2026 Cherry Blossom Festival FAQ
Are the cherry blossoms blooming?
Once the cherry blossom trees begin to bloom, bloom percentage updates can be found on the main page announcement bar of www.niwa.org.
What if the trees are not in bloom during the festival?
The Cherry Blossom Festival will take place on March 12th-15th. Guests are invited to enjoy performances, cultural food, and shop from local vendors even if the bloom does not align with festival dates. Refunds will not be issued due to inclement weather or little to no display of cherry blossoms.
How long will the cherry blossom trees be in bloom?
The bloom varies each year, and is dependent on the weather conditions. Once a tree is fully blossomed, the flowers tend to last for approximately 1-2 weeks. This year, JFGM’s cherry blossom trees are expected to bloom in March 2026.
What’s included with my Express Pass Ticket? Express Pass Tickets includes a single admission to the 2026 Cherry Blossom Festival through the Express Entrance located behind the Organ Pavilion. Wait times for the General Admission Line may exceed 30 minutes.
I am a JFGM member, do I need to purchase tickets?
JFGM members do not need to purchase additional festival tickets and may enter through the Express Entrance. Please bring your license and membership card (physical or digital). Guests of JFGM members will need to purchase Express Pass tickets to enter together. JFGM guest passes will not be accepted during the festival. Members have access to enter the Express entrance on all Cherry Blossom Festival dates.
I am a JFGM member, if I want to bring a guest, can they use the Express Entrance?
Guests of JFGM members will need to purchase Express Pass tickets or become a JFGM Member to enter together at the Express entrance.
Do children need a Express Pass ticket to enter through the Express Entrance? Children ages 6 and younger do not need a Express Pass ticket if accompanied by an adult who has purchased a Express Pass Ticket.
I have a Express Pass ticket. Are they timed tickets? Express Pass tickets do not have a specified arrival time. Express Pass ticket holders may arrive between the festival hours, before last admission at 5pm.
I purchased a membership online, how do I get into the festival?
You will receive an email with instructions to download your digital membership card. Please present your ID and confirmation email or digital card for admittance through the Express Pass entrance. Members have access to enter the Express Pass entrance on all Cherry Blossom Festival dates.
I purchased general admission tickets online. Can I use them for the festival?
No, general admission tickets will not be accepted during the Cherry Blossom Festival on March 12-15, 2026. You must purchase a 2026 Cherry Blossom Festival Ticket (Pre-sale Cherry Blossom Festival Ticket, Day-of Cherry Blossom Festival Ticket, Express Pass Cherry Blossom Festival Ticket) or JFGM Membership to gain access to the event.
Can I use my pre-sale ticket to enter all festival dates?
Pre-sale tickets are single day tickets only. You must purchase another pre-sale ticket to enter on another festival date.
Is there a separate line for guests with Pre-sale Cherry Blossom Festival admission e-tickets? There is one admission line for pre-sale tickets or tickets purchased day-of. Upon your arrival, have your phone or printed version of the e-ticket(s) ready to be scanned by staff.
I purchased general admission tickets last year but have not used them. Can I use them for the festival?
No, general admission tickets will not be accepted during the Cherry Blossom Festival on March 12-15, 2026. You must have a valid 2026 Cherry Blossom Festival Ticket (Pre-sale Cherry Blossom Festival Ticket, Day-of Cherry Blossom Festival Ticket, Express Pass Cherry Blossom Festival Ticket) or JFGM Membership to gain access to the event.
I purchased Cherry Blossom Festival admission tickets online and received a confirmation email but have not received my e-tickets.
Please check your spam or promotions folder. If you still do not see your e-tickets, contact 619-232-2721.
Can I buy tickets at the festival?
Yes, Cherry Blossom Festival tickets will be available to purchase on all festival dates in the general admission line. Festival tickets are $20 each for those 7 years and older. Discounts are not available.
Can I use my JFGM Guest Pass, Explorer Pass, Go City Pass, Museums For All (SNAP/EBT), or AHS reciprocal admission at the 2025 Cherry Blossom Festival?
No, you must have a valid 2026 Cherry Blossom Festival Ticket which can be purchased in the general admission line only. The Cherry Blossom Festival is JFGM’s signature event that will require a separate event ticket. Balboa Park Explorer Passes, Go Cards, and other discounted general admission tickets are not accepted.
I purchased a Express Pass ticket but am unable to attend. Can I get a refund?
Cherry Blossom Express Pass tickets are final sale, but will be accepted as a general admission ticket at a later date.
I purchased a Pre-sale Cherry Blossom Festival Ticket but am unable to attend. Can I get a refund?
You are eligible for a refund on Pre-sale Cherry Blossom Festival tickets through March 5, 2026 at 4:00pm PST. Call (619) 232-2721. Pre-sale tickets will be accepted as a general admission ticket at a later date.
The weather forecast says it’s going to rain. Will there still be a festival?
The Cherry Blossom Festival will happen rain or shine! Refunds will not be issued due to rain or percentage of blooms.
How do I apply to be a vendor?
At this time the merchant and food vendor application are not open. Please check back in November!
What are the festival hours?
The Cherry Blossom Festival hours will be 10am-6pm, last admission 5pm. All Cherry Blossom Festival programming will conclude at 6pm. The garden closes at 7pm.
Where should I park?
Parking Lots in proximity to the Garden: Organ Pavilion Parking Lot, Palisades and Inspiration Point. Parking is not included with a ticket purchase. Balboa Park public parking will be impacted and can be limited, please plan accordingly.