Bloomin’ good news: It’s cherry blossom season – and Auburn's beloved Cherry Blossom Festival, one of the most Instagrammable events on the NSW calendar, is on right now. Running until Sunday, August 24 at the Auburn Botanic Gardens, this pink-hued festival celebrates Japanese traditions, music, pop culture and food, with visitors able to wander through fields of fluffy pink sakura blossoms in a traditional Japanese garden.
As always, this year’s program is brimming with food, activities, workshops, live music, dance and taiko drumming performances. Take a self-guided stroll beneath the blossoms, catch a mesmerising dance, music or floral arrangement demonstration, then head to the ‘Zen Zone’ and take some deep breaths by the billabong. If you’re keen to get creative, you can join one of the many workshops on offer – with the opportunity to learn everything from origami to the art of manga drawing.
The Japanese Food Village will be back in full swing, serving up creative traditional Japanese delights and creative Japanese-fusion treats – arrive hungry.
Tickets cost $16.60 per adult and $8.95 for kids, and residents of Cumberland City Council can visit for free. To secure a spot, you’ll need to book – you can register and buy tickets here.
Time Out tip: If you want to go, try to visit sooner rather than later – that way, you have the best chance of seeing the blooms in all their beauty. Towards the end of the festival, the flowers start to drop.
Want more flower power? Check out our list of the best public gardens you can visit in Sydney.