Vancouver Okinawa Taiko at Gary Point

The Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival is a Japanese-themed community event at Gary Point Park near Steveston Village in Richmond.

The cherry blossom festival takes place on April 7th in 2024. Other flower festivals in the Lower Mainland around the same time include the Abbotsford Tulip Festival, Harrison Tulip Festival, Sweet Spring Flower Festival at Greendale Acres, and Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival.

Cherry Blossom Festival at Gary Point Park

The Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival is a free event. It celebrates the arrival of spring and the Japanese tradition of cherry blossom viewing (or “hanami”).

The 2024 festival runs from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm on Sunday, April 7th.

At the event there are live performances and a tea ceremony. There are also various demonstrations about calligraphy, origami, bonsai pruning and more. The event includes live music as well as dancing and other cultural performances to enjoy.

Other things to see and do most years include koinobori kite flying, kimono-wearing demonstrations and displays of Japanese flower arrangements. There are also food vendors on site.

SWEET SPRING IN CHILLIWACK

If you like flowers, spring and family-friendly events and activities, then another event you might want to check out is Sweet Spring at Greendale Acres in Chilliwack. Other events that take place at Greendale Acres include Easter Egg Hunts (from March 29th to 31st) and the Chilliwack Plowing Match (on April 6th). See our article about Greendale Acres for details.

Gary Point Park

The festival takes place at Gary Point Park which is located at 12011 Seventh Avenue. The park is just a 10-minute walk west of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery in Steveston Village.

Gary Point Park is situated at the mouth of the Fraser River. At the park there are a couple of hundred Akebono cherry trees, which makes it the perfect place for a cherry blossom festival.

Koinobori Carp Streamers at Richmond Blossom Festival — A Japanese Koinobori Kite Streamer

Tips & Advice

Below are some suggestions to help you make the most of your visit to Gary Point Park and the Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival.

TIP #1: While in the area, explore Steveston Village. It’s a beautiful spot to walk around. The Gulf of Georgia Cannery is especially interesting and admission is free for children ages 17 and under.

TIP #2: Take your bikes if you like cycling. The area is pretty flat and there are miles of paved cycling trails. Parking on the day of the festival can also be a challenge as there’s no on-site parking. Consequently, taking your bicycles might save you from a long walk. There is also a free “wheel watch” where someone will always be watching to make sure your bike is secure and safe.

TIP #3: A big part of Japanese-style events like this is the festival food. It’s delicious! There isn’t a huge selection at this particular event most years, but there is some, and what’s there is usually pretty tasty! Try some!

Other Events You Might Enjoy

If you like this sort of event then also check out the following:

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival – hosts a number of events (both free and ticketed) during the month of April. Some of this festival’s events include the Sakura Days Japan Fair at VanDusen Botanical Garden. There is also the Big Picnic and Bike the Blossoms.
Chilliwack Tulip Festival – an impressive event in the Fraser Valley in April. It’s not a festival with music and entertainment, and it doesn’t have a Japanese theme. It does though celebrate spring and showcase millions of beautiful flowers.
Abbotsford Tulip Festival – an equally impressive flower festival in Abbotsford in April (which also doesn’t feature cherry blossoms).
Powell Street Festival – a distinctly Japanese event in Vancouver on the August Long Weekend.
Nikkei Matsuri – a Japanese festival at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre in Burnaby on the Labour Day Long Weekend.