Cherry blossom festival

Celebrate the arrival of spring and the enduring friendship between Hot Springs and our sister city, Hanamaki, Japan, at the Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival. Join us at the Hot Springs Convention Center on Saturday, April 4, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM for a free, family-friendly day filled with live performances and cultural demonstrations. This year, we are thrilled to welcome featured guest Yoshi Amao, a world-renowned storyteller and sword master known for his unique blend of humor and history. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a longtime supporter, the festival offers a vibrant look into Japanese traditions through dynamic stage shows and interactive exhibits.

To truly immerse yourself in the culture, we invite you to register for our specialized hands-on workshops. These small-group sessions offer rare opportunities to learn traditional arts from skilled instructors, including the Tea Village Experience, the art of wearing a Yukata, and Kintsugi with Osaka artist Nao Shaneyfelt. You can also try your hand at Kokedama moss ball making with Garvan Woodland Gardens, Taiko drumming, or explore the "Soul of the Samurai" with Yoshi Amao. Because seating is limited, early registration is highly encouraged.

Beyond the performances, the festival continues its literary and artistic traditions with the Annual Haiku Competition and a newly introduced Origami Competition. Writers of all ages have until March 26 to submit their haiku for a chance to win cash prizes and see their work displayed at the event. If you would like to go behind the scenes, we are also looking for volunteers to help with event prep and guest services. Join the Cherry Blossom team to support this wonderful cultural exchange and stay connected on social media for the latest schedule updates.

Learn More