Macon’s Cherry Blossom Festival is back for 2022. Here’s all you need to know

The “Pinkest Party on Earth” is back this year, the second in a row with pandemic-induced modifications designed to keep Maconites safe while enjoying the festivities.

The festival runs from March 18-27, with most events held in Carolyn Crayton Park (formerly known as Central City Park (115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive).

“We’re really excited. In addition to this our second year hosting the festival during COVID, it is also our 40th celebration. We’ve all been living in COVID for the past two years now and we’re very comfortable moving forward with it,” said Arah Adams, the festival’s marketing and events manager.

To celebrate the 40th year of the festival, organizers invited three music headliners, instead of one: Walker Hayes, Arrested Development and Niko Moon.

A ball honoring the festival’s connection with Japan is back indoors at the Macon City Auditorium, and several pet-friendly events were added to this year’s lineup, including “Dog Days Downtown.”

Organizers are adding more hand-washing stations and encourage attendees to wear face-coverings, but masks are not required. Protocols for concerts with larger crowds could change.

For Friday’s and Saturdays, admission price is now $10, and attendees are only allowed to enter the park with a clear bag.

2022 Macon Cherry Blossom Festival

Opening ceremony

When: Friday, March 18, noon to 1 p.m

What: International, state, and local dignitaries celebrate the 40th International Cherry Blossom Festival as they conduct the ribbon-cutting to open the 2021 Cherry Blossom Festival.

Cherry Blossom Festival Featuring Japan

When: Friday, March 18, 7-11 p.m

What: A dinner that features entertainment by Bobby and The Aristocats with a dancefloor for partygoers.

Rock the 90’s

When: Friday, March 18, 8-9:45 p.m

What: A 90s rock tribute concert that will take attendees back to the early rock days with an eclectic buffet of all the best in 90’s alternative radio rock.

Jurassic Kingdom Dinosaur Show

When: March 18-27, 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m.

What: Live action, interactive dinosaur show

Mighty Mike

When: March 18-27, 2:15 p.m., 4:45 p.m., 7:15 p.m.

What: Mighty Mike will be throwing around bowling balls and sledgehammers as light as a feather while wearing a 1920s style bathing suit.

Mike Fuller the Magician

When: March 18-27, 12:30p.m, 3:00p.m, 5:30p.m

Where: Carolyn Crayton Park, 115 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon, GA 31201

What: Magic show hosted by Mike Fuller.

Big Bee the Transforming Robot Car

When: March 18-27, 1:30 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 4 p.m., 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:45 p.m.

What: Real cars transforming into giant 15-foot action robots, inspired by the movie “Transformers.”

Pirates of the Colombian Caribbean

When: March 18-27, 1:45 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 6:45 p.m.

What: Sensational Murcia Productions will be hosting a live action pirate show.

Wiener Dog Race

When: Saturday, March 19, 11 a.m to noon

Where: Cherry Street in downtown Macon

What: Dachshund Dogs race down Cherry Street for the title of “Fastest Wiener Dog in Middle Georgia!”

Dock Dogs Competition

When: Saturday, March 19, 11 a.m to 6 p.m

What: A competition to see which dogs can fly the furthest.

Bed Race

When: Saturday, March 19, 1-2 p.m

Where: Cherry Street in downtown Macon

What: Teams will be racing their bed down Cherry Street and you can attend to cheer them on.

Walker Hayes

When: Saturday, March 19, 8-9:45 p.m

What: A performance by recording artist Walker Hayes.

40th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival Parade

When: Sunday, March 20, 3-4 p.m

Where: Downtown Macon

What: A parade where community members showcase the best of Middle Georgia. Applications to participate are open through Feb. 28.

The Lotus Band

When: Sunday, March 20, 8-9:45 p.m

What: R&B, blues, jazz, neo-soul group The Lotus Band will perform.

Heroes Day

When: Monday, March 21, all day

What: Free admission and $10 unlimited amusement rides with ID for all active and retired military.

3rd Street Park Festivities

When: Every day, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: 3rd Street in downtown Macon

What: Various activities that include free donuts, ice cream and Coca-Cola for attendees while enjoying music.

The Macon Sound

When: Monday, March 21, 8-9:45 p.m

What: “Georgia’s Party Band” will perform a mix of different music for attendees.

$2 Tuesday

When: Tuesday, March 22, all day

What: $2 admission with donation to All About Animals at CCP gates, $2 concession specials on select items.

Mia Darj’de & Friends

When: Tuesday, March 22, 8-9:45 p.m

What: A performance by singer, choreographer and ctress Mia Darj’de.

Seniors Day

When: Wednesday, March 23, all day

What: Everyone 55+ gets $1 off admission

A2Z

When: Wednesday, March 23, 8-9:45 p.m

What: A performance from Georgia’s “No. 1 party band.”

Thirsty Thursday

When: Thursday, March 24, all day

What: Drink specials for guests 21+, including a dance party and a laser show.

Aj the DJ & Laser Light Show

When: Thursday, March 24, 8-9:45 p.m

What: AJ the DJ will be spinning turntables at the dance party and the laser show.

Blossom at the Big House

When: Friday, March 25, 6-9 p.m

Where: The Big House, 2321 Vineville Ave.

What: The Big House will be providing an experience while dining and imbibing for attendees. Tickets are $75 per person. Reservations required.

Arrested Development

When: Friday, March 25, 8-9:45 p.m

What: Multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning group Arrested Development will perform.

Niko Moon

When: Saturday, March 26, 8-9:45 p.m

What: A performance from country music star Niko Moon.

Food Truck Frenzy

When: Sunday, March 27, 10 a.m to 5 p.m

What: Food trucks from around the South providing a taste of food from different parts of the country.

Tunes and Balloons

When: Sunday, March 27, 6- 8 p.m

What: An afternoon of family fun with live music by Macon Pops, performing Michael Jackson’s Thriller album, tethered hot air balloon rides ($10 per ride) and a fireworks finale. $5 admission; Children 10 and under free.

The Grapevine Band

When: Sunday, March 27, 8 p.m. to 9:45 p.m

What: A rock and roll night with The Grapevine Band as they hit the stage and perform their iconic hits.

This story was originally published February 9, 2022 at 5:00 AM.