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

FAQ
 
 
  • 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.

Tickets

 
 

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 - TBA

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.

Sign up to volunteer
Happi Helpers
 

 

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

Questions, please email events-marketing@niwa.org