Welcome to day 1 of the Cherry Blossom Festival 2026! JFGM is excited to celebrate the tradition of hanami.

the full list of Thursday’s activities, food vendors, merchant vendors, and performances can be viewed below

 
 
  • Guests 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 a JFGM Membership for access to the event.

  • General admission Cherry Blossom Festival Tickets are available for purchase online through 3/5/26 at 4:00PM PST.

  • Cherry Blossom Festival tickets may be purchased in person on all festival dates.tival dates

*For pre-purchased online tickets, please have printed or digital barcodes ready to scan.


 
 

Inamori Pavilion | 11am-6pm | Included with Admission

11:00am - Alex Guillen

12:00pm - Jerry William

1:00PM - Marc Akiyama

2:00PM - San Diego Budokan

3:00PM - Geisha Opera Singer 

4:00PM - Kamishibai

5:00PM - Geisha Opera Singer 

6:00pm - Asayake Taiko


 
 

Upper Garden | 10am-6pm


 
 

Lower Garden | 10am-6pm


 
 

Upper Garden Gallery | 11am-4pm

Face painting, temporary tattoos, and a sticker bar will be available at the Children’s Garden all four festival dates

*Parents or guardians must remain with children at all times


 
 

Inamori Pavilion | 11am-6pm (Last call is at 5:30pm) | ID Required for Guests 21+

 
 

 

The Cherry Blossom Festival is JFGM’s largest annual event and is always a huge success thanks to our amazing volunteers! Sign-up below to Volunteer at one of San Diego’s Largest cultural destinations.

 

 

Thank you to our 2026 Cherry Blossom Festival sponsors and partners!

Questions, please email events-marketing@niwa.org