Macon's Cherry Blossom Festival calendar of events
FRIDAY, MARCH 25
HORSES, HORSES, HORSES
11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Central City Park. A variety of horses waltz, bow and rear, lie down, sit up and walk on their hind legs and perform at liberty and under saddle.
XPOGO
Noon, 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Extreme pogo stunt team.
BENGAL TIGER ENCOUNTER
12:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Central City Park. Exotic animal production and educational program.
GRAND OPENING OF "THE FESTIVAL" AND FOUNDERS DAY CELEBRATION
4 p.m., Central City Park. Celebrate the opening of the festival alongside international, state and local dignitaries. There will be a ribbon-cutting and a special program.
SPRING SPIRIT STROLL
6 p.m., Riverside Cemetery, 1301 Riverside Drive. Actors in costume at graveside put a human face on history. 478-972-5631. $10; $8 for groups of 10 or more.
NIGHTLY CONCERT
6-11 p.m., Central City Park. Featuring the Savannah Alday Band and Matt Rogers.
OCMULGEE NATIONAL MONUMENT LANTERN LIGHT TOUR
7:30-9 p.m., Ocmulgee National Monument, 1207 Emery Highway. Grab a lantern, join a ranger-led tour and discover the ancient cultures that once lived here. Tours every half-hour. The museum is open during this time. 478-752-8257. $5; free for ages 12 and younger.
MARC BROUSSARD
8 p.m., Cox Capitol Theatre, 382 Second St. Hear the old school Southern soul singer from Louisiana. With Baby Bee and Peter Aristone. www.coxcapitoltheatre.com. $15-$20.
SATURDAY, MARCH 26
PINK PANCAKE BREAKFAST
7-10 a.m., Central City Park. Enjoy delicious pink pancakes served up by the Macon-Bibb Fire Department and benefiting the American Cancer Society. $5.
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. 478-746-2772. $10 per entry; free for spectators.
MACON AMATEUR RADIO CLUB SPECIAL EVENT STATION
10 a.m.-4 p.m., corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Poplar Street. Club members will set up a shortwave radio station to promote the Cherry Blossom Festival across the nation. 478-957-2355. Free.
HORSES, HORSES, HORSES
11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Central City Park. A variety of horses waltz, bow and rear, lie down, sit up and walk on their hind legs and perform at liberty and under saddle.
CHEERLEADER EXHIBITION SHOWCASE
Noon, Miller Magnet Middle School, 751 Hendley St. Support your local squad as they showcase their talents. Presented by Kali Dance Studio for the Arts. 478-461-7602. $12; free for ages 4 and younger.
XPOGO
Noon, 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Extreme pogo stunt team.
BENGAL TIGER ENCOUNTER
12:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Central City Park. Exotic animal production and educational program.
BED RACE
1 p.m., Cherry Street at Third Street. Enjoy the fun and excitement as teams of all levels race decorated beds down the street. Who will be the victor? Free for spectators.
SOUTHEASTERN REPTILE RESCUE/SNAKES ARE US
1:30 p.m., Central City Park. Watch Jason Clark and his team handle reptiles of all sizes, and learn more about them in the process.
HIGH HEELS FOR THE CURE RACE
2 p.m., Cherry Street at Third Street. Men, women and children participate in a high-heel dash down Cherry Street to support Susan G. Komen of Central Georgia and raise money for breast cancer research. 478-390-4828. Free for spectators.
MACON-BIBB COUNTY FIREFIGHTERS COMPETITION
3 p.m., Third Street Park. The competition combines skill, agility and teamwork in a challenging show of talent. Free for spectators.
SPRING SPIRIT STROLL
6 p.m., Riverside Cemetery, 1301 Riverside Drive. Actors in costume at graveside put a human face on history. 478-972-5631. $10; $8 for groups of 10 or more.
ZUMBA PARTY
6-7:30 p.m., Central City Park. Join a 90-minute Zumba party with Janice Shephard.
MACON MAYHEM VS. FAYETTEVILLE FIREANTZ
7:30 p.m., Macon Centreplex, 200 Coliseum Drive. Hockey game. www.maconmayhem.com. $10-$18.
OCMULGEE NATIONAL MONUMENT LANTERN LIGHT TOUR
7:30-9 p.m., Ocmulgee National Monument. Grab a lantern, join a ranger-led tour and discover the ancient cultures that once lived here. Tours every half-hour. The museum is open during this time. 478-752-8257. $5; free for ages 12 and younger.
THE BAMA GAMBLERS
8-11 p.m., Central City Park. Southern rock band from Alabama.
SUNDAY, MARCH 27
NON-DENOMINATIONAL WORSHIP SERVICE
11 a.m.-noon, Central City Park. Presented by Grace Point Church.
HORSES, HORSES, HORSES
11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Central City Park. A variety of horses waltz, bow and rear, lie down, sit up and walk on their hind legs and perform at liberty and under saddle.
XPOGO
Noon, 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Extreme pogo stunt team.
BENGAL TIGER ENCOUNTER
12:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Central City Park. Exotic animal production and educational program.
SOUTHEASTERN REPTILE RESCUE/SNAKES ARE US
1:30 p.m., Central City Park. Watch Jason Clark and his team handle reptiles of all sizes, and learn more about them in the process.
SPRING SPIRIT STROLL
6 p.m., Riverside Cemetery, 1301 Riverside Drive. Actors in costume at graveside put a human face on history. 478-972-5631. $10; $8 for groups of 10 or more.
MICHELLE MARSHALL PRESENTS THE ULTIMATE TINA TURNER TRIBUTE SHOW
6-9 p.m., Central City Park. See the show that's been wowing audiences on the Las Vegas strip and throughout the U.S. for the last 17 years.
MACON SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA IN CONCERT
7-8:30 p.m., Grand Opera House, 651 Mulberry St. The MSYO's Full Orchestra, String Orchestra and select Chamber Ensembles will be performing. 678-469-6001. Free.
OCMULGEE NATIONAL MONUMENT LANTERN LIGHT TOUR
7:30-9 p.m., Ocmulgee National Monument. Grab a lantern, join a ranger-led tour and discover the ancient cultures that once lived here. Tours every half-hour. The museum is open during this time. 478-752-8257. $5; free for ages 12 and younger.
MONDAY, MARCH 28
HORSES, HORSES, HORSES
11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., Central City Park. A variety of horses waltz, bow and rear, lie down, sit up and walk on their hind legs and perform at liberty and under saddle.
THIRD STREET PARK FESTIVITIES
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Third Street Park. Cherry ice cream, doughnuts, carriage rides, live entertainment and more. 478-319-4234.
XPOGO
Noon, 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Extreme pogo stunt team.
BENGAL TIGER ENCOUNTER
12:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Central City Park. Exotic animal production and educational program.
SPRING SPIRIT STROLL
6 p.m., Riverside Cemetery, 1301 Riverside Drive. Actors in costume at graveside put a human face on history. 478-972-5631. $10; $8 for groups of 10 or more.
NIGHTLY CONCERT
6-9 p.m., Central City Park. Featuring LaLa Love and 120/80 Vocal Band.
TUESDAY, MARCH 29
CHERRY BLOSSOM DAY
9 a.m.-5 p.m., Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, 301 Cherry St. Free admission to the museum. 478-752-1585.
CHERRY BLOSSOM DAY
10 a.m.-5 p.m., Museum of Arts and Sciences, 4182 Forsyth Road. Free admission with 2016 Cherry Blossom Festival Pin.
HORSES, HORSES, HORSES
11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., Central City Park. A variety of horses waltz, bow and rear, lie down, sit up and walk on their hind legs and perform at liberty and under saddle.
THIRD STREET PARK FESTIVITIES
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Third Street Park. Cherry ice cream, doughnuts, carriage rides, live entertainment and more. 478-319-4234.
"THINK PINK" AUTHOR'S LUNCHEON
11:30 a.m., Idle Hour Country Club, 251 Idle Hour Drive. Presented by the Burgess Pigment Company. $40.
XPOGO
Noon, 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Extreme pogo stunt team.
BENGAL TIGER ENCOUNTER
12:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Central City Park. Exotic animal production and educational program.
"THE CHERRY BLOSSOM TEA"
3 p.m., American Red Cross Historic House, 195 Holt Ave. Hosted by the Mentor's Project, the event focuses on teaching social skills to young women. 478-954-4346.
SPRING SPIRIT STROLL
6 p.m., Riverside Cemetery, 1301 Riverside Drive. Actors in costume at graveside put a human face on history. 478-972-5631. $10; $8 for groups of 10 or more.
NIGHTLY CONCERT
6-9 p.m., Central City Park. Featuring the Little Roy and Lizzy Show and Prince Neo.
MUSIC OF NATIONS CONCERT
6:30 p.m., Porter Auditorium, Wesleyan College, 4760 Forsyth Road. Featuring Middle Georgia musicians, the Middle Georgia Concert Band and a special performance by the Sozo Children's Choir. Free, ticketed event.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30
"MACON ENTERTAINS YOU"
10 a.m.-5 p.m., Federated Garden Club, 730 College St. A show featuring table settings and entertaining tips, plus a plant, fairy gardens and garden decor sale. Sponsored by the Federated Garden Clubs of Macon. 478-390-8374.
HORSES, HORSES, HORSES
11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., Central City Park. A variety of horses waltz, bow and rear, lie down, sit up and walk on their hind legs and perform at liberty and under saddle.
THIRD STREET PARK FESTIVITIES
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Third Street Park. Cherry ice cream, doughnuts, carriage rides, live entertainment and more. 478-319-4234.
XPOGO
Noon, 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Extreme pogo stunt team.
BENGAL TIGER ENCOUNTER
12:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Central City Park. Exotic animal production and educational program.
SPRING SPIRIT STROLL
6 p.m., Riverside Cemetery, 1301 Riverside Drive. Actors in costume at graveside put a human face on history. 478-972-5631. $10; $8 for groups of 10 or more.
NIGHTLY CONCERT
6:30-9 p.m., Central City Park. Featuring the JJ Weeks Band.
THURSDAY, MARCH 31
"MACON ENTERTAINS YOU"
10 a.m.-5 p.m., Federated Garden Club, 730 College St. A show featuring table settings and entertaining tips, plus a plant, fairy gardens and garden decor sale. Sponsored by the Federated Garden Clubs of Macon. 478-390-8374.
HORSES, HORSES, HORSES
11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., Central City Park. A variety of horses waltz, bow and rear, lie down, sit up and walk on their hind legs and perform at liberty and under saddle.
THIRD STREET PARK FESTIVITIES
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Third Street Park. Cherry ice cream, doughnuts, carriage rides, live entertainment and more. 478-319-4234.
XPOGO
Noon, 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Extreme pogo stunt team.
BENGAL TIGER ENCOUNTER
12:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Central City Park. Exotic animal production and educational program.
SPRING SPIRIT STROLL
6 p.m., Riverside Cemetery, 1301 Riverside Drive. Actors in costume at graveside put a human face on history. 478-972-5631. $10; $8 for groups of 10 or more.
MILITARY TRIBUTE CONCERT
6:30 p.m., Porter Auditorium, Wesleyan College, 4760 Forsyth Road. Includes the music of the Navy Band Southeast. 478-319-4234. Free, ticketed event.
NIGHTLY CONCERT
6-11 p.m.,, Central City Park. Featuring CMA Fitness PowerDollz, followed by Latino Night from 8-11 p.m.
FRIDAY, APRIL 1
"MACON ENTERTAINS YOU"
10 a.m.-5 p.m., Federated Garden Club, 730 College St. A show featuring table settings and entertaining tips, plus a plant, fairy gardens and garden decor sale. Sponsored by the Federated Garden Clubs of Macon. 478-390-8374.
HORSES, HORSES, HORSES
11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Central City Park. A variety of horses waltz, bow and rear, lie down, sit up and walk on their hind legs and perform at liberty and under saddle.
THIRD STREET PARK FESTIVITIES
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Third Street Park. Cherry ice cream, doughnuts, carriage rides, live entertainment and more. 478-319-4234.
XPOGO
Noon, 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Extreme pogo stunt team.
BENGAL TIGER ENCOUNTER
12:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Central City Park. Exotic animal production and educational program.
SPRING SPIRIT STROLL
6 p.m., Riverside Cemetery, 1301 Riverside Drive. Actors in costume at graveside put a human face on history. 478-972-5631. $10; $8 for groups of 10 or more.
OCMULGEE NATIONAL MONUMENT LANTERN LIGHT TOUR
7:30-9 p.m., Ocmulgee National Monument. Grab a lantern, join a ranger-led tour and discover the ancient cultures that once lived here. Tours every half-hour. The museum is open during this time. 478-752-8257. $5; free for ages 12 and younger.
RIFF RAFF
8 p.m., Cox Capitol Theatre, 382 Second St. The Houston rapper brings a fun spring break vibe. www.coxcapitoltheatre.com. $22-$25.
NIGHTLY CONCERT
8-11 p.m., Central City Park. Featuring Midnight Riders.
SATURDAY, APRIL 2
PINK PANCAKE BREAKFAST
7-10 a.m., Central City Park. Enjoy delicious pink pancakes served up by the Macon-Bibb Fire Department and benefiting the American Cancer Society. $5.
MUSTANG & ALL FORD SHOW
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Hutchings College and Career Academy, 2011 Riverside Drive. Rain date: April 3. Bring your own beauty on wheels to show off, or just take a look at others. 478-365-1305.
MACON MUD RUN
9:15 a.m.-4 p.m., Hephzibah Children's Home, 6601 Zebulon Road. Featuring a course of challenging terrain, more than 20 obstacles and countless mud pits. 478-477-3383, extension 168 Free to watch.
"CELEBRATION DAY"
10 a.m.-2 p.m., Methodist Children's Home, 304 Pierce Ave. Celebrating children and youth as well as the community. 478-751-2898.
MULBERRY STREET ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL
10 a.m.-5 p.m., Mulberry Street, between Second and Third streets. Hundreds of arts and crafts vendors. Hosted by the Middle Georgia Art Association. 478-744-9557.
FOOD TRUCK FRENZY
11 a.m.-7 p.m., Third and Mulberry streets. Gourmet food trucks from around the South.
HORSES, HORSES, HORSES
11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Central City Park. A variety of horses waltz, bow and rear, lie down, sit up and walk on their hind legs and perform at liberty and under saddle.
XPOGO
Noon, 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Extreme pogo stunt team.
BENGAL TIGER ENCOUNTER
12:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Central City Park. Exotic animal production and educational program.
SEA MOBILE-GULF SPECIMEN MARINE LAB
2 p.m., show at the Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, exhibit is open all day, Central City Park. Includes touch tanks with a variety of sea life from the Gulf of Mexico that are safe for children to pick up and handle, informational videos and more.
CHERRY BLOSSOM MUSIC FESTIVAL
5 p.m.-2 a.m., The Crazy Bull, 473 Second St. $15.
SPRING SPIRIT STROLL
6 p.m., Riverside Cemetery, 1301 Riverside Drive. Actors in costume at graveside put a human face on history. 478-972-5631. $10; $8 for groups of 10 or more.
"I BELIEVE IN ME"
6-11 p.m., Central City Park. Hosted by KingTex James of 97.9 WIBB.
THE "BLOSSOM BALL"
7-10 p.m., Idle Hour Country Club, 251 Idle Hour Drive. Heavy hors d'oeuvres, cash bar. Live music by the Grapevine Band. $35 until March 26, then $45.
OCMULGEE NATIONAL MONUMENT LANTERN LIGHT TOUR
7:30-9 p.m., Ocmulgee National Monument. Grab a lantern, join a ranger-led tour and discover the ancient cultures that once lived here. Tours every half-hour. The museum is open during this time. 478-752-8257. $5; free for ages 12 and younger.
MARY WILSON OF THE SUPREMES
7:30 p.m., Grand Opera House. Hear the music legend live in concert. www.thegrandmacon.com. 478-301-5470. $35-$49.
SUNDAY, APRIL 3
IRON PHIVE K
7 a.m. Mercer University, 1501 Mercer University Drive. Phi Delta Theta Fraternity presents its annual 5K for ALS research. 478-234-2112. $35 adults, $25 seniors and children.
MULBERRY STREET ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL
10 a.m.-5 p.m., Mulberry Street, between Second and Third streets. Hundreds of arts and crafts vendors. Hosted by the Middle Georgia Art Association. 478-744-9557.
FOOD TRUCK FRENZY
11 a.m.-5 p.m., Third and Mulberry streets. Gourmet food trucks from around the South.
CLOSING WORSHIP SERVICE
11 a.m., Methodist's Children's Home, 304 Pierce Ave.
HORSES, HORSES, HORSES
11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Central City Park. A variety of horses waltz, bow and rear, lie down, sit up and walk on their hind legs and perform at liberty and under saddle.
XPOGO
Noon, 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, Central City Park. Extreme pogo stunt team.
BENGAL TIGER ENCOUNTER
12:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Central City Park. Exotic animal production and educational program.
SEA MOBILE-GULF SPECIMEN MARINE LAB
2 p.m. show at the Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage, exhibit is open all day, Central City Park. Includes touch tanks with a variety of sea life from the Gulf of Mexico that are safe for children to pick up and handle, informational videos and more.
"PARTY ON THE GREEN"
5-8:30 p.m., Wesleyan College, 4760 Forsyth Road. Pack a picnic and enjoy live music, entertainment, fireworks and food vendors.
SPRING SPIRIT STROLL
6 p.m., Riverside Cemetery, 1301 Riverside Drive. Actors in costume at graveside put a human face on history. 478-972-5631. $10; $8 for groups of 10 or more.
NIGHTLY CONCERT
6-9 p.m., Central City Park. Featuring the Southern Outlaws Band.
OCMULGEE NATIONAL MONUMENT LANTERN LIGHT TOUR
7:30-9 p.m., Ocmulgee National Monument. Grab a lantern, join a ranger-led tour and discover the ancient cultures that once lived here. Tours every half-hour. The museum is open during this time. 478-752-8257. $5; free for ages 12 and younger.
DAVE RAWLINGS MACHINE
8 p.m., Cox Capitol Theatre, 382 Second St. Singer-songwriter duo from Nashville. www.coxcapitoltheatre.com. $32-$35.
This story was originally published March 24, 2016 at 6:43 PM with the headline "Macon's Cherry Blossom Festival calendar of events ."