2024 - 42nd Annual Cherry Blossom Festival Event (March 15 - 24, 2024 for 10 Days) 350,000+ Yoshino Cherry Trees in Macon, GeorgiaNEW

Macon, Georgia Annual Cherry Blossom Festival Event, with over 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees, Macon becomes the pinkest city in the world when the trees are in full bloom. With average peak bloom period happening the second week of March and lasting about 10 days, there is plenty to see and do during this beautiful time in Macon. The International Cherry Blossom Festival is happening for 10 days.

The 10-Day Festival is Filled with Exciting Events, Free Nightly Concerts and is Wrapped Up at a Hot Air Balloon Extravaganza
• Macon now has more than 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees - more than 90 times as many as Washington.

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Next to a trip to Japan, you probably think Washington, DC, is the best place to see cherry blossoms. Clearly, you've never been to Macon, Georgia, which holds the title of the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World.  The home of the annual International Cherry Blossom Festival, Macon has more than 350,000 cherry trees. That's more than 90 times as many cherry trees as DC, which has 3,700 to 3,800 cherry trees, according to the National Park Service.

Macon Cherry Blossom Festival Event Background
The Cherry Blossom Festival is deeply rooted in the city. The 10-day festival event includes over 30 events celebrating the cherry trees. In March, Macon will be buzzing with activity. Take a 2-hour Cherry Blossom Riding Trail Tour and see the areas most densely populated with trees. Head to Central City Park for the Amusement Ride Midway where you can ride the traditional carnival rides, see live acts, and dine on delicious fair foods. Attend the free Annual Cherry Blossom Parade that includes local marching bands, military units, and more. Dance the night away to live music at the Party in the Park. Shop from hundreds of vendors from across the country at the Mulberry Street Arts and Crafts Festival. While you are there snack on food from gourmet food trucks at the Food Truck Frenzy. End the 10-day long celebration with a tethered hot air balloon ride at the Tunes and Balloons Festival Finale and fireworks at Middle Georgia State University.

Cherry Blossom Festival 
The Yoshino cherry trees have been a city staple for many years. Reaching peak bloom for only 10 days, it seems that the blossom leave as quickly as they arrive. Why is Macon home to so many of these amazing trees? It all started in 1949 when Macon native William A. Fickling discovered a unique and unrecognized tree blossoming in his yard. Later discovering it was a Yoshino cherry tree, Fickling and his family freely distributed the tree throughout the city. Nearly 40 years later, Carolyn Crayton, another Macon native, created the Cherry Blossom Festival as a way to celebrate the principles of “love, beauty, and international friendship.” To learn more about the Festival's history, click here.

Cherry Blossom Riding Trail Tour

Book Cherry Blossom Van Tour - 2 Hour Tour
While you are in town for the festival, stop by Visit Macon to take the Cherry Blossom Riding Trail Tour. View southern mansions, streets lined with cherry trees, and pink bows galore along this meandering route through the historic district of downtown, mid-town and north Macon residential areas! This 2-hour tour will highlight the areas in Macon most densely populated with cherry trees like the Ingleside area, Wesleyan Woods neighborhood, & Riverside Drive.

Macons Event Schedule

Schedule of Cherry Blossom Events

Best Place To Take Photos?  

Third Street Park

Festival Map

Cherry Blossom Trees History

Macon Cherry Blossom Festival Video