Spring is starting to show off in Columbus, and this weekend is a perfect excuse to get outside and soak it all in.
The annual Cherry Blossom Festival is returning to Franklin Park and Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, bringing a full weekend of events celebrating Japanese culture, community, and of course, those iconic blooms.
Things kick off on Saturday, April 4 with an opening event at Franklin Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The afternoon will include a commemoration of the Peace Garden and cherry tree plaque, along with exhibits, games, performances, and even a scavenger hunt to explore the park.
Then on Sunday, April 5, the celebration continues with JASCO Cherry Blossom Day at the Conservatory, and this is where things really come to life.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is packed with performances, hands-on activities, and plenty of ways to experience Japanese culture right here in Columbus. You can catch a live koto performance, watch traditional Awa Odori dance, or check out a sumo wrestling workshop if you’ve ever been curious about the sport.
If you’re more of a wander-and-explore type, there’s plenty to discover throughout the Conservatory.
You can try origami, see a bonsai display, snap a photo in a yukata, or even try your hand at yo-yo tsuri, a classic Japanese festival game where you fish for water balloons using a paper hook.
And yes, there will absolutely be food. Vendors will be on site serving up favorites like mochi, onigiri, and other Japanese bites, so you can snack while you explore.
One of the best parts of Sunday’s event is that it falls on Community Day, which means free general admission for Columbus and Franklin County residents with a valid ID. So if you’ve been meaning to wander the Conservatory’s gardens or check out the current exhibits, this is a great time to do it.
Between the blooming trees, the performances, and the chance to try something new, it’s one of those weekends that makes it feel like spring has officially arrived.
You can learn more about the Cherry Blossom Festival here, and more about Community Days at Franklin Park Conservatory here.
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