Today marks the start of the Annual Cherry Blossom Festival in YVR, and it’s definitely a worthwhile excuse to get out of the house to explore our stunning city through a variety of cultural and artistic events. Since its establishment in 2006, the festival has served as an ongoing tradition and this year runs from April 3rd to the 28th. It’s become an all but official marker for many Vancouverites ready to ditch their rubber boots and umbrellas… grab your guide and tune up your bike for a tour around town.
The festival offers up an array of different cultural, culinary, artistic and spiritual events. We’ve rounded up our top picks for you to consider adding to your weekend to-do list…
Sakura Illumination takes place on April 4th at Sutcliffe Park (False Creek) on Granville Island and features the works of Stuart Ward. See hundreds of cherry blossoms lit using LED and patterned video lights, illuminating a sensory projection of art.
Be sure to check out the Cherry Jam Downtown Concert taking place today (April 3rd) at the Burrard Skytrain Station. It features an array of performances by local folk artists, Haiku readings, live dance and more.
Don’t miss this weekend’s Sakura Days Japan Fair (at VanDusen Botanical Gardens). You’ll have the opportunity to partake in a Japanese tea ceremony, enjoy haiku readings, sample sake, chow down on Japanese food, take in live taiko drumming and martial arts performances, and much more.
Grab your bike and get into gear for Velopalooza’s ‘Bike the Blossoms’ a bit later this month (April 26th). This free, fun guided bike tour will have you pedaling your way around the city (rain or shine), visiting various neighbourhoods bathed in a swath of vibrant blossoms from hundreds of cherry trees.
With more than 40,000 cherry trees throughout the city it’s easy to see just why this special seasonal festival is such a celebrated annual event – signaling the end of a dreary winter and the official arrival of spring.
Will you be checking out the Cherry Blossom Festival? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.