Cherry Blossom Kite and Piñata Festival

The Kite and Piñata Festival is a free event for all ages that highlights Springfield’s sister city relationship with Isesaki, Japan and Tlaquepaque, Mexico.

2024 Kite and Piñata Festival

Celebrate culture and welcome spring at the Botanical Gardens!

Saturday, April 6, 2024, 11am-5pm
Springfield Botanical Gardens
2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO

Activities

Bring a kite to fly on the great lawn or purchase a kite kit (cash or card) to build and decorate your own at the event. Kids can line up to whack a piñata nearby.

Enjoy live cultural performances and browse a mini market featuring Japanese and Mexican snacks, candies, beverages and souvenirs.

Attractions

Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden by Aaron J. Scott

Gray-Campbell Farmstead by Aaron J. Scott

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.

Performance Schedule

Grupo Latinoamericano by Designing Indie

KSU Tatsumaki Yosakoi by Designing Indie

Bring your lawn chairs or blankets to watch cultural performances by local and regional groups.

11:10am	Uke 66, Ukulele musicians who have performed in both of our sister cities
12:00pm	Grupo Latinoamericano, Mexican folkloric dancers
1:00pm	MoonMagic Dance, cosplayers
1:15pm	Summer Magic, cosplayers
1:30pm	Tri-Beats, by invitation of Springfield Cosplay
1:45pm	Exorcist Twins, by invitation of Springfield Cosplay
2:05pm	Kizuna Japan America Friendship Club, Japanese traditional dancers
2:50pm	KSU Tatsumaki Yosakoi, Japanese festival dancers
4:00pm	Dianne Daughtery, koto musician

Food Court

Enjoy Japanese, Mexican, and American food vendors.

Almacen Church
Fresca Cafe
Lucky Cat
Omo Japanese Soul Food
Park Board Concessions

Sweet Pieces
Tacos El Champu
Whatever You Want
Xurros Handcrafted Spanish Donuts

Vendors

Anpan Delights
Chey Made This
Frieze Frame 3D Printing
Furry Feline Creatives
Julie’s Face and Body Art

Pha’s Bakery
Remember Me Jewelry and Crafts
Springfield Paper Ranch
The Sweetest Ward

We are accepting vendor applications through Fri., March 22. Priority is given to applicants that emphasize or incorporate Japanese or Mexican culture. The fee to participate is $50. More than 10,000 people attended the event in 2023.

2024 VENDOR APPLICATION

Travel and/0r Hosting Meetings

Anyone curious about traveling to Springfield’s Japanese or Mexican sister city or hosting delegates visiting from our sister cities is welcome to attend a general information meeting. The meetings take place inside the Botanical Center and will cover information about all upcoming travel and hosting opportunities. RSVPs are not required but are appreciated; please e-mail lbakerink@springfieldmo.gov.

Travel Opportunities: 2pm
Hosting Opportunities: 2:30pm

Volunteer

Help us provide art and culture experiences to Springfield’s youth! Volunteers assist attendees with cultural crafts; shifts are one to two hours long. No experience necessary.

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER

Pet Policy

Pets are welcome but should be comfortable and well-behaved in large crowds. Standard park rules apply.

Location and Parking

Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael/Greene Close Memorial Park
2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo.

If the weather is favorable, please plan extra time for entering and exiting the park.

Park Board staff will be on site to direct traffic and parking as needed. Please alert them of any mobility concerns and they will park you as close to the festival as possible.