March 2027 // David Lam Park
When 100 Akebono cherry trees come into bloom in this spectacular setting it will be a magical event to behold! This event honours the Honorable Dr. David Lam’s donation of cherry trees and celebrates friendship as we are all friends under the cherry tree.
You’ll be able to relax under cherry blossoms right in the heart of the city in the Yaletown neighbourhood while enjoying a superb line-up of local talent on the Cherry Jam Stage as well as a variety of fun and interactive arts activities and workshops.
The Big Picnic is a special event that brings people from all over Metro Vancouver together to share in the beauty of the blossoms and experience why “there are no strangers under the cherry tree”. The event is inspired by the long-time Japanese cultural tradition of hanami* which literally translates to “cherry blossom (hana) viewing (mi)”. This year share your home picnic adventures with us, to show the world how we’re moving forward in spite of the situation and still making happy cherry blossom memories!
*Hanami dates back to more than a thousand years ago when Japanese aristocrats sat under the flowering cherry trees and wrote poems inspired by the blossoms. Nowadays in Japan, friends and families gather under the cherry blossoms in the local parks eating homemade food or convenience store bento boxes, singing songs and partaking in simple, fun activities such as photography and haiku writing.
Location
The Big Picnic takes place at David Lam Park (1300 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2Y1).
Parking is limited at David Lam Park. We strongly encourage using public transit, walking, biking, or alternative transportation to reach the park. Here are a few easy ways to get there:
🚆 By SkyTrain with Translink
- Exit Yaletown–Roundhouse Station and head southeast on Davie St toward Mainland St.
- Turn left onto Pacific Blvd and continue straight until you reach David Lam Park.
- It’s a short walk, approximately 4–7 minutes.
🚌 By Bus with Translink
Several bus routes service the Yaletown and False Creek area, with stops along Pacific Blvd and nearby streets. From there, it’s just a short walk to David Lam Park.
⛴️ By False Creek Ferries
Leave the car behind and take the False Creek Ferry to The Big Picnic, right at David Lam Park. Granville Island’s original little blue ferries will be providing fast, frequent, and friendly service all weekend.
Learn more about their schedule on their website.
🛴 By Lime Scooter
Ride in with Lime and take advantage of discounted scooter trips to the festival. Get 30% off with discount code BLOSSOM2026.
⛴️ By Aquabus
Enjoy a scenic False Creek ride with Aquabus, with stops right at David Lam Park. They will be providing extended service all weekend long for the event and are fully accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
🚶♀️ By Foot or Bike
David Lam Park is easily accessible via the Seawall and nearby bike routes. Perfect for a spring stroll or ride.
About #TheBigPicnic
The Big Picnic is a special event that brings people from all over Metro Vancouver together to share in the beauty of the blossoms and experience why “there are no strangers under the cherry tree”. The event is inspired by the long-time Japanese cultural tradition of hanami* which literally translates to “cherry blossom (hana) viewing (mi)”. This year share your home picnic adventures with us, to show the world how we’re moving forward in spite of the situation and still making happy cherry blossom memories!
*Hanami dates back to more than a thousand years ago when Japanese aristocrats sat under the flowering cherry trees and wrote poems inspired by the blossoms. Nowadays in Japan, friends and families gather under the cherry blossoms in the local parks eating homemade food or convenience store bento boxes, singing songs and partaking in simple, fun activities such as photography and haiku writing.
All event titles are protected trademarks of the Festival
Photo Credits: Al Lau (@allenlau.photography).