2024 Free Cultural Events

Yozakura Festival – NEW DATES. The blooming of the cherry blossoms has arrived early.

MARCH 23rd – APRIL 2nd

Viewing Cherry Blossoms at Nighttime, 7pm – 11pm. The trees will be illuminated every night from March 23 to around April 2nd. Cherry blossoms are beautiful for about two weeks.

Cherry blossom viewing is an iconic tradition of Japan’s in the daytime and nighttime. For the first time during peak blooming the Gresham Japanese Garden will illuminate at nighttime thirteen mature ‘Akebono’ cherry trees displaying their delicate blossoms and ethereal beauty. Two special nights, Saturday, March 23rd, Saturday March 30th and (maybe) April 6th listening to sakura-inspired arrangements by Oregon Koto Kai while sipping green tea and enjoying a traditional sakura sweet. Bring a blanket and enjoy the show and scenery. This is a free event.

OREGON KOTO KAI SCHEDULE

March 23rd – 8pm performance by Mitsuki Dazai-Church

March 30th
– 1st set: 7:45pm-8:10pm
– 2nd set: 8:30pm-8:55pm

CANCELLED – April 6th
– 1st set: 8:00pm-8:25pm
– 2nd set: 8:35pm-9:00pm

FESTIVAL ADDRESS INSIDE MAIN CITY PARK
219A S. Main Avenue
Gresham, OR 97030

The thirteen Akebono cherry trees live in Ebetsu Plaza and Ambleside Annex. We’re honored to retain Soundguy Productions so Oregon Koto Kai’s beautiful music can be heard  throughout the festival’s surroundings.

Arigato Rich!

This event could not of been possible if it wasn’t for a generous grant to bore power for the lighting of the trees from the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC).

Hina Doll Exhibition

MARCH 3RD ONLY FROM 10AM – 4PM

Hinamatsuri, also known as Doll Festival or Girl’s Day is a Shinto and Japanese cultural holiday celebrated on March 3rd. It is a Japanese tradition to gift a daughter a hina doll collection. A hina doll collection called a hinakazari, consist of 1- to 7-tiers, from folded paper to intricate carved dolls. Visit the Hina Doll Exhibition at Gresham Japanese Garden’s Kyoudou Center on March 3rd and be awed by all the different hinakazaris displayed. Talk to the owners and learn the history of their collections. Refreshments will also be served.

KYOUDOU CENTER ADDRESS
219A S. Main Avenue
Gresham, OR 97030

CALLING ALL HINA DOLL OWNERS
If you are interested in displaying your hinakarsari in the exhibition, contact Sue Protz 503-502-7340, Sue@GreshamJapaneseGarden.com.

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