The International Cherry Blossom Festival is one of Macon’s trademark events that runs from March 16-25 this year. The festival is comprised of dozens of events, most of them free to attend. Here are several Cherry Blossom events to add to your calendar if you’re on a budget.
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Macon Open Air Market - Saturday March 17, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The Macon Open Air Market has a collection of over 60 vendors, artisans and food trucks that are open for visitors to browse and buy from. The market is free to attend and will be held at 543 Plum St.
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Annual Cherry Blossom Parade - Sunday March 18, 4 p.m.
The Cherry Blossom Parade takes place downtown on Cherry Street, rain or shine every year. It is free for spectators.
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Sidewalk Chalk Festival - Saturday March 24, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
According to the Cherry Blossom website, you can take part in the “largest public art installation Macon has ever seen” at Tattnall Square Park. It is free to view all sidewalk chalk pieces, and there is a $10 fee for college students to enter the contest.
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Central City Park Nightly Concerts - March 16 - 25, 8 p.m.
Every night of the festival, a different concert will be held in Central City Park. Though it costs $5 a person for park admission, the concerts are free with entry. Each night will host a band covering genres like country, pop, soul, classic rock, decades, motown and Southern rock. Central City Park is located at 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive.
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Food Truck Frenzy - Saturday March 24, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. ; Sunday March 25, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Located at Mulberry and Third Streets, the Food Truck Frenzy will host food trucks from all over the South for visitors to sample and purchase food from. Live music and on-site beer sales will also be available, and the event is free to attend. There will also be an arts and crafts festival adjacent to the event.
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Grand Finale Glow - Sunday March 25, 4 - 8 p.m.
To conclude the festival, there will be a hot air balloon glow held at Wesleyan College. Vendors will be on-site for food, but spectators can also bring their own coolers. The event is free to attend, and tethered balloon rides are available for $10.
For a complete listing of this year’s events, visit the Cherry Blossom Festival website at cherryblossom.com. While some festival events do come with a price tag, you don’t have to miss out on the food, entertainment and fun if you’re looking to save money!
