Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival

Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival will take place April 10-12, 2026 in the Armory Food & Event Hall, Fisher Pavilion, and Exhibition Hall (Saturday only). The festival is part of the Seattle Center Festál series. It is free and open to the public.

Attendees of all ages can enjoy an array of cultural stage presentations including tea ceremonies, koto music, taiko drumming, traditional dance performances and martial arts demonstrations. The fine art of Shodo calligraphy and ikebana displays will be showcased in the Armory Lofts. Family-friendly activities and workshops include children’s kite-making and kimono dressing. Delicious culinary treats will be served all three days. As part of a special 50th anniversary expansion, the festival will also host a sumo tournament in the Exhibition Hall (Saturday only) and a new art exhibit by local visual artists, located in the hallway of the Armory Lofts.

The festival is dedicated to increasing the understanding and friendship between the people of Japan and the Pacific Northwest. It features ikebana, martial arts demonstrations, tea ceremonies, kimono dress-up, children's activities, koto music, taiko drumming and more. The festival was initiated by a gift of 1,000 cherry trees to Seattle from Japan's former Prime Minister Takeo Miki to commemorate America's bicentennial and the lifelong friendship of Japan and Washington. Hanami, cherry blossom viewing, is a reminder to celebrate life.