Think Pink for Macon’s International Cherry Blossom Festival!
Spring in Georgia hits different when Macon turns into a pink, cherry blossom wonderland for 10 straight days. From March 21-30, the International Cherry Blossom Festival takes over the city with parades, concerts, food trucks, artisan markets, and enough pink trees to make Barbie do a double take. Live music, street parties, and a parade set the stage—but it wouldn’t be Macon without a few offbeat traditions.
The first weekend? Grand celebrations, tiny racing dogs, and a parade that takes over downtown. The grand finale? Food trucks, shopping sprees, and a 5K to justify all the snacking. Let’s break it down:
Opening Weekend: March 21-23
Start with a little glam, a little dog-power, and a whole lot of small-town charm.
- Opening Ceremony (March 21, 12 PM) – A grand kickoff with state and local leaders. Because what’s a festival without a little pomp and circumstance?
- Cherry Blossom Ball (March 21, 7 PM - 10 PM) – A black-tie(ish) gala with gourmet dining and live music. If you love a reason to dress up, this is it.
- Wiener Dog Race (March 22, 12 PM - 1 PM) – The fastest dachshunds in Middle Georgia race for the title. Short legs, big ambition.
- Cherry Blossom Parade (March 23, 3 PM - 4 PM) – Floats, marching bands, and Macon showing off in the best way possible.
Midweek & Closing Weekend: March 24-30
Good eats, great beats, and just enough friendly competition to keep things interesting.
- Guinness World Record Attempt: Largest Kazoo Ensemble (March 28, 4 PM - 8 PM) – Macon is trying to kazoo its way into the record books. $5 gets you in (and yes, they supply the kazoos).
- Cherry Blossom Road Race 5K (March 29, 8:30 AM - 12 PM) – Earn those festival snacks with a scenic run through North Macon, kicking off at Atrium Health Navicent Wellness Center. Sign up here for $25 before Feb 28—procrastinators pay $30.
- Cherry Blossom Golf Tournament (March 29-30) – Grab a partner for this two-day, two-man showdown at Bowden Golf Course. Entry: $150 per person, $300 per team. Tee off starts at 8:50 AM.
- Food Truck Frenzy & Cherry Market (March 29-30, 10 AM - 7 PM) – The weekend is basically an excuse to eat everything in sight and shop local while you’re at it.
For 10 days, Macon turns up the charm and throws one of the most colorful celebrations in Georgia. Whether you come for the trees, the food, or the competitions that make you question how these events even started, this festival is as local as it gets.
Find more info and the full International Cherry Blossom Festival schedule here and start planning your day! And for more fun events in Georgia, check out www.gbj.com/arts-entertainment.
