2022 Events

ISESAKI STUDENT ART EXHIBIT
March 15-April 30 | Botanical Center
View artwork created by students in our sister city of Isesaki, Japan. FREE

KITE AND PINATA FESTIVAL
Sat., Apr. 2, 11am-4pm | Botanical Center Great Lawn
Bring the whole family to celebrate spring and Japanese and Mexican culture! Bring a kite to fly on the Great Lawn or build one with us for $5. Whack a pinata nearby or purchase a mini pinata-making kit for $5. Watch Japanese and Mexican performances and enjoy Mexican and Japanese food. Take advantage of free admission to the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden until 7pm. FREE

GIGS IN THE GARDEN
Sundays, May 1, 8, 15, and 22 at 2pm | Peace Through People Pavilion
Bring your lawn chairs or blankets to listen to this concert series in an extraordinary setting. FREE, $10 suggested donation

ANNUAL CELEBRATION
Sun., May 22, 11:30am-1:30pm | Peace Through People Pavilion
Join us for performances, food, drinks, and friendship as we celebrate accomplishments and look to the future. FREE for our members

26TH JAPANESE FALL FESTIVAL
Sat., Sept. 9-Sun., Sept. 11 | Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden
Celebrate Japanese culture and our sister city relationship with Isesaki, Japan. Enjoy Japanese music, performances, demonstrations, cosplay, arts and crafts, and bonsai displays. FREE for our members

LANCASTER STATION TRIP TO ISESAKI
Late September
Every [non COVID] year we send a Springfield performance group to entertain at various events in Isesaki including Isesaki’s main city festival. We were excited to send the local band Lancaster Station in 2020. COVID postponed their trip to 2021 and then again to 2022. This year is looking promising! We’ll host several fundraising events throughout the year to help send them on their way, so please watch for more information to come.

GIGS IN THE GARDEN
Sundays, October 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 at 2pm | Peace Through People Pavilion
Bring your lawn chairs or blankets to listen to this concert series in an extraordinary setting. FREE, $10 suggested donation

TASTE OF TLAQUEPAQUE
Fri., Oct. 14, Time TBD | The Barley House
Deemed “the most fun fundraising event I’ve ever attended” by a past attendee, this soiree promises a true taste of the flavor, music, and art from our Mexican sister city. Mark the date on your calendars now for this one-of-a-kind event. Cost TBD

GARDENS AGLOW
Late Nov. 2022-Early Jan. 2023
Take a stroll through the serene Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden transformed into a botanical winter wonderland featuring more than 150,000 lights! FREE for our members

CITIZENS TRIPS TO TLAQUEPAQUE, MEXICO
Late Jan.-Early Feb. 2023 -OR- Early Feb. 2023
Travel to Mexico and experience culture through friendship, immersion and art. Stay in a boutique hotel in Springfield’s sister city of Tlaquepaque and sightsee around the area. The second trip includes a visit to a monarch butterfly overwintering site. Cost TBD