A massive celebration of all things Japan is taking over Vancouver’s botanical garden this weekend

The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Fest is now in full swing, and one of its biggest, most anticipated yearly events is coming up this weekend. Set to transform VanDusen Botanical Garden into a spring paradise, the two-day cultural fair is about more than just the stunning cherry blossoms. It’s an opportunity to learn more about all things Japan, from the food to traditional tea ceremonies, to live taiko drumming performances.

Visitors will get to roam the garden at their leisure, taking part in a mix of Japanese theatre, games, and crafts, indulging in delicious culinary offerings, and discovering a range of local businesses in the process.

According to the fair’s website, the majority of Sakura Days will take place outdoors, with a select number of vendors and experiences taking place indoors.

Expanding on the success of previous years, organizers are bringing more food vendors this year. You’ll also get to visit the ever-popular Yukata Dressing Tent and enjoy live performances across two stages.

Timed ticket entry will be enforced to ensure all guests have plenty of time and space to enjoy all of the festivities and wander the garden in what might just be its most beautiful form.

Try Japanese premium sake, learn to play a traditional game, or participate in a tea ceremony. No matter what you choose to do at Sakura Days, you’ll be fully immersed in Japanese culture.

How much are tickets?

Tickets are priced at $24 per adult, $19 for seniors (ages 65+) and youth (ages 13 to 18), and $9 per child (ages five to 12).

The two-day fair takes place on Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and until 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Limited tickets will be available on the day, so make sure you snag some in advance if you can.

Enjoy this bountiful spring and sunny weather while it lasts, Vancouver!

When: Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and until 5 p.m. on Sunday
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden – 5251 Oak St. 
Cost: $9 to $24 per person

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Isabelle Vauclair

Staff Writer, Vancouver – Isabelle is a West Coast native with an appreciation for Vancouver’s natural landscape, patio scene, and community spaces. She loves to discover new hidden gems in her neighbourhood and share them with readers across the city.

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