Vancouver Morris Men and Cherry Blossoms

The Big Picnic is a free Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival event. It features live entertainment at a park on a weekend in April most years.

In 2024 the event takes place on March 30th.

NOTE: If you like flowers and flower-themed events, other places to visit are the Abbotsford Tulip Festival and Harrison Tulip Festival. Both of these are world-class attractions at farms in the Fraser Valley. If you have young children, you might also want to check out the Sweet Spring Flower Festival at Greendale Acres in Chilliwack. It’s an amazing event for kids and their families.

Vancouver’s Big Picnic

The Big Picnic is a free event where people bring their families, friends, picnics and something to sit on and to enjoy an afternoon of live entertainment and cherry blossom viewing.

This year, meditation guide Carolyn Anne Budgell begins the day with a yoga session on the grass. There are also two stages with live music and dancing. Performers include Desirée Dawson, MAZACOTE, Kárà-Kátà, and drumming with Uzume Taiko.

There are also different ceremonies and activities to enjoy. Attendees have the ability to learn different Japanese arts and crafts. In 2024 there are painting, bracelet making and origami workshops, among others.

Several food trucks are at the event each year as well. In 2024 you can expect to see Disco Cheetah, Coffee Bike, Planted Love, Taco Nori and more.

Yoga Under Cherry Blossoms at the Park — Yoga at Queen Elizabeth Park

About the Venue

In 2024, the Big Picnic takes place at David Lam Park in Yaletown on Saturday, March 30th, from 9:30 am until 4:00 pm. The park’s address is 1300 Pacific Boulevard. The closest SkyTrain Station is Yaletown-Roundhouse which is about a five-minute walk away.

Cherry Blossom Season in Yaletown — The Big Picnic at David Lam Park

2024 Entertainment Schedule

There are two stages with live music and entertainment at the Big Picnic in 2024. Artists and performance times for each stage are listed below.

9:30 am – Yoga with Carolyn Anne Budgell (Field)
10:30 am – Kagami-biraki (Cherry Jam Stage)
11:00 am – Bungalow (Cherry Jam Stage)
11:45 am – Uzume Taiko (Cherry Down Stage)
12:15 pm – Desirée Dawson (Cherry Jam Stage)
1:00 pm – Eagle Song Dancers (Cherry Down Stage)
1:30 pm – MAZACOTE (Cherry Jam Stage)
2:30 pm – Southern Wave (Cherry Down Stage)
2:45 pm – Kárà-Kátà (Cherry Jam Stage)
3:30 pm – ROOTS Peruvian Dance (Cherry Down Stage)

Tips & Advice

Below are some suggestions to help you make the most of your experience at the Big Picnic event.

TIP #1: Don’t forget to take your camera, something to sit on and your picnic (or money to buy one).

TIP #2: Explore the park while you’re there. It’s a beautiful spot!

TIP #3: Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival events sometimes get cancelled or postponed due to weather or the state of the cherry tree blooming season. Before heading out with all your stuff, especially if poor weather has been in the forecast, double-check the VCBF website to make sure things are still happening as planned.

TIP #4: David Lam Park is right on the False Creek Seawall. It’s a great place to go for a walk either before or after the picnic. There are also lots of restaurants nearby in Yaletown.