Join the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival Queen Program for an inspiring event in the Cowell Theater at Fort Mason Center For Arts & Culture on Saturday, April 8, 2023 (door 5:00 p.m., program 6:00 p.m.). Since 1968, the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival Queen Program has been dedicated to mentoring young women through community service, leadership, and cultural education. Every April, a new court is selected to represent the Japanese American community for a year as cultural ambassadors.

On Queen Program Night, candidates showcase their speech, interview, and creative expression as judges select them to represent the community. This tradition has become one of the main events during the annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival. Please come out to support 2023’s court candidates as they take their first steps on their journeys as young leaders and representatives of the Japanese American community.

The Queen Program is administered by Sakura Matsuri, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Ticket sales go directly to the Queen’s Program Fund, which assists the court with their expenses throughout the year, pays for Program Night production costs, and other expenses that may occur throughout the year.