Celebrate Japanese art, culture, and community at the Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival on April 10-12 at the Armory Food & Event Hall and Fisher Pavilion, and Exhibition Hall (Saturday only) at Seattle Center. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, this family-friendly festival promotes cross-cultural exchanges and a deeper understanding about Japanese and Japanese American culture and heritage in both traditional and contemporary ways.

Enjoy an array of cultural stage presentations and demonstrations including koto music, taiko drumming, traditional dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, and tea ceremonies. Experience the fine art of Shodo calligraphy and ikebana displays in the Armory Lofts. Family-friendly activities and workshops include tegata “hand print” making, children’s kite making, fan making, and kimono and yukata dressing. Peruse the expanded art exhibit and delight in delicious culinary treats before shopping at the large Japanese community market.

Saturday only: Don’t miss the second annual Rain City Open, a free sumo wrestling tournament hosted by Rain City Sumo, taking place Saturday morning in the Exhibition Hall. Saturday & Sunday: There will be special bingata stencil dyeing workshops, as well as a 21+ Sake Tasting – both with added fees.

Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival is part of Seattle Center Festál, a year-round series of 25 free cultural festivals. Learn more about Festál (seattlecenter.com/festal).