The International Cherry Blossom Festival returns to Macon, GA this year – under a four-hour drive from Greenville, SC – and promises to be an amazing experience with gorgeous cherry trees, live music, dog-friendly events, and family-friendly activities.
One of my favorite things about living in Washington, DC was the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Thousands of pink and white blooms lined the Tidal Basin near the Jefferson Memorial and it was always so stunning to see. It was like walking through another world. I had no idea there was a much closer Cherry Blossom Festival than traveling all the way to our nation’s capitol and it’s happening during Spring Break!
In fact, this festival started after William A. Fickling, Sr. traveled to DC, saw a cherry blossom tree that looked like the one in his backyard, figured out it was a match, and then started to propagate them in Macon, GA. The ones in Washington, DC were a gift from Japan in 1912.
International Cherry Blossom Festival
The International Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon, Georgia, about a three-and-a-half hour drive from Greenville, is hosting a ten-day long huge festival from March 21-30, 2025, which is smack in the middle of Spring Break (wouldn’t this be a fun trip during that time?).
In Macon, which is apparently known as the “Cherry Blossom Capital of the World,” there are about 350,000 Yoshino Cherry Trees that bloom this time of year. That sounds so amazing and beautiful and sneezy. Bring your allergy meds and camera.
This year is the 43rd annual festival so it will be extra special. Amongst the millions of cherry blossoms will be nightly entertainment, a parade, a bed race, a Weiner dog race, and even a chance to ride a tethered hot air balloon.
Best Festival Events
You cannot ever go wrong with a parade, right? The 43rd annual Cherry Blossom Festival Parade will take place Sunday, March 23rd, 2025 from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm in Downtown, Macon. Other events include the Cherry Blossom Ball, Sea Lion Splash, The Cherry Blossom Gospel Fest, additional musical performances, and more!
The Festival at Carolyn Crayton Park will have lots of carnival rides, food vendors, and nightly attractions. Similar to other amusement park festivals, you can purchase a wristband that enables kids to have unlimited rides ( $25 Monday – Friday and $30 on Saturday and Sunday).
Guests are only allowed to carry in clear bags but parents with a baby or toddler can carry in a diaper bag, which will be searched and tagged. No coolers, outside food, pets, or drones are allowed inside the park. Gate admission is $10 per day which includes all performances.
Additionally, Macon’s festival will feature several animal-friendly events, including the Ready, Go Dog Show and the Sea Lion Splash Show. In addition, the International Cherry Blossom Festival is hosting a nightly concert series consisting of performances by Tier Blue, Parts & Labor, Stacii Adams, and more! Also performing is the pop band “Blue Delta” from the United States Air Force Academy Band.
Planning Your Trip
Where to stay
The festival is offering a reduced rate of $176 per night for a room with two queen beds at the nearby Hilton Garden Inn.
Or, this VRBO on the lake near Macon, GA
Where to eat in Macon, GA
You can get food at the festival itself or check out this extensive list of restaurants in Macon.
Will you be heading to the International Cheery Blossom Festival?
Are you looking for more fun things to do in Georgia? Check out our Kidding Around Travel Guide to Georgia!
