Out & About

Cherry Blossom Festival calendar of events

Updated March 18, 2015 10:21 AM

Friday, March 20

MASTER GARDENERS OF CENTRAL GEORGIA SPRING PLANT PREVIEW AND SALE

8 a.m.-5 p.m., State Farmer’s Market, 2055 Eisenhower Parkway. Learn from the Master Gardeners of Central Georgia and shop from a wide array of annuals, perennials, vegetables and trees. 478-752-1093. Free parking and admission.

GRAND OPENING: KUDZU SEAFOOD COMPANY

10:30 a.m., 470 Third St. Join us as we celebrate the opening of Kudzu Seafood Company, a delicious restaurant brought to you by one of Middle Georgia’s most renowned catering companies.

HORSES, HORSES, HORSES

11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Central City Park. Under the instruction of Lisa Dufresne, world-famous horse trainer, this high-energy equestrian show features more than 12 horses of all shapes and sizes.

GRAND OPENING AND FOUNDER’S DAY CELEBRATION

Noon, Central City Park. Celebrate the opening of the 33rd annual Cherry Blossom Festival alongside international, state and local dignitaries. There will be a ribbon-cutting and the founders will be recognized with a special program.

AUSSIE KINGDOM KANGAROO SHOW

12:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., Central City Park. The only touring Australian wildlife show in North America.

SPRING SPIRIT STROLL

6-7 p.m., Historic Riverside Cemetery, 1301 Riverside Drive. Stroll back in time on a one-hour guided walking tour of the cemetery. Actors in costume at graveside put a human face on history. 478-742-5328. $10, $5 students.

ART IN THE PARK: NEW FORMS FROM THE SOUTHEAST

6 p.m., Tattnall Square Park, 1155 College St. Featuring sculptures by seven artists throughout the park, with guest artist Preston Poe.

OCMULGEE NATIONAL MONUMENT LANTERN LIGHT TOURS

7:30-9:30 p.m., Ocmulgee National Monument, 1207 Emery Highway. Guide yourself or enjoy a tour guide for this one-mile candlelit walk around the mounds. Guided tours every 30 minutes; self-guided walks end at 9 p.m. 478-752-8257. $5; free for ages 12 and younger.

“FOUR BROKE GUYS”

8 p.m., Douglass Theatre, 355 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. One-man show about four down-and-out guys with relationship issues. Comedy, music, film and live theater come together for this unique production by J. Shawn Durham. Hosted by Atlanta-based comedian Joel Byars. 478-742-2000. $18 and up.

STILLWATER LIVE

8 p.m., the Crazy Bull, 473 Second St. A Southern rock band with Warner Robins roots. Ages 18 and up. $20 general admission.

NIGHTLY CONCERT

Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Featuring 8 Seconds from 6-7:30 p.m. and A2Z Band from 8-11 p.m.

Saturday, March 21

PINK PANCAKE BREAKFAST

7-10 a.m., Central City Park. Enjoy delicious pink pancakes served up by the Macon-Bibb Fire Department. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. 478-330-7050. $5 per person.

MOTORCYCLE SHOW

All day, Central City Park. Motorcycle lovers from around the country gather to view more than 200 motorcycles on display.

MASTER GARDENERS OF CENTRAL GEORGIA SPRING PLANT PREVIEW AND SALE

8 a.m.-3 p.m., State Farmer’s Market, 2055 Eisenhower Parkway. Learn from the Master Gardeners of Central Georgia and shop from a wide array of annuals, perennials, vegetables and trees. 478-752-1093. Free parking and admission.

MEN’S GOLF TOURNAMENT

8 a.m., Bowden Golf Course, 3111 Millerfield Road. The Men and Senior Men’s division for two-player teams, four ball tournament. Sam MacFie, macfie@cox.net. $200 per team.

THIRD ANNUAL VARSITY CRUISE-IN

9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sid’s Sandwich Shop, 1510 Forsyth St. Cruise-in and show off your classic car at the old Varsity Drive-In (now Sid’s Sandwich Shop). All proceeds benefit local charities.

CENTRAL GEORGIA BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB “PINK-A-DOODLE” CHILDREN’S SIDEWALK CHALK

11 a.m.-1 p.m., Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, 301 Cherry St. Display your artistic side as you and your kids decorate the sidewalk. Free chalk.

DIXIE DISC DOGS

11 a.m.-5 p.m., Central City Park. Watch premier Frisbee dogs from around the country compete for the championship title.

HORSES, HORSES, HORSES

AUSSIE KINGDOM KANGAROO SHOW

12:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., Central City Park. The only touring Australian wildlife show in North America.

BED RACE

1 p.m., Cherry Street. Open to anyone who wants to get in on the fun and excitement of old fashioned bed racing. Teams are divided into two classes: Wild N’ Wacky for beginners and Fast and Furious for experienced racers. The teams will race down Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Cherry Street to the corner of Cherry Street and Third Street. Catherine Harmon, charmon@cherryblossom.com.

HIGH HEELS FOR THE CURE

2 p.m., Cherry Street. Bringing men, women and children together for a wacky, fun, high heel dash through downtown Macon to support Susan G. Komen of Central Georgia and raise money for a cure to end breast cancer. Register at www.komencentralga.org. $10 per participant, free to watch.

MACON-BIBB FIREFIGHTERS COMPETITION

3 p.m., Third Street Park. The competition combines skill, agility and teamwork in a challenging show of talent. This is a don’t-miss awe-inspiring event for the whole family to enjoy.

SPRING SPIRIT STROLL

DIGNITARY AND ROYALTY RECEPTION

7 p.m., Idle Hour Country Club, 251 Idle Hour Drive. Meet and mingle with visiting dignitaries, festival celebrities and Cherry Blossom Festival royalty. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be served. Enjoy music and dancing, as well as dignitary and royalty presentations. $65.

MACON KIWANIS ART AND TALENT SHOWCASE

7 p.m., Howard High School, 6400 Forsyth Road. Talented Bibb County high school students compete for scholarships in areas of art and talent.

OCMULGEE NATIONAL MONUMENT LANTERN LIGHT TOURS

MERCER UNIVERSITY ORCHESTRA CONCERT

7:30 p.m., Grand Opera House, 651 Mulberry St. The Mercer University Orchestra, under the direction of Ward Stare, will perform an evening of selections from Brahms and Britten.

“FOUR BROKE GUYS”

NIGHTLY CONCERT

Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Featuring 3-5-7 Band from 6-7:30 p.m. and Midnight Riders from 8-11 p.m.

Sunday, March 22

MEN’S GOLF TOURNAMENT

8 a.m., Bowden Golf Course, 3111 Millerfield Road. The Men and Senior Men’s division for two-player teams, four ball tournament. Sam MacFie, macfie@cox.net. $200 per team.

OPENING WORSHIP SERVICE

10:45 a.m., Temple Beth Israel, 892 Cherry St. All demoninations welcome.

DIXIE DISC DOGS

11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Central City Park. Watch premier Frisbee dogs from around the country compete for the championship title.

HORSES, HORSES, HORSES

AUSSIE KINGDOM KANGAROO SHOW

12:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., Central City Park. The only touring Australian wildlife show in North America.

TRADITIONAL LANTERN LIGHTING

2 p.m., Third Street Park. Join festival dignitaries for this special Cherry Blossom Festival tradition as they light the ceremonial lantern.

THE KING OF INSTRUMENTS

2 p.m., St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 830 Poplar St. Annual concert of music for pipe organ, played on the 53-rank Pilcher/Schlicker organ. Concert artist Gail Archer. Featuring the Colony IV Brass Quintet.

“PINK ON PINK” PARADE

3 p.m., Cherry Street. Featuring floats, marching bands, military units, costumed performers, international dignitaries and more.

COURTNEY HUFFMAN, SOPRANO

4 p.m., Vineville United Methodist Church, 2045 Vineville Ave. Accompaniment from Chenny Gan. Part of the Music and the Arts at Vineville series.

SPRING SPIRIT STROLL

BUDDY GREENE IN CONCERT

7:30 p.m., Grand Opera House, 651 Mulberry St. Greene is a talented singer, song writer, guitarist and harmonica player, a wonderful entertainer who delights his audiences with hometown stores of growing up in Macon. Benefits the Fuller Center for Housing of Macon. 478-301-5470. $30 and up.

OCMULGEE NATIONAL MONUMENT LANTERN LIGHT TOURS

NIGHTLY CONCERT

6-9 p.m., Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Featuring Hollywood Band.

Monday, March 23

CHERRY BLOSSOM DAY

9 a.m.-5 p.m., Ocmulgee National Monument, 1207 Emery Highway. Celebrate special Cherry Blossom Festival events at the Ocmulgee National Monument.

MILITARY AND VETERANS APPRECIATION DAY

11 a.m.-6 p.m., Central City Park. All military personnel and veterans will be given free admission to the park with military identification.

GRAND OPENING: GENGHIS GRILL

11 a.m.-10 p.m., 5437 Bowman Road, Suite 100. Build your own stir-fry restaurant.

THIRD STREET PARK FESTIVITIES

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Third Street Park. Satisfy your sweet tooth with free ice cream and various refreshments from Cherry Blossom Festival sponsors while supplies last. Multiple entertainers and a special theme each day; horse-drawn carriage rides.

HORSES, HORSES, HORSES

AUSSIE KINGDOM KANGAROO SHOW

12:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., Central City Park. The only touring Australian wildlife show in North America.

ORGAN CONCERTS

Noon-12:30 p.m., Mulberry Street United Methodist Church, 719 Mulberry St. Featured performer: Gerald Carper.

STORIES AT THE GAZEBO

1:30-2:30 p.m., Tattnall Square Park, 1155 College St. Join Muriel Jackson, head of the Genealogical and Historical Room at Washington Memorial Library, for pink lemonade, cookies and stories about Macon-Bibb County. Suitable for all ages.

SPRING SPIRIT STROLL

AN EVENING OF MUSIC

7 p.m., Performing Arts Center, Central High School, 2155 Napier Ave. Featuring the Bibb County Honor Choir and instrumental music.

FESTIVE MUSIC FOR ORGAN AND BRASS

7:30 p.m., St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 830 Poplar St. An evening of music for organ, brass and timpani. Featuring Douglas Hill, Ray Lawrence, Susan Von Wick, Stephen Hoy, Kyle Krejci, Rob Sumowski, and Nelda Chapman.

NIGHTLY CONCERT

6-9:30 p.m., Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Featuring Big Mike & the Booty Papas.

Tuesday, March 24

CHERRY BLOSSOM DAY

8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, 301 Cherry St. Guided tours will begin on the hour, each hour, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 478-752-1585.

UNIFORM APPRECIATION DAY

11 a.m.-6 p.m., Central City Park. An opportunity to honor and thank men and women in uniform including law enforcement, fire department, boy and Girl Scouts, etc. Please wear your uniform to receive free admission.

THIRD STREET PARK FESTIVITIES

“MACON CONNECTIONS” AUTHORS’ LUNCHEON

11:30 a.m., Idle Hour Country Club, 251 Idle Hour Drive. Enjoy a special meal with authors Elizabeth S. Craig, Miriam Johnson, William Rawlings and Terry Kay. $35 per person, includes lunch. Purchase tickets in advance at www.thegrandmacon.com.

HORSES, HORSES, HORSES

ORGAN CONCERTS

Noon-12:30 p.m., Mulberry Street United Methodist Church, 719 Mulberry St. Featured performer: Robin Jenkins.

AUSSIE KINGDOM KANGAROO SHOW

12:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., Central City Park. The only touring Australian wildlife show in North America.

FAIRY TALES AND HAPPY ENDINGS: PETITE FLOWER SHOW AND COLLECTIBLES DISPLAY

2-5 p.m., Federated Garden Club, 730 College St. Featuring horticulture and designs based on fairy tale themes.

TEA PRESENTED BY MENTORS PROJECT OF MACON

3 p.m., American Red Cross Historic House, 195 Holt Ave. A special event hosted by the Mentor’s project of Macon that focuses on teaching social skills to young women. Learn more about the Mentor’s Project and meet Cherry Blossom guests from around the world.

SPRING SPIRIT STROLL

MUSIC OF NATIONS -- MIDDLE GEORGIA CONCERT BAND

6:30 p.m., Porter Auditorium, Wesleyan College, 4760 Forsyth Road. Some of Middle Georgia’s finest musicians will be performing their “Music of Nations” concert.

NIGHTLY CONCERT

Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Featuring Keith Williams from 6-7:30 p.m. and 120/80 from 7:30-9 p.m.

Wednesday, March 25

FAIRY TALES AND HAPPY ENDINGS: PETITE FLOWER SHOW AND COLLECTIBLES DISPLAY

10 a.m.-5 p.m., Federated Garden Club, 730 College St. Featuring horticulture and designs based on fairy tale themes.

CHERRY BLOSSOM DAY

10 a.m.-5 p.m., Museum of Arts and Science, 4182 Forsyth Road. Come celebrate special Cherry Blossom Festival events at the Museum of Arts and Sciences.

SENIOR CITIZENS APPRECIATION DAY

11 a.m.-6 p.m., Central City Park. All senior citizens will be granted free entry into Central City Park.

THIRD STREET PARK FESTIVITIES

HORSES, HORSES, HORSES

ORGAN CONCERTS

Noon-12:30 p.m., Mulberry Street United Methodist Church, 719 Mulberry St. Featured performer: Jose Reyes-Ortiz.

AUSSIE KINGDOM KANGAROO SHOW

12:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., Central City Park. The only touring Australian wildlife show in North America.

SPRING SPIRIT STROLL

“CHRIST IN THE CONCRETE CITY”

7 p.m., Riverside United Methodist Church, 735 Pierce Ave. Enjoy this faith-based drama where actors portray both historical characters from the Bible and modern day personalities, passing freely to and from each world.

NIGHTLY CONCERT

Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Featuring Buck and Frank from 6-7:30 p.m. and Barry Darnell and the Mobile Slim Band from 7:30-9 p.m.

Thursday, March 26

WOMEN’S GOLF TOURNAMENT

10 a.m., Bowden Golf Course, 3111 Millerfield Road. Women’s two-player scramble tournament. Sam MacFie, macfie@cox.net. $90 per team.

FAIRY TALES AND HAPPY ENDINGS: PETITE FLOWER SHOW AND COLLECTIBLES DISPLAY

10 a.m.-5 p.m., Federated Garden Club, 730 College St. Featuring horticulture and designs based on fairy tale themes.

STYLE SHOW AND LUNCH

11 a.m., Macon Marriott Edgar H. Wilson Convention Center, 240 Coliseum Drive. The fashion show will feature the emerging trends of spring. The runway is filled with celebrity guest models, local Macon fashionistas, Cherry Blossom Festival royalty and many more surprises. 478-301-2700. $40 per person.

HORSES, HORSES, HORSES

THIRD STREET PARK FESTIVITIES

ORGAN CONCERTS

Noon-12:30 p.m., Mulberry Street United Methodist Church, 719 Mulberry St. Featured performer: Jonathan Poe.

AUSSIE KINGDOM KANGAROO SHOW

12:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., Central City Park. The only touring Australian wildlife show in North America.

STORIES AT THE GAZEBO

SPRING SPIRIT STROLL

CHINESE CONNECTIONS DANCE ROUTINE

6:30 p.m., Porter Auditorium, Wesleyan College, 4760 Forsyth Road. Enjoy an evening of dance as students of Wesleyan College perform their Chinese Connections dance.

NIGHTLY CONCERT

6-9 p.m., Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Featuring Loose Skrews.

Friday, March 27

THIRD STREET PARK FESTIVITIES

HORSES, HORSES, HORSES

ORGAN CONCERTS

Noon-12:30 p.m., Mulberry Street United Methodist Church, 719 Mulberry St. Featured performer: Craig Soaries.

SKYBOUND CANINES

Noon, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., Central City Park. Witness freestyle frisbee, trick dogs and dock diving.

AUSSIE KINGDOM KANGAROO SHOW

12:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., Central City Park. The only touring Australian wildlife show in North America.

SPRING SPIRIT STROLL

OCMULGEE NATIONAL MONUMENT LANTERN LIGHT TOURS

3 REDNECK TENORS

7:30 p.m., Grand Opera House, 651 Mulberry St. Music ranges from gospel to country to Broadway, pop and classical along with musical comedy. 478-301-5470. $42 and up.

AN EVENING WITH FRANKIE BALLARD

8 p.m., the Crazy Bull, 473 Second St. The “Sunshine and Whiskey” star will be performing country music. Ages 18 and up. $10 and up.

NIGHTLY CONCERT

Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Featuring Double Barrel Band from 6-7:30 p.m. and the Grapevine Band from 8-11 p.m.

Saturday, March 28

PINK PANCAKE BREAKFAST

7-10 a.m., Central City Park. Enjoy delicious pink pancakes served up by the Macon-Bibb Fire Department. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. 478-330-7050. $5 per person.

ROAD RACE FOR WESLEY GLEN

Howard Middle School, 6600 Forsyth Road. Event includes one-mile fun run, 9:15 a.m., $13 per entry; 5K road race, 8:15 a.m., $23 per entry; 10K road race, 8:15 a.m., $23 per entry; and kids carnival, 8:15-10:30 a.m., includes face painting, sno-cones, train rides and inflatables. Proceeds benefit developmentally disabled adults who are served by Wesley Glen Ministries.

19TH ANNUAL MUSTANG AND ALL FORD SHOW

8:30 a.m., Central City Park. Bring your own beauty on wheels to show off or see fine favorites that might spark your interest in a new-to-you old ride. Rain date: March 29. www.flagcitymustangclub.com. Registration: $20 by March 21; $25 day of show.

45TH ANNUAL MULBERRY STREET ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL

10 a.m.-5 p.m., Mulberry Street between Second and Third streets. Shop from hundreds of artistic vendors’ booths.

HORSES, HORSES, HORSES

FOOD TRUCK FRENZY

Noon-7 p.m. Third Street between Mulberry and Walnut streets. Gourmet food trucks from around the South featuring the latest trends in culinary culture. Purchase delicious food from a wide variety of food and dessert trucks and enjoy on-site beer sales.

SKYBOUND CANINES

Noon, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., Central City Park. Witness freestyle frisbee, trick dogs and dock diving.

AUSSIE KINGDOM KANGAROO SHOW

12:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., Central City Park. The only touring Australian wildlife show in North America.

SHURA NO TOKI -- BOXING TOURNAMENT

1 p.m., Freedom Park, 3301 Roff Ave. Up to 80 amateur boxers will participate in 40 bouts throughout the day. $10, free for ages 5 and younger.

STAND DANCE BATTLE COMPETITION

2 p.m., Northeast High School, 1646 Upper River Road. Watch as various dance teams from around the Middle Georgia area come together and compete for the title of “Cherry Blossom Stand Dance Battle Champion.” Produced by Kali Dance Studio for the Arts. 478-461-7602. $20 advance, $25 at door.

MUSIC FESTIVAL

4 p.m.-2 a.m., Venues: the Crazy Bull, the Hummingbird Stage and Taproom, the 567 Center for Renewal and the Mill. Indoor/outdoor live music pub crawl downtown featuring local and regional bands. Armbands available for purchase at all venues, beginning at 4 p.m. Entertainment begins at 6 p.m. $15 armband covers admission to all venues.

SPRING SPIRIT STROLL

OCMULGEE NATIONAL MONUMENT LANTERN LIGHT TOURS

THE LETTERMAN IN CONCERT

7:30 p.m., Grand Opera House, 651 Mulberry St. From their first hit in 1961, “The Way You Look Tonight,” through current hits of today, they have proven love ballads have an appeal that knows no boundaries. 478-301-5470. $35 and up.

NIGHTLY CONCERT

Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Featuring Still Cruising from 6-7:30 p.m. and Fabulous Boomers from 8-11 p.m.

Sunday, March 29

45TH ANNUAL MULBERRY STREET ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL

10 a.m.-5 p.m., Mulberry Street between Second and Third streets. Shop from hundreds of artistic vendors’ booths.

FOOD TRUCK FRENZY

11 a.m.-5 p.m., Third Street between Mulberry and Walnut streets. Gourmet food trucks from around the South featuring the latest trends in culinary culture. Purchase delicious food from a wide variety of food and dessert trucks and enjoy on-site beer sales.

CLOSING WORSHIP CEREMONY

11 a.m., Union Baptist Church, 1137 Kitchens St. All denominations welcome.

HORSES, HORSES, HORSES

SKYBOUND CANINES

Noon, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., Central City Park. Witness freestyle frisbee, trick dogs and dock diving.

AUSSIE KINGDOM KANGAROO SHOW

12:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., Central City Park. The only touring Australian wildlife show in North America.

STANTON LANIER: MUSIC TO LIGHT THE WORLD

3 p.m. Riverside United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 735 Pierce Ave. The pianist-composer presents a concert combining piano, visuals, stories and audience interaction. Reception and meet and greet following performance.

PARTY ON THE GREEN

5 p.m. The Quad at Wesleyan College, 4760 Forsyth Road. Pack a picnic, enjoy live music and browse booths with arts and crafts vendors.

SPRING SPIRIT STROLL

OCMULGEE NATIONAL MONUMENT LANTERN LIGHT TOURS

NIGHTLY CONCERT

6-9 p.m., Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Featuring Big Daddy & Company.

This story was originally published March 16, 2015 at 9:56 AM with the headline "Cherry Blossom Festival calendar of events."

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