Vancouver's magical Cherry Blossom Festival returns with new events for milestone year
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Get your cameras ready because the colourful Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival (VCBF) is returning this spring, and it will be blooming bigger than ever.
The festival is one of the city’s most beloved yearly events, with a huge lineup of events to discover from March 27 to April 17.
VCBF is a celebration of the city’s gorgeous pink cherry trees, and the 20th annual event will see the debut of the brand-new event, the Blossom Run.
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The Blossom Run, co-hosted with The Right Shoe, is a springtime 7 km fun run through the city’s beautiful cherry blossoms.
There will also be shoe demos, a chance to win prizes in a draw, and an opportunity to connect with the community during the fun run. A waitlist is open now.
Sakura Days Japan Fair is happening on April 11 and 12 at Vancouver’s VanDusen Botanical Garden. Thousands of guests are expected at the popular event that features live performances, food trucks, and all things Japanese culture.
“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,” said organizers in the event description.
“Discover a wide variety of vendors and exhibitors featuring local Japanese food, crafts, and businesses.”
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
Also returning this year is the signature event, Blossom Block Party, with a car-free Dunsmuir Street.
The all-ages party by Public Disco will take place at Dunsmuir Patio at Bentall Centre, with DJ sets by Sakiko Nagai, Kozue, Nina Mendoza, and Beiti. There will also be family-friendly activities and interactive art in celebration of the city’s beautiful blossoms.
The popular Blossoms After Dark takeover of David Lam Park returns from March 27 to 28. Discover the wonder of cherry blossoms in the evening, as the event will illuminate the entire perimeter of the Yaletown park.
Guests will enjoy added light art installations, interactive activities, and roaming performers.
There will even be Piano Karaoke with host Eddie Lam on March 28 from 4:15 to 7:30 p.m.
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
VCBF’s signature event, The Big Picnic at David Lam, returns on March 28 and 29 to honour the park’s namesake and his donation of the 100 Akebono cherry trees that grow there.
Everyone is welcome to this communal picnic, so pack your blankets, chairs, baskets, and food to enjoy under the magical canopy of blossoms.
You can also dress up your pets in adorable springtime outfits to meet fellow animal lovers at the first-ever Pet Parade during Sunday’s The Big Picnic.
And make sure to keep an eye out for a commemorative Haiku Book celebrating 20 years of poetry during this year’s event.
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
“When I started this event 20 years ago, I never would have imagined seeing it grow to where it is today,” said Linda Poole, founder and creative director of VCBF, to Daily Hive. “From our brand-new Blossom Run, a Cherry Blossom match held by Whitecaps FC, and our upcoming Haiku book, we’re excited to see more growth.
“The interest from the Vancouver community and beyond is a testament to the power of the cherry tree. As I always say, there is no stranger under the cherry tree.”
The organizers even put together a handy map to help everyone learn more about the beautiful cherry blossoms, and you can even input your location if your neighbourhood boasts some serious stunners.
Take a magical tour of Vancouver’s cherry blossoms with an interactive map.
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival 2026
When: March 27 to April 17, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations around Metro Vancouver
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