Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates 20 years of Vancouver blooms.

When thinking about spring in Vancouver, one can’t help but envision streets awash in waves of white and pink cherry blossoms.

This year, the blooms bring with them, a special milestone – the 20^th Anniversary Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival (VCBF) celebrating two decades of arts, culture, and community beneath the city’s iconic pink canopy. From March 26 to April 17, this milestone season grows into a bloomin’ big Festival, including an exciting expansion of The Big Picnic into a two-day signature event and a bigger Blossom Block Party.

Residents and visitors are again invited to take part in many beloved, returning favourites including Blossoms After Dark, The Big Picnic, Blossom Block Party, Sakura Days Japan Fair, the Haiku Invitational, Tree Talks & Walks and hands-on workshops.  The beauty of Vancouver’s cherry blossoms will find patrons gathering, creating, and connecting in parks and neighbourhoods across the city.

New for 2026, VCBF introduces an expanded Blossom Block Party with a car-free Dunsmuir St., the first-ever Blossom Run, a commemorative Blossoms in the Breeze book featuring 20 years of haiku, a specially designed heel from the iconic Fluevog Shoes, and a Whitecaps FC Cherry Blossom Match to mark the start of spring. To help reinvigorate the breathtaking cherry blossoms, the Vancouver Park Board will also be replanting eight trees at David Lam Park and one at Queen Elizabeth Park.

“When I started this event 21 years ago, I never would have imagined seeing it grow to where it is today. From our brand-new Blossom Run, a Cherry Blossom match held by Whitecaps FC, and our upcoming haiku book, we’re excited to see it continue for future generations. The interest and love from the Vancouver community and beyond, is a testament to the power of the cherry tree. As I always say, “there is no stranger under the cherry tree” so come and meet us under the cherry blossoms this Spring.” says Linda Poole, Founder & Artistic Director.

Andrea Arnot, VCBF Executive Director adds, “We cannot believe we are celebrating our 20th Annual Festival. After receiving over one million people at our events over the years, we are delighted to be able to bring awe and wonder in the midst of celebrating Vancouver’s stunning cherry blossoms. Our work would not be possible without our Presenting Sponsor, TD Bank Group, alongside the many sponsors, community stakeholders, staff, and volunteers.“

Highlights from the 20^th Anniversary Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival include;

• Celebration with Whitecaps FC – March 15: The Festival season kicks off early as Vancouver Whitecaps FC hosts a special Cherry Blossom Match at BC Place, celebrating the arrival of spring and the city’s cherished trees in front of thousands of fans.
• The Big Picnic – Now Two Days – March 28 & 29: The first ever two-day Big Picnic brings an expanded offering of even more opportunities for connection and community fun under the blossoms. Attendees can expect hands-on workshops from emerging artists, live performances, and unforgettable moments shared at David Lam Park.
• A Bigger Blossom Block Party with Public Disco – April 4: The Blossom Block Party returns to Downtown Vancouver. Blooming beyond it’s traditional confines, a car-free Dunsmuir Street will now complement the beloved dance floor and activities in Dunsmuir Plaza at Bentall Centre, creating a vibrant, open-air celebration of spring, music, and community.
• A Book of Haiku ~ Blossoms in the Breeze: After 20 years of our signature Haiku Invitational, VCBF will publish a commemorative collection featuring past winning poems plus haiku from our judges. The book will celebrate two decades of creativity inspired by the cherry blossom and share the beauty, reflection, and artistry that define the Festival’s literary legacy.
• Tree Talks & Walks – Continuing beyond the festival, horticulturalists lead an exploration of city parks April 18, 19 and 26

The 2026 Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival offers many more events over the three weeks festival, March 26 to April 17, 2026, at locations across the city. Plan your poses, get ready with Insta-worthy outfit of the day, visit vcbf.ca for the full line up of events to meet friends – new and old under the cherry trees.