The Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival returns to the Hot Springs Convention Center (134 Convention Blvd, Hot Springs, AR) on Saturday, April 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a full day of performances, exhibits, and cultural experiences for all ages.
Held in Halls A & B and the Grand Lobby, the festival invites guests to explore Japanese culture through live entertainment, interactive activities, children’s games, cultural displays, and special exhibits throughout the day. Admission is free, making it a wonderful way for families and visitors to experience something unique together.
The day will begin with an opening address from Consul General Shinji Watanabe of the Japanese Consulate in Nashville, followed by performances from Dallas Kiyari Daiko and Yoshi Amao’s Samurai Sword Soul. Guests can also enjoy the Anime Cosplay Contest, browse the silent auction, and take in the kimono exhibit in the Grand Lobby.
Whether you come for the performances, the exhibits, or simply to enjoy a day of discovery and celebration, the Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival offers a vibrant and memorable experience in the heart of Hot Springs.
Featured Guest
Yoshi Amao
Yoshi Amao is a Japanese-born actor, martial artist, and cultural performer best known for his dynamic stage production Samurai Sword Soul. Combining traditional samurai techniques with storytelling, humor, and audience interaction, Amao brings the spirit and discipline of the samurai to life in an engaging and accessible way.
Cherry Blossom Festival Auction
The Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival online auction is a great way to support student scholarships while enjoying a wide range of unique items and experiences. Proceeds help ensure that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to participate in meaningful cultural and educational exchanges through the Hot Springs Sister City Program.
Bidding opens Saturday at noon, Saturday, March 28, and continues through 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 5, giving participants the full weekend to browse and bid.
This year’s auction includes vintage Japanese items, original artwork from local artists, gift certificates to favorite dining spots, relaxing weekend getaways, and more—something for every interest.
Auction items will be on display in the Grand Lobby during the festival, offering guests a chance to view them in person before placing their bids online.
Don’t miss this opportunity to find something special while supporting a great cause. Bidding online at Givebutter.com. After clicking the link, choose Auction at the top of the Givebutter page.
Workshop Registration
Take your Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival experience to the next level with our hands-on workshops. These small-group sessions allow participants to learn directly from skilled instructors while exploring traditional Japanese arts and cultural practices. Seating is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Workshop offerings include:
- Tea Village Experience with Jennifer Huffman and students of The Tea Horse Koryu Foundation and School
- Yukata Experience – learn to wear the traditional summer kimono and enjoy the festival in style
- Kokedama Moss Ball Workshop led and sponsored by Garvan Woodland Gardens
- Taiko Drumming Workshop with Central Arkansas Taiko and Dallas Kiyari Daiko
- Kintsugi Workshop with Nao Shaneyfelt, kintsugi artist from Osaka, Japan
- The Soul of the Samurai with actor and sword master Yoshi Amao
- Origami Sake Experience exploring the craft and culture of sake brewed in Hot Springs
Many workshops are offered multiple times throughout the day, allowing you to choose the session that best fits your schedule. Workshop Registration is now live!!!
Origami Competition
The Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival is pleased to introduce the Origami Competition, proudly sponsored by Aitoh Specialty Paper. Open to artists of all ages, the competition celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the traditional Japanese art of paper folding.
Join the Cherry Blossom Team – Volunteer
The Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival will be held on April 4, and volunteers are essential to making the day a success.
We have opportunities both before the festival (event prep, organizing auction items, decorating) and during the event (greeting guests, assisting performers, helping with children’s activities, and more).
Join us in celebrating Japanese culture and supporting our Sister City friendship with Hanamaki.
See you at the festival!!!
We couldn’t do it without our Sponsors
Sponsorship of the Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival helps make this free, family-friendly celebration of Japanese culture possible. With more than 4,000 attendees each year, the festival offers sponsors meaningful visibility while supporting cultural exchange, arts education, and tourism in Hot Springs. Sponsorship opportunities are available at a variety of levels, and all support—large or small—plays an important role in bringing this vibrant community event to life. Email director@hotspringssistercity.org for more information and to learn more.