Sakura Matsuri

Despite our apocalyptic, Hoth-like winter, the cherry blossoms did finally turn up, albeit a week or so late. That should still put them on schedule to bloom for this year’s Sakura Matsuri. The annual fest is about much more than flowers, though: The celebration of Japanese culture past and present includes taiko drumming, a kimono fashion show, samurai sword demonstrations, folk-dancing performances, and sets by J-pop singer Hitomi Himekawa and eight-person Okinawan pop ensemble Ryukyu Chimdon Band. Expect plenty of cosplay-clad attendees: Even if you don’t dress up, you can take a course on manga drawing or partake in a traditional tea ceremony. Oh, yes, and look at the pretty flowers, too.