Peak Bloom Arrives For Cherry Blossoms In Essex County: 2026 Visitor Guide

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Are you one of the people who have been waiting for “peak bloom” of the cherry blossoms at Branch Brook Park in Essex County? There’s some good news: it’s coming earlier than expected this year due to warmer weather.

According to park administrators, the peak bloom period is now expected to arrive between April 5 and April 12 – about a week earlier than previously predicted.

“Plan your visit now and experience the beauty of over 5,300 cherry blossom trees at their peak,” park administrators encouraged. “Don’t miss it—this is the most magical week of the season!”

The popular springtime extravaganza will return to North Jersey this April when the county holds its 50^th annual Cherry Blossom Festival at Branch Brook Park.

The 2026 celebration will kick off April 4 and run through April 19 (see schedule of events below).

Thousands of the fragrant trees grow at the park – which is located in Newark and Belleville – bursting into colorful blooms every spring.

The grove of cherry blossoms has a long history that goes back nearly a century. Many of the original trees were donated by the Bamberger and Mrs. Felix Fuld family in 1927. When the originals began to die of old age, an aggressive re-planting campaign was launched in 2006.

These days, there are an estimated 5,300 cherry blossoms throughout Branch Brook Park – the largest collection in the nation. The display of natural wonder is even larger than the famed garden in Washington D.C., county officials say.

“For half a century, our Cherry Blossom Festival has brought together our local community,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said.

The colorful display has also attracted visitors from across the globe, he added.

“We are all excited about spring, and Branch Brook Park is a living landscape and catalyst to elevate our well-being,” Branch Brook Park Alliance executive director Thomas Dougherty agreed.

“This 50^th anniversary milestone reminds us how woven it is into our daily lives,” Dougherty said.

Visitors can find directions, a list of activities, historical details and a live webcam of the park online here.

EVENT SCHEDULE

The 2026 Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival includes the following events:

Cherry Blossom Challenge Annual Bike Race

Race through Branch Brook Park in the Cherry Blossom Challenge, a competitive New Jersey tradition, or cheer on the cyclists while enjoying a day in the fresh, spring air. Various races occur throughout the morning, with the first race at 7 a.m. and the last race at noon. Registration fees apply to racers. It’s free to enter the park and watch. The Cherry Blossom Challenge Bike Race will be held as follows:

• Date: Saturday, April 4, 2026
• Time: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Place: Essex County Branch Brook Park Oval, Northern Division, Newark, NJ

Cherry Blossom 10K Run

The Cherry Blossoms provide a beautiful canopy for runners as they make their way through Branch Brook Park. A portion of the race proceeds benefit the Special Olympics. Online registration can be done at www.compuscore.com. Same day registration begins at 8 a.m. Advanced registration is recommended. Race starts at 10 a.m. It’s free to enter the park and watch. The Cherry Blossom 10K Run will be held as follows:

• Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026
• Time: Registration: 8 a.m., 10K Race: 10 a.m., Disabled Start: 10:10 a.m.
• Place: Essex County Branch Brook Park, Cherry Blossom Welcome Center, Newark, NJ

1-Mile Fun Run and Walk

Celebrate the arrival of spring and get fit with your family or friends. Children are encouraged to run individually or as a member of a school team. Schools and groups must register in advance by contacting jmatthews@parks.essexcountynj.org. This is a free event. All participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt while supplies last. The Fun Run and Walk will be held as follows:

• Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
• Time: 9 a.m. Registration, 10 a.m. Race
• Place: Essex County Branch Brook Park, Southern Division, Prudential Concert Grove, Newark, NJ

Essex County Family Day

The public is encouraged to come out and enjoy an afternoon of family fun with a variety of events including live performances, children’s activities and more. Bring your own picnic lunch or purchase food from vendors who will be on site and enjoy the picturesque views overlooking the lake. Admission is free but food and other merchandise will be for sale. The Family Day will be held as follows:

• Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
• Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Place: Essex County Branch Brook Park, Southern Division, Prudential Concert Grove, Newark, NJ

Bloomfest

Enjoy a family day in the pink park! A packed schedule of events includes cultural demonstrations, children's activities, live music, a crafter's marketplace, food and more at the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center. Additional musical performances will be held at the Prudential Concert Grove in the Southern Division of the park. Admission is free; food and merchandise will be for sale. Bloomfest will be as follows:

• Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026
• Times: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Place: Essex County Branch Brook Park; Main Area: Oval, Northern Division, Heller Parkway, Newark, NJ / Second Stage: Southern Division, Prudential Concert Grove, Newark, NJ

50 Years of Blossoms Photo Contest

As part of the 50th anniversary of the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival, the county is launching a “50 Years of Blossoms” Photo Contest. The contest is a celebration of memories, tradition and community.

From April 1through April 12, residents and visitors are invited to submit their favorite cherry blossom photos, whether it’s a treasured family photo from decades past or a recent snapshot capturing the beauty of this year’s blooms. This contest is a unique opportunity to reflect on how this beloved Essex County tradition has brought generations together under the cherry blossoms.

Selected winners will receive a family membership to the Turtle Back Zoo along with a special Essex County swag bag. Winners will be invited to accept their prize on-stage during Bloomfest on Sunday, April 19 at 11 a.m.

"We encourage everyone to take part, share their stories, and help us celebrate 50 years of blossoms, beauty, and community here in Essex County," organizers said.

People can submit photos via social media using #50YearsOfBlossoms and tagging the accounts below:

• Instagram Tag: @JoeDEssexCounty and @EssexParks

• Facebook Tag: Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. and Essex County Park System

All photographs submitted into the contest become the property of Essex County and may be used in the future to promote the Essex County Parks System, Essex County Branch Brook Park or the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Cherry Blossom Talks

Join staff from the Essex County Parks Archives to learn more about the history of Essex County Branch Brook Park and the historic cherry blossom tree collection. All talks take place at 11 am in the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center. No pre-registration is required. Cherry Blossom Talks will be held as follows:

• Dates: Wednesdays, April 1, 8, 15 and 22 / Saturdays, April 3, 10 and 17
• Times: 11 a.m.
• Place: Essex County Branch Brook Park, Cherry Blossom Welcome Center, Newark, NJ

Guided Bus Tours

Book one of our knowledgeable Park Historians to lead your bus group on a 50-minute guided tour through Branch Brook Park. Guides will ride along with you, pointing out the historic features of this Olmsted-designed park and sharing stories of the largest cherry blossom tree collection in the United States! For more information or to book a tour, email mmcfarlane@parks.essexcountynj.org or call 973-735-6231.

Historic Tours by Cell Phone

This free, self-guided historic walking tour can be accessed by cell phone or smartphone all season long. Spend the day exploring all 72 tour stops or pick and choose your favorites. One call to 973-433-9047 or a scan of the bar code at each tour stop unlocks a world of park history and horticultural information. The tour is now available in Spanish.

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.