Weekend events: Cherry Blossom Festival, Dream Machines, Nikkei Matsuri, SoFA Street Festival
Festival season is upon us, with four long-running events returning this weekend to Cupertino, San Jose and Half Moon Bay for fans of culture, music and mechanical marvels.
Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival: The 42nd annual festival will fill Cupertino’s Memorial Park, Quinlan Center and the Senior Center this weekend with taiko, dancing and other live entertainment; cultural arts displays and demonstrations, from bonsai and ikebana to origami and calligraphy; dozens of food booths and vendors; plus pony rides and a petting zoo for children. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 25-26, with free admission and free parking at Flint Center and De Anza College. The park is at 21121 Stevens Creek Blvd. Details: cupertinocherryblossomfestival.org
SoFA Street Festival: The springtime rendition of this popular downtown San Jose fair will feature local bands and DJs from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday, April 26, on four stages in the South First Street arts district, along with dozens of makers and vendors. The Caravan Stage will host the Hellflowers, a female-led punk band; the Stone Temple Co-Pilots, a tribute band, will play on the Project X Stage; and the Haberdasher Burlesque Stage will present a Circus of Sin burlesque show for ages 21 and up. The signature event, the SoFA Drag Race — which is literally drag artists racing on couches with wheels - will begin at 3 p.m.; arrive early to snag a good viewing spot. Free admission. Details, schedule of bands: https://sofaspring26.sched.com/
Pacific Coast Dream Machines: It's a car show, air show and motorcycle show rolled into one. On Sunday, April 26, enthusiasts can get up-close looks at more than 2,000 fantastic flying machines and vintage autos when this event takes over the Half Moon Bay Airport. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at 9850 N. Cabrillo Highway. Kids 10 and under get in free. The event benefits Coastside Seniors. For ticket prices, parking info and event schedule, check pacificcoastdreammachines.com.
Nikkei Matsuri: San Jose’s Japantown will host the 48th annual Nikkei Matsuri festival, with live ukulele, jazz and island reggae performances, plus a flash mob at 2 p.m.; traditional dance and taiko; cultural exhibits; and scores of artisan and food booths. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, April 26, in the North Fifth Street and Jackson Street area, with free parking and a shuttle running between 71 W. Hedding St. and the festival. Free admission. nikkeimatsuri.org
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This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 3:54 PM.