Once a year, Macon's landscape turns pink as 300,000 Yoshino cherry trees blossom around the city. To celebrate these gorgeous trees, Macon holds the International Cherry Blossom Festival. Happening March 16 - 25, here are the top events for this year's festival.
Cherry Blossom Riding Trail Tour (March 22 - 31)
While you're in town for the festival, stop by Visit Macon to take the Cherry Blossom Riding Trail Tour. View southern mansions and streets lined with cherry trees during this 2-hour tour highlighting the areas in Macon most densely populated with cherry trees. Tours run everyday at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. Click the "Book Van Tour" button on our homepage to reserve your seats.
Amusement Ride Midway (March 22 - 31)
Whether you're bringing the kiddos or looking for a fun date night option, there's plenty of fun things to do at the Amusement Ride Midway. Happening at Central City Park, ride rides like the balloon wheel, tea cups, clown house, or x-factor. Be sure to bring your appetite. There will be all kinds of classic fair food options to choose from. There's also live entertainment throughout the 10-days.
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Pasta on Poplar (March 22)
Revel in an exquisite harvest-table dining experience down on Poplar Street. Enjoy the beautiful decor by Canaan Marshall, music and cocktails under the stars, and some of your favorite Italian dishes served by Fountain of Juice. Cocktail hour will begin at 6:00 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. Join in for a new way to experience and indulge in Macon! 6:00-9:00 pm Poplar Street Tickets are $75 per person
Bollywood Ball (March 22)
Celebrate at the Macon City Auditorium for the glamorous Bollywood Ball. The theme of this year's Ball is one of our featured nations, India. You can enjoy decorations by Canaan Marshall and delicious Indian dishes by Sodexo. An evening featuring dining and dancing is the perfect way to celebrate the 38th Cherry Blossom Festival! Doors open at 6:30 pm. The ball will begin at 7:00 pm. Macon City Auditorium Reservations required. Individual tickets are available Ticket prices are $75 for an individual or $600 for a table. Black tie is optional.
38th Annual Parade (March 24)
Everybody loves a parade and this one's a festival favorite! Fantastic floats, live music by local marching bands, military units, and international dignitaries are just a few of the things you'll see. See Macon's beautiful Downtown area transformed into a dazzling showpiece. Performers and entertainers will wow the crowd at this FREE event.
Mulberry Street Arts & Crafts Festival (March 30 - 31)
During the final weekend of the Cherry Blossom Festival, head to Mulberry Street for the oldest arts & crafts festival in Macon. Shop from hundreds of vendors from across the country offering an array of products from food, to crafts, and more. Bring your appetite with you. The Food Truck Frenzy is happening during the festival too. Dine on delicious food from gourmet food trucks from soul food, to international cuisine, & more.
Tunes and Balloons Festival Finale (March 31)
Grab a lawn chair and a cooler and come celebrate the final day of the Cherry Blossom Festival with the return of Tunes and Balloons! Join us for an afternoon of family fun with live music featuring Macon Pops, inflatables for the kids, tethered hot air balloon rides, and fireworks to end the night! Macon Pops will honor and celebrate music legends of the recent past. Featuring the songs and music of Prince, David Bowie, George Michael, Michael Jackson, Al Jarreau, Glen Frey, Tom Petty, Earth Wind & Fire, and so much more. They will play from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
