It’s official: The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is hosting in-person festivities for World Bonsai Day once again!

After two years of virtual celebrations, the National Bonsai Foundation is thrilled to welcome everyone to a creative and informative day of bonsai appreciation the Museum is putting on Saturday, May 14. Observed on the second Saturday of May every year, the World Bonsai Friendship Federation established this international day of celebration to pay homage to bonsai Master Saburo Kato's mission to promote peace and friendship through the art of bonsai.

Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect on May 14.

Get crafty

Visit Bonsai Technician Rose Behre at the children’s arts and crafts table to get your hands on some botanical coloring pages, stamps and origami. For those of you who attended our origami class, be sure to stop by and show off your skills!

Sit in on a demonstration

Museum volunteers will demonstrate bonsai pruning techniques and answer questions from the public. Pending weather conditions, visit their station under the arbor in the Lower Courtyard from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 2 p.m.

Explore your inner artist

As a bonus this year, register for one of artist and art educator Mary Ellen Carsley’s bonsai drawing workshops! In each of her hour-long sessions (11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.), Mary Ellen will review fundamental sketching techniques and the principles used to properly translate bonsai to the page. All artists will be provided with a drawing pad, pencil and eraser at the Yuji Yoshimura Lecture and Demonstration Center.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!