Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival at Branch Brook Park

The Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival at Branch Brook Park is a springtime tradition - even if the weather seems to indicate otherwise some days in April.

The more than 5,000 cherry trees that produce beautiful blossoms this time of year is a great place to visit. There are events that take place during the Cherry Blossom Festival and here are some starting this weekend.

Cherry Blossom Challenge Bike Race
Saturday, April 7th
7am – 1pm
Oval, Northern Division
Race through the Park in the Cherry Blossom Challenge! Various races will occur throughout the morning. Come cheer on the cyclists while enjoying a day in the park. Free to enter the Park and watch!

Cherry Blossom 10K Run
Sunday, April 8th
10am – 12pm
Cherry Blossom Welcome Center, Extension Division
Race through the historic cherry tree groves in this 10K race! The top three finishers in each age category will receive a commemorative fleece jacket. A portion of the race proceeds benefit the Special Olympics. Same day registration begins at 8am. Advanced registration is recommended. Race starts at 10am. Disabled Run starts at 10:10am. Free to enter the Park and watch!

1-Mile Fun Run/Walk
Saturday, April 14th
10am – 11am
Concert Grove, Southern Division
Join your family and classmates in the One-Mile Fun Run, part of our 42nd annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Children can enter individually on race day. All participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt and an award at the completion of the race.

Essex County Family Day
Saturday, April 14th
11am – 3pm
Concert Grove, Southern Division

Bloomfest
Sunday, April 15th
11am – 5pm
Cherry Blossom Welcome Center, Extension Division and Concert Grove, Southern Division
Enjoy a family day in New Jersey’s pinkest park! A packed schedule of events includes Japanese cultural demonstrations, children's activities, live music, a crafter's marketplace, food and more!

Cherry Blossom Bus Tours
Wednesday, April 18 – Sunday, April 22
Several tours each day
Cherry Blossom Welcome Center, Extension Division

Learn more at the Essex County Parks website essexcountyparks.org