Cherry blossoms are a popular sight for sore eyes among Vancouver residents that open their arms to spring's embrace.
Roughly 43,000 sakura trees will soon accent local parks and neighbourhoods —and likely flood your social media timelines with selfies and landscapes.
The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival is gearing up to showcase Japanese culture and ignite new passions to thousands of people for the 2025 edition of its month-long event.
And organizers are promising "brighter" and "brand-new" events that can capture everyone's eyes (see list below).
“We are so excited for the biggest Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival the city has seen to date," said Andrea Arnot, VCBF Executive Director, in a news release.
"After having welcomed over 75,000 attendees during our 2024 Festival Season, we are delighted to be able to bring even more events to celebrate not just Vancouver’s iconic cherry blossoms, but also our community and lively neighbourhoods."
From March 26 to April 28, several different programs will take place that illuminate cherry blossoms around the city.
For example, Blossoms After Dark, where participants can see the cherry trees lit up, will make up the entire perimeter of David Lam Park.
Brighter displays are on tap for the signature event this year with more light art installations, a cherry blossom-inspired cocktail in a licensed lounge and roaming performers over three consecutive nights.
The 2025 festival also includes a new blossom-themed block party by Public Disco, a local business that helps host open air music events in "unconventional urban spaces," according to its website. Live music and DJs are scheduled to perform.
As well, The Big Picnic will feature 10 emerging artists "to create unique, engaging activations," VCBF's statement said, such as glass tile mosaic making, Chinese knot-making, beading, earth drawing and spirograph art.
When, where and how to check out the blossoms
The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival was first held in 2006.
The non-profit organization's goal is to engage with diverse communities through arts and cultural activities that commemorate the city's cherry blossom heritage.
Details on this year's signature events, the majority of which are free and accessible, are as follows:
Blossoms After Dark
A magical promenade through illuminated cherry blossoms at David Lam Park. You never know what surprise will lay around each corner — performers, food trucks, interactive activities, licensed lounge, light-up art installations, and stunning photo opportunities under canopies of cherry blossoms.
- March 28 to 30, 6:30 to 10 p.m.
- David Lam Park - 1300 Pacific Blvd
- Free
The Big Picnic
A cherished community gathering in Yaletown’s David Lam Park filled with food, music, arts and culture, and cherry blossom views.
- March 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- David Lam Park - 1300 Pacific Blvd
- Free
Blossom Block Party with Public Disco
A one-day block party in the heart of downtown Vancouver. 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.
- April 5, 2 to 9 p.m.
- Bentall Centre’s Dunsmuir Patio - 1055 Dunsmuir St
- Free
Sakura Days Japan Fair
A cultural celebration with traditional performances, arts and culture, and delicious Japanese cuisine. Created in collaboration with Japan Fair Association of Vancouver.
- April 12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; April 13, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- VanDusen Botanical Garden - 5251 Oak St
- Tickets required
Pop-Up Events
Moving across different neighbourhoods in Vancouver, with the goal of bringing people together to celebrate spring and our glorious cherry blossoms.
- March 26, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Yaletown's Bill Curtis Square - 1198 Mainland St
- April 6, 1 to 3:30 p.m.
- West End's Jim Deva Plaza - 1200 Bute St
- Free
There are also supporting events that include biking and walking tours of the blossoms, as well as painting, pottery and haiku workshops.
A full schedule, map and more information on the 2025 Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival can be found on the event's website.
