Cherry Blossom Kite and Piñata Festival

WEATHER UPDATE

The Festival will move indoors to the Springfield Botanical Center based on forecasts for a chilly and rainy Saturday. A wide variety of activities, entertainment, food and retail vendors will be available for the public to enjoy at this free community event.

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.

2025 Kite and Piñata Festival

Celebrate culture and welcome spring at the Botanical Gardens!

Saturday, April 5, 2025, 11am-5pm
Springfield Botanical Center and Springfield Botanical Gardens
2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO

Activities

Bring a kite to fly on Saturday or another day on the great lawn or purchase a kite kit (cash or card) to build and decorate your own at the event. Piñatas will be available for whacking and kids can make their own mini piñata poppers.

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

New for 2025!

See professional kite flyer Michael Sherman display one or more giant showkites throughout the day at the Botanical Center. He will fly kites outdoors, weather permitting.

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.-3 p.m.

Performance Schedule

Grupo Latinoamericano by Designing Indie

KSU Tatsumaki Yosakoi by Designing Indie

Performances will take place in the Community Room at the Botanical Center. Seating will be available.

11 a.m.: Festival opening remarks
11:05 a.m.: Lancaster Station, former Springfield representatives at Isesaki’s annual City Festival
Noon: Interview about the cultural significance of Piñatas
12:25 p.m.: Springfield’s Grupo Latinoamericano with Mariachi Flor de Missouri
2:05 p.m.: Interview about the cultural significance of kite flying
2:15 p.m.: Kizuna, Springfield’s Japanese friendship group
3 p.m.: KiRa-KiRa, idol dance cover group
3:20 p.m.: Summer Magic, idol dance cover group
3:45 p.m.: Youth violinist Lillian Springer
4 p.m.: KSU Tatsumaki Yosakoi, a Kansas City-based Japanese folk-dance group.

Food Court – Lineup will be updated based on weather-related participation

Enjoy Japanese, Mexican, and American food vendors.

Lae’s Authentic Egg Rolls
Springfield-Greene County Parks Concessions
Pha’s Bakery
Pucker Up
Tacos El Champu
Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee
Whatever You Want
Xurros

Vendors – Lineup will be updated based on weather-related participation

A Gathering Place
ALL Anime
Amy Pyle Jewelry
Anpan Delights
Crocheted with Love
Dynamic Edge Martial Arts
Frieze Frame 3D Printing
Good Karma Farm
Julie’s Face & Body Art
Main Street Market
Origami Owl – Think Goodness
Perisa Candles

Sponsor Booths

LeafFilter
Missouri Humanities
Renewal By Andersen

Information Booths

Grupo Latinoamericano
Missouri State University International Programs
Missouri Department of Conservation
Springfield-Greene County Parks SPARC program
Springfield Cosplay
Springfield Public Schools Parents as Teachers program
Springfield Sister Cities Association

Vendor applications are now closed for the 2025 festival. Please check back at the Japanese Fall Festival event page for vendor applications expected to open in early June.

CLOSED – 2025 VENDOR APPLICATION

Volunteer Sign Ups are completed for 2025

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 outdoors, but should be comfortable and well-behaved in large crowds. Only service animals are allowed inside the Botanical Center. Standard park rules apply.

Location and Parking

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

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.