Springfield Sister Cities Association hosts the Cherry Blossom Kite and Piñata Festival on Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Springfield Botanical Gardens, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo. The free event highlights Springfield’s sister city relationship with Isesaki, Japan and Tlaquepaque, Mexico.

All ages are invited to welcome spring and learn about Japanese and Mexican culture to help foster cultural understanding and friendship in Springfield.

Bring your own kite to fly on the great lawn or purchase a kite kit for $7 to build and decorate one at the event. Kids can line up to whack a piñata nearby.

Bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy live cultural performances by Kizuna Japan America Friendship Club, Marimba Caliente, KC Tatsumaki Yosakoi and more. Browse a mini market featuring Japanese and Mexican snacks, candies, beverages and souvenirs. Japanese, Mexican and American concessions available from Xurros, Omo Japanese Soul Food, Parks concessions and more.

Explore the gardens to see cherry blossoms and other spring blooms. Take advantage of free admission to the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and view the historic Gray-Campbell Farmstead between the hours of 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Community involvement makes this event possible. To sign up as a volunteer, vendor or sponsor, please visit peacethroughpeople.org/cherryblossom.

The Cherry Blossom Kite and Piñata Festival is sponsored by Tony and Linda Shalloup and Guaranty Bank. The event is brought to you by Springfield Sister Cities Association in partnership with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board with support from Friends of the Garden.
For more information, please visit peacethroughpeople.org/cherryblossom or call 417-874-2962.