Top 5 Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival Events

Spring in Vancouver is one of the most exciting seasons of the year, and there is no doubt that the warmer sun and the flowering buds are some of the most exquisite sights, especially those of the cherry blossoms that draw hundreds of people to enjoy their beautiful colour and gentle shade.

Inspired by the age-old Japanese cultural tradition of hanami (flower viewing), the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the most anticipated events in spring; therefore, here we share with you the top five so you can also be part of this dazzling tradition.

Top 5 Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival Events

Blossoms After Dark

Date and Time:

Friday, March 29, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 30, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 31, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Address: David Lam Park, 1300 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6Z 0A9

Admission: Free

About: Come by David Lam Park and experience the cherry blossoms in a different light. Walk through this beautiful display while enjoying live music, unique performances, and delicious snacks. This event will run for three nights only, so make sure you don't miss it.

Don't forget: Entertainment and food will only be available until 9:00 p.m. but lights will be on until 10:00 p.m.

The Big Picnic

Date and Time: Saturday, March 30, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Address: David Lam Park, 1300 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6Z 0A9

Admission: Free

About: Join the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival for Hanami (花見) at David Lam Park, where you can admire 100 stunning Akebono cherry trees in full bloom. Bring your family and friends to picnic, play, and celebrate the arrival of Spring in our beautiful city. Enjoy live music, art activities, workshops, and delicious food from trucks and vendors. Try BreakOUT, a free interactive activity, and explore the Haiku Exhibition, Poetry in Motion booth, Paper Fan Decorating, Wishing Tree, and Drum Workshops.

Don't forget: Bring a picnic blanket.

Sakura Days Japan Fair

Date and Time:

Saturday, April 13, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sunday, April 14, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Address: VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak Street

Admission:

Adult $19.90

Senior (ages 65+) and Youth (ages 13-18) $15.41

Children (ages 5-12) $7.06

About: Sakura Days Japan Fair is a lively celebration of Japanese culture, offering food, performances, music, and art. Guests can enjoy traditional tea ceremonies, sample Japanese festival cuisine and sake, and participate in cultural activities and games. Explore local Japanese vendors and crafts, with outdoor and indoor activities including taiko drumming, theatre performances, and woodworking demonstrations. Don't miss out on this exciting event!

Don't forget: VBG members get a discounted ticket.

Haiku Invitational

Date and Time: March 01, 00:00 to June 01, 2024 23:59 p.m.

Address: Online

Admission: Free

About: The Haiku Invitational is a worldwide online contest that draws submissions from across the globe. Top poems in six main categories (Vancouver, BC, Canada, the United States, International, and Youth) will be featured in various publications and on the VCBF website. These haikus will also be given special celebrity readings during the Festival and showcased in the Haiku Exhibition, where artists will visually interpret them. Additionally, there are additional categories like "Sakura Awards" and "Honourable Mention" to further encourage the appreciation of this poetic form.

Don't forget: AI-generated haiku entries are not accepted.

West End Pop-Up

Date and Time: Saturday, April 6, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Address: Jim Deva Plaza, 1200 Bute St

Admission: Free

About: Join the community at Jim Deva Plaza on Saturday, April 6, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for a spring pop-up event, presented in partnership with the West End Business Improvement Association. Attendees can explore various vendors, engage with the VCBF Info Booth and Games, admire the ABLOOM Art Installation, relax on Pink Conversation Benches, and witness a Way of Tea demonstration.

Don't forget: There will also be Pop-up events at Yaletown and Burrard Station.

To Wrap Up

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival offers beautiful events that capture the essence of spring in the city. From the beautiful illumination of Blossoms After Dark in David Lam Park to the cultural immersion of Sakura Days Japan Fair at VanDusen Botanical Garden, each event provides a unique experience to celebrate the beauty of cherry blossoms.

Whether you choose to enjoy the tranquil ambiance of The Big Picnic or showcase your poetic skills in the Haiku Invitational, there is something for everyone. And don't forget to mark your calendars for the West End Pop Up, where you can join in the festivities and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

With the cherry blossoms in bloom and Vancouver bursting with color and culture, these events offer the perfect opportunity to embrace the season and create lasting memories with friends and family. So, grab your picnic blanket, write your haikus, and immerse yourself in the splendor of the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival!