Macon GA International Cherry Blossom Festival (2020)
Spring is in the air which for middle Georgia means it is nearly time for the annual Macon GA Cherry Blossom Festival. The 10-day extravaganza is scheduled for March 27th – April 5th, 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 27th – Sunday, April 5th
Time: 8:30am – 5pm
Location: Cherry Blossom Festival Headquarters, 794 Cherry Street, Macon GA
Contact: (478) 330-7050
Central City Park Details
When: Friday, March 27th – Sunday, April 5th
Time:
- Monday – Friday, Sunday: Noon – 10pm
- Both Saturdays: 10am – 11pm
Location Entrances:
- 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive Macon, GA
- Round Building at Central City Park
Admission:
- Day of Event – $5 per person
- Children Under 10 – Free
Gate & Amusement Specials:
- Friday, March 27th: $20 Unlimited Rides with $5 Gate Admission
- Monday, March 30th: $10 Unlimited Rides for Military with Free Gate Admission (Heroes Day)
- Monday – Friday, March 30th – April 3rd: $20 Unlimited Rides with $5 Gate Admission
- Saturdays & Sundays, March 28th-29th and April 4th-5th: $25 Unlimited Rides with $5 Gate Admission
Pay one price, unlimited ride specials must be purchased at the midway.
On Monday, March 30th, Heroes Day, all Active, Retired, Reserve, and Veteran Military, Department Of Defense Civilian Employees and immediate family, Firefighters and Law Enforcement 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 – First Come, First Serve!
- Central City Park – United Building Parking Lot
- Luther Williams Field Parking Lot
- Park & Walk Lots: Walnut Street and 7th Street
- Overflow Parking: New Street and Riverside Drive
- Handicap Parking: Inside Central City Park – Enter from Willie Smokie Glover Drive and turn into the United Building Parking Lot on Right
Cherry Blossom Festival Featured Events
Friday, March 27th: 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:
- Free with Park Admission
Friday, March 27th: Pasta on Poplar
Enjoy some favorite Italian dishes served by The Perfect Pear under the stars with music, cocktails, and beautiful decor by Canaan Marshall.
Time: 6pm – 9pm
- Cocktail Hour – 6pm
- Dinner Served – 7pm
Catering:
- Beer & Wine by Piedmont Brewery
- Dinner Served by The Perfect Pear
Location: 665 Poplar Street, Macon GA
Admission: $75 per Person, Ticket Purchase
Friday, March 27th: 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
Friday, March 27th: Movie in the Park – Abominable
Come on out with your blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks for a family friendly move in the park featuring the movie, Abominable. Popcorn and drinks will be available while supplies last.
Time: 8pm – 9:30pm
Location: Tatnall Square Park, 1155 College Street, Macon GA
Admission: Free
Contact: (478) 621-6280
Friday, March 27th: The Return: The Ultimate Beatles Experience
This concert is a tribute to The Beatles with an entertaining performance by the band, The Return.
Time: 8pm – 9:30pm
Location: 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission: Free Concert with Park Admission
Saturday, March 28th: 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, 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission:
- Individual – $5
- Children 5 & Under – $3
Contact: (478) 751-9180
Saturday, March 28th: Middle Georgia State University’s Spring Garden Symposium
This event will engage and educate gardeners with a keynote speaker as well as special interest breakout sessions.
Time: 8:30am – 3pm
Location: Middle Georgia State University, 100 University Parkway, Macon GA
Admission: $40, Per Person
Saturday, March 28th: Cherry Blossom Festival Women/Junior Golf Tournament
Annual two-person team golf tournament on the Historic Bowden Golf Course.
Time: 8:30am
Location: Historic Bowden Golf Course, 3111 Millerfield Road, Macon GA
Admission:
- $200, Two Woman Participating Team
- $100, Junior
Saturday, March 28th: Ronald McDonald House Charities Cherry Blossom Road Race
Road race with 5k and 12k that starts and finishes at GEICO benefiting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Georgia.
Time: 8:30am
Location: GEICO, 4295 Ocmulgee East Blvd., Macon GA
Admission:
- $25, Advance
- $30, After March 15th
- Register Here
Saturday, March 28th: Downtown Macon Open Air Market
Open market featuring 60+ local arts, crafts, artisan, and farm vendors.
Time: 9am – 3pm
Location: 468 Second Street (Second Street Between Cherry and Poplar Streets), Macon GA
Admission: Free
Contact: (678) 314-3623
Saturday, March 28th: Macon Amateur Radio Club Special Event Station
The Macon Amateur Radio Club will be setting up short-wave station at the Macon-Bibb Emergency Management Agency (EMA).
Time: 10am – 4pm
Location: 700 Poplar Street, Macon GA
Admission: Free
Contact: Ed, edcampbellga@cox.net
Saturday, March 28th: Weiner Dog Race
Come out and see who will win the title, “Fastest Wiener Dog in Middle Georgia,” with a Dachshund dog race.
Time: 11am – 12pm
Location: Cherry Street at Third Street, Macon GA
Admission: Free
Saturday, March 28th: 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
- 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 28th: Firefighter Competition
Come out and watch the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department give it their all in this annual competition.
Time: 2pm – 3pm
Location: Cherry Street at Third Street, Macon GA
Admission: Free
Contact: (478) 751-9180
Saturday, March 28th: Clay Page, Guitarist, Singer, Songwriter
Come out to see Nashville Recording Artist and American Idol Top 40 Contestant, Clay Page.
Time: 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Location: Little Carnegie of the South, 1962 Forsyth Street, Macon GA
- Parking: 1910 Forsyth Street Office Park, Shuttle Service Available
Admission: $25, Children Must be 8 years or Older
Contact: Louise Barfield, (478) 256-3388
Saturday, March 28th: Fiesta Ball
An evening of dining and dancing with this year’s theme showcasing the country, Mexico. Delight in cuisine by Cast Iron Catering, entertainment by Bobby & The Aristocats, and decorations by Canaan Marshall.
Time: 7pm – 11pm, Doors open at 6:30pm
Location: Macon City Auditorium, 415 First Street, Macon GA
Admission:
- $100 per Person
- Tables of 8 Available
- Tickets Required
Reservations required and black tie optional.
Saturday, March 28th: Rock the Park Featuring Lonestar
Come out to be serenaded by the award-winning music group, Lonestar.
Time: 9pm – 10:30pm
Location: The Festival at Central City Park, 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission: Free with Park Admission
Saturday, March 28th: Cherry Blossom Official After Party
The official after party for the Cherry Blossom Festival.
Time: 11pm
Location: Macon Beer Company – Taproom & Kitchen, 458 Second Street, Macon GA
Admission: Free
Contact: (478) 200-1199
Enjoy 25% off Macon Love Beer all night.
Sunday, March 29th: Cherry Blossom Festival Women/Junior Golf Tournament
Annual two-person team golf tournament on the Historic Bowden Golf Course.
Time: 8:30am
Location: Historic Bowden Golf Course, 3111 Millerfield Road, Macon GA
Admission:
- $200, Two Woman Participating Team
- $100, Junior
Sunday, March 29th: Cherry Blossom Worship Service
The Cherry Blossom Worship Service will have worship and fellowship to celebrate love and international friendship within the community.
Time: 11am
Location: Vineville United Methodist Church, 2045 Vineville Avenue, Macon GA
Sunday, March 29th: Lantern Lighting
Come out for the traditional ceremony of lighting the lantern on Third Street Park.
Time: 3pm – 3:30pm
Location: Third Street Park, Macon GA
Admission: Free
Sunday, March 29th: 39th Cherry Blossom Parade
Come out and see the 39th Cherry Blossom Parade that strolls the historic downtown with floats, marching bands, performers, military units, and more! You can also meet this year’s Celebrity Marshall, Marvel Universe’s Spider-Man.
Time: 4pm – 5:30pm
Location: Cherry Street and Mulberry Street, Macon GA
Admission: Free
Sunday, March 29th: Marvel Universe Meet and Greet with Spider-Man
Meet Marvel Universe’s Spider-Man face to face following the Cherry Blossom Parade.
Time: 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Location: 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission: Free with Park Admission
Sunday, March 29th: Cherry Blossom Festival Jazz Extravaganza
The Jazz Extravaganza features Myrna Clayton and other special guests and jazz performers.
Time: 6pm – 10pm
Location: 1985 Vineville Avenue, Macon GA
Admission:
- $20 in Advance
- $25 At the Door
Contact: (404) 482-2209
Sunday, March 29th: A2Z: The Ultimate Party Band
Come out to hear a variety of popular music by the ultimate party band, A2Z.
Time: 8pm – 9:30pm
Location: 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission: Free with Park Admission
Monday, March 30th: Founders Day Celebration
Celebrate the founders of the Cherry Blossom Festival with cupcakes from Felicia’s Cake Factory and BBQ sandwiches by Mrs. Griffins, while supplies last!
Time: 11:30am – 1:30pm
Location: Third Street Park, Macon GA
Admission: Free
Sunday, March 29th: Marvel Universe Meet and Greet with Captain America
Meet Marvel Universe’s Captain America face to face on Hereos Day.
Time: 2pm – 7:30pm
Location: 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission: Free with Gate Admission
Monday, March 25th: Story Time in the Park
Enjoy a story book reading by author Mary Therese Grabowski and illustrator Michelle Graham Fricks of the book, “Congress Has a Library.”
Time: 2:30pm
Location: 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission: Free
Monday, March 25th: 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 – 7pm
Location: 1962 Forsyth Street, Macon GA
Admission:
- $30
- Limited Seating – Registration Encouraged
- Parking at 1910 Forsyth Street Office Park or corner of Holt Avenue and Forsyth Street
No children under 8 years old permitted.
Monday, March 25th: Colony IV Brass, Organ, and Timpani in Concert
The beautiful historic St. Joseph Catholic Church will be holding a concert featuring The Colony IV Brass quintet, organist Nelda Chapman, and timpanist Rob Sumowski.
Time: 7:30pm
Location: 830 Poplar Street, Macon GA
Admission: Free with Park Admission
Monday, March 25th: Blues Brothers Soul Band: A Tribute to the Blues Brothers
See The Blues Brothers Soul Band perform a variety of songs ranging from Soul to Blues.
Time: 8pm – 10pm
Location: 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission: Free with Park Admission
Tuesday, March 26th: All That Jazz Tea
Come enjoy afternoon tea in the Neel Reid house with jazz music and a 1920/30’s fashion show.
Time: 2pm – 4pm
Location: 730 College Street, Macon GA
Admission:
- $18 per Adult
- $10 per Child (Under 12)
- Seating is Limited
Tuesday, March 26th: The Cherry Blossom Tea
The historic American Red Cross will be hosting the Cherry Blossom Tea featuring a pink hat decorating contest with judging at 3pm and awards at 3:30pm. Come in your best pink attire and self-made hat!
Time: 2:30pm – 4pm
Location: 195 Holt Avenue, Macon GA
Admission: Free
Contact: (478) 765-8624
Tuesday, March 26th: Rumours: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute
Atlanta based tribute band, Rumours, will be performing free with paid park admission.
Time: 8pm – 10pm
Location: 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission: Free with Park Admission
Wednesday, March 27th: Skating with Your Mayhem Players at Central City Park
Come out and ice-skate with the Mayhem hockey players, as well as take pictures and get autographs!
Time: 4pm – 8pm
Location: 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission: Free
Wednesday, March 27th: Sparks Yoga Flow
Come relax and yoga with Sparks Yoga!
Time: 5pm – 6pm
Location: 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission: Free
Wednesday, March 27th: Pure Barre Pop-Up Class
Join Pur Barre of Macon for a workout with their pop-up class in the park!
Time: 6pm – 7pm
Location: 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission: Free
Wednesday, March 27th: Randall Bramblett Band
Come enjoy a concert by multi-instrumentalist, Randall Bramblett!
Time: 8pm – 10pm
Location: 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission: Free with Park Admission
Thursday, March 28th: 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 – 7pm
Location: 1962 Forsyth Street, Macon GA
Admission:
- $30
- Limited Seating – Registration Encouraged
- Parking at 1910 Forsyth Street Office Park or corner of Holt Avenue and Forsyth Street
Location: 1962 Forsyth Street, Macon GA
No children under 8 years old permitted.
Thursday, March 28th: 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
Thursday, March 28th: Georgia on My Mind
Enjoy an evening of sweet songs performed by the Middle Georgia Concert Band!
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Location: Porter Auditorium at Wesleyan College, 4760 Forsyth Road, Macon GA
Admission: Free with Park Admission
Thursday, March 28th: College Throwdown with AJ the DJ
Come out to enjoy a night of music and entertainment with AJ the DJ.
Time: 8pm – 10pm
Location: Central City Park, 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission: Free with Park Admission
Friday, March 29th: Story Times at Third Street Park
Bring your children for a story-time in the park and to receive a gently used book while supplies last.
Time: 11:30am – 1:30pm
Location: Third Street, Macon GA
Admission: Free
Friday, March 29th: Mayhem Hockey Cherry Blossom Game vs Knoxvville Ice Bears
Come watch the ice hockey game between Macon Mayhem and Knoxville Ice Bears. The first 1000 fans will even receive a team photo!
Time: 6:30pm
Location: 200 Coliseum Drive, Macon GA
Admission:
- Adult – $16
- Child Ages 2- 12 Years – $8
- Glass Seats – $22
- Groups 0f 10+ Call for Special Pricing
Contact: (478) 803-1592
Friday, March 29th: Award Winning Gospel Extravaganza
Evening of fellowship hosted by The Rev. Marvin Sapp with many performers.
Time: 7pm
Location: The Grand Opera House, 651 Mulberry Street, Macon GA
Performances:
Local Talent:
- Dazzling Divas Praise Team
- Destined for Greatness
- National Dance Team Champions
- Soloist Dejoin Ross
Featured Artists:
- Anointed Bodies of Christ
- Steve Dalton and the Leviticus Singers
Main Attractions:
- T. L. Barrett
- Rev. Marvin Sapp
- SMART International Children’s Choir
Admission:
- Per Person – $15
Contact: SMARTMACON@gmail.com, (478) 508-8459
Friday, March 29th: Movie Night Featuring Coco
Come out with the family and enjoy a movie under the starts featuring Disney Pixar’s film, Coco.
Time:
- Activities Begins at 6pm
- Movie Begins at 8pm
Location: The Green at Wesleyan College, 4760 Forsyth Road, Macon GA
Admission: Free
Friday, March 29th: The Ultimate Tina Turner Tribute
Come out and see Michelle Marshall perform as Tina Turner!
Time: 8pm – 10pm
Location: Central City Park, 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission: Free with Park Admission
Saturday, March 30th: 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 – $3
Contact: (478) 751-9180
Saturday, March 30th: Sidewalk Chalk Festival
No matter your age you can compete or play with chalk for fun at the sidewalk chalk festival!
Time: 9am – 3pm
Location: 1155 College Street, Macon GA
Admission:
- $5 – Competition
- Free for Non-Competition
Contact: Dominique Lewis, (478) 621- 6280
Saturday, March 30th: Ocmulgee Duck Dash
Family-fun event with proceeds benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters that features 5,000 ducks racing down the Ocmulgee River at Amerson Park. The lucky duck winner will win $1,000!
Time:
- Duck Adoptions: 9:30am – 11:15am
- Duck Race: 11:45am
Location: Amerson River Park, 2551 Pierce Avenue, Macon GA
Admission: Free, Duck Adoptions $5
Saturday, March 30th – Sunday, March 31st: Food Truck Frenzy
Gourmet food trucks from the South offering delicious culinary trends for purchase.
Time:
- Saturday, March 30th: 10am – 7pm
- Sunday, March 31st: 10am – 6pm
Location: Third Street at Mulberry, 301-313 Third Street, Macon GA
Admission: Free
Saturday, March 30th: Cherry Blossom Tailgate Party
Come out for a tailgate party at the Macon Centerplex in preparation for the 2nd Annual Cherry Blossom Celebration with a game between the Georgia Dome and the Carolina Havoc.
Time: 10am – 2pm
Location: 200 Coliseum Drive, Macon GA
Admission: Free
Saturday, March 30th – Sunday, March 31st: Mulberry Street Arts & Crafts Festival
The largest shopping and arts festival in Middle Georgia featuring hundreds of vendors!
Time:
- Saturday, March 30th: 10am – 6pm
- Sunday, March 31st: 10am – 5pm
Location: 500 Mulberry Street, Macon GA
Saturday, March 30th: 2nd Annual Cherry Blossom Celebration Game
Come out to the Macon Centerplex for the 2nd Annual Cherry Blossom Celebration with a game between the Georgia Dome and the Carolina Havoc.
Time: 2pm – 4pm
Location: 200 Coliseum Drive, Macon GA
Admission: Tickets Start at $10
Contact: (478) 216-3020
Saturday, March 30th: Party in the Park
Street Party in Central City Park featuring Drake White and Travis Denning.
Time: 6:30pm – 10pm
Location: 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission: Free with Park Admission
Saturday, March 30th: Cherry Blossom Festival Concert After Party
Cherry Blossom after party at Crazy Bull featuring Trey Teem and Murphy Elmore.
Time: 10pm
Location: Crazy Bull, 473 Second Street, Macon GA
Admission:
- $5 to Enter
- Pink Draft Beer Specialis
- $2 Cherry Blossom Shots
- Must be 18 Years or Older
Sunday, March 31st: Gail Archer in Concert
Come out to the historic St. Joseph Catholic Church to hear renowned organist, Gail Archer in concert.
Time: 2pm
Location: 830 Poplar Street, Macon GA
Sunday, March 31st: Tunes and Balloons Festival Finale
Final day celebration with live music from Macon Pops and hot air balloon rides. Hot balloon rides will end at 8:30pm at which point the firework finale will begin.
Time: 4pm – 8:30pm
Location: Middle Georgia State University, 100 University Parkway, Macon GA
Admission:
- Gate Admission – $5
- Children Under 10 Years – Free
- Hot Air Balloon Rides – $10
Sunday, March 31st: A2Z: The Ultimate Party Band
Come out to hear a wide variety of music by the ultimate party band, A2Z.
Time: 8pm – 10pm
Location: 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon GA
Admission: Free with Park Admission
If you are interested in specific events it is encouraged to visit, Cherry Blossom’s featured events.
Cherry Blossom Gift Shop 39th Anniversary Pin
The 39th Anniversary pin has been designed in collaboration with artist, David Barwick and produced by Apparel Authority.
Information on Purchasing the Cherry Blossom Pin:
When:
- Monday – Friday & Sunday: Noon – 10pm
- Saturday: 10am – 10pm
Location: The Festival at Central City Park, 115 Willie Smokie Glover Road, Macon GA
Cherry Blossom Pin Availability:
- Macon Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, 450 MLK Boulevard, Macon GA
- Robins Federal Credit Union
- Kroger
- Creter’s
- Museum of Arts & Science
- Museum of Aviation
- The Georgia Sports Hall of Fame
- State Bank & Trust
- Travis Jean
- Dry Falls
- Tubman Museum
- Payne Mill Antiques
- Visit Macon
- Cadence Bank
- Atlanta Postal Credit Union
Cherry Blossom Pin Cost: $5
Cherry Blossom Pin Discount Coupons:
- Central City Park – $1 Off Admission
- S&S Cafeterias – $1 off Purchase of $7.59 or More
- Cherry Blossom Gift Shop – 10% Off if you Check-In on Facebook
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!
One Response Comment
I won’t miss that festival next time. Thanks for the post.