What's New & Special at Philly's 2026 Cherry Blossom Festival

What’s new for the 2026 Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival?

Last year’s Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival broke records, with over 25,000 festivalgoers flocking to Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park for two days of Japanese art, culture and cuisine.

This year’s fest promises to be even bigger, as its centerpiece sakura mark a major milestone: their 100th anniversary.

Celebrate with thousands of other festival goers and an awesome slate of programming, including some exciting new additions, including:

An Expanded Food Court and Beer Garden

Located near the new Tomodachi stage, this reimagined food court and beer garden delivers more delicious vendors, more seating and more space to indulge in authentic Asian cuisine and refreshing beverages. All food purchases are pay-as-you-go.

  — Photo courtesy Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia

Live Entertainment Across Two Stages

This year’s festival features more live entertainment than ever before across not one but two stages.

Head to the festival’s Sakura Main Stage or the brand-new Tomodachi Stage for Japanese cultural and traditional dance performances, live musical performances, karate demonstrations, karaoke, a cosplay fashion show (Saturday) and a Japanese-based alternative (J-Alternative) fashion show (Sunday).

  — Photo by K. Kelly for Visit Philadelphia

A Special Appearance from Another Philly Tradition: The Philadelphia Mummers

Speaking of performances, sit front row as the elaborately costumed and delightfully theatrical performers of the Golden Crown New Year’s Mummer Brigade reprise their 2026 New Year’s performance, titled Japan, The Land of Four Seasons.

What else can I expect at the festival?

This year’s celebration also features:

• Hands-on activities like Japanese tabletop games, storytelling, scavenger hunts and origami
• cultural demonstrations, including ikebana demonstrations and kimono and yukata dressing demonstrations

Ikebana demonstration   — Photo courtesy Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia

• an ah-dorable “prettiest in pink” pet parade (registration available on site)
• a sushi samurai competition (advanced registration required, additional cost)
• pop-up bars across the festival grounds, and
• a vendor fair featuring goods by local makers and Japanese merchandise.

Check out the official website for the full list of programming and schedule.

How can I get tickets?

Early bird general admission tickets are available for $15 through March 27, 2026, while general admission tickets cost $20 each. Tickets can be purchased in advance here.

Kids under the age of 12 and Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia members enjoy the festivities for free.

Discounted tickets of $5 are available to Philadelphia ACCESS cardholders at the festival.

Admission to the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center — Fairmount Park’s traditional-style Japanese house, complete with stunning gardens and a koi pond  — can be added to your ticket for only $5.

What’s the history behind the festival and cherry trees?

The annual Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival started in 1998 and continues a legacy established in 1926, when the Japanese government gifted 1,600 cherry trees to Philadelphia in honor of the 150th anniversary of American Independence.

Cherry blossoms maintain deep significance in Japanese culture, prominently featured in traditional art, literature and cuisine. As Japan’s national flower, cherry blossoms often serve as a symbol of friendship to other nations.

  — Photo by K. Kelly for Visit Philadelphia

Learn more about the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia by clicking the button below.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE