MEMPHIS, TN — Memphis Botanic Garden (MBG) is pleased to announce the much anticipated annual Cherry Blossom Picnic will take place on March 23 from 10 am-4 pm this year. This beloved event encourages attendees to celebrate spring among the sakura (cherry blossoms) in MBG’s Japanese Garden with Asian-inspired food trucks, guided tours of the Japanese Garden, and traditional Japanese crafts and games–all among the beautiful backdrop of blooming cherry trees at the Garden.
“The blooming of the cherry trees is always one of my favorite signs of spring,” said Gina Harris, Director of Education & Events. “Celebrating with the Cherry Blossom Picnic is such a fun way to kick off spring at the Garden. The iconic red bridge surrounded by blossoms, some of the first flowers of the season, creates the perfect backdrop for a spring picnic!”
Attendees can enjoy family-friendly activities including creating kimono dolls and koi windsocks and learning shodo name writing and origami. The event also features performances by 901 Taiko and family-friendly tea ceremony demonstrations. Guided tours of the Japanese Garden from Robin Howell, MBG’s Curator of the Japanese and Asian Gardens, will feature improvements to the space over the past year including the revitalized Moongazing Pavilion and new entrance which allows greater accessibility to the Japanese Garden and highlights new plantings. Plus Mr. Casas Japanese & Mexican Food, Rice Burner, Soi Number 9, Just Wraps, Pok Cha’s Egg Rolls, Big River Dogs, and Sekisui will be on-site for a picnic lunch. A signature cocktail and other spring spirits we’ll be available from our cash bar.
The Cherry Blossom Picnic is the perfect way to celebrate spring with learning opportunities, hands-on activities, and more. The event is free with Garden admission. No reservations are required.
A special thank you to the University of Memphis Japanese Culture Club.
The Memphis Botanic Garden is a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to being an exemplary center for horticulture and environmental enrichment. Serving over 40,000 school-aged children annually, and hosting 260,000 visitors each year, Memphis Botanic Garden strives to enhance lives by connecting people with nature, increasing awareness and appreciation of our environment.
