location:Carolyn Crayton Park, 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission: Free
Wednesday, March 22nd: Georgia State Employee Day
State of Georgia employees, including teachers and school district staff, get in free with their state or district issued ID.
Time: 12pm – 10pm
Location: Carolyn Crayton Park, 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission: Free
Wednesday, March 22nd: The Restless Natives
Come out to enjoy The Restless Natives!
Time: 5:30pm – 7pm
Location: Carolyn Crayton Park, 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Wednesday, March 22nd: Rock the 90’s
Come out to relive the glory days of rock from the 90’s!
Time: 8pm – 1opm
Location: Carolyn Crayton Park, 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission: Free with Park Admission
Thursday, March 23rd: Cherry Blossom Organ Concert Series
Daily half hour organ concerts that start at noon in the sanctuary.
Time: 12pm – 12:30pm
Location: Mulberry Street United Methodist Church, 719 Mulberry Street, Macon GA
Thursday, March 23rd: An Evening of Jazz at the Hay House
Enjoy an evening of live jazz at the “Palace of the South.”
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Location: Hay House
Admission: $35 per person
Thursday, March 23rd: Yacht Rock Revue
Come out to enjoy a group of top notch musicians!
Time: 8pm – 10pm
Location: Carolyn Crayton Park, 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission: Free with Park Admission
Friday, March 24th: Josh Courson
Come out to see the award winning country music singer songwriter, Josh Courson perform!
Time: 3pm – 4:30pm
Location: Carolyn Crayton Park, 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Friday, March 24th: JB Strauss
Come out to see the talented, JB Strauss.
Time: 5:30pm – 7pm
Location: Carolyn Crayton Park, 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Friday, March 24th: Ocmulgee Lantern Light Tour
Wear good walking shoes for a one hour illuminated walking tour from the Ocmulgee visiting center to Great Temple Mound. Gates open at 7pm and tours run every 10 minutes.
Time: 7:30pm – 9pm
Location: Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park, 1207 Emery Highway, Macon GA
Admission: $6, Tickets
Friday, March 24th: Eli Young Band
Experience a one-of-a-kind night with tribute entertainment to the Allman Brothers, catering by the Perfect Pear, décor by Canaan Marhsall Design, and complimentary beverages from Piedmont Brewery.
Time: 8pm – 10pm
Location: Carolyn Crayton Park, 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission: Free with Park Admission
Friday, March 25th: Corks & Canvas
Beginner- friendly painting workshop for 18+ years and older. With the help of a local artist you will create a beautiful 11×14 canvas painting. Bring your favorite bottle of wine or beverage. Must be 21 years or older to drink.
Time: 7pm – 9:30pm
Location: 456 First Street, Macon GA
Admission: $28 for 11×14 Canvas, Materials Included
Contact: (478) 238-6051, Limited Space – Call to Register
Saturday, March 25th: Macon Bibb Fire Department Pink Pancake Breakfast
Pancake breakfast hosted by the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department and the Macon Bacon with all proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.
Time: 7am – 10:30am
Location: Luther Williams Stadium, Willie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission:
- Individual – $7
- Children 5 & Under – $3
Saturday, March 25th: Macon North Rotary 5K Trail Race
Come out for the Macon North Rotary 5K Trail Race!
Time: 8:30am – 12:30pm
- Packet pickup at 7:30am
- Race starts at 8:30am
Location: Arrowhead Park – main pavilion above the playground, 2800 Arrowhead Drive, Lizella, GA
Admission:
- $30 – Register Online
- Pickup Packet at The Wellness Center, 3797 Northside Drive, Macon GA
Contact: Lisa Seneker, (478) 318-1891
Saturday, March 25th: Cherry Blossom Golf Tournament
Come out to the newly renovated Bowden Golf Course in Macon. The format will be a 2 man best ball and will have a Senior Division.
Time: 8:50am – 1pm
Location: Bowden Golf Course, 3111 Millerfield Rd, Macon GA
Saturday, March 25th: Food Truck Frenzy
Gourmet food trucks from the South offering delicious culinary trends for purchase with music by Laura Starling.
Time: 10am – 7pm
Location: Third Street, Macon GA
Saturday, March 25th: Hope for the Heart of Georgia
Join Hope for the Heart of Georgia to hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ and His amazing love with popular Christian artists Mac Powell, Fred Hammond, and Unspoken, plus special guest speaker Dr. Michael Youssef.
Time: 7pm – 10pm
Location: Macon Coliseum, 200 Coliseum Drive, Macon GA
Admission: Free
Contact: Hope Event
Saturday, March 25th: Ocmulgee Lantern Light Tour
Wear good walking shoes for a one hour illuminated walking tour from the Ocmulgee visiting center to Great Temple Mound. Gates open at 7pm and tours run every 10 minutes.
Time: 7:30pm – 9pm
Location: Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park, 1207 Emery Highway, Macon GA
Admission: $6, Tickets
Sunday, March 26th: Seniors Day
All seniors aged 55+ will receive $5 off admission!
Time: All Day
Location: 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission: $5 off
Sunday, March 26th: Cherry Blossom Golf Tournament
Come out to the newly renovated Bowden Golf Course in Macon. The format will be a 2 man best ball and will have a Senior Division.
Time: 8:50am – 1pm
Location: Bowden Golf Course, 3111 Millerfield Rd, Macon GA
Sunday, March 26th: Food Truck Frenzy
Gourmet food trucks from the South offering delicious culinary trends for purchase with music by Laura Starling.
Time: 10am – 5pm
Location: Third Street, Macon GA
Sunday, March 26th: EG Kight
Come out for the performance by EG Kight.
Time: 4pm – 5:30pm
Location: Carolyn Crayton Park, 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Cherry Blossom Gift Shop 40th Anniversary Pin
The 41st Anniversary pin is presented by Robins Financial Credit Union and is inspired by the pink poodles seen every year at the festival.
Cherry Blossom Pin Availability:
- Visit Macon
- Museum of Arts and Sciences
- Atlanta Postal Credit Union
- Tubman Museum
- Cannonball House
- Cadence Bank
- Georgia Sports Hall of Fame
- Creter’s
- The Bohemian Den
- Robins Financial Credit Union
- Locations: Hartley Bridge Road, Log Cabin Drive, Zebulon Road, Riverside Drive and Mulberry Street
Cherry Blossom Pin Cost: $5
Thanks for checking out another Houston County Local Event!
