Attracting an average of 700,000 participants each year, this exciting festival features numerous events, 90 percent of which are free. Events range from live animal shows to hot-air balloon festivals, parades, art & crafts and live theatre productions to amusement rides, fireworks, historic tours and dances. Complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides and refreshments are also provided during weekday lunchtime, including Cherries ‘n Cream, an ice cream made specifically for the festival. Concerts are held daily, highlighting Blues, Urban, Gospel, Bluegrass, Classic Rock and Pop - featuring Billboard artists, military bands and many talented up-and-comers.
With so much to offer - including plenty of southern hospitality - the town will literally hum with excitement during the International Cherry Blossom Festival! But for those who can't make it to that event, Macon offers something year round.
For instance, April's first weekend Fired Works pottery show and sale is an annual hit with arts enthusiasts, and the Tubman Museum presents its Pan African Festival of Georgia, a celebration of African American, African and Caribbean cultures in Central City Park later that month.
Each summer, Bragg Jam Music and Kids' Art Festival brings Macon's music heritage to life throughout downtown to benefit the city's beautiful Ocmulgee Heritage Trail along the river. In September, Native Americans perform ancient ceremonial dances, storytellers share legends and attendees enjoy roasted corn, buffalo burgers, fine art and native crafts at the Ocmulgee Indian Celebration.
Macon's newest festival, LeveeFest, offers a full day of fun and music along the ancient river's levee in October. Winter brings out the magnificence of Macon's historic mansions when house museums decorate and host special tours during an Olde South Christmas, followed by January's MAGA - the Macon, Georgia, Film Festival.
Year-round festivals include fun outside opportunities to enjoy music and the arts with events like Friday Fest, where every Friday is celebrated like it's First Friday with free outdoor entertainment, gallery openings and restaurant and bar specials in Downtown Macon, free Second Sunday Brunch Concerts in the College Hill Corridor's historic Washington Park, and Third Thursdays at Mercer Village, the city's coolest new place for pizza, wings, coffee and bicycles, nestled up to Mercer University.
To plan your getaway to Macon, check out www.visitmacon.org or call the Macon Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-768-3401.
