The Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival truly signifies the start of spring in our area. There’s just something about those beautiful pink blossoms.
For the last 36 years, people from throughout New Jersey have traveled to Essex County Branch Brook Park to celebrate spring under an awning of pink petals every April. The Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the arrival of spring with a jam packed schedule of events that pays homage to the historic Essex County Park System, captures the beauty of the cherry tree, and embraces the Japanese tradition of hanami.
Here are ways to celebrate with your family:
Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival: Trolley Tours
Who: All ages.
What: Have knowledgeable guides take you on a 45-minute journey, pointing out 118 years of history hidden within Essex County Branch Brook Park’s structure and design.
Where: Cherry Blossom Visitor’s Center in Essex County Branch Brook Park, Newark, NJ. Click here for directions.
When:
- Friday, April 5 from 12 pm – 4 pm
- Sunday, April 7 from 1 pm – 4 pm
- Friday, April 12th from 12 pm – 4 pm
- Saturday, April 13 from 12 pm – 4 pm
- Friday- Sunday, April 19 – 21 from 12 pm – 4 pm
Cost: Tickets are $5 person and can be purchased at the Welcome Center on the tour dates
Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival: One-Mile Fun Run
Who: Children ages 6 – 14
What: Celebrate the arrival of spring and get fit with your family. Register for a fun one-mile run/walk through the Southern Division of Branch Brook Park and through the newest groves of cherry trees. All children will receive a commemorative t-shirt. School and group participation is encouraged!
Where: Prudential Concert Grove in the Southern Division of Branch Brook Park. Click here for directions.
When: Saturday, April 12. Registration begins at 9 am. Race begins at 10 am.
Cost: Free. Click here to download race registration forms.
Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival: Bloomfest
Who: All ages.
What: Enjoy a family day in New Jersey’s pinkest park! A packed schedule of events includes Japanese cultural demonstrations, children’s activities, live music, a crafter’s marketplace, food, and more.
Where: Cherry Blossom Visitor’s Center in Essex County Branch Brook Park, Newark, NJ. Click here for directions.
When: Sunday, April 14 from 11 am to 5 pm.
Cost: Free.
Don’t forget our own Ask Holly’s beautiful Japanese inspired Cherry Blossom Tsumami Kanzashi craft and Cherry Blossom Barrettes. I may attempt to make some for my girl’s to wear at Bloomfest.