Community Corner

Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival 2024: Schedule Of Events

Tired of winter? Here are some key dates for local cherry blossom aficionados in Essex County.

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Tired of winter? Ready to celebrate the spring? There’s a popular annual celebration that’s coming down the pike: the 2024 Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival.

Every year, more than 5,000 of the fragrant trees burst into bloom at the county-run Branch Brook Park, which is located in Newark and Belleville. The inspiring display of nature – even larger than the national display in Washington D.C. – attracts admirers from all across the region. See Related: $10M Cherry Blossom Center At Branch Brook Park Opens In Essex County

With the spring bloom also comes an annual festival, which will kick off this year on Saturday, April 6 and culminate with the free “Bloomfest” on Sunday, April 14. See a schedule of events here.

Find out what's happening in Newarkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

History, driving directions to the park, a complete list of activities and a webcam where the public can monitor the cherry trees can be accessed by visiting www.essexcountynj.org/branch-brook-park.

The 2024 festival will take place on the following days:

Find out what's happening in Newarkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Cherry Blossom Challenge Bike Race

  • Saturday, April 6
  • 7am – 1pm
  • Oval, Northern Division

Cherry Blossom 10K Run

  • Sunday, April 7
  • 10am – 12pm
  • Cherry Blossom Welcome Center, Extension Division

1-Mile Fun Run/Walk

  • Saturday, April 13
  • 10am – 11am
  • Concert Grove, Southern Division

Essex County Family Day

  • Saturday, April 13
  • 11am – 3pm
  • Concert Grove, Southern Division

Bloomfest

  • Sunday, April 14
  • 11am – 5pm
  • Oval, Northern Division and Concert Grove, Southern Division

Cherry Blossom Talks

  • Thursdays & Saturdays in April
  • 11am
  • Cherry Blossom Welcome Center, Extension Division

Historic Cell Phone Tours

  • (973) 433-9047
  • Available ALL Season

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.