EASTER

Annual Easter Egg Hunt

11 a.m.-5 p.m. March 23, East Macon Park, 3326 Ocmulgee East Blvd. Kingdom Life Inc. and the Urban CEO Inc. will sponsor a family fun event with food, games, music and door prizes. Open to all ages. Free. Jennifer Belgarde, 954-9550.

Easter Egg Extravaganza

1-4 p.m. March 23, Freedom Park, 3301 Roff Ave. Important health information, games, prizes and more. Easter egg hunt, family fun.

“Spring into Science” Workshop

9 a.m.-noon, March 30, Museum of Aviation, 4182 Forsyth Road. Presented by the National STEM Academy. For students in pre-K through fifth grade. Children will have a full morning of science “eggs-periments,” a visit from the Easter Bunny and an egg hunt. To register or for more information, contact Cindy Groves, (478) 222-7575 or cgroves@museumofaviation.org. $30 per person.

Fort Hawkins Easter Sunrise Service

6:30 a.m. March 31, Fort Hawkins, Emery Highway. Sponsored by the Fort Hawkins Commission and the Interfaith Community of East Macon, the service will feature main speaker Pastor Jeffrey Spencer, Kings Chapel Baptist and special music by the Rev. Alexander Newton and Back To The Street Ministry. Free. For more information, call 742-3003 or visit www.forthawkins.com.

festivals

Cherry Blossom Festival

Friday-March 24, downtown Macon. The Pinkest Party on Earth. Visit www.cherryblossom.com for a daily schedule packed with events for the whole family.

Mulberry Street Arts and Crafts Festival

10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 23-24, Mulberry Street, downtown Macon. Arts and crafts festival with hundreds of vendors. Free to attend. www.middlegeorgiaart.org.

Bluebirds and Bluegrass Festival

9 a.m. March 30, Dauset Trails Nature Center, 360 Mount Vernon Road, Jackson. Easter egg hunt at 11 a.m. Fun activities for the whole family, plus music from the Packway Handle Band, Johnny Roquemore and the Apostles of Bluegrass and Cabin Point. www.dausettrails.com.

Dogwood Festival

10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 13 and noon-5 p.m. April 14, downtown Perry. Arts and crafts event on Carrol and Bull streets; DockDogs competition on Main Street, hot air balloon rally at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter from 4-9 p.m. April 13. Balloon rally is $5 per person, children 6 and younger are free. All other events are free. For the full scheudle, visit www.perrydogwoodfestival.com.

MARKETS

Wesleyan Market

9 a.m.-1 p.m. April 13 and May 11, Wesleyan College, 4760 Forsyth Road. The event features a variety of locally grown and produced items ranging from flowers and organic fruits and vegetables to baked goods, art and crafts. Music, fun and educational events also offered. 757-5233. Free.

State Farmers Market

8 a.m.-dark daily, 2055 Eisenhower Parkway. Farmers selling fresh produce, as well as dealers year-round.

Mulberry Street Market

4-7 p.m. Wednesdays, Mulberry Street. Locally grown produce, dairy, meat, desserts and more.

International City Farmers Market

1 p.m.-6 p.m. Thursdays, Watson Boulevard and Maple Street, in front of Perkins Field across from Robins Federal Credit Union, Warner Robins. Featuring Georgia-grown/made foods. Local, seasonal produce, meat, milk and more. (478) 225-7626.

GOSPEL/CHRISTIAN

The Old Paths

6 p.m. Saturday, Byron Baptist Church, 100 W. White Road, Byron. Keith Scott, 951-7272. Donations accepted.

Old Friends 10th Anniversary Sing

6:30 p.m. Saturday, Pine Forest Baptist Church, 1848 Tucker Road. Featuring Dayspring Trio, Pure Heart Trio, South Ga. Quartet and Abbigail Fisher. Donations accepted. Jonathan Fisher, 918-7800.

Remembering Good Friday

7 p.m. March 29, the Rain Church, 257 Gunn Road, Warner Robins. Dance, music and drama. 953-7246. www.therainchurch.com.

“Rock the Flock with Love”

7 p.m. April 4, Perry Arts Center, 1121 Macon Road, Perry. Featuring Roland Everett Fall and the Lightword Band. Tickets are available at the Peach Palette, 907 Carroll St., Perry, or at the door the night of the concert. $5 adults, $3 youth, 12 and younger are free.

Opening New Worlds Conference

11 a.m. registration, 1 p.m. conference, April 5; 9 a.m.-noon April 6, Wesley Glen Ministries, Life Skills Center, 4580 North Mumford Road. A conference designed to help churches learn how to begin, maintain and expand ministry to people who have special needs and their families. Featured speaker: Nancy Grace. 471-3711. www.wesleyglenministries.com. $50 individuals.

The Refuge

6-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. A Christian youth/young adult center. 4917-A Mercer University Drive. 390-4013. $3 admission, concession and games extra.

Gospel and Jam Session

8-10:30 p.m. every first and third Friday, Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 809 S. Davis Drive, Warner Robins. (478) 997-1734. Free

JAZZ

DJS Jazz Social

6 p.m. March 24, Douglass Theatre, 355 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Presented by the Douglass Jazz Society, featuring music, refreshments, trivia and prizes. $5, free for DJS members. 742-2000.

VARIETY

Bible Belt Burlesque

9 p.m. Saturday, Cox Capitol Theatre, 382 Second St. Paddy Waggin’s Pasties on Parade featuring Talloolah Love. $15. 257-6391. www.coxcapitoltheatre.com.

Elton John

8 p.m. Wednesday, Macon Coliseum, 200 Coliseum Drive. $79 and $139. www.ticketmaster.com.

Claire Lynch

7:30 p.m. March 22, Douglass Theatre, 355 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Two-time Grammy nominee for best bluegrass album. Acousticproductions.com. $20 adults in advance, $22 adults at door, $10 students.

Cherry Blossom Festival Street Party

5 p.m. March 23, downtown Macon. Featuring .38 Special, the Dirty Guv’nahs, Atlanta Funk Society and the Wild Feathers. $12 in advance, $20 at the gate. All ages event. Rain or shine. www.cherryblossom.com.

Suzy Bogguss

7:30 p.m. March 23, the Rose Theater, 23 W. Johnston St., Forsyth. $32 general admission. Tickets available at the Rose box office or by calling (478) 994-3118.

The Return

7 p.m. March 30, Theatre Dublin, 314 Academy Ave., Dublin. Beatles tribute band. Benefits J.O.Y. Medical Clinic. (478) 277-5074. www.returntothe1960s.com. $20 advance, $25 at door.

Tab Benoit

8 p.m. April 3, Cox Capitol Theatre, 382 Second St. Tab Benoit is a Louisiana blues musician. Opening act: Josh Graff. $16. 257-6391. www.coxcapitoltheatre.com.

Randall Bramblett CD Release Party

9 p.m. April 13, Cox Capitol Theatre, 382 Second St. $12 in advance, $15 day of. 257-6391. www.coxcapitoltheatre.com.

Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles

6 p.m. and 9 p.m. April 19, Opera House, 42 Lumpkin St., Hawkinsville. (478) 783-1884. www.hawkinsvilleoperahouse.com.

Cirque du Soleil presents “Quidam”

7:30 p.m. May 3-4, 3:30 p.m. May 4, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. May 5, Macon Coliseum, 200 Coliseum Drive. Adults $35-$80, children $28-$65, military, seniors and students $32-$68.

Mother’s Finest

8 p.m. May 9, Cox Capitol Theatre, 382 Second St. $20 in advance, $25 day of. 257-6391. www.coxcapitoltheatre.com.

The End Times Comedy Night

8 p.m. the first Monday and third Saturday of every month, the Folks Art, 108 W. Hancock St., Milledgeville. Join comics from Milledgeville, Athens and Atlanta for a night of stand-up comedy. $3. (478) 453-9550 or www.thefolksart.com.

Pure Poetry

9 p.m. first and third Thursdays, Markel’s SaLounge, 206 E. Gaines St., Dublin. Open mic night for poets hosted by Lisa Bryant. (478) 290-5938. $5.

DANCES

Big Peach Dance

8 p.m. Saturday, Alva Tabor facility, Camp John Hope, 281 Hope Entrance Road, Fort Valley. The Fabulous Boomers will perform live. Benefits the Georgia Peach Festival and the Jay’s Hope Foundation. Participants are encouraged to bring their own table settings, food and beverages. A $100 cash prize will be presented for the best table decorations. Reservations can be made at www.gapeachfestival.com or call Cindy, (478) 972-2821, or Emily, (478) 966-4138. $150 table for six; $200 table for eight; $300 table for 12.

Introductory Ballroom Workshop

7:15-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Macon Health Club, 389 First St. For all levels of dancers. Couples and singles welcome. Pre-registration required. E-mail Paulaeastdance@yahoo.com. www.paulaeast.com. 750-0802. $15 per person.

Monthly Dance

8-10:30 p.m. March 23, Warner Robins Recreation Center, 800 Watson Blvd., Warner Robins. Hosted by USA Dance Chapter No. 6100. Variety of music, refreshments, dressy casual. www.dancehoustonco.org. (478) 953-1410. $10 members, $15 non-members.

Argentine Tango

7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Jocks & Jills, 4680 Sheraton Drive. Guided practica for beginners. Free. Special event, March 26: In addition to the regularly scheduled practica, Clint Rauscher of Atlanta’s Tango Evolution will be teaching a lesson from 7-8: p.m., $5. 742-9367.

Macon Shag Club

6:45 p.m. shag lessons, 7:30 p.m. dancing, Thursdays, Holiday Inn Macon North, 3953 River Place Drive. 960-3450. Free.

Dance

Disabled American Veterans Chapter 9, 4493 Houston Ave. 8 p.m. Fridays with the Dixie Pride Band; 8 p.m. Saturdays with the Lightening Creek Band. 784-1454. Public welcome. $7.

Dance

9 p.m. Saturdays, VFW Post 658, 4864 Harrison Road. Band: Winchester. 218-5815. $7. Singles welcome.

Pairs and Spares Square Dance

6:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays, except holidays, North Macon Park Recreation Center, Wimbish Road. Caller: Lee Dixon. 757-2912. Free.

Western Square Dancers of Macon Square Dance Club

6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursdays, except fourth Thursdays, Howard Community Club, 5645 Forsyth Road. Caller: Bob Shiver. Cuer: Jack Raye. 935-8364. Free.

North Macon Square Dancers Dance

6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 815 N. Macon Park Drive. 471-1560.

MUSIC HALLS

Bleckley County Jamboree

7 p.m. Fridays, Oak Grove Community Center, Ga. 126, Cochran. Classic country and gospel music, featuring Josh Lucas and Friends. (478) 230-3380. Free.

Hollonville Opry House

6:30 p.m. Saturdays, Ga. 362, Hollonville. This week: Bobby Ellis and the Country Gospel Band, Honey Creek Boys, River’s Edge and Kirkland and Friends. (770) 228-4832 or hollonvilleopry.com. Free; operated on donations.

Juliette Opry House

5:30 p.m. front porch local bluegrass jam; 7 p.m. open mic stage show; 8 p.m. headliner stage show; every first Saturday; Ga. 87, Juliette. Call 335-3895 for tickets or buy online at www.acousticproductions.com. $17.

Ole Clinton Opry

6:30-10 p.m. Fridays, 215 Old Ga. 18, Gray. This week: 5:15 p.m. Ruby Rose and Southern-Nites Band, 6:30 p.m. Grand Opening Party for the new management, 7:15 p.m. Klassic Kountry. (478) 461-3544 or www.clintonopry.com. Free; donations accepted.

Powersville Opry

4-9 p.m. Saturdays; south onto Powersville Road off Ga. 247 Connector between Warner Robins and Ga. 49. This week: 4:30 p.m. House Band, 6 p.m. Filmore House Band, 7:30 p.m. Dance Time Band. Also open Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. (478) 328-0678 or powersvilleopry.com. Free.

Wagon House Opry

6:30-10 p.m. Saturdays, 699 Altman Road, Haddock. This week: 6:30 p.m. the Generals, 7:30 p.m. PKHRS. Contact Randy, (478) 363-1274. Free; donations accepted.

Williamson Music Barn

Saturdays, 2232 Ga. 362 West, Williamson. Call John Williams, (770) 380-1935 or (770) 595-6947. For bookings, call (770) 375-8490. Free; donations accepted.

FILMS

Macon Film Guild

Douglass Theatre, 355 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Films show at 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. April 14: “Amour.” Documentary series special presentation: “West of Memphis” at 7:30 p.m. April 23. 742-2000. Maconfilmguild.org. $5.

FUNDRAISERS

Pull for the House

10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Cherry Street Plaza, downtown Macon. Benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Georgia. Teams of 15 will compete to see who can pull a 70,000 pound truck for 40 feet in the fastest time. Inflatables, face painting, bean bag toss, sidewalk chalk decorating, concessions and more. 746-4090. www.rmhccga.org. The event is free to attend, although a $1 donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities is requested for some of the activities.

Barbwire Bluegrass Band

7-9 p.m. Saturday, Telfair Center for the Arts, 119 College St., McRae. Benefits Telfair County Relay for Life. Rip Maneely, (229) 868-7114. $10.

Mardi Gras 2013 “Black is ExQUEsite”

8 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday, Anderson Conference Center, 5171 Eisenhower Parkway. An old school/new school dance presented by Lambda Phi chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. With AJ the DJ and live jazz music. Proceeds benefit the Dr. T. Walton Scholarship Foundation. Hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. All black attire. $35 at the door. 335-6553.

Cherry Blossom Road Race

8:15 a.m. 5K, 10K and Kids Corral; 9:15 a.m. one-mile fun run, March 23, Howard Middle School, 6600 Forsyth Road. Kids Corral includes inflatables, face painting, popcorn, sno-cones and other fun activities. Benefits Wesley Glen. www.cherryblossomroad.com, Wesley Glen, 471-3711. $15 Fun Run; $25 5K/10K race.

Tiger Spring Fest

2-6 p.m. April 13, Turner Woods Elementary School, 144 Willie Fluellen Drive, Gray. To raise funds to enhance the educational facilities and opportunities for the school’s students. Silent and live auctions, attractions and activities for all ages. Concessions available. Amy Haddock, (478) 808-1091 or rahaddock@windstream.net.

Decorators’ Showhouse

Top Hat Gala: 6:30-9:30 p.m. April 17, Woodruff House, 988 Bond St. Gives guests the first opportunity to view the professionally-decorated home, located at 1120 Georgia Ave. A NewTown trolley will run between the gala and the Showhouse throughout the evening. A catered dinner and open bar are included; $75 per person; advance reservations preferred. Showhouse daily tours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays, April 18-28. $20 per person; special $15 advance rate is open to Historic Macon members until April 15. www.historicmacon.org. 742-5084.

LITERARY/LECTURES

Jason Clark, Southeastern Reptile Rescue

1 p.m. Thursday, lakeside patio between the Jones and Professional Sciences buildings, Macon Campus, Middle Georgia State College. The star of Animal Planet’s “SnakesKin” will discuss reptiles and amphibians and some of the myths associated with them. His mobile museum will also be on campus. In case of rain, the presentation will take place in the Math Building auditorium. Jeffrey Mohr at jeffrey.mohr@maconstate.edu. Free.

Friends of the Library Old Book Sale

10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday-March 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 23, noon-5 p.m. March 24, Macon Coliseum, 200 Coliseum Drive. Admission and parking are free.

Sidney’s Salon Series

Each event is at 5:30 p.m. Sidney Lanier Cottage, 935 High St. The Lanier Center for Literary Arts’ next Salon Series, “Macon Memories,” will feature authors whose books recount the history of Macon. April 15: the Rev. Ian Whyte will speak about “From Macon to Montrose: Scotland, Slavery and the Crafts Tour of 1851” about the role that Scotland played in slavery and abolition; and May 14: Mike Kitchens, author of “Ghosts of Grandeur: Georgia’s Lost Antebellum Homes and Plantations.” Free for Historic Macon members, $5 nonmembers, $3 students.

PAGEANTS

Miss Black is Beautiful Pageant

6 p.m. Sunday, Douglass Theater, 355 Martin Luther King Blvd. Josephine or Michael Johnson, 508-8518 or 978-1758.

ET CETERA

Shelby West Pottery

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, Cannonball House, 856 Mulberry St. Local potter Shelby West will demonstrate pottery on a 19th century-style foot treadle turn table in the Cannonball House’s backyard garden. Learn how early potters plied their trade. $3-$6 includes tour. 745-5982.

St. Patty’s Party in Mercer Village

11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, Mercer Village, Montpelier Avenue near Mercer University. Green and New Orleans-inspired food and drink specials, arts and crafts for the kids, live jazz music and St. Patrick’s’ Day walking parades at 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Free. 301-2008. www.mercervillage.com.

Macon Mud Run

11 a.m. Saturday, Hephzibah Children’s Home, off Zebulon Road. A 5K adventure race through countless mud pits/mud walls/mud hills, climb over boulders, climb up and down ravines, cross through a pond, tunnel and finish with our 100-foot slip ‘n slide into one last mud pit! Open to individuals or teams. 1K Mini Mud for children ages 6-11. Entry in 5k: $55; Mini Mud is $15. Benefits Hephzibah Children’s Home. www.maconmudrun.com.

Cherry Blossom Festival Lantern Light Tours

Friday-Sunday and March 22-24, Ocmulgee National Monument, 1207 Emery Highway. Guided and self-guided tours are available, with guided tours beginning at 7:30 p.m. and starting every half hour through 9 p.m. Each family participating will receive a lantern to carry during the one-mile tour. Tickets are available for pre-sale at the Ocmulgee National Monument museum store. 752-8257. $5, ages 12 and under are free.

Italian Sauce Tastings

7 p.m. Wednesday, Marco Ristorante Italiano, 4581 Forsyth Road. Guests will be treated to a selection of Italian sauces prepared by Executive Chef Gianluca Sciagata. Before each course, Gianluca will describe the featured sauce, its ingredients and preparation method. Each event will feature three different dishes, salad and dessert served family style. Seating will be at tables of six or eight. Entire tables can be purchased. Reservations must be made in advance, 405-5660. Individual Tickets: $50 without wine, $75 with wine pairings.

Celebration of the Ocmulgee River

5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Hummingbird Stage and Taproom, 430 Cherry St. Hosted by the Altamaha Riverkeepers. Guests who join the Altamaha Rivekeepers for $25 will receive free drinks and free pizza. www.altamahariverkeeper.org.

Clark Powell Blacksmithing

10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 23, Cannonball House, 856 Mulberry St. Clark Powell and friends will demonstrate the artistic talents of blacksmithing. See amazing pieces of jewelry made out of raw steel and learn how the tradition of this once thriving trade is carried on today. $6 includes tour. 745-5982.

First Day of Spring Hike

10 a.m. March 23, High Falls State Park, 76 High Falls Park Drive, Jackson. Join the park naturalist on a hike looking for signs of spring. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water. $4 plus $5 parking. (478) 993-3053.

Spring Break Kite Camp

11 a.m.-3 p.m. March 25-29, Freedom Park Community Center, 3301 Roff Ave. For ages 6-12. Master the art of kite making. Bring lunch. Space is limited. Register open until March 22 at Freedom Park. 751-9248. Free.

Perry Autofest and Swap Meet

8 a.m.-5 p.m. March 29-30, Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter, Perry. Hosted by Five Guys Automotive Ventures. $5 adults, children under 12 free with an adults. (678) 793-2878.

Military Artifact Identification And Display

2 p.m. March 30, Cannonball house, 856 Mulberry St. Artifact expert Johnny Mack Nickles exhibits his Civil War collection and identifies artifacts brought in by the public. $6 includes tour. 745-5982.

Full Moon Hike

6:30 p.m. March 30, High Falls State Park, 76 High Falls Park Drive, Jackson. Enjoy the first full moon of spring. See the falls under the full moonlight and enjoy a evening stroll through the woods. Meet at the park’s main office. $5 plus $5 parking. (478) 993-3053.

Spring Home and Garden Show

9 a.m.-6 p.m. April 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 7, Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter, Perry. Plants, trees, shrubs, bulbs and garden art along with porch and patio accessories. Master Gardeners on hand to answer questions about gardening. Adults $5; children under 12 free with adult. (478) 988-8344 or www.mgcg.org.

Antebellum Trail Pilgrimage

April 18-21. Enjoy a wide array of heritage events and attractions that provide a window into 19th century Georgia homes and lifestyles. The 100-mile Antebellum Trail spans seven historically significant communities including Athens, Watkinsville, Madison, Eatonton, Milledgeville, Gray/Old Clinton and Macon. $25 Antebellum Trail Pilgrimage Pass includes admission to all participating events and attractions in any or all of the communities throughout the entire weekend. Macon Convention and Visitors Bureau, (800) 768-3401. www.atpilgrimage.com. $20 early bird ticket.

Full Moon Euphoria

7-11 p.m. April 25, Riverside Cemetery, 1301 Riverside Drive. A once-a-year-only opportunity to compose unique and evocative photos by moonlight. Models and props provided or bring your own. Novice, amateur and professional photographers alike are welcome. Professionals will be on hand to instruct and advise attendees. $25, $40 per couple. Benefits the cemetery’s preservation fund. 742-5328.

Cannonball House

856 Mulberry St. Tours offered 10 a.m.- 4:15 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and military, $3 for students with college I.D. 745-5982.

Ocmulgee National Monument

Guided Earth Lodge tours at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturdays, Ocmulgee National Monument, 1207 Emery Highway. All events free unless otherwise noted. Other events: 10 a.m.-noon April 27: Pottery making. 3 p.m. May 12: Archaeology program. 9 a.m. May 19: Lamar trip. 9 a.m. June 8: guided tour at Lamar Mounds.752-8257.

Neel Reid Tours

10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays and by special appointment, Federated Garden Clubs of Macon Inc., 730 College St. Guided tours of historic 1910 Joseph Neel House designed by Georgia architect Neel Reid. 742-0921. www.fgcmacon.org. $5.

Amerson River Park

9 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays vehicle gate is open. Pedestrian gate open Mondays-Tuesdays, North Pierce Avenue, Macon. A place to walk, bike, hike, fish, study nature or enjoy the handicapped-accessible playground and pavilion. Free. www.ocmulgeeheritagetrail.com.

MUSEUM EVENTS

58th Annual Pet Show

2-4 p.m. April 14, Museum of Arts and Sciences, 4182 Forsyth Road. Children are invited to show off their pets in the pecan orchard. Games, food and animal-related activities. $1 per person and $1 per pet. 477-3232.

Introduction to Bird Watching for Families

9-11 a.m. April 20, Wesleyan College Arboretum, Wesleyan College. Join Dr. Jim Ferrari for a family-friendly expedition through the arboretum. Bring binoculars. Advance registration required. $10 per family, $8 per individual. 477-3232.