Celebrate the Season at the Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt Thursday, March 23rd, 2023 — 8:17am PDT

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Celebrate the season at the Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival, taking place April 2nd at Garry Point Park in Steveston. Returning to an in-person festival for the first time since 2019, there will be free fun for the whole family under the splendour of the blossom canopy.

Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival

Visitors can immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and scents of this stunning natural phenomenon while celebrating Japanese culture and the ephemeral beauty of the blooms.

When: Sunday, April 2, 2023 from 11:00am to 4:00pm
Where: Garry Point Park in Steveston (12011 Seventh Ave, Richmond)
Admission: Free!

The theme of the 2023 Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival is kansha, which means gratitude or appreciation. Event highlights include:

Performances and demonstrations on the main stage in the Sakura Tent, including welcome messages from Mayor Brodie, Consul General Kohei Maruyama, the Consul General of Japan in Vancouver, and the festival directors, as well as performances by taiko drummers, folk song singers and dancers.
The Matsuri Tent which features calligraphy, bonsai and origami demonstrations and displays from local artisans, as well as the opportunity to experience the beauty and ritual of a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony.
The Chibi-Chan Tent which will provide children of all ages the chance to learn how to fold origami creatures using special Japanese papers and techniques.
Delicious fare from a variety of Japanese food trucks and vendors including Japadog, Wakwak Burger, Takeya Sushi, Teapressu Bubble Tea, and more!

There will also be a complimentary shuttle service to easily get from parking to the festivities. Details are available on the festival website.

About the Festival

The festival was established in 2017 to showcase the splendor of the 255 Akebono cherry trees in Garry Point Park and to celebrate the generous donation of those trees to the city from the BC Wakayama Kenjin Kai, the Wakayama Prefectural Association. The association supports the legacy and heritage of Japanese families that immigrated to Steveston from Wakayama Prefecture in Japan. This year’s festival also recognizes the 50th anniversary of Richmond’s Sister City relationship with Wakayama.

For more information, follow Fun Richmond on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.