Emika Kozono gets a hug from her grandmothere Susie Kozono. People attending the Cherry Blossom Festival at Barnes Park were treated to Traditional Japanese performers and forms of Japanese culture at the Cherry Blossom Festival held in Barnes Park on April 10, 2026 in Monterey Park CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
People attending the Cherry Blossom Festival at Barnes Park were treated to Traditional Japanese performers and forms of Japanese culture at the Cherry Blossom Festival held in Barnes Park on April 10, 2026 in Monterey Park CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Nippon Minyo KyoKai by Kotobuki No Kai does a traditional dance. People attending the Cherry Blossom Festival at Barnes Park were treated to Traditional Japanese performers and forms of Japanese culture at the Cherry Blossom Festival held in Barnes Park on April 10, 2026 in Monterey Park CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
A young dancer from Kyo No Kai does a traditional dance. People attending the Cherry Blossom Festival at Barnes Park were treated to Traditional Japanese performers and forms of Japanese culture at the Cherry Blossom Festival held in Barnes Park on April 10, 2026 in Monterey Park CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Young dancers from Kyo No Kai does a traditional dance. People attending the Cherry Blossom Festival at Barnes Park were treated to Traditional Japanese performers and forms of Japanese culture at the Cherry Blossom Festival held in Barnes Park on April 10, 2026 in Monterey Park CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Gyokei Yokoyama uses Buddhist meditation instruments. People attending the Cherry Blossom Festival at Barnes Park were treated to Traditional Japanese performers and forms of Japanese culture at the Cherry Blossom Festival held in Barnes Park on April 10, 2026 in Monterey Park CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Maoi Soma demonstrates a traditional tea service . People attending the Cherry Blossom Festival at Barnes Park were treated to Traditional Japanese performers and forms of Japanese culture at the Cherry Blossom Festival held in Barnes Park on April 10, 2026 in Monterey Park CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
A Buddhist meditation instrument is used during a service. People attending the Cherry Blossom Festival at Barnes Park were treated to Traditional Japanese performers and forms of Japanese culture at the Cherry Blossom Festival held in Barnes Park on April 10, 2026 in Monterey Park CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Taiko drummers from the group Yuujou perform. People attending the Cherry Blossom Festival at Barnes Park were treated to Traditional Japanese performers and forms of Japanese culture at the Cherry Blossom Festival held in Barnes Park on April 10, 2026 in Monterey Park CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Children work on water color projects. People attending the Cherry Blossom Festival at Barnes Park were treated to Traditional Japanese performers and forms of Japanese culture at the Cherry Blossom Festival held in Barnes Park on April 10, 2026 in Monterey Park CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Childrens author Judi Li reads from her bi-lingual book, “Baby Tea Time.” People attending the Cherry Blossom Festival at Barnes Park were treated to Traditional Japanese performers and forms of Japanese culture at the Cherry Blossom Festival held in Barnes Park on April 10, 2026 in Monterey Park CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Taiko drummers from Yuujou perform. People attending the Cherry Blossom Festival at Barnes Park were treated to Traditional Japanese performers and forms of Japanese culture at the Cherry Blossom Festival held in Barnes Park on April 10, 2026 in Monterey Park CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
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Emika Kozono gets a hug from her grandmothere Susie Kozono. People attending the Cherry Blossom Festival at Barnes Park were treated to Traditional Japanese performers and forms of Japanese culture at the Cherry Blossom Festival held in Barnes Park on April 10, 2026 in Monterey Park CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer)
Like clockwork, spring in the San Gabriel Valley has brought once again a perennial favorite: The 26th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Monterey Park.
The two-day festival was drawing crowds on Saturday, despite the cloudier weather.
At its core, the festival at the city’s Barnes Park is a celebration of Japanese and Japanese American culture. It celebrates through music, dance, food, crafts and more in outdoor and indoor settings.
For instance, on Saturday and Sunday look for highlights such as Taiko drum performances, traditional Japanese dance performances, origami demonstrations and classes, mochi making, a tea ceremony and a kids zone, among other features.
Local organizations, such as the Monterey Park Chamber of Commerce, also have a booth at the festival, which continues on Sunday.
The neighborhood can be very busy on festival weekend. You might consider taking a free shuttle service to Barnes Park from one of three locations: Langley Senior Center, 400 W. Emerson Ave.; Ynez Elementary School, 120 S. Grandridge Ave.; or Repetto Elementary School, 650 S. Grandridge Ave.
The event continues from 11 a.m to 6 p.m. on Sunday at Barns Park is at 350 S. McPherrin Ave., Monterey Park.
For more information, call (626) 307-1388, or visit montereypark.ca.gov and search for “Cherry Blossom Festival.”