Sip Into Spring at the 2025 Spring Sake Festival at the Japanese Friendship Garden

Spring is here—and so is nama season. If you’ve never tried raw, unpasteurized sake, the 2025 Spring Sake Festival is the perfect place to start.

Hosted by the San Diego Sake Club and held at the serene Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum in Balboa Park, this celebration is all about fresh, seasonal sakes that are only available for a short time each year.

Experience Nama Sake and More

Head to the Inamori Pavilion and Lower Garden for an afternoon of unlimited tastings featuring some of the best sakes from Japan and the U.S.—plus a few Japanese beers for good measure.

You’ll also get to meet sake brewers and sommeliers who will be on hand to share their knowledge and pour something special.

Whether you’re a seasoned sake drinker or just sake-curious, this is a chance to sip, learn, and explore in a setting that’s as beautiful as it is peaceful.

A Cultural Experience Beyond the Cup

In addition to the tastings, the 2025 Spring Sake Festival features the traditional Kagami Biraki sake barrel-opening ceremony and live performances from local artists. And yes—you’ll even receive a festival-exclusive tasting cup to take home.

See you there!

Celebrate the season with a fresh pour, good company, and a deep dive into one of Japan’s most revered traditions.

📆 Sunday, April 27 | 12 PM–4 PM
📍 2215 Pan American Road E, San Diego
🎟️ Get your tickets here

See you there, San Diego!