Photo: VCBF/Barry Yip
The 17th annual Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival (VCBF) is back this spring with a wide array of programming taking place from April 1-23. Signature outdoor events under the cherry blossoms include guided tree walks, group bike rides, live music, a group picnic, and local food.
This year’s festival theme is “Cultivating the Blossoms of Our Cultures” described as a “celebration of nature, creativity, and the cultures that make Vancouver so special”.
From our partners:
Across the Lower Mainland, tens of thousands of cherry trees are blossoming in every shade of pink and white, bringing joy to residents and visitors of all ages and announcing in spectacular fashion that spring has finally arrived. To find all those beautiful trees, follow VCBF’s Blossom Maps, an online tool showing where all 43,000 trees are blossoming including some 2,500 different spots.
The Big Picnic
Saturday, April 1, 10am-4pm @ David Lam Park – Free
The Big Picnic brings people from all over Metro Vancouver together to share their blossom experiences to show why “there are no strangers under the cherry tree” by connecting through the cultural arts, community, and our beautiful environment.
The 2023 edition will feature various stages with some of the best multicultural local talent, exciting food from a variety of the culinary offerings of the city, and interactive sharings from community partners who will offer ideas and practices for a healthier and sustainable future.
Sakura Days Japan Fair
Saturday, April 15 & Sunday, April 16 @ VanDusen Botanical Garden – Ticketed
Sakura Days offers a wide range of family-friendly activities set among the cherry blossoms in one of the world’s most beautiful municipal gardens. Immerse yourself in all things Japan from food and performances to arts and culture.
Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, try some Japanese festival food, sample premium sake, learn new Japanese games, and enjoy cultural performances. Discover a wide variety of vendors and exhibitors featuring local Japanese food, craft, and businesses.
Most activities will take place outdoors with selected vendors, tea ceremonies, and experiences taking place indoors. Look forward to taiko drumming, theatre performances, woodworking demonstrations, and a renewed Japanese Garden display.
Bike the Blossoms
Saturday, April 22 @ TBA
Bike the Blossoms is a beautiful slow ride under tunnels of the hot pink Kanzan cultivar on the east side. Participants will end their ride with coffee and tea from Scavenger Coffee under a grove of cherry trees to reflect on their experience.
Tree Talks & Walks
Multiple dates @ Multiple Locations – Free (registration required, space limited)
Tree Talks & Walks are free guided tours led by local experts that focus on better understanding how our trees play a vital role in our city. It’s an opportunity to explore Vancouver’s neighbourhoods and parks and to learn about the history of the land we inhabit.
Take this opportunity out of your day to pause and appreciate the natural beauty all around us. Browse all the individual Tree Talks & Walks offered here.
VCBF’s objective continues to be about educating and actively engaging diverse communities through accessible local arts and culture in order to celebrate the beauty of cherry blossoms as well as sustain and renew Vancouver’s cherry tree heritage.
Cherry blossom viewing has become a joyful springtime tradition across the city as people marvel over 54 different varieties of blossoms.
Follow updates on all of Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival’s events and attractions on their website.
By: RICK CHUNG
Source: Inside Vancouver
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