Feel like you missed the cherry blossom festival bandwagon? Don't worry about it. There are still plenty of festivals going on which will last until the end of April. Here's a list of seven festivals which are still happening-- giving you plenty of photo opportunities and date ideas.
1. National Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington, D.C.
This event began in March but will continue into April. This festival includes a parade, performances, waterfront fireworks and a large parade. The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade (presented by Events DC) is on April 8th and the fireworks are on the 15th!
2. Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
The Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival is a nine day long event (April 1st to 9th, 2017) which spans across the city of Philadelphia. Activities vary from sushi-making classes, kimono try-ons, movies under the stars, tours of the Shofuso Japanese House in Fairmount Park, concerts and a 5K run.
Sunday, April 9th, features an event called Sakura Sunday which is a celebration of Japanese culture through live music, dance, martial arts performances, fashion shows, arts and crafts, karaoke, and more.
3. Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival, San Francisco, CA
This year is the 50th anniversary of this festival which also lasts nine days (April 8th to 16th, 2017). The main attraction in the Grand Parade on April 16th but there is also a food and beer garden, crafts for sale and a film festival in addition to the regular festival events.
4. Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival, Nashville, TN
This is a one-day long festival features a cosplay contest, sumo suit wrestling, a Cherry Blossom Walk and the "Pups in Pink" parade. They also have a full day of entertainment on the main stage. The week leading up the festival is known as Japan Week and features many cultural events such as language workshops, a film festival, and a US-Japan relations panel.5. Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival, Newark, NJ
The Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival is in Branch Brook Park (April 8, 2017 - April 23, 2017) and features over 5,000 cherry blossom trees. The main attraction of this event is Bloomfest which occurs on April 23rd. The event at Bloomfest include Japanese cultural demonstrations, children's activities, food, live music and a craft marketplace. There is also a 10K run/walk, and one-mile fun walk and a bike challenge which occur throughout the week.6. Sakura Matsuri at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, New York, NY
This event is on the weekend of April 29th and 30th. They will be having 60 cultural events and performances at the Gardens over the course of the two days. There is also a Japanese marketplace, tea ceremonies, workshops, tours and games for children and adults.
7. Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival, Seattle, WA
This festival was founded 40 years ago and showcases over 1,000 cherry blossom trees. The festival opens on April 21, 2017, and closes April 23, 2017.
No matter which event you choose, there will be plenty of fun (in addition to photo opportunities) for you, your friends, or your family to enjoy! Have fun!