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The popular, annual Cherry Blossom Festival kicked off this weekend at Fairmount Park, and—if the photos were anything to go off—it was the perfect way to ring in warm weather and a new season.
The festival is held at different locations throughout the city, but centered mainly in the park and by the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden. Classes embracing Japanese art and culture, as well as a few sake gardens, are held throughout the week.
But easily the star of the show is its namesake: the cherry blossoms, which bring a swath of pink and white flowers to the popular park. They make for a perfect photo-op, or even just a great chance to mingle with friends and take in what is arguably the best part of spring in Philly.
The bloom will hit peak later this week and over the weekend, according to Shofuso. And don’t worry if you haven’t made it out to the festival yet, there’s still time. The festival closes with a big, all-day party on Sunday. Get more information on how to get there, and when, here.
If you have to miss it this year—or you just can’t wait to make it out—these 11 Instagram photos of the festival’s opening weekend should tide you over: