2025: 1st Annual Carmel Cherry Blossom Festival: A Celebration of Japanese Culture & FriendshipNEW

Carmel Cherry Blossom Festival 2025. A Celebration of Japanese Culture & Friendship
The City of Carmel will host its first-ever Cherry Blossom Festival-a free, family-friendly event celebrating Japanese culture and the city’s sister city relationship with Kawachinagano, Japan. This vibrant cultural gathering will include hands-on activities, food, music, and the rededication of the beloved Kawachinagano Japanese Garden.

Date & Time
Sunday, May 4, 2025, 1:00 PM

Location
Kawachinagano Japanese Garden, Carmel City Hall Grounds, 1 Civic Square, Carmel, IN 46032

Summary:Event Highlights
• Traditional Japanese calligraphy and origami
• Kimono try-ons for all ages
• Live Taiko drumming performances
• Authentic Japanese cuisine from local vendors
• Garden rededication ceremony and viewing of future renovation plans

About the Festival
This inaugural celebration marks the 30th anniversary of Carmel's first sister city partnership, established in 1994 with Kawachinagano, Japan. Guests will enjoy cultural exchange experiences and learn about the rich friendship shared between the two cities. The event also includes a rededication of the Kawachinagano Japanese Garden-originally completed in 2009-and will showcase renderings of the expanded garden project, currently underway in partnership with Clay Township.

Join us for a day of cultural connection, natural beauty, and heartfelt celebration.