Bonsai Events

It’s bonsai time! Originally from Japan, bonsai is the art of cultivating miniature trees. And I think it’s a fascinating hobby that requires patience, skill, and attention to detail. Also, every bonsai tree has a unique personality.

In this post, I’m putting together a list of all the Bonsai events worldwide that take place every year.

During bonsai events, enthusiasts, growers, and experts share their knowledge, experience, and passion for this unique craft. Moreover, exhibitors display the most beautiful and unique bonsai trees, along with workshops, demonstrations, and lectures by renowned experts.

Since these are past years’ dates, they’ll vary slightly. So, mark your calendars for the Bonsai events and take a thrilling journey into the world of Bonsai!

Bonsai events in January

Event: California Aiseki Kai Annual Show
Date: 27th of December 2022 – 2nd of January 2023
Location: The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, USA, CA 91108

It’s an annual Suiseki exhibition put on by the California Aiseki Kai Club.

Event: Gafu-Ten
Date: 5th – 8th of January 2023
Location: International Exhibition Hall “Miyako Messe”, Kyoto, Japan
Fee: 800 yen ( $10,50)

It’s one of the world’s biggest bonsai exhibitions. Approximately 200 Bonsai displays will be on display from all over Japan.

Event: Bay Island Annual Bonsai Exhibit
Date: 14th – 15th of January 2023
Location: Oakland Lakeside Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland, California

It’s an exhibition put on by the Bay Island Bonsai Club. Every year there are great Bonsai on display.

Event: Noelanders Trophy XIII
Date: 21st – 22nd of January 2023
Location: Centrum voor Duurzaam Bouwen, Marktplein 1, Heusden-Zolder, Belgium

Noelanders Trophy is a Bonsai exhibition in Belgium featuring top bonsais from all over the world. These are the best trees out of all the registrations. Additionally, they also sell tools, pots, and pre-Bonsai, and have demos by famous artists.

Event: Bay Area Annual Bonsai Exhibition
Date: 28th – 29th of January 2023
Location: Oakland Lakeside Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland, California

At this bonsai event there will be a plant sale plus related items like pots, books, soil, wire, tools, etc.

Bonsai events in February

Event: California Shohin Seminar 2023
Date: 3rd – 5th of February 2023
Location: Hotel de Oro Conference Center, Santa Nella, California

California Shohin Seminars are held every two years. This year’s Shohin Seminar will feature shohin displays, bonsai material vendors, workshops, demonstrations, and presentations.

Event: 10th Swindon Bonsai Winter Show
Date: 19th of February 2023
Location: The Stratton Community Centre, Grange Drive, Swindon, UK, SN3 4JY

It is organized by The Swindon & District Bonsai Society. An exhibition of top-class Shohin and Mame Bonsai will be presented at this bonsai event. Furthermore, there will be demonstrations, lectures, and a great collection of Bonsai traders.

Event: 86th Kokufu-Ten
Date: 3rd – 10th of February 2023
Location: Metropolitan Art Museum, Tokyo, Japan

There’s no doubt that it’s the world’s most famous Bonsai exhibition. It is the most prestigious Bonsai show in Japan, where the best of the best compete for a place on the stage. About 300 Bonsai are displayed in a beautiful setting. Also, near the museum is Ueno Green Club, where the Bonsai Market is located.

Event: 1st Tokai Miyabi-Ten
Date: 24th – 26th of February 2023
Location: Shonai Ryokuchi Green Plaza, Nagoya, Japan

As you can imagine, most of the Bonsai shops will be exhibiting Bonsai, and a few Bonsai exhibitions will also be taking place.

Event: GSBF bonsai-A-Thon XVI
Date:25th – 26th of February 2023
Location: The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, USA, CA 91108.

In addition to being a bonsai exhibition, Bonsai-A-Thon is GSBF’s main fundraiser. Here, you can also enjoy Bonsai exhibitions, guided tours, demonstrations, and a sales area. Moreover, there is no entry fee.

Bonsai events in March

Event: New Zealand National Bonsai Convention
Date: 2nd – 4th of March 2023
Location: Dunedy Rugby Club, Moana Rua Road, St Clair, Dunedin, New Zealand

This March, the New Zealand Bonsai Association will hold its annual National Bonsai Convention. An exhibition of Bonsai will be held, as well as a talent competition and demonstrations.

Event: BSA Annual Show
Date: 10th – 11th of March 2023
Location: Willowbog Farm, Wark, Hexham, Northumberland, NE48 3EF, UK

It is an annual Shohin, Mame, and Chuhin show organized by the British Shohin Association (BSA). In addition to displaying the trees individually, there will also be a full composition displayed together.

Additionally, there is something special made for people who want to participate but think their trees are not show-worthy. In a special display area, they will be displayed as part of a larger composition or individually as part of a display under the guidance of a bonsai expert.

Event: Lodder Bonsai Open House 2023
Date: 10th – 11th of March 2023
Location: Lodder Bonsai BV, Hugo de Vriesweg 1, 3481 JA Harmelen, The Netherlands

In 1965, Lodder Bonsai opened one of the largest Bonsai shops in Europe, selling indoor and outdoor plants. A variety of bonsai materials (pots, wire, etc.) and Japanese garden trees are available.

Every year, Lodder Bonsai BV and Hoka-En Bonsai organize an open house. During the event, there will be demonstrations, an exhibition, and workshops. A lot of famous potters will be there too.

Event: LCBS Annual Exhibit
Date: 23rd – 24th of March 2023
Location: SWLA Garden Fest, Burton Coliseum, 7001 Gulf Hwy., Lake Charles, Los Angeles, USA

The Lake Charles Bonsai Society is putting on its annual exhibit. A nice environment will display great trees, and there’ll be demos and sales.

Event: Shunga-Ten
Date: 23rd – 25th of March 2023
Location: Mizu-no-Yakata, Tsurumi-Ryokuchi Park, Osaka, Japan

It’s one of the biggest Shohin exhibitions in Japan. This is a yearly event put on by the All Japan Shohin-Bonsai Association (AJSBA). The event will have 110 displays, workshops, and a big sales corner.

Bonsai events in April

Event: Flemish Bonsai Society
Date: 6th – 15th of April 2023
Location: National Botanic Garden of Belgium, Meise, Belgium

Besides the Bonsai exhibition, there’s a master demonstration, an open master workshop on Sunday, and more workshops.

Event: Ikebana International Chapter 1’s Annual Exhibition
Date: 7th- 16th of April 2023
Location: Exhibits Gallery, National Bonsai & Penjing Museum

Ikebana International’s Washington D.C. Chapter (Chapter 1) will display flower arrangements representing several schools and styles. Moreover, there will be a change-out of exhibits on April 10 and 13, so be sure to return. Also, there will be free ikebana demonstrations on April 8, 9, 15, and 16. The event is free of charge.

Event: California Bonsai Society Convention and Show
Date: 11th – 15th of April 2023
Location: Crowne Plaza, Anaheim Resort, 12021 Harbor Boulevard, Garden Grove, California

The event will include an exhibition, workshops, and demonstrations.

Event: International Bonsai. Suiseki and Tea Exhibition
Date: 19th – 22nd of April 2023
Location: Čajovňa Dobrých L’udí, Pri synagóge 3, Nitra, Slovakia

There’s going to be an exhibition about Suiseki and Tea in Slovakia. Bonsai exhibitions, demonstrations, tea ceremonies, music, workshops, and more are all part of the program!

Event: Mid-Atlantic Bonsai Societies Spring Festival
Date: 20th – 22nd of April 2023
Location: The Holiday Inn Harrisburg-Hershey hotel, 604 Station Rd., Grantville, PA 17028, USA

This year’s Mid-Atlantic Bonsai Society Spring Festival is going to be fun. You’ll see demonstrations, bonsai tools, books, and other stuff. The event will also include lectures, workshops, and of course a Bonsai exhibition!

Event: Anniversary Bonsai Show
Date: 21st of April 2023
Location: Valley Garden Center, 1809 North 15th Ave, Phoenix Arizona, 85007, USA

In order to demonstrate how the art of Bonsai is created, they will display established Bonsai trees as well as trees under development. Along with Bonsai trees, Suiseki and Kusamono plantings will also be on display. Throughout the day, demonstrations will be presented. The entry fee is free.

Event: Lone Star Bonsai Federation Convention
Date: 27th – 29th of April 2023
Location: Sheraton Dallas North Hotel, Dallas, Texas, USA

LSBF is organized again by the Bonsai Society of Dallas. The site has a lot of information, so I won’t elaborate too much. Additionally, there’ll be 11 workshops, 5 demonstrations, 2 lectures, a huge exhibit area, vendors, auctions, and more!

Bonsai events in May

Event: PBA Juried Bonsai Exhibit
Date: 5th- 14th of May 2023
Location: Exhibits Gallery, National Bonsai & Penjing Museum

The Potomac Bonsai Association showcases the best bonsai in formal displays. Public viewing will start at the Potomac Bonsai Festival and continue through World Bonsai Day.

Event: PBA Bonsai Festival
Date: 5th- 7th of May 2023
Location: Bonsai Museum Exhibits Wing, Chinese Pavilion, Lecture Demonstration Center, Vendor Tent

There will be a show of trees from PBA members, as well as vendors selling bonsai, pre-bonsai, pots, accents, and supplies. Also, there will be Free demonstrations and fee-based workshops

Event: ABFF Convention
Date: 8th – 11th of May 2023
Location: Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Philippines

ABFF is the first Bonsai club in the Philippines. More than 500 trees will be on display at this year’s exhibition. As part of the event, the Natural Stone Society of the Philippines (NSSP) will also join Suiseki. Additionally, there will be lectures, workshops, and demos.

Event: EBA & ESA Convention
Date: 11th – 13th of May 2023
Location: Hotel Mons, Pot Na Brdo 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

An annual international exhibition of bonsai and saiseki is put on by the European Bonsai Association and the European Suiseki Association. Each year, a different EBA member country organizes it, and local Bonsai organizations host it.

Event: World Bonsai Day
Date: 13th of May 2023
Location: National Bonsai & Penjing Museum

The event is held in honor of Mr. Saburo Kato, a bonsai master and founder of the WBFF, who believed that bonsai can unite people by building bridges to international friendship and peace. There will be docent-led tours and an activity table for kids.

Event: AABC National Bonsai Convention
Date: 18th – 21st of May 2023
Location: Rydges Bell City Hotel, 215 Bell Street, Preston (Melbourne), VIC 3072, Australia

At this event, bonsai are displayed everywhere, so there’s plenty to do. During the event, you’ll visit beautiful places like Bonsai art nursery, the Botanical Garden, and you’ll also see Boon Manakitivipart’s workshops and demonstrations.

Event: Bonsai Bundesausstellung 2023
Date: 19th – 20th of May 2023
Location: Cloef-Atrium, Alfred-Becker-Straße, 66693 Mettlach-Orscholz, Deutschland

It’s organized by Bonsai Club Deutschland (BCD). This is where the BCD members show off their best bonsai. Furthermore, there will be bonsai vendors from Germany and abroad selling Bonsai stuff and answering your questions.

Event: Midwest Bonsai Society Spring Show
Date: 19th – 20th of May 2023
Location: Chicago Botanical Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022, USA

Typically, the Midwest Bonsai Society’s Spring Show takes place in May. There is a new theme every time, in which all members display trees in various stages of styling. Also, there are bonsai on display from members of the Midwest Bonsai Society. The event includes demonstrations, workshops, auctions, and more!

Event: Satsuki Bonsai Exhibit: Azaleas of Old Japan
Date: 20th – 4th of June 2023
Location: Exhibits Gallery, National Bonsai & Penjing Museum

During this week-long indoor exhibit, you’ll see some of our best displays. There might be trees on display in the outdoor pavilions before and after the indoor exhibit, depending on their bloom times.

Event: BSF 2023 Convention
Date: 25th – 28th of May 2023
Location: Wyndham Orlando Resort, 8001 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819, USA

Founded in 1973, the BSF is the Bonsai Society of Florida. It’s going to be a great event with a beautiful exhibition. Plus, you can join some workshops and get advice on a new tree, a pot, or a pot from your collection at the Florida Teaching Booth.

Event: Magical Bonsai Accents Exhibition 2023
Date: 27th of May 2023
Location: Failand Village Hall, Ox House Lane, Bristol, North Somerset BS9 3UL, UK

A Bonsai display will include accent plants and all of the other accoutrements that accompany them. There will be kusamono, kokokama, shitakusa, suiseki, hanging scrolls, bronze sculptures, accent plants, accent pots, display tables and more related Bonsai items. There is probably no other exhibition like this in Europe, so make sure you visit it if you like these items!

Bonsai events in June

Event: Bonsai Exhibition Delft
Date: 2nd – 3rd of June 2023
Location: Botanical Garden Delft, Poortlandplein 5, 2628 BC Delft, The Netherlands

In 2007, the Bonsai Exhibition in Delft (Bonsai van het Westen) was held for the first time. This event will feature an excellent exhibition, as well as Ikebana and Tai Chi. All Dutch and non-Dutch people should attend!

Event: British Columbia Canada B.C. Bonsai Society Show
Date: 3rd of June 2023
Location: George Preston Civi Center, 20699 42nd. Ave. Langley, BC V3A 3B1, Canada

The BC Bonsai Society organizes this exhibition every year. It’s all about the exhibition, demonstrations, and workshops at this bonsai event!

Event: 3rd US National Bonsai Exhibition
Date: 9th – 10th of June 2023
Location: The Fair Expo Center, Rochester, New York, USA

A large number of people come to the US National Bonsai Exhibition from all over the world. Throughout the expansive United States, there are inspiring Bonsai displayed. The display includes tropical trees from the southern regions as well as refined deciduous bonsai from the northeast. Also, the exhibition has many vendors and demonstrations.

Event: ABS/BCI Convention 2023
Date: 21st – 24th of June 2023
Location: Denver Marriott Tech Center, 4900 S. Syracuse Street, Denver, CO 80237, USA

It’s called the ABS/BCI Convention and is hosted by the Rocky Mountain Bonsai Society. This festival has it all; tours, stone collecting adventures, entertainment, seminars, workshops, and demonstrations with wild collected trees from the area. You’ll also find lots of vendors, and guest artists.

Bonsai events in August

Event: 35th Annual Mid-America Bonsai Exhibit
Date: 17th – 19th of August 2023
Location: Chicago Botanical Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022, USA

Mid-America Bonsai Exhibit started many years ago. At the exhibition, bonsai enthusiasts from different states will display their trees. Aside from the amazing display of trees, there will be over a dozen vendors, workshops, demonstrations, and an auction!

Event: Bonsai in Wales 2023
Date: 26th – 27th of August 2023
Location: Tredegar House, Newport, South Wales NP10 8YW, UK

Some of the best trees in Wales will be on display at Bonsai in Wales. Located in a gorgeous 17th century mansion, the exhibition is easy to find. Additionally, you’ll find bonsai traders everywhere.

Bonsai events in September

Event: Pacific Northwest CA 2023 Bonsai Convention
Date: 14th – 16th of September 2023
Location: Hilton Hotel, W. 6th Street, Vancouver, WA 98660, USA

It’s hosted by the Bonsai Society of Portland. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there are tons of activities to keep you entertained. You’ll also find workshops, a vendor area and the best trees from the Pacific Northwest. So, take advantage of the PNBCA and improve your skills, and make your vision a reality!

Event: The Crespi Bonsai Cup 10th edition
Date: 14th – 23rd of September 2023
Location: Crespi Bonsai. Corso Sempione 35, 20015 San Lorenzo, Milan, Italy

A Bonsai event is held every two years called the Crespi Cup. Three cups are there: a bonsai cup, a Suiseki cup, and a pot cup. It’s a great event for bonsai lovers.

Bonsai events in November

Event: Louisiana Bonsai Society’s Annual Fall Exhibit
Date: 3rd – 4th of November 2023
Location: The Baton Rouge Garden Center, 7950 Independence Boulevard, LA 70806-6414, USA

There are a lot of fine Bonsai at the Louisiana Bonsai Society’s Annual Fall Exhibition. The exhibition has lots of activities like demonstrations and lectures.

Conclusion

From the world’s largest bonsai exhibition, the Gafu-Ten in Japan, to the Bay Island Bonsai Club exhibition in California, this post covers a wide range of bonsai events. These events are the best way to learn about bonsai and its unique personality.

Also, you can learn from top artists and experts at these events and take a thrilling journey into the world of bonsai. So, get ready to discover the art of cultivating miniature trees by marking your calendars. Don’t forget to attend the bonsai event!