The weather is getting nicer and the cherry blossoms have begun springing up on trees, which means the Cherry Blossom Festival has returned to Vancouver once more.
“The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival is a charitable not-for-profit organization that educates and engages diverse communities through accessible local arts and culture activities that celebrate the fragile beauty of the cherry blossom. Its event celebrates nature, creativity, and Vancouver’s cherry tree heritage.” (As taken from their press release)
This weekend they are kicking things off in Yaletown, and I helped celebrate this launch at their Pop-Up on March 26th, 2025, at Bill Curtis Square. This was a look at the rest of the festival season, featuring a live performance from Juno nominee, Andrea Superstein, along with other local performers.
I was only able to catch the tail end of all the festivities, which included a lively dance party with cherry blossom stilt walkers wielding bubble guns.
Guests were also among the first to see the festival’s new line of blossom-inspired goodies for purchase.
This weekend from March 28-30th from 6:30-10pm there will be nightly shows where you can experience the magic of “Blossoms After Dark”. For three nights only “stroll through David Lam Park and be captivated by the mesmerizing beauty of illuminated cherry blossom trees. Serenade your senses with ambient musicians while marveling at mystical bubble performances and graceful flow dancers. Indulge in glow cotton candy, pink popcorn, and endless photo opportunities. Immerse yourself in the spellbinding ambiance of art, light, and natural beauty under the stars for an unforgettable evening.” (As taken from their website). This is a free outdoor event, and no tickets are required.
On March 29th from 10:30-4:30pm you can take part in the the Cherry Blossom Festival’s “Big Picnic” at David Lam Park.
As taken from the Cherry Blossom Festival website: “Join us for Hanami (花見) – flower viewing – as we gather under 100, breathtaking, Akebono cherry trees in full blossom at David Lam Park. Everyone is welcome to picnic, play and celebrate our beautiful city during this stunning start of Spring. We have art activities for all ages like origami, felt crafts, block printing, and more.
Enjoy live music, art activities, explore our Haiku Exhibition, Poetry in Motion booth, workshops, yoga in the park, and more. Grab a bite from our food trucks and food vendors or visit our sponsor booths for delicious surprises.
This year, dive into BreakOUT, a free interactive activity! Grab headphones at the BreakOut tent and let your Cherry Blossom Guide lead you through a movement activity with a story to spark your imagination.
We have our celebrated Haiku Exhibition featuring a partnership between art and poetry.
Bring your friends and family to the heart of Yaletown, celebrate this spectacular time of year together with the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival.”
On April 5th from 2-9pm, there will be a one day only block party held in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, where you can dance and celebrate community. Dunsmuir Patio at Bentall Centre, 1055 Dunsmuir St. Created in partnership with Public Disco. “This free, all ages celebration features DJs playing feel good dance music, a pop-up bar with a site wide permit, dance performances, kids activities, snacks and social spaces for community connection.”
On April 5th Jim Deva Plaza, 1200 Bute St, will host Pop-Up Pavilion, a portable kiosk/theatre/meeting space from from 1-3:30pm. “The Pop-Up event is staffed and activated with the goal of bringing people together to celebrate spring and our glorious cherry blossoms. It serves as a meeting spot and hosts performances, activities, community partners and information about the Festival.”
The Sakura Days Japan Fair is running from April 12 to 13, 2025 at VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak Street. This is a celebration of ”all things Japan – from Japanese food, drink and performances, to music and art. Join us and immerse yourself in Japanese culture – participate in a traditional tea ceremony, try Japanese festival food, sample premium sake, learn new Japanese games, and enjoy a range of cultural performances. Discover a wide variety of vendors and exhibitors featuring local Japanese food, crafts, and businesses”
“Most activities will take place outdoors, with select vendors, tea ceremony, and curated experiences that will take place indoors. Look forward to taiko drumming, theatre performances, and woodworking demonstrations, just to name a few!”
