Each year, one of the biggest — and pinkest — parties in the South is held in The Peach State. The city of Macon, Ga., hosts the annual International Cherry Blossom Festival in March to celebrate the nearly 300,000 Yoshino cherry blossom trees that are in full bloom throughout the city. The festival was established in 1983 and now ranks as one of the top 50 events in the U.S. For 10 days, you can experience the splendor in the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World.
During the festival, Central City Park in the heart of Macon will come alive and fountains throughout the city even turn pink. There will be a midway lined with extreme thrill rides as well as more tame options suitable for all ages. Expect to see a fun house, tea cups, slides, flying elephants, bumper cars, the Tilt-O-Whirl, and a circus train.
All of your favorite fair food will be available, like funnel cakes, caramel apples, cotton candy and kettle corn. On the last weekend of the festival, gourmet food trucks will be serving up unique, delicious creations. You could also indulge in pretty pink pancakes made by the Macon-Bibb Fire Department. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.
Captivating performers will put on fun shows throughout the entire 10 days. Past performers include Carrie McQueen who danced and juggled while balancing on towering stilts, and the Kids Science Safari gets children involved in several hands-on experiences. They’ve even had a laser-wielding magician and daredevil, stunt motorcyclists. Macon’s Cherry Blossom pageant queens and princesses also make appearances.
Since we’re celebrating the cherry blossom tree, where can you see these pink beauties? Macon is dotted with many of these perfectly pink trees, but Wesleyan Woods, Fickling Farm and downtown Macon are where you’ll see the most color. Yoshino cherry blossom trees can also be purchased at the festival.
What to know before you go:
- Free parking and shuttles are available
- Two parking lots are located along Walnut Street.
- Rides are at an additional cost
The International Cherry Blossom Festival
Address: 115 Willie Smokie Glover Dr. Macon, GA 31201
Phone: (478) 330-7050
Website: cherryblossom.com
