Cherry Blossom Festival

The Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual event over two weeks each year.

Come and visit the Auburn Botanic Gardens and celebrate Japanese culture and tradition at this unique event.

The festival’s main highlight is the beautiful Cherry Blossoms, which bloom briefly. It is hard to predict the exact dates of when the blossoms will be at their peak, as this very much depends on temperature and weather conditions in the lead-up to the season.

Various ticketed and themed events take place over the two weekends to complement the stunning visual display of flora. For example, there are photographers’ events where access is limited so that camera buffs can take clear shots of the blossoms without crowds getting in the way.

While you await the blossoms, check out the other fun attractions and activities held during the festival. Experience Sydney’s finest food trucks and Japanese food providers alongside the festival’s famous Izakaya Bar, which offers a world-class Japanese craft beer and Sake menu.

Explore Auburn Botanic Gardens and learn about various cherry blossom cultures and traditions. Visit the festival stage for live music, talks, and performances. Visit the gardens’ wooded billabong for Shinto-inspired meditation sessions or visit Japan’s pop culture superstar, Hello Kitty.

Follow the Cherry trail around our Japanese Gardens on a self-guided discovery tour. Please find some of our most Instagrammable Cherry tree sites on your journey.

Please note that pets are not permitted inside the festival, nor are bikes, scooters, or skateboards allowed.

There is an entry fee to attend the Cherry Blossom Festival, and a free shuttle bus runs from Auburn Station between 9am and 5pm. If you are driving, you can park in the Susan Street car park, where you can catch the free shuttle bus to and from the festival outside the car park.