Carmel announces bigger, bolder Japan SpringFest

Submitted by City of Carmel

Presented by the Carmel Sister Cities Inc. Japan Committee, in partnership with the City of Carmel, the second annual Japan SpringFest (formerly Cherry Blossom Festival) returns on Sunday, May 3. This free, family-friendly celebration of Japanese culture will take place at One Civic Square from noon to 5 p.m.

This year’s festival features an expanded lineup of traditional food, entertainment live performances and hands-on activities designed for all ages.

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, Japan SpringFest 2026 features a bigger and bolder experience for the community. Festival attendees will enjoy returning fan-favorite performers alongside exciting new acts, with a full schedule of traditional Japanese drumming, dance, and live on-stage entertainment throughout the afternoon. The festival will also offer twice the food vendors as last year, giving attendees an even wider selection of authentic Japanese cuisine and fusion offerings to explore. Guests of all ages can participate in traditional Japanese cultural activities including calligraphy, origami, kimono try-ons and more.

This year’s festival also coincides with the recent reopening of the newly redesigned Kawachinagano Japanese Garden, located just steps from the festival grounds at Civic Square. The garden was reimagined by world-renowned designer Hoichi Kurisu, whose portfolio includes the celebrated Portland, Ore. Japanese Garden, and features refined pond areas, enhanced northern garden landscaping and a tranquil setting that visitors can enjoy year-round.

“Japan SpringFest has quickly become one of our community’s most anticipated cultural celebrations,” said Dr. Evan Kreutzer, president of the Carmel-Kawachinagano, Japan Sister City, Inc. “With an expanded festival and the stunning newly reopened Japanese Garden as a backdrop, this year promises to be an unforgettable experience for our residents and visitors alike.”

This event is made possible by the event sponsors and the Japan SpringFest Committee:

• Evan Kreutzer, Chair
• Mitsu Samiya, Chair
• Yosuke (Yogi) Eguchi
• Shu Goto
• Lauren Hardesty
• Chizuki Lothamer
• Masumi Makio
• Toyoka Nishihara
• Yuka Sato
• John Senuta

The event is free and open to the public. No tickets or registration are required. For more information and updates, visit the Japan SpringFest event page on Facebook or go to CarmelSisterCities.org.

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Sukiya Entrance Gate, at the start of the festival, from noon to 12:30 p.m. The ceremony will feature brief remarks from Mayor Sue Finkam and Township officials, as well as representatives from Carmel Sister Cities and CCPR. The ribbon cutting will take place immediately after at the entrance gate.

The event location is adjacent to the Monon Greenway so biking and walking are encouraged. If you are arriving by car, parking is available in the following locations:

• Civic Square Garage, 50 Red Truck Road
• Veterans Way Garage at Carmel City Center, 100 City Center Drive
• The Center Public Parking at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts,
• 819 3rd Ave. SW
• Kirby Park North, 1033 3rd Ave. SW
• Kirby Park East, 160 W. Carmel Drive