The Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Festival takes place in-person this weekend at the Seattle Center
. It is a free event.
Founded on a sunny afternoon on the warm grass of Seattle’s Seward Park on May 8, 1976, the Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival has grown to become a three-day celebration enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people over the decades.
The Festival presents music, dance, Japanese arts & games, food, sake tasting, shopping, traditional ceremonies and martial arts demonstrations.
The Festival celebrates the beautiful sakura — cherry tree. The Festival was initiated by a gift of 1,000 cherry trees that were given to Seattle on May 8, 1976, by Japan’s former Prime Minister, Takeo Miki, in commemoration of the long friendship between the people of Japan and Washington State. The Festival is the largest and oldest of its kind in the Northwest.
Hanami — cherry blossom viewing — is a reminder to celebrate life.
The Cherry Blossom Festival takes place at the Seattle Center Armory Food & Events Hall and the Fisher Pavilion. It is held Friday, April 8 through Sunday, April 10 from 11am to 4pm. For information, visit https://cherryblossomfest.org/
