Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Festival
Celebrate the Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Festival and the 37th anniversary of the twinning agreement between Burlington and its twin city, Itabashi, Japan. Hosted by the Burlington Mundialization Committee.
Event Details
Saturday, May 9, 2026
1 - 3:30 p.m.
Free event featuring
- Greetings from Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and Consul General of Japan MATSUNAGA Takeshi
- Opening performance by Burlington’s Do Kon Daiko Japanese drumming group
- Karate, aikido and iaido demonstrations
- A performance by the internationally renowned taiko group Nagata Shachu
- Suzuran odori (traditional dance) performances
- Closing with exhilarating yosakoi dance by Sakuramai Toronto.
- Artwork from elementary school children at Frontenac Public School and Fujimidai Public School.
View the Sakura trees
Cherry blossom trees are located at Spencer Smith Park. Take part in the centuries-old tradition of hanami, the Japanese term for flower viewing. Called sakura in Japan, these cherry blossom trees bloom at the end of April to early May.
Viewing Etiquette
Climbing the cherry trees, pulling on the branches and plucking off the blooms can damage the trees. Stay on existing trails to protect ecologically sensitive areas.