Macon GA International Cherry Blossom Festival (2018)

Since its humble beginnings in 1982, the Macon GA 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.

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Cherry Blossom Festival Details

When: Friday, March 16th – Sunday, March 25th

Time: 8:30am – 5pm

Location: Cherry Blossom Festival Headquarters, 794 Cherry Street, Macon GA

Contact: (478) 330-7050

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Central City Park Details

When: Friday, March 24th – Sunday, April 2nd

Time: 10am – 10pm

Location: 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive Macon, GA

Admission:

• Day of Event – $5 per person
• Children Under 10 – Free

Gate & Amusement Specials:

• Weekdays: Free Admission from 12pm – 1pm
• Friday, March 16th: $20 Unlimited Rides with $5 Gate Admission
• Monday, March 19th: $10 Unlimited Rides with Free Gate Admission
• Monday – Friday, March 19th-23rd: $20 Unlimited Rides with $5 Gate Admission
• Saturdays & Sundays, March 17th-18th and March 24th-25th: $25 Unlimited Rides with $5 Gate Admission

On Saturdays, March 17th and March 24th, tickets must be purchased by 3pm for discount. 

On Monday, March 19th, Military Day, all Active, Retired, Reserve, and Veteran Military, Department Of Defense Civilian Employees and immediate family admitted free with military ID.

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

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Cherry Blossom Festival Featured Events

Friday, March 16th: Central City Park Opening Ceremony 

Ribbon cutting ceremony to kick-start the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Time: 12pm – 1pm

Location: Central City Park, 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA

Admission:

• Day of Event – $5 per person
• Children Under 10 – Free

 

Friday, March 16th: Bridge Dinner

The Festival’s newest premiere event with a harvest-table dining experience by The Perfect Pear and Sassy Wines.

Time: 7pm – 10pm

Location: Mercer University Pedestrian Bridge, Macon GA

Admission:$65 per Person, SOLD OUT

 

Friday, March 16th: Latin Pop Revolution

Night of dancing with Latin pop featuring the music of Tito Puente, Sergio Mendes, Miami Sound Machine, Christina Augilera, and more!

Time: 7:30pm

Location: 105 Mercer University Drive, Macon GA

Tickets: Mercer Ticket Sales, (478) 301-5470

Admission:

• Executive Table – $540
• Premium Table – $440
• General Admission – $24
• Student/ Faculty (with ID) – $14

 

Friday, March 16th: Celli

The Library Ballroom is hosting a performance of four classically trained cellists.

Time: 7pm

Location: 652 Mulberry Street, Macon GA

Admission: $15

Contact: Kaylee Pruitt, (478) 957-7728

 

Friday, March 16th: Country Night Featuring Zac Brown Tribute Band

The Zac Brown Tribute Band, 20 RIDE, will be covering the band’s music in this country night event.

Time: 7pm

Location: Central City Park, Macon GA

Admission: Free with Park Admission

Contact: Kaylee Pruitt, (478) 957-7728

 

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Saturday, March 17th: Award-Winning Pink Pancake Breakfast

Pancake breakfast hosted by the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department with all proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society.

Time: 7am – 10:30am

Location: Central City Park- United Building, Macon GA

Admission:

• Individual – $5
• Children 5 & Under – $2

Contact: (478) 751-9180

 

Saturday, March 17th: Macon Open Air Market

Alfresco market featuring over 60 different makers, farmers, artisans, and food trucks providing locally handmade goods.

Time: 10am – 3pm

Location: 543 Plum Street, Macon GA

Admission: Free

 

Saturday, March 17th: Ride In Motorcycle Exhibit

The 16th Annual Ride In Motorcycle Exhibit, sponsored by ABATE of Georgia, featuring over 100 various motorcycles parked on the exhibit lawn.

Time: 12pm – 2:30pm

Location: 543 Plum Street, Macon GA

Admission: Free

Contact: Paul Kerr, (770) 490-2330

 

Saturday, March 17th: Shamrock ‘N’ Ride Burger Tri

Bike competition consisting of bikes, burgers, booze, and music.

Time: 12:30pm – 4pm

Location: Tattnall Square Park, 1155 College Street, Macon GA

Admission: Free

Contact: Shamrock ‘N’ Ride, (478) 335-1236

 

Saturday, March 17th: Cotton Avenue Revival Festival

Celebration of the rich legacy and revitalization of Macon’s historic African American business district.

Time: 12:30pm – 7pm

Location: Cotton Avenue, Macon GA

Admission: Free

Contact: Cotton Avenue

 

Saturday, March 17th: 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.

2018 Contestants:

• Centerville Fire Department
• Coliseum Medical Centers
• Coliseum Northside Hospital
• iStroll Macon
• Kellstrom Defense
• Macon Bibb Fire Department
• Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office
• Mattress Firm
• Regency Hospital of Central Georgia – Select Medical
• The Cherry Blossom Festival
• Walthall Oil Company

Awards:

• Dream Team Award – Fastest Team
• Sleep Walkers Award – Slowest Team
• Drift Off Award – Biggest Wipe Out
• Best in Bed Award – Best Bed Design

Time: 1pm – 2pm

Location: Cherry Street at Third Street, Macon GA

Admission:Free

 

Saturday, March 17th: Emerald Ball 

An evening of dining and dancing to celebrate 36 years of the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Time: Doors open at 6:30pm, 7pm – 11pm

Location: Macon City Auditorium, 415 1st Street, Macon GA

Admission:

• Individual – $75
• Table – $600

Reservations required and black tie optional.

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Sunday, March 18th: Cherry Blossom Worship Service

The Cherry Blossom Worship Service will have worship and fellowship to celebrate love and international friendship within the community.

Time: 10:30am – 12pm

Location: Riverside United Methodist Church, 735 Pierce Avenue, Macon GA

Admission: Free

 

Sunday, March 18th: 36th Annual Parade

The 36th Annual Parade strolling the historic downtown with floats, marching bands, performers, military units, and more!

Time: 4pm – 5:30pm   

Location: Cherry Street at Third Street, Macon GA

Admission: Free

Parade will be held rain or shine and cancelled only in the event of lightening present.

 

Sunday, March 18th: 36th Annual Parade

The 36th Annual Parade strolling the historic downtown with floats, marching bands, performers, military units, and more!

Time: 4pm – 5:30pm   

Location: Cherry Street at Third Street, Macon GA

Admission: Free

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Monday, March 19th: Cherry Blossom Organ Concert

Performances by spectacular organ recitalists and hosted by the Mulberry Street United Methodist Church and the American Guild of Organists.

Time: 12pm 

Location: Mulberry Street United Methodist Church, 719 Mulberry Street Macon, GA

Admission:Free

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Thursday, March 22nd – Saturday, March 24th: 2018 Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale

Spring plant sale sponsored by Master Gardeners of Central Georgia (a 501 c 3 Non Profit) and UGA Cooperative Extension Macon Bibb and Houston County.

Time:

• Thursday, March 22nd: 12pm – 5pm
• Friday, March 23rd: 8am – 5pm
• Saturday, March 24th: 8am – 3pm

Location: State Farmers Market, 2055 Eisenhower Parkway, Macon GA

 

Thursday, March 22nd – Sunday, March 25th: The Big Idaho® Potato Truck

The Big Idaho® Potato Truck on its 7th cross-country journey!

Time: 1oam – 10pm   

Location: Central City Park, 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA

Admission: Free

 

Thursday, March 22nd: Classical Concert by International Pianist Louise Barfield

Little Carnegie of the South will feature Macon musician, Louise Barfield, with a concert and reception.

Time: 5pm

Location: Tubman Museum, 310 Cherry Street, Macon GA

Admission:

• $30
• No Children Under 8 Years
• Tickets

Contact: Louise, (478) 256-3388

 

Thursday, March 22nd: Chic Soirée

Fashion show featuring the emerging spring trends.

Time: 7pm – 9pm

Location: Historic Terminal Station, 200 Cherry Street, Macon GA

Admission:

• General Admission, $50
• VIP Admission & Swag Bag, $75

Contact: (478) 330-7050

 

Thursday, March 22nd: Georgia On My Mind

Enjoy an evening of music by the Middle Georgia Concert Band.

Time: 7pm – 9pm

Location: Porter Auditorium at Wesleyan College, 4760 Forsyth Road, Macon, GA

Admission: Free

 

Thursday, March 22nd: Corks & Canvas

Bring a bottle of your favorite wine and create an 11×14 painting with an artist to guide you through the steps.

Time: $28, Includes all Materials

Location: The 567 Center for Renewal, 456 First Street, Macon GA

Admission: Call (478) 238-6051 to Register

 

Thursday, March 22nd: Charlie Daniels Band

Concert put on by the legendary Charlie Daniels Band.

Time: 7:30pm

Location: Macon City Auditorium, 415 1st Street, Macon GA

Admission:

• $36
• $46
• $56

Contact: Tyler Gambrell, (478) 803-1593

 

Thursday, March 22nd: Soul/Motown night featuring James Brown Tribute Band

A night of music with a collection of Georgia’s finest musicians associated with the Atlanta Funk Society.

Time: 8pm – 10pm

Location: Central City Park, 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA

Admission: Free with Park Admission

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Friday, March 23rd: Comedy Show

A comedy night with Mark Ballard roasting the Cherry Blossom Festival founder, Carolyn Crayton.

Time: 6pm

Location: Anderson Conference Center, 5171 Eisenhower Pkwy, Macon GA

Admission: 

• Per Ticket – $40
• Tickets

Contact: Jonathan Poe, music@christchurchmacon.com, (478) 745-0427

 

Friday, March 23rd: The Atlanta Women’s Chorus & The Atlanta Gay Men’s Choir

Time: 7pm

Location: Nave of Christ Church, 582 Walnut Street, Macon GA

Admission: Free

Contact: Jonathan Poe, music@christchurchmacon.com, (478) 745-0427

 

Friday, March 23rd: Tea Garden Party

A special reception featuring botanicals, blown glass, and ceramics by Jeffrey Whittle, Melissa Harshman, Devon Cole, Kelly Robertson, Mary Frances Burt, Frances de La Rosa, and Leslie Miller.

Time: 5pm – 8pm

Location: Macon Arts Gallery, 486 First Street, Macon GA

Admission: Free

 

Friday, March 23rd: Award Winning Gospel Extravaganza

Evening of fellowship hosted by The Rev. Timothy Flemming with many performers.

Time: 8pm – 10pm 

Location: Willingham Hall at Mercer University, 1501 Mercer University Drive, Macon GA

Performances:

• Aris and Artist Johnston
• Daynell Daymon & Greater Works
• Dazzling Divas of Macon
• Future Generation
• LaShun Pace

Admission:

• Per Person in Advance – $15
• Per Person at Door – $20

Purchase tickets at the Cherry Blossom Festival Gift Shop.

Contact: SMARTMACON@gmail.com, (478) 508-8459

 

Friday, March 23rd: Southern Rock night featuring Allman Brothers Tribute Band

Free concert put on by the Allman Brothers Tribute Band.

Time: 8pm – 10pm 

Location: Central City Park, 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA

Admission: Free with Park Admission

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Saturday, March 24th: Bike the City Pink

The 2nd Annual Bike the City Pink is back! A family friendly bike ride with a pit stop at the pink pancake breakfast.

Time: 7am – 8:30am

Location: Tubman Museum, 310 Cherry Street, Macon GA

Admission: Free

Contact: Charise Stephens, (478) 747-7920

 

Saturday, March 17th: Award-Winning Pink Pancake Breakfast

Pancake breakfast hosted by the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department with all proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society.

Time: 7am – 10:30am

Location: Central City Park- United Building, Macon GA

Admission:

• Individual – $5
• Children 5 & Under – $2

Contact: (478) 751-9180

 

Saturday, March 24th: Men and Senior Men Cherry Blossom Golf Tournament

Four ball golf tournament for men and seniors 55 and older.

Time: 8am – 5pm

Location: Georgia/Bowden Golf Course, 3111 Millerfield Road Macon, Macon GA

Admission: $200 per Team

Contact: Sam Macfie, (478) 742-1610

 

Saturday, March 24th: Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival

Time: 9am – 2pm

Location: Tattnall Square Park, 1155 College Street, Macon GA

Admission:

• Free to View
• $5 for Child and High School Categories
• $10 for College and Professional Categories

Contact: Dominique Lewis, (478) 6216-281

 

Saturday, March 24th: Cherry Blossom Boxing Event

Boxing show produced by the Macon Bibb United Boxing Club.

Time: 2pm – 5pm

• Weigh-In’s  – 9am 
  

Location: Freedom Park Recreation Center, 3301 Roff Avenue, Macon GA

Admission:

• Adults – $10
• Children 5 & Under – Free

 

Saturday, March 24th: Cherry Blossom Easter Egg Hunt

Thousands of eggs filled with toys and candy will be dropped from a helicopter for kids to have an egg hunt.

Time:

• 2pm – 4pm
  
• Check-In Begins at 1:30pm

Egg Drop Schedule:

• Children Ages 2 – 4 years: 2:30pm
  
• Children Ages 5 – 7 years: 3pm
• Children Ages 8 – 10 years: 3:30pm

Location: Middle Georgia State University, 100 University Parkway, Macon GA

Admission: Free

 

Saturday, March 24th: Copper Jewelry Workshop

Hands on workshop by Darlene of Freestyle Art & Design to show you how to forge copper into jewelry.

Time: 2pm – 4:30pm

Location: The 567 Center for Renewal, 456 1st Street, Macon GA

Admission:

• All Materials – $40
• Members – $32

 

Saturday, March 24th – Sunday, March 25th: Food Truck Frenzy

Gourmet food trucks from the South offering delicious culinary trends for purchase.

Time:

• Saturday, March 24th: 10am – 7pm
• Sunday, March 25th: 10am – 5pm

Location: Third Street at Mulberry, 301-313 Third Street, Macon GA

Featuring: 

• Bento Bus
• Bollywood Zing
• Dragon Cupbop
• Flatbread Bistro
• Five Finger Philly
• Gekko sushi hibachi food truck
• Gotta Have It
• Island Noodles
  
• Ma’s Irish Kitchen
• Mix’D UP Burgers
• Queens Pretzel Palace
• Rio’s Italian Ice and Gelato
  
• Repicci’s Real Italian Ice & Gelato/Refreshment Concepts, Inc.
• 6packsubs Vietnamese Cuisine

Admission: Free

 

Saturday, March 24th: Street Party

Downtown street party featuring multiple musicians.

Time: 3pm

Location: Cotton Avenue and Poplar Street, 455-473 1st Street, Macon GA

Featuring: 

• 4pm – 5pm: David Nail
• 5:30pm – 7pm: Eli Young Band
  
• 7:30pm – 9pm: Booker T
• 9:30pm – 11pm: Chaka Khan

Admission:

• Advance- $20 per person
• Day of Event – $25
• Tickets
  

 

Saturday, March 24th: Inaugural Cherry Blossom Festival Celebration Game

Georgia Doom versus Atlanta Havoc will be the first game of the season.

Time: 7pm – 10pm

Location: Macon Coliseum, 200 Coliseum Drive, Macon GA

Admission: 

• $21 – $38
• Seniors, Military and Students 10% discount with valid ID

Contact: Georgia Doom

 

Saturday, March 24th: Margaritaville featuring Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band

Free concert put on by the Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band.

Time: 8pm – 10pm

Location: Central City Park, 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA

Admission: Free with Park Admission

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Sunday, March  25th: Annual Cherry Blossom Track Invitational

Annual high school track meet hosted by Southwest High with individual and team trophies awarded.

Time: 9am – 6pm

• Field Events Begin at 9am
• Running Events Begin at 1pm

Location: 1210 Shurling Drive, Macon GA

Register: MileSplit.com

Contact: Trent Allen, (478) 779-4500

 

Sunday, March  25th: The Grand Finale Glow

Final day celebration with live music from Michelle Marshall and hot air balloon rides.

Time: 4pm – 8pm

Location: Wesleyan College, 4760 Forsyth Road, Macon GA

Admission:

• Free with Park Admission
• Hot Air Balloon Rides – $10

 

Sunday, March 25th: Cherry Blossom Gala

The Festival’s newest premiere event with a harvest-table dining experience by The Perfect Pear and Sassy Wines.

Time: 7pm – 11pm  

Location: Middle Georgia State University, 100 University Parkway, Macon GA

Admission:

• Individual – $62.50
• Couple – $125
• 8 Person Table – $500

      Reservations Required

Contact: Mercer Ticket Sales, (478) 301-5470

 

Sunday, March  25th: The Grand Finale

A night of music by the Macon group, The Grapevine, with a fireworks ending.

Time: 8pm – 10pm 

Location: Central City Park, 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive,  Macon GA

Admission: Free with Park Admission

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Cherry Blossom Gift Shop 36th Anniversary Pin

Macon’s own Choice Premiums has designed this year’s 36th anniversary pin. Choice Premium’s leadership for the previous year resulted in the Cherry Blossom Festival winning the 2017 International Festival and Events Association Silver Award for Best Overall Merchandising Program.

Information on Purchasing the Cherry Blossom Pin:

When: Every Saturday in March, 10am – 5pm

Location: 530 Cherry Street, Travis Jean Building, Macon GA

Cherry Blossom Pin Availability:

• Cherry Blossom Gift Shop, 53o Cherry Street, Travis Jean Building, Macon GA
• Area Kroger Locations
  
• Robins Financial Credit Union Branches

Cherry Blossom Pin Cost: $5

Cherry Blossom Pin Discount Coupons:

• Cherry Blossom Festival Gift Shop – 25% Off One Purchase
• S&S Cafeterias – $1 off Purchase of $7.59 or More
• Cherry Blossom Festival – Entry to win $500 Cash

Contact: Cherry Blossom Gift Shop – (478) 845-9096, sharkins@cherryblossom.com

Come one day or several and enjoy all the Macon GA Cherry Blossom Festival has to offer!

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The Macon GA Cherry Blossom Festival (2018)