Spring in San Diego means one thing at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum – cherry blossom season. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival is back, inviting us to celebrate the Japanese tradition of hanami, or flower viewing, in one of the most peaceful corners of Balboa Park.

For four days, the garden transforms into a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and of course, those iconic pink blooms.

A Weekend Rooted in Tradition

Hanami is all about slowing down and appreciating the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms, and there is no better place to do that locally than the Japanese Friendship Garden. As we stroll through the cherry blossom grove, it is easy to forget we are in the middle of the city.

This year’s festival features an exciting lineup of special performances, including guest acts scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Throughout the weekend, you can explore new attractions like a wall of lanterns and community art installations that add even more color to the experience.

It is the kind of event where we can wander, take photos, pause for a performance, and really settle into the moment.

Food, Sips, and Shopping

No festival is complete without something delicious, and the Cherry Blossom Festival delivers on that front, too. You can sample a variety of cultural food offerings and enjoy beverages in the popular beer and sake garden, tucked into the lower garden.

Up top, local vendors will be set up in the upper garden with plenty of unique finds. It is a great chance to support local makers, pick up something special, and continue exploring the grounds at our own pace.

Families are encouraged to join in as well, with activities in the children’s area designed to keep little ones engaged throughout the day.

Ticket Details and Express Pass Options

All guests must have a valid 2026 Cherry Blossom Festival Ticket or a JFGM Membership to attend. Ticket options include:

• $18 Pre-sale single-day ticket
• $20 Day-of single-day ticket
• $25 Express Pass ticket

Pre-sale tickets are available until 4 PM on March 5, and are non-refundable after that time. Day-of tickets will be available for purchase in person beginning at 10 AM on the first day of the festival through 5 PM on the final day.

For those who want to skip the main entrance lines, Express Pass tickets allow expedited entry through the Express Pass entrance located at the upper garden back gate. Express Pass tickets are limited and available for purchase until 4 PM on March 11.

Children ages 6 and younger do not need an Express Pass ticket if accompanied by an adult. Express Pass tickets are non-refundable and will be honored as general admission tickets after the festival.

See you there!

Whether we are going for the blossoms, the performances, or a stroll with sake in hand, this festival is one of our favorite ways to welcome spring in San Diego.

📆 Thursday, March 12 – Sunday, March 15, 2026 | 10 AM – 7 PM daily, last admission at 5 PM
🎟️ Get your tickets here
ℹ️ More info here

See you there, San Diego!