Macon GA International Cherry Blossom Festival (2018)
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 16th – March 25th, 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 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 16th – Sunday, March 25th
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 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
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
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.
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
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
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:
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
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 Gi ft 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
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
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
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!
One Response Comment
I won’t miss that festival next time. Thanks for the post.