Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival returns for 2025, its most ambitious year yet

The fest features multiple events for all ages celebrating the city’s blooms

The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival takes place at various venues from March 26 to April 28

IT’S JUST ABOUT springtime, and that means the city is poised to erupt in the resplendent blooms of thousands of cherry trees. To celebrate, the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival is back for its most ambitious year yet, running March 26 to April 28.

New this season is the Blossom Block Party. The free event on April 5 from 2 pm to 9 pm is created in partnership with Public Disco and will bring music and DJs, dance performances, and an epic celebration of cherry blossoms to the heart of downtown Vancouver at Bentall Centre’s Dunsmuir patio. The all-ages block party also features a pop-up bar, kids’ activities, snacks, and more.

Among the fest’s signature events is The Big Picnic, which happens March 29 from 10 am to 4 pm at David Lam Park. The free community gathering is filled with food, music, arts and culture, and cherry blossom views. This year, 10 emerging artists will be on-site offering a range of activities, including glass tile mosaic and Chinese knot-making, resin art, beading, earth drawing, paint by numbers, and spirograph art.

Blossoms After Dark is another highlight. Taking place March 28 to 30 from 6:30 pm to 10 pm at David Lam Park, the free happening offers a magical promenade through illuminated cherry blossoms. There will be roving performers, food trucks, interactive activities, a licensed lounge with specially created cherry-blossom cocktails, lit-up art installations, and plenty of photo opportunities.

Sakura Days Japan Fair is happening April 12 and 13 at Van Dusen Botanical Garden (from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday and 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday). Created in collaboration with Japan Fair Association of Vancouver, the cultural celebration features traditional performances, arts and culture, and Japanese cuisine.

Free pop-up events take place in Yaletown (Bill Curtis Square) on March 26 from 11:30 am to 2 pm and in the West End (Jim Deva Plaza) on April 6 from 1 pm to 3:30 pm.

The signature Haiku Invitational gives people the chance to create their own haiku inspired by cherry trees.

Several workshops are on offer, covering everything from painting to pottery.

The ever-popular Tree Talks & Walks consist of guided tours led by local experts that focus not just on cherry trees but also other varieties that make up Vancouver’s urban ecosystem.

Finally, Bike the Blossoms is a free, slow ride under tunnels of the hot pink Kanzan cultivar on the East Side, in collaboration with Velopalooza.

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Gail Johnson

Gail Johnson is cofounder of Stir. She is a Vancouver-based journalist who has earned local and national nominations and awards for her work. She is a certified Gladue Report writer via Indigenous Perspectives Society in partnership with Royal Roads University and is a member of a judging panel for top Vancouver restaurants.

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