Friday, March 15

Central City Park Opening Ceremony and Ribbon Cutting

Noon, Central City Park. Celebrate the opening of the 2013 festival alongside international, state and local dignitaries. Free.

White Bengal Tigers

3 p.m. and 6 p.m., Central City Park. A live, action-packed big cat show. Free. Presented by Georgia Farm Bureau.

Nightly Concert

8-11 p.m. Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Featuring “The King Lives,” an Elvis tribute. Free. Presented by State Bank and Trust.

Cherry Blossom Gala: “Ooh la la”

8 p.m. Macon City Auditorium, 415 First St. Featuring live entertainment by the Swingin’ Medallions. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, cash bar; black tie optional. 301-5470, $62.50 per person, tables of eight available. Presented by Certus Bank, Birch Communication and Georgia Power.

Saturday, March 16

Pink Pancake Breakfast

7-10 a.m. Parkview Pavilion, Central City Park. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. $5, free parking. Presented by the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department.

Cherry Blossom Golf Tournament

8 a.m.-4 p.m. Bowden Golf Course; 311 Millerfield Road. Men’s and senior men’s tournament. 256-4101. cityofmacon.net. $180 per team.

Macon Mud Run

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Hephzibah Children’s Home, 6601 Zebulon Road. Race through a challenging course of obstacles, pond crossings, hills, tunnel crawls and oodles of mud pits. 477-3383, extension 168. www.maconmudrun.com. $15 mini muddler; $45-$60 regular race. Presented by Hephzibah Ministries.

Varsity Cruise In

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sid’s Sandwich Shop, 1510 Forsyth St. Cruise in and show off your classic car and the old Varsity location. All proceeds benefit local charity. 746-2772. jonescountycrusiers.com. $10 to enter a car in the car show; free to attend event. Presented by Sid’s Sandwich Shop and Jones County Cruisers.

Pull for the House

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cherry Street Plaza, downtown Macon. Teams of 15 will compete to see who can pull a 60,000-pound truck in the fastest time. Plus, fun activities for kids. Free admission; $1 donation for certain activities. Presented by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Georgia.

Children’s Sidewalk Chalk

11 a.m.-1 p.m. Third Street Park. While the beds race, draw on an extra-large art board. Fun for all kids and the occasional adult. Free admission and chalk.

Central Georgia’s Strongest Man

10 a.m. Central City Park, top of the park. Strongmen from across the United States battle it out in a competition of pure brutal strength events. nastrongman.com. 746-4090. dm@rmhcga.org. Free. Presented by Greg Fields for North American Strongman.

Dixie Disc Dogs Championships

11 a.m.-5 p.m. Central City Park. Watch premier Frisbee dogs from around the country compete for the championship title. $5 for competing dogs; free for spectators. Presented by the Greater Atlanta Dog and Disc Club in Association with WOOF! Sports USA.

Pet Fashion Show

11 a.m. registration, 1-2:30 p.m. show. Best dressed, pet/owner look-a-like, most unusual, best leprechaun outfit, and grand prize doggy dazzle king and queen. $25 prizes. $5 entry fee, free for spectators. Presented by FURever Friends Humane Society.

Pre Tunes and Balloons Cookout

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Edgar’s Bistro, Goodwill’s Anderson Conference Center, 5171 Eisenhower Parkway. Enjoy hot-dogs, burgers, brats and fixins’ or pick up a picnic box to enjoy at Tunes and Balloons. 471-4250. Presented by Edgar’s Bistro.

White Bengal Tigers

Noon, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., Central City Park. A live, action-packed big cat show. Free. Presented by Georgia Farm Bureau.

Motorcycles Galore

12:30-2:30 p.m. Central City Park. See more than 250 bikes on display from motorcycle enthusiasts around the state. Free. Presented by ABATE of Georgia.

Bed Race

1 p.m. Cherry Street. Winner takes home the “Fastest Bed” trophy. New for 2013, two divisions: “Wild n’ Wacky” and “Fast and Furious.” $50 per five-member team; free for spectators. Presented by Georgia College and State University-Macon Graduate Center and Walthall Oil Company.

High Heels for the Cure

2 p.m. Cherry Street, immediately following Bed Race. Men, women and kids run in high heels through downtown Macon to raise money for a cure to end breast cancer. Registration: komencentralga.org; questions, 390-4828. $10 donation to run; free for spectators. Presented by Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Macon-Bibb Firefighter Competition Events

5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Cherry Street. See their skill, agility and teamwork live. cherryblossom.com. Free.

Snakes of Georgia Encounter

2:30-3:30 p.m. live demonstrations, Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Educational experience featuring venomous and non-venomous snakes of Georgia. Look-and-learn display next to the Round Building. Free. Presented by Southeastern Reptile Rescue.

“Seussical the Musical”

2:30 p.m., The Grand Opera House, 651 Mulberry St. Sing and dance with your favorite characters from classic stories. This play offers entertainment for people of all ages, but is especially geared to excite a younger audience. Presented in partnership with the Grand Opera House.

Tunes and Balloons

Gates open at 4 p.m., balloons glow at dusk, weather permitting, Middle Georgia State College, 100 College Station Drive. Marvel at hot air balloon tether rides and the balloon glow at this picnic-style event. Children’s activities, Travis Denning Band and a special performance by Hey Kid! Tour Waddell Barnes Botanical Gardens. Blankets and lawn chairs encouraged, food/beverages for purchase. $5, free for children under 6; free parking. Presented by American Pride Bank, Burgess Pigment, Cox Communications and Georgia Lottery.

A Festival of Music for Organ and Brass

7:30 p.m. St. Joseph Catholic Church, 830 Poplar St. Featuring Colony IV Brass with timpanist Rob Sumowski and organist Nelda Chapman. 745-1631; stjosephmacon.com. Free. Presented by St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Nightly Concert

6-11 p.m. Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Featuring opening act Prince Neo and headliner A2Z Band. Free. Presented By State Bank and Trust.

Sunday, March 17

Cherry Blossom Golf Tournament

8 a.m.-4 p.m. Bowden Golf Course, 311 Millerfield Road. Men’s and senior men’s tournament. 256-4101. cityofmacon.net. $180 per team, $90 per person.

Dixie Disc Dogs Championships

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Central City Park. Freestyle demonstrations feature Championship Disc Dogs. $5 for competing dogs, free for spectators. Presented by the Greater Atlanta Dog and Disc Club in Association with WOOF! Sports USA.

White Bengal Tigers

Noon, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., Central City Park. A live, action-packed big cat show. Free. Presented by Georgia Farm Bureau.

Opening Worship Service

12:10 p.m. St. Joseph Catholic Church, 830 Poplar St. Sunday church service honoring the Cherry Blossom Festival. Free.

Cherry Blossom Concert

1 p.m. Temple Beth Israel, 892 Cherry St. Georgia College and State University Chamber Players present a unique and exciting educational program. 745-6727. Free. Presented by Sisterhood of Temple Beth Israel.

Saint Patrick’s Day at the Park

Noon-2:30 p.m. Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Performance by Hey Kid!. Free rides from Drew Expositions with current church bulletin. Green margaritas, leprechaun contest, green applesauce eating contest and more.

Joyous Music for the Organ

2 p.m. St. Joseph Catholic Church, 830 Poplar St. Joby Bell brings a new appreciation for the wonders of the pipe organ. Presented on the 53-rank Schlicker Pipe Organ. 745-1631. Free. Presented by Saint Joseph Catholic Church.

Lantern Lighting

2:30 p.m. Third Street Park at Mulberry Street. Ignite the festival and join festival dignitaries as they light the ceremonial lantern. Free. Presented by Wesleyan College.

Cherry Blossom Parade: “It’s a Pink, Pink, Pink World”

3:30 p.m. Cherry and Mulberry streets. Floats, military units, marching bands, costumed performers, international dignitaries and more. Free. Presented by GEICO.

Dinner and a Jazz Band

6 p.m. Riverside United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 735 Pierce Ave. Listen to First Presbyterian Day School’s jazz ensemble; bring your brown bag dinner and enjoy homemade desserts available for purchase. 746-9688, extension 120. rumcmacon.org. Free. Presented by Riverside United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Day School.

Nightly Concert

Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Featuring the Fabulous Boomers from 6-8 p.m. and Kenny Mann and the Liquid Pleasure Band from 9-11 p.m. Free. Presented by State Bank and Trust.

“What a Wonderful World”

7:30 p.m. Porter Auditorium, Wesleyan College, 4760 Forsyth Road. Hear Middle Georgia Concert Band’s variety of music inspired by the festival’s featured nations and produced by Middle Georgia Community Musicians. Free.

Monday, March 18

“Seussical the Musical”

9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., The Grand Opera House, 651 Mulberry St. Sing and dance with your favorite characters from classic stories. This play offers entertainment for people of all ages, but is especially geared to excite a younger audience. Presented in partnership with the Grand Opera House.

Cherry Blossom Cupcakes

11 a.m.-noon, Amanda’s Cakery, 321 Cotton Ave. Free almond pound cake cupcakes with pink buttercream icing while supplies last. 738-9504. amandascakery.net. Presented by Amanda’s Cakery.

Third Street Park Festivities

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Third Street Park. Free ice cream from Kroger and free Krispy Kreme donuts while supplies last. Live entertainment. Carriage rides. Spotlight featured nation: France. Presented by Atlanta Postal Credit Union.

Cherry Blossom Organ Concert

Noon, Mulberry Street United Methodist Church, 719 Mulberry St. Thirty-minute organ concert. mulberrymethodist.org. Free.

White Bengal Tigers

3 p.m. and 6 p.m., Central City Park. A live, action-packed big cat show. Free. Presented by Georgia Farm Bureau.

Nightly Concert

6-9 p.m. Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Featuring Big Mike and the Booty Papas. Free. Presented by State Bank and Trust.

“Broadway in Bloom”

6:30 p.m. cocktails/cash bar; 7 p.m. showtime, Armory Ballroom, 484 First St. Sing along and tap your toes to Broadway favorites. Show tunes performed live by local artist JJ Hobbs and friends. $40 per person. Presented by the Georgia Heart Center at the Medical Center of Central Georgia.

An Evening of Music

7 p.m. Performing Arts Center, Central High School, 2155 Napier Ave. Featuring music from the Department of Fine Arts featuring the Bibb County Honor Choir and instrumental music. 765-8595. Free. Presented by Bibb County School District.

Tuesday, March 19

Cherry Blossom Festival Day at the Museum of Arts and Sciences

10 a.m.-5 p.m., Museum of Arts and Sciences, 4182 Forsyth Road. Come out and celebrate with the museum as we salute Macon’s world-renown signature celebration by observing Cherry Blossom Festival Day with fun and festivities for all ages. www.masmacon.org.

Authors Luncheon

11:30 a.m. Idle Hour Country Club, 251 Idle Hour Drive. Enjoy the company of Bill Cummings, renowned author and decorator; Deborah Ford, author of “GRITS”; and Karen White, New York Times best-selling author. 751-7429. $35 per person. Presented by Middle Georgia Heart and Vascular Center.

Third Street Park Festivities

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Third Street Park. Free ice cream from Kroger and free donuts while supplies last. Live entertainment. Carriage rides. Spotlight featured nation: Great Britain. Free. Presented by Atlanta Postal Credit Union.

Cherry Blossom Organ Concert

Noon, Mulberry Street United Methodist Church, 719 Mulberry St. Thirty-minute organ concert. Free.

White Bengal Tigers

3 p.m. and 6 p.m., Central City Park. A live, action-packed big cat show. Free. Presented by Georgia Farm Bureau.

Cherry Blossom Tea

3-4:30 p.m. American Red Cross Historic Office, 195 Holt Ave. The Mentor’s Project and the American Red Cross’ Tea. Join the Mentor’s Project protégés as they are introduced to guests from around the world. June O’Neal, 765-8624. Free. Presented by the Mentor’s Project.

Nightly Concert

7-10 p.m. Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Featuring Hollywood Band. Free. Presented by State Bank and Trust.

Military Concert

7:30 p.m. Porter Auditorium, Wesleyan College, 4760 Forsyth Road. Listen to this special performance by the Middle Georgia Concert Band with guest conductor L. Bryon Shelburne, who is a retired Army colonel and director emeritus of the U.S. Army Band in Washington, D.C. Lively, patriotic and popular music for all. Free. Presented by OSAN Petroleum.

Wednesday, March 20

Third Street Park Festivities

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Third Street Park. Free ice cream from Kroger and free donuts while supplies last. Live entertainment. Carriage rides. Spotlight featured nation: Taiwan. Free. Presented by Atlanta Postal Credit Union.

Cherry Blossom Organ Concert

Noon, Mulberry Street United Methodist Church, 719 Mulberry St. Thirty-minute organ concert. Free.

White Bengal Tigers

3 p.m. and 6 p.m., Central City Park. A live, action-packed big cat show. Free. Presented by Georgia Farm Bureau.

Nightly Concert

6-9 p.m. Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Featuring the Loose Skrews. Presented by State Bank and Trust.

Thursday, March 21

Cherry Blossom Grand Rounds

7:30-9 a.m. Eversole Auditorium, Medical Center of Central Georgia, 822 Hemlock St. Theme: “Phillip Franz von Siebold and Rangaku in Medieval Japan.” Enjoy this presentation focusing on the historic relationship of the Dutch and Japanese medical culture. 633-6952. Free. Presented by the Department of Surgery at The Medical Center of Central Georgia and Dr. Don Nakayama.

45th Annual Old Book Sale

10 a.m.-7 p.m. Macon Coliseum, 240 Coliseum Drive. Sale of more than 100,000 books to benefit Bibb County libraries and support the literacy effort in the Middle Georgia community. 745-2422. Free. Presented by Friends of the Library.

Cherry Blossom Fashion Show

11 a.m. Anderson Conference Center, 5171 Eisenhower Parkway. Mark Ballard will coordinate and emcee the show, including celebrity guest models, pink champagne, a catered brunch by Edgar’s Bistro and a tribute to Neva Langley Fickling. Theme: “Beauty Blossoming: A Spring Fashion Journey.” 301-5470. $35; tables of 10 available. Presented by Carlyle Place, Georgia Heart Center of The Medical Center of Central Georgia and Vein Specialists of the South.

Third Street Park Festivities

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Third Street Park. Free ice cream from Kroger and Krispy Kreme donuts while supplies last. Live entertainment. Carriage rides. Spotlight featured nation: Japan. Free. Presented by Atlanta Postal Credit Union.

Cherry Blossom Golf Tournament

Noon-2 p.m. Bowden Golf Course, 311 Millerfield Road. Women’s tournament. 256-4101. cityofmacon.net. $75 per team.

Cherry Blossom Organ Concert

Noon, Mulberry Street United Methodist Church, 719 Mulberry St. Thirty-minute organ concert. Free.

White Bengal Tigers

3 p.m. and 6 p.m., Central City Park. A live, action-packed big cat show. Free. Presented by Georgia Farm Bureau.

A Celebration of Gospel

7:30 p.m. Porter Auditorium, Wesleyan College, 4760 Forsyth Road. Jay Terrell featuring Essence of Worship and Friends with special guest Beulahland Bible Church Mass Choir and other artists. Free.

“G.R.I.T.S. the Musical”

7:30 p.m. Grand Opera House, 651 Mulberry St. Based on the book “Friends are Forever” by Deborah Ford. Tickets available at thegrandmacon.com. $41. Presented in partnership with the Grand Opera House.

Nightly Concert

6-11 p.m. Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Featuring the Grapevine and Keith Williams. Free. Presented by State Bank and Trust.

Friday, March 22

45th Annual Old Book Sale

10 a.m.-7 p.m. Macon Coliseum, 240 Coliseum Drive. Sale of more than 100,000 books to benefit Bibb County libraries and support the literacy effort in the Middle Georgia community. 745-2422. Free. Presented by Friends of the Library.

Third Street Park Festivities

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Third Street Park. Free ice cream from Kroger and free donuts while supplies last. Live entertainment. Carriage rides. Founder’s Day. Free. Presented by Atlanta Postal Credit Union.

Cherry Blossom Organ Concert

Noon, Mulberry Street United Methodist Church, 719 Mulberry St. Thirty-minute organ concert. Free.

“G.R.I.T.S. the Musical”

2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Grand Opera House, 651 Mulberry St. Based on the book “Friends are Forever” by Deborah Ford. Tickets available at thegrandmacon.com. $41. Presented in partnership with the Grand Opera House.

White Bengal Tigers

3 p.m. and 6 p.m., Central City Park. A live, action-packed big cat show. Free. Presented by Georgia Farm Bureau.

Coleman Hill Jazz Concert

6-8 p.m. Coleman Hill, Georgia Avenue at Spring Street. Come early with blankets and picnics ready for a fantastic evening of music overlooking one of the most beautiful views of Macon at night. Featuring the Joey Stuckey Band. Free. Presented by Jones, Cork and Miller and BB&T Bank.

Nightly Concert

7-10 p.m. Coca-Cola Stage, Central City Park. Featuring Big Daddy and Company. Free. Presented by State Bank and Trust.

Saturday, March 23

Pink Pancake Breakfast

7-10 a.m. Parkview Pavilion, Central City Park. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. $5; free parking. Presented by the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department.

Cherry Blossom Road Race

8-11 a.m. Howard Middle School, 6600 Forsyth Road. Run among the cherry blossoms, and bring the kids for the carnival. Race benefits services Wesley Glen Ministries provides to developmentally disabled adults. Register: 471-3711; cherryblossomroadrace.com. $25 for 5k and 10K; $15 for one-mile fun run/walk. Presented by Wesley Glen Ministries.

Cherry Blossom Festival 17th Annual Car Show

8 a.m.-5 p.m. Central City Park. Cherry Blossom Festival Mustang and Ford Car Show. 960-4240. www.freewebs.com/flagcitymc/home.htm. $25 per car entry fee, free for spectators. Presented by Flag City Mustangs.

Cherry Blossom Golf Tournament

8 a.m.-noon, Bowden Golf Course, 311 Millerfield Road. Juniors’ tournament. 256-4101. cityofmacon.net. $25 per person.

45th Annual Old Book Sale

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Macon Coliseum, 240 Coliseum Drive. Sale of more than 100,000 books to benefit Bibb County libraries and support the literacy effort in Middle Georgia. 745-2422. Free. Presented by Friends of the Library.

Mulberry Street Arts and Crafts Festival

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mulberry Street, from Second-Third streets. The city’s oldest and finest outdoor arts and crafts show is back with more than 200 vendors. Middlegeorgiaart.org. Free. Presented by the Middle Georgia Art Association.

“Music in Our Schools”

11 a.m.-1 p.m., Macon Mall, 3661 Eisenhower Parkway. Celebrate “Music in Our Schools” Month with a showcase at the mall by Jones County Schools. Free.

Kids CherryDazzle

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Central City Park. Face painting, games, mascots and prizes. For kids of all ages. Free.

Food Truck Frenzy

11 a.m.-6 p.m. Third Street, between Mulberry and Walnut streets. Gourmet food trucks from around the South featuring the latest trends in culinary culture. Live entertainment provided by Ernest Rogers. Free admission; on-site beer sales.

PAWS for a Cause

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Central City Park, top of the park. Make good on your promise to your pooch with agility training demos, obedience 101, micro-chipping and vaccine clinic. Presented by FURever Friends.

White Bengal Tigers

Noon, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., Central City Park. A live, action-packed big cat show. Free. Presented by Georgia Farm Bureau.

Street Party

5 p.m. Cherry Street Plaza, downtown Macon. Featuring 38 Special, the Dirty Guv’nahs, Atlanta Funk Society and an opening performance from the Wild Feathers. $12 advance; $20 day of show. Presented by Georgia Lottery.

Nightly Concert

6-11 p.m. Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Featuring Whiskey Bent and Sons-n-Britches. Presented by State Bank and Trust.

Sunday, March 24

45th Annual Old Book Sale

11 a.m.-5 p.m. Macon Coliseum, 240 Coliseum Drive. Sale of more than 100,000 books to benefit Bibb County libraries and support the literacy effort in Middle Georgia. All books half price. 745-2422. Free. Presented by Friends of the Library.

The Rev. Jimmy Waters Closing Worship Service

11 a.m. New Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, 475 Church St. Free.

Food Truck Frenzy

11 a.m.-6 p.m. Third Street, between Mulberry and Walnut streets. Gourmet food trucks from around the South featuring the latest trends in culinary culture. Live entertainment provided by Ernest Rogers. Free admission; on-site beer sales.

Mulberry Street Arts and Crafts Festival

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mulberry Street, from Second-Third streets. The city’s oldest and finest outdoor arts and crafts show is back with more than 200 vendors. Middlegeorgiaart.org. Free. Presented by the Middle Georgia Art Association.

Concert

11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Entertainment Stage, Miller Lite Central City Park. Live bluegrass music. Free. Presented by State Bank and Trust.

White Bengal Tigers

Noon, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., Central City Park. A live, action-packed big cat show. Free. Presented by Georgia Farm Bureau.

Pin Grand Prize and Golf Cart Raffle Drawing

5 p.m. Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. You do not have to be present to win.

Grand Finale

5 p.m. Wesleyan College, 4760 Forsyth Road. Fireworks at dusk, children’s activities, food concession and live entertainment from Louise Warren and Gringo Grande. Picnics and blankets are encouraged. Free. Presented by Heritage Bank of the South and Wilson-Bryant HVAC, Cheddar’s Casual Cafe and Starr Electric.

For more event details, visit www.cherryblossom.com.