Like many cities throughout the world, including Paris, San Francisco, Copenhagen, and Washington, DC, Vancouver’s welcomes the annual arrival of the cherry blossoms with open arms.
But the arrival of these flowers isn’t just about the flowers themselves, it’s about the arrival of spring and the start of a new chapter. For some, it’s taking a walk through the neighborhood enjoying the blossoms. For others, it’s enjoying a sunny day and sitting outside eating lunch. But ultimately, it’s about the reawakening of the community.
It is an annual renewal that takes place both outside, in the canopies of our parks and avenues, and inside, in our bodies, minds and heart. We, humans, are somehow mated with the flowering cherry trees.
The 13th annual Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival takes place from April 4 to 27, 2019 at various iconic locations across Vancouver. The festival includes events with poetry, music, dance, good food and drink, laughter, and love. Plus, festival organizers list what neighborhoods are starting to blooming, and those that have already hit their peak. Check out the neighborhood bloom maps.
Sampling of Events
Thursday, April 4 – 12:00-1:30 p.m. – Cherry Jam Downtown concert at Burrard SkyTrain Station – showcasing multicultural performances. – FREE
Thursday, April 11 to Saturday, April 13 – Dusk-10:00 p.m. – Spring Lights Illumination (evening illumination installation of vibrant projections) at Stanley Park (near Japanese War Memorial). FREE
Saturday, April 13 – 12:00-3:00 p.m. – The Big Picnic at Queen Elizabeth Park (Cambie and 33rd Ave.) – Vancouver’s largest spring picnic with community vendors and cultural performances! – FREE
Saturday, April 27 – 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Bike the Blossoms in partnership with Velopalooza at John Hendry Park (Trout Lake) – Cycling under tunnels of cherry blossoms! FREE
April 1-27 – Tree Talks & Walks – 8 guided, interpretive walks exploring various Vancouver neighbourhoods and green spaces including: UBC, Queen Elizabeth Park, Oakridge/South Cambie/Riley Park, Hastings-Sunrise, Stanley Park, Oppenheimer Park, Downtown West End, Coal Harbour, and VanDusen Botanical Garden. No registration required! FREE
For more information on the festival, specific event details, and more, visit the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival.
