2024 Annual Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival in Branch Brook Park (5,300 Flowering Cherry Blossom Trees in 18 Varieties)NEW

Cherry Blossom Festival Events 2024. Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs annually hosts a series of events in Branch Brook Park during the Cherry Blossom Season. Featured below are the event dates for 2024.

Festival Date Schedule
Sat, Apr 6: Bike Race, 7:00 - 1:00 pm
Sun, Apr 7, 10k Run, 10:00 - 12:00 pm
Sat, Apr 13, One Mile Run, 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Sat, Apr 13, Family Day, 11:00 - 3:00 pm
Sun, Apr 14, Bloomfest, 11:00 - 5:00 pm

The largest and most varied collection of Japanese Flowering Cherry Blossom trees in a park within the United States, with 5,300 in 18 varieties.

Where are the trees located?
Essex County Branch Brook Park is home to over 5,300 flowering cherry blossom trees in 18 varieties. Japanese Flowering Cherry Blossom Trees are located throughout the park with the most densely populated area near the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center. You can enter the phrase "Cherry Blossom Welcome Center" into google maps. The Welcome Center is located on the right side of the map below, near the baseball diamonds.

When will full bloom occur?
A great question and one we answer often. While it can be hard to determine the exact date, we can offer our best prediction for optimal viewing each year.
2024: April 4 - April 14 (subject to change at the whims of Mother Nature)
2023: April 6 - April 16
2022: April 8 - April 15
​2021: April 10 - April 18

Frequently asked questions?

Q: When is the best time to visit the park to see the flowering cherry blossom trees in full bloom?
A: It is typically the 2nd and 3rd week of April. If you want to see regular updates on Facebook @branchbrookpark, visit our page most days in April.

Q: Where is the best place in the park to see the Cherry Blossom Trees?
A: While that is a matter of personal preference we will share that fewer Cherry Blossom Trees in the middle of the park known as the Northern Division. They most densely populated area is around the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center in what we call the Extension Division. Visit our map for more details at www.branchbrookpark.org/map. You will also find a smaller grove in the southern division known as Prudential Concert Grove.

Q: How many Japanese Flowering Cherry Blossom Trees
A: Essex County Branch Brook Park is home to over 5,300 Japanese Flowering Cherry Blossom Trees in 18 varieties. As a result of this diverse collection you will see at least on variety in bloom from late March to early May. However, the peak bloom is typically between the 2nd and 3rd week of April.

Q: When is the park open?
A: 365 days a year, 7 days a week from sunrise to 10:00 PM

Q: Is the park and parking free?
A: Yes, and you can make a donation to our conservancy by clicking here.

Q: Who do I contact about brining a tour bus into the park?
A: Essex County Department of Parks. You must call, register and be permitted in advance. (T) 973-268-3500. Office hours are Monday - Friday from 9AM to 4PM (excluding holidays).

Q: Where is parking?
A: Anywhere inside the park on both sides of the road behind the white lines. If there is no white line, there is no parking in that location. The parking lot at the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center is under construction.

Q: Is the park handicap accessible?
A: Yes

Q: Can I drive through the park and see the Cherry Blossom Trees in bloom?
A: Yes, we know that sometimes you want to bring someone with limited mobility. You can drive from one end to the other and see trees in bloom without getting out of the car.

Q: May I have a picnic in the park?
A: Yes, you can bring a picnic blanket and lay it out on the lawn areas. While we do not have picnic benches, you can certainly sit on one of the many commemorative park benches.

Q: May I bring my dog, cat, bird, lizard or other pet?
A: Yes (on a leash at all times) and by the way, we have a dog park inside Essex County Branch Brook Park where they can run free. www.branchbrookpark.org/map

Q: I would like to film, photo or have an event in the park. How do I get a permit?
A: Visit the Essex County Department of Parks website at www.essexcountyparks.org/permits.

Q: I would like to volunteer and help you in stewardship to the park, where do I register?
A: www.branchbrookpark.org/volunteer

History
The Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival in Branch Brook Park boasts over 5,000 cherry trees, making it the largest collection of cherry blossoms in the United States. The history of these cherry trees dates back to the early 20th century.

In 1927, Caroline Bamberger Fuld, a prominent philanthropist and sister of Louis Bamberger, donated 2,000 cherry trees to Branch Brook Park in Newark, New Jersey. Her intention was to beautify the park and honor the memory of her late sister, Augusta Bamberger.

The trees were a gift from Mrs. Fuld to the city of Newark, and they were planted in Branch Brook Park, which was designed by the renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Over the years, additional cherry trees were added to the park, increasing the total count to over 5,000.

The cherry trees in Branch Brook Park represent various species and cultivars, including Yoshino cherries, Kwanzan cherries, and others. Each spring, typically in April, the park hosts the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival, celebrating the blooming of these beautiful trees. The festival includes various events such as cultural performances, family-friendly activities, food vendors, and guided tours of the cherry blossoms.

The cherry trees in Branch Brook Park have become a beloved symbol of springtime in Newark and the surrounding region, attracting visitors from all over to admire their stunning display of blossoms. They serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of Caroline Bamberger Fuld's generosity and the enduring beauty of nature.