The Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival returns to Blackburn Park this weekend, promising a vibrant celebration of music, food, and community. The festival, taking place on Saturday, March 29, and Sunday, March 30, 2025, features an exciting lineup of performances from renowned artists, creating an atmosphere filled with fun and entertainment for all ages.
Headlining the event are the multi-platinum band O.A.R. and the legendary R&B group Boyz II Men. O.A.R., which originated in Rockville, Maryland, has been captivating audiences since 1996 with their energetic performances and chart-topping hits like “Shattered (Turn the Car Around)” and “Crazy Game of Poker.” Boyz II Men, known for their smooth harmonies and classic hits such as “End of the Road” and “Motown Philly,” bring a wealth of experience to the stage, having won four Grammy Awards and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The festival kicks off on Saturday, March 29, at 11:00 AM, featuring a diverse schedule of performances. The lineup includes Gavin DeGraw at 3 PM, followed by O.A.R. at 4:30 PM. Other acts scheduled for the day are Colton Bowlin, Jupiter Coyote, and Elijah Johnston, providing a full day of entertainment. Sunday, March 30, will see Boyz II Men headline at 4:30 PM, with additional performances from Switchfoot, the Pop 2000 Tour, The Calling, and Parker Polhill.
Brookhaven Mayor John Park expressed his enthusiasm for the festival, stating, “Once again the Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival is offering the community the best concert around the state. It’s one of my favorite times of year – getting out and enjoying the music, crafts, and fun in Blackburn Park with my fellow residents and neighbors.”
In addition to music, the festival will feature a wide range of attractions, including the Splash Festivals' Artist Market with over 100 vendors, food trucks, a Kidz Zone, and a Classic Car Show on Saturday morning. On Sunday, attendees can look forward to performances by high-flying pups, adding a unique twist to the weekend festivities.
Security has been a significant focus for this year's festival, especially in light of recent tragic events at public gatherings. The Brookhaven Police Department has received an additional $105,610 for enhanced security measures. Police Chief Brandon Gurley assured the public of their commitment to safety, stating, “The Brookhaven Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone attending this year’s Cherry Blossom Festival.”
To ensure smooth operations, the police department has implemented a comprehensive security plan that includes a greater presence of uniformed officers throughout the festival grounds. This year, elevated observation towers will be utilized to enhance visibility and response capabilities, while access control measures will help manage pedestrian flow and prevent unauthorized vehicular access.
Parking near Blackburn Park will be restricted, and festival-goers are encouraged to utilize MARTA to the Brookhaven/Oglethorpe stop, where free shuttles will operate from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM. Rideshare services will have designated drop-off and pick-up locations at Cambridge Square.
Meanwhile, the Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon, Georgia, is also drawing significant attention this weekend. Known for its vibrant pink blooms, the festival attracts thousands of visitors to Central Georgia each year. This year, food has become a highlight, with a variety of delicious options available to satisfy every craving. Attendees can enjoy classic favorites like Gillette’s Pizza and bold new tastes like Demitri’s burgers and fries.
Denis Glover, a festivalgoer, shared his experience with Gillette’s Pizza, saying, “Sausage pizza, and it tastes really good.” Bryan Gillette, the owner of the pizza stand, noted that this year has been one of the busiest he has seen in years, expressing his excitement about the event: “It’s been electric. The crowds are great, the weather is perfect, and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. It’s a beautiful event.”
As part of the festival, the Ready Go Dog Show will be captivating audiences with its canine performances at Macon's Carolyn Crayton Park. This show, which has been entertaining crowds for over 20 years, features dogs performing Frisbee tricks and other athletic feats. Owners and performers John Casey and Nikki Penta also advocate for pet rescue and adoption, using their shows to raise awareness.
For those unable to attend the Ready Go Dog Show in person, WGXA News will provide coverage, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the athletic pups. The show schedule includes performances on weekdays and weekends, ensuring plenty of opportunities for dog lovers to enjoy the spectacle.
Meanwhile, in Virginia Beach, the Cherry Blossom Festival at Red Wing Park is set to reopen temporarily this weekend, despite ongoing park improvements. The 97-acre park, home to 150 blooming cherry blossom trees from Virginia Beach’s sister city in Japan, will host its festival from March 29 to April 5, 2025. This year’s festival will feature its first vendor market, allowing attendees to purchase merchandise and artwork reflecting Asian culture and cherry blossoms.
Despite the ongoing construction, city officials are optimistic about the festival, which promises to enhance community engagement and celebrate the beauty of cherry blossoms. Ali Weatherton, a spokesperson for the city, noted that the park will close again after the festival to complete the road improvements and playground construction.
As the Cherry Blossom Festival season unfolds across various locations, communities are coming together to celebrate spring’s arrival with music, food, and festivities. Whether in Brookhaven, Macon, or Virginia Beach, these events highlight the joy of community and the beauty of cherry blossoms, making them cherished traditions for many.
