Yuujou Daiko performs at the 2019 Cherry Blossom Festival.
The Monterey Park Cherry Blossom Festival, to be held Saturday and Sunday, April 12-13, at Barnes Park, marks a milestone 25th anniversary with a bigger-than-ever celebration of Japanese and Asian Pacific Islander culture.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Barnes Park is located at 350 S. McPherrin Ave. in Monterey Park. The festival is free to all.
Attendees will enjoy main stage performances including Japanese dancing, taiko drumming, and performances by Kokoro, City Pop Jam, and many more. Watch thrilling martial arts exhibitions, Polynesian dance showcases and performances by local student musical groups.
On Sunday, festival-goers can join J-pop idols for fun activities and festival games, presented by Asayoru Maid Cafe. For music lovers, the festival will also welcome DJs spinning city pop hits. Auto enthusiasts will love the festival’s Itasha exhibition, featuring cars decorated with anime characters.
Kimono fashion show at the 2019 Cherry Blossom Festival.
Inside Monterey Park City Hall, visitors will find a variety of cultural displays, including calligraphy, origami and tea ceremonies. On Sunday, visitors will also be able to make their own Japanese dolls at the craft station.
The festival marketplace will feature a record number of vendors offering merchandise with unique cultural flair. Community booths will also provide resources on local health, social, and education services.
No festival would be complete without delicious food. Attendees can indulge in chicken teriyaki, Spam musubi and mochi desserts from Little Tokyo’s Fugetsu-Do, just to name a few.
For easy access, take the free shuttles from Langley Senior Center, 400 W. Emerson Ave.; Ynez Elementary School, 120 S. Ynez Ave.; and Repetto Elementary School, 650 Grandridge Ave.
For more information, visit www.montereypark.ca.gov/cherryblossom or email recreation@montereypark.ca.gov.