As warm weather shines on Macon's hundreds of cherry blossom trees, visitors flock to Macon for the 42 annual Cherry Blossom Festival. The 10-day festival runs from March 15 to 24 and features a host of attractions that bring a whole new meaning to the city's local charm.
1. The Fair at Carolyn Crayton Park
Among the most popular destination for families, the fairgrounds have a variety of food, amusement park rides, games and concerts. The park is open daily and general admission tickets are $10. The park also has a 10-day concert series with performances every evening. Don't miss the fireworks at dusk at the festival's finale on March 24, or "college day" on March 21 when admission is half-off for college students.
2. Hot Air Balloon Rides
View the festivities from above as you enjoy this brand-new attraction. The rides are located at Carolyn Crayton Park, and are $10 every evening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
3. Macon's Pink Provisions Trail
For the second year in a row, businesses throughout Macon will offer pink-themed food and drinks. On March 15 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. the Pink Provisions Preview Party will host food trucks as businesses preview their featured items on Poplar Street.
4. Ocmulgee Lantern Light Tours
Join a guided nightly tour illuminated by lanterns at the Ocmulgee Mounds. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about Macon's indigenous population, ending with a stunning view of the city at night from The Great Temple Mound. Tours begin at 7 p.m. and run every 10 minutes. Tickets are limited, so make sure to reserve a spot in advance.
5. Fire Department's Pink Pancake Breakfast
Join Macon's fire department on March 16 at Luther Williams Field for a Sunday brunch of pink pancakes, bacon, sausage and coffee. Tickets are $7 each, and all proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.
6. Cherry Street Races
Come cheer on competitors on March 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as they compete in a variety of outside-the-box challenges ranging from the Ultimate Air Dock Dogs Competition to a Wiener Dog Race and Bed Race on Cherry Street.
7. Cherry Blossom Parade
Watch floats and marching bands along with the festival's royalty parade through downtown on March 17 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
8. Third Street Park
Stop by Third Street on any weekday during the festival to take in the blossoms in full bloom, snack on donuts and ice cream and enjoy live music.
9. Stained Glass Church Tour
Join the director of Macon's Museum of Arts and Sciences on a tour of some of the city's oldest and most beautiful houses of worship on March 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
10. Food Truck Frenzy and Cherry Market
Head downtown the last weekend of the festival to enjoy food trucks from some of Macon's favorite restaurants and artisan vendors from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
You can find details about these events and more at cherryblossom.com, or by downloading the festival's new app titled "Cherry Blossom Festival Macon."
Eliza Moore ‘24 is an English and Journalism student at Mercer University. She is now in her second year working as The Cluster’s News Editor after a semester abroad. She is currently producing work for Macon Magazine and Georgia Public Broadcasting in addition to her work with The Cluster. She loves breakfasts, the ocean, and all things related to writing.
