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San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival: 2026 Event Details
By: Jill Loeffler • Updated: April 7, 2026
Every year, the San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival transforms Japantown into a springtime celebration of color, flavor, and culture.
This is when the gorgeous pink cherry blossoms start to bloom and more than 200,000 people flock to this little district of SF to get a taste of Japan. It's one of my favorite festivals every year.
Held over two weekends each April, it features a parade, live music, dance, Japanese cuisine, and other cultural activities. The 2026 festival will be held on two weekends, April 11-12 and April 18-19.
The San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival started in 1967. Since then, it has grown into one of the largest cherry blossom festivals in the US.
During the festival, you can sample a variety of Japanese and Japanese-American culinary treats. These include popular dishes such as fresh sushi, tempura, and chicken or beef teriyaki.
There is also a wonderful parade on the festival's last Sunday. It starts at 1 pm at the Civic Center Plaza and ends at Japantown near Post and Fillmore Streets. It runs until around 3 pm.
Most of the San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival events are held on Post Street between Laguna and Fillmore Streets.
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Events at the 2026 Festival
This year, you will find a variety of events at the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown. Here are just a few of the types of events you can enjoy.
Live Music & Taiko Drum Performances
On many of their stages, you will find a variety of performances throughout both weekends of this festival.
The Taiko Drum performances are one of my favorite things to see each year at the Cherry Blossom Festival.
The taiko drum was originally used to ward off evil spirits and pests that could harm crops. Over the years, it was used less frequently in the Japanese culture, and this art faded away.
However, in recent years, taiko drum enthusiasts have launched a revival effort, and it is now performed in Japanese cultures throughout the world.
Here are this year's performances:
- San Francisco Taiko Dojo, Saturday, April 11, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm on the Webster Street Stage
- Jiten Daiko, Sunday, April 12, from 11 am to 12 pm on the Webster Street Stage
- Genryu Arts, Sunday, April 12, from 4:15 to 5 pm at The Center
- Drum Revolution, Saturday, April 18, from 3 pm to 3:30 pm at The Center
Here are a few pictures of them in action from previous festivals.
Japanese Music and Dance
Another highlight of the festival is the traditional Japanese music and dance. You will get the chance to listen to the music from a koto, or Japanese harp. This is one of the most popular Japanese musical instruments.
You also get the chance to see minyo, a traditional Japanese folk dance and song that has been handed down from generation to generation and has evolved over the years.
They usually have several performances both weekends.
Chanoyu - The Tea Ceremony
Another traditional Japanese art is the Tea Ceremony. Throughout the San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival, you'll get the chance to watch and learn more about this well-known Japanese ceremony.
This year's event is on Saturday, April 11, at 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, and 2 pm at Hokka Nichi Bei Kai (1759 Sutter Street).
Arts & Crafts Shopping Area
The Arts and Crafts area is an outdoor marketplace featuring Japanese- and Asian-inspired arts and crafts from a select list of local and national artists. This area is open throughout the festival.
Schedule of Events on the Outdoor Stage at Webster Street
This year's outdoor stage is along Webster Street, as the Peace Plaza is closed for renovations through 2026.
This is where many of the largest performances are held, and they are very popular.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
- SF Taiko Dojo from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
- Opening Ceremonies and Student Scholarship Winners from 12:30 to 1:45 pm
- Outta Pocket from 3:30 pm to 4:15 pm
- Big City Review from 4:45 to 5:30 pm
Sunday, April 12, 2026
- Jiten Daiko from 11 am to 12 pm
- Get Lucky Band from 12:30 to 1:15 pm
- Get With It from 1:45 to 2:30 pm
- Sound Project from 3 pm to 3:45 pm
- Groove Foundation from 4:15 to 5 pm
Here is this year's schedule for the Webster Street Stage for the second weekend:
Saturday, April 18, 2026
- Wesley Ukeulele Band from 11 to 11:45 am
- Azama Honryu Seifu Ichisenkai Mototake Kinuko Ryubu Dojo from 11:45 pm to 12:15 pm
- Okinawa Eisa Shimadaiko from 12:15 to 12:45 pm
- Mana from 1:15 pm to 2 pm
- Night Owls from 2:30 pm to 3:15 pm
- Funky Sounds Experience from 3:45 pm to 5 pm
Sunday, April 19, 2026
- Grand Marshal Appearance from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
- Raffle from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm
You will find dozens of other performances at this year's event. Visit the official Cherry Blossom site for a full schedule of events and to check for any last-minute changes.
San Francisco Hotels
Are you still looking for a hotel for your stay? Here are several recommendations based on budget, amenities, and neighborhood.
Expedia: Check for top hotels all around San Francisco.
Booking: Find great deals all around San Francisco for your upcoming stay!
TripAdvisor: What's the #1 hotel in San Francisco? Read reviews & find hotel deals on TripAdvisor!
Tips for Visiting Japantown
Are you looking for other things to do in Japantown? Do you need a hotel near the festival?
On this page, you'll find out about other top activities, top hotels, and some of my favorite restaurants in this SF neighborhood. You will also find the best public transportation options to get to the festival.
Learn More: Japantown
More Fun Events in April
SF Giants: The San Francisco Giants kick of their season in early April. Get ready to watch exciting games at Oracle Park in SF's SoMa District! Find a schedule of this year's games.
SF Theater: Every month in SF, you will find a variety of theater productions. They range from well known shows such as the The Lion King and Hamilton, to smaller performances in intimate settings. Click here for ticketing details and the full theater calendar for this April.
Free SF Events: Did you know that SF has dozens of free events every week? You will find events large and small all year long. To make it easier to find the most popular, I created a list of the 101 best free events in SF. Click here to learn more!
Hi, I’m Jill!
I’ve been sharing San Francisco travel advice since 2009 and have helped millions of people explore the city like a local. Whether you’re dreaming of sea lions, cable cars, or a great sourdough bread bowl, I’m here to help you plan an unforgettable trip with real tips from someone who actually lives here.
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