Macon GA International Cherry Blossom Festival (2020)

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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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!

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The Macon GA Cherry Blossom Festival (2020)