2026 Downtown Akron Sakura Festival

Join us for a vibrant celebration at the 2026 Downtown Akron Sakura Festival along the beautiful Towpath in downtown Akron! 🌳 This free event welcomes everyone and will take place across several venues, including Locks 2 and 3, the Spaghetti Warehouse Trailhead, the James R. Williams Tower in Ohio & Erie Canal Park, and The Mustill Store.

For a glimpse of what to expect, check out the recap of last year’s festival: 2025 Festival Recap.

🌟 Festival Highlights:

At Williams Tower:

• 🦎 Realm of the Reptile animal exhibit (1 - 7 pm) - Free admission!
• 🎨 Face Painting (4 - 7 pm) - Free fun for all!
• 🎶 Live music by Rachel Roberts at 2, 3, and 4 pm (30-minute sets) on the outdoor covered patio.

At Spaghetti Warehouse Trailhead:

• 🎶 Live performances:
  • Ryukyukoku Matsuri Taiko Drummers at 1:00, 2:20, 3:40 pm (30-minute sets)
  • Columbus Koto Ensemble at 1:40 and 3:00 pm (30-minute sets)
  • Northcoast Aikikai martial arts demonstration at 4:20 pm
  • Yasu Japanese Storytelling at 5:00, 5:40, 6:30 pm (30-minute sets)
• 🛍️ Retail Vendors include: Julia Belle’s, Crafty Corner, Bzzzybees, Lucky Bonsai, and more!
• 🍴 Food Vendors serve a variety of delicious options, from Kind Tapas to Uncle Bacon’s BBQ!

At Lock 2:

• 🎉 Wish Ribbon Activity - Civic Youth Innovation engagement craft fundraiser.
• ✨ Food from Thulung Boba House.

At Lock 3:

• 🎤 Live music from J-ART BAND and Sho-Jo-Ji Japanese Dancers.
• 🛍️ Retail offerings from local vendors and food from Evelyn's Coffee & Banh Mi.
• 📸 Engagement activities such as a free photo booth and registered programs including Origami Workshop and Japanese Tea Making.

At The Mustill Store:

• 🛒 Retail pop-up shop and free origami craft activities all day!
• 🎶 Live music performances by Jen Maurer at 2:45 pm & 4 pm (45-minute sets).

Interested in becoming a festival sponsor? 📧 Email us!
Planning your visit from out of town? 🌍 Stay at Courtyard by Marriott Akron Downtown or the BLU-Tique.
Book your stay: Room Rates | BLU-Tique

This festival is made possible by our generous sponsors: Knight Foundation, Ohio Arts Council, City of Akron, and other community partners! ❤️

Come celebrate with us and immerse yourself in the beauty of cherry blossoms! 🌸🌸🌸