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The Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival, part of the Seattle Center Festál series, promotes cross-cultural exchanges and fosters a deeper understanding of Japanese and Japanese American culture and heritage through both traditional and contemporary means. This free annual festival, celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2025, will take place from Friday, April 11, through Sunday, April 13, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Armory Food & Event Hall and Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center.
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 Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival was first held in Seward Park in 1976 but moved to Seattle Center in 1979 and has now grown into a three-day celebration enjoyed by thousands of people.
“Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival has a long-distinguished relationship to the Festál series, being the first ethnic festival held annually at the Center,” said Heidi Jackson, Seattle Center Managing Artistic Director of Cultural Programs. “Cherry blossoms are a renewal of spring and life. Everyone is invited to enjoy this renewal together at this entertaining, family-friendly cultural celebration.”
This festival is part of the Festál series of 25 festivals, presented by various cultural organizations and hosted by Seattle Center throughout the year.