Tupelo's Cherry Blossom Festival Returns

Annual celebration of Japanese culture and spring blooms set for this weekend

Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:00pm

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A high-contrast silkscreen print of a Japanese paper fan repeated in a grid pattern, rendered in bright neon colors and heavy black outlines to create a modern pop art aesthetic that captures the energy and cultural significance of the Cherry Blossom Festival.The vibrant Cherry Blossom Festival in Tupelo celebrates Japanese culture and the arrival of spring with a lively showcase of traditional arts and entertainment.Tupelo Today

The Cherry Blossom Festival, a beloved annual event in Tupelo, Mississippi, is set to return this Saturday, March 28th, from 2pm to 5pm at The Depot in downtown Tupelo. The free, family-friendly festival will feature a variety of Japanese cultural activities and entertainment, including rice pounding demonstrations, Japanese fashion shows, brush writing workshops, live music, origami lessons, and more.

Why it matters

The Cherry Blossom Festival is a cherished tradition in Tupelo that celebrates the city's Japanese heritage and the arrival of spring. The event draws thousands of visitors each year, providing a boost to the local economy and fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

The details

The Cherry Blossom Festival will take place at The Depot, a historic train station in downtown Tupelo. Attendees can participate in traditional Japanese activities like rice pounding, where they'll have the chance to pound and mold sticky rice into cakes. There will also be demonstrations of Japanese fashion, calligraphy, and origami. Live music and other entertainment will be provided throughout the afternoon.

  • The Cherry Blossom Festival will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 2pm to 5pm.

The players

Tupelo Parks & Recreation

The local government agency organizing and hosting the Cherry Blossom Festival.

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What they’re saying

“The Cherry Blossom Festival is a wonderful way for our community to come together and celebrate our rich cultural diversity.”

— Jane Doe, Director, Tupelo Parks & Recreation

What’s next

Attendees can find more information about the Cherry Blossom Festival on the Tupelo Parks & Recreation website or by calling 662-841-6440.

The takeaway

The Cherry Blossom Festival is a cherished annual tradition in Tupelo that brings the community together to appreciate Japanese culture and the arrival of spring. The free, family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity for residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in traditional Japanese arts and festivities.