For the first time, Atlanta Botanical Garden will be hosting a celebration of its connection with nature and Japanese culture through the art of haiku this April. The Atlanta Haiku Festival will be happening at the Garden on April 19 and will feature various events, activities, and demonstrations.
The Atlanta Botanical Garden features Japanese plants and culture as one of its most prominent highlights. As the climates of Atlanta and Japan are quite comparable, Japanese plants thrive in the Garden. The Garden also showcases Japanese architecture and includes a stunning stone lantern from Kagoshima, Japan.
Highlights
- The Atlanta Botanical Garden will celebrate the Atlanta Haiku Festival on April 19.
- The festival will feature a variety of programs and events for visitors of all ages.
- There is no need to purchase separate tickets for the festival as it will be included in the admission tickets to the garden.
What to Expect at the Atlanta Haiku Festival?
The Atlanta Haiku Festival will feature a variety of activities and programs for attendees of all ages. Visitors can take part in and enjoy these events as part of a memorable day at one of Atlanta’s most iconic attractions.
Kids Programs
At the interactive stations in the Rose Garden and Alston Overlook, along with a Library Corner in the Gardenhouse Gallery, children will engage with haiku, art, and nature.
- Timings: 10 AM to 4 PM
Discovery Stations
Explore various aspects of Japanese culture and nature through the different stations in the Garden. The Tea Discovery Station in the Edible Garden, Forest Bathing Discovery Station on the Canopy Walk, and Haiku Discovery Station in the Japanese Garden will offer immersive experiences.
- Timings: 10 AM to 4 PM
Scavenger Hunt
Visitors will be able to embark on a self-guided haiku-themed scavenger hunt throughout the Garden.
- Timings: 10 AM to 4 PM
Drop-in Haiku Workshops
Led by Tom Painting, a seasoned haiku poet and teacher at the Paideia School in Atlanta, these workshops will help guests with their own first haiku. The workshop will be happening at the entrance to the Canopy Walk.
- Timings: 10:15 AM to 11 AM
Chef Demonstrations
Visitors to the festival can also attend the chef demonstrations in the Outdoor Kitchen. This program will feature the Japanese confection, sakura mochi, with samples prepared by Chef Kiyoka Nishikawa.
- Timings: 11:30 AM and 12:30 AM
Haiku Panel Discussion
An interesting and insightful discussion with esteemed haiku poets Abigail Friedman, Miho Kinnas, and Crystal Simone Smith will take place at the Day Hall. The discussion will be moderated by Diane Alleva Cáceres, a cofounder of the Atlanta Haiku Festival.
- Timings: 1 PM
Reading of Winning Haiku
The winning haiku from the online poetry competition that was held in February will be read aloud on Lanier Terrace at the Garden.
- Timings: 2 PM
Drum Group Performances
The Great Lawn at the Garden will be the stage for a special performance by the Atlanta Okinawa Kenjin-Kai taiko drum group.
- Timings: 2:30 PM and 3 PM
The tickets for the Atlanta Haiku Festival will be included in the admission price to the Garden.
It is the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s mission to connect people with plants. Kachou fuugetsu, which means “to discover yourself when experiencing nature”, is at the root of the Haiku tradition and, hence, is very suited to be celebrated in the Garden.
