Toro Nagashi

Shinzen Friendship Garden 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, United States

In the spirit of the Japanese ceremony Tōrō Nagashi, please join Shinzen Garden for our 40th annual floating lantern celebration on Saturday, August 16, 2025. Traditionally, this Japanese ceremony honors the memory of loved ones. During the festival of Obon, it is believed that ancestors come back to spend time with the living. On the […]

Garden Tour Toro Nagashi at 5:30 pm

Shinzen Friendship Garden 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, United States

Garden Tour on Saturday, August 16 at 5:30 pm. The tour is included with paid garden admission ($5 per adult | $1 per child/senior)

Free

Garden Tour for Toro Nagashi at 10:30 am

Shinzen Friendship Garden 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, United States

Garden Tour on Saturday, August 16 at 10:30 am. The tour is included with paid garden admission ($5 per adult | $1 per child/senior)

Free

Hiroshima and Nagasaki Remembrance Ceremony

Shinzen Friendship Garden 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, United States

Join us at Shinzen Garden for the 80th Commemoration Ceremony of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings—a solemn tribute to peace, remembrance, and resilience. Through reflection, music, and community, we honor the lives lost and renew our commitment to a more compassionate world. All are welcome to share in this moment of unity and hope.

Free

3rd Saturday Volunteer Day – July 19

Shinzen Friendship Garden 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, United States

VOLUNTEER SATURDAY ON JULY 19, 2025 HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO HEAT   Join us July 19, 2025 for a rewarding Volunteer Day at Shinzen Garden! This hands-on event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, meet like-minded community members, and contribute to the care and maintenance of this beautiful space. Volunteers assist with […]

Free

Whispers of the Bamboo: Reflective Writing Workshop

Shinzen Friendship Garden 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, United States

Creative Writing Workshop Whispers of the Bamboo: Reflective Writing Workshop This creative writing workshop will focus on journaling, memoir writing and mindfulness-based storytelling. Participants will engage in guided reflections and writing exercises to deepen their connection with nature and their personal experiences. $25 for members | $45 for non-members Suitable for ages 12+

$25.00 – $45.00

Art in the Garden

Shinzen Friendship Garden 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, United States

Experience the beauty of art and nature intertwined at Art in the Garden, a unique strolling art show set in the serene surroundings of Shinzen Garden. Local artists will showcase their work throughout the garden, creating a peaceful and inspiring outdoor gallery for the community to explore. As you stroll through the pathways, enjoy a […]

Free

Seasons of Verse – Poetry at the Garden

Shinzen Friendship Garden 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, United States

Seasons of Verse is a curated poetry reading series held inside the peaceful landscape of Shinzen Garden, featuring four unique events that align with the rhythm of the seasons. The series will showcase the vibrant voices of Fresno-area poets and offer one open mic event to welcome emerging and community writers. Included with paid Garden […]

Free

Seasons of Stories Book Club Launch

Shinzen Friendship Garden 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, United States

  Seasons of Stories is a new book club at Shinzen Garden that invites readers to gather in the natural setting of the garden to explore literature inspired by Japanese culture and explore books from Japanese American authors.  We will be diving into a thoughtfully selected book each month and enjoy meaningful conversations surrounded by […]

Free

3rd Saturday Volunteer Day – June 21

Shinzen Friendship Garden 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, United States

Join us June 21, 2025 for a rewarding Volunteer Day at Shinzen Garden! This hands-on event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, meet like-minded community members, and contribute to the care and maintenance of this beautiful space. Volunteers assist with tasks such as weeding, pruning, planting, and other seasonal projects that help preserve […]

Free

Free Garden Tour on June 14 at 10am

Shinzen Friendship Garden 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, United States

  Join us for a free docent-led tour on select weekends, providing visitors with an in-depth exploration of its serene landscapes and cultural significance.  During the tour, our knowledgeable docents guide guests through the garden’s features, including the Clark Bonsai Collection, stroll gardens, traditional architecture, and tea houses, offering insights into Japanese culture and garden […]

Free

Tea Ceremony Demonstration 11 am June 8

Shinzen Friendship Garden 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, United States

Experience a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony at Shinzen Garden Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Shinzen Garden as we present a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony on Sunday, June 8, 2025.  This unique cultural experience offers guests an opportunity to witness the graceful art of tea preparation and savor matcha in a serene setting. Join […]

$25.00 – $35.00

Matsu no Mekaki Pine Decandling Workshop

Shinzen Friendship Garden 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, United States

Discover the traditional technique of Matsu no Mekaki (pine tree decandling) in this hands-on workshop led by Certified Aesthetic Pruner, Steve DaSilva. This workshop is designed to help you refine and shape pines for health and beauty. Decandling, or selectively removing spring candles, is a crucial practice for controlling growth, encouraging back budding, and achieving […]

$25.00 – $45.00

Writing Workshop #1 – The Garden as a Story

Shinzen Friendship Garden 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, United States

The Garden as a Story: Writing with Nature’s Wisdom This workshop will explore storytelling techniques by drawing parallels between the elements of a Japanese garden—stones, water, trees, and pathways—and narrative structures. Attendees will create nature-inspired stories that weave together history, environment, and personal insight. Meet Our Garden Writing Coach - ​Jackie Heffron Williams is an […]

$25.00 – $45.00

3rd Saturday Volunteer Day – May 17

Shinzen Friendship Garden 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, United States

Join us May 17, 2025 for a rewarding Volunteer Day at Shinzen Garden! This hands-on event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, meet like-minded community members, and contribute to the care and maintenance of this beautiful space. Volunteers assist with tasks such as weeding, pruning, planting, and other seasonal projects that help preserve […]

Free

Seasons of Verse Poetry Series

Shinzen Friendship Garden 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, United States

Featuring Joseph Voth, author of “Living with Noise”, Michelle Patton, who won the Ernesto Trejo Award for poetry and was a nominee for a Pushcart Prize and Kirk Stone. Seasons of Verse is a curated poetry reading series held inside the peaceful landscape of Shinzen Garden, featuring four unique events that align with the rhythm of […]

Free

Free Garden Tour on May 10 at 1 pm

Shinzen Friendship Garden 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, United States

Join us for a free docent-led tour on select weekends, providing visitors with an in-depth exploration of its serene landscapes and cultural significance.  During the tour, our knowledgeable docents guide guests through the garden’s features, including the Clark Bonsai Collection, stroll gardens, traditional architecture, and tea houses, offering insights into Japanese culture and garden design. […]

Free

Free Garden Tour May 10 at 11am

Shinzen Friendship Garden 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, United States

Join us for a free docent-led tour on select weekends, providing visitors with an in-depth exploration of its serene landscapes and cultural significance.  During the tour, our knowledgeable docents guide guests through the garden’s features, including the Clark Bonsai Collection, stroll gardens, traditional architecture, and tea houses, offering insights into Japanese culture and garden design. […]

Free

Botanical Watercolor Class #4

Shinzen Friendship Garden 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, United States

Join us for a serene and inspiring Botanical Watercolor Class at Shinzen Garden, led by talented artist Noelle Correia. Immerse yourself in the timeless art of botanical illustration, learning both its rich history and essential watercolor techniques. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Shinzen Garden, participants will work with live plant specimens as their subjects, […]

$35.00 – $55.00

KODOMO NO HI “Children’s Day”

Shinzen Friendship Garden 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, United States

Celebrate Japanese Children’s Day at Shinzen Garden, a fun-filled event honoring the joy and growth of children through traditional arts and crafts! Families are invited to explore Japanese culture with engaging hands-on activities, including: 🎨 Origami Creations – Fold and design beautiful paper art. ☂️ Paper Parasol Painting – Decorate your own colorful parasol. (Parasols […]

Free

Botanical Watercolor Class #3

Shinzen Friendship Garden 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, United States

  Join us for a serene and inspiring Botanical Watercolor Class at Shinzen Garden, led by talented artist Noelle Correia. Immerse yourself in the timeless art of botanical illustration, learning both its rich history and essential watercolor techniques. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Shinzen Garden, participants will work with live plant specimens as their […]

$35.00 – $55.00

Karikomi & Tamamono: Cloud Pruning

Shinzen Friendship Garden 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, United States

Cloud Pruning Workshop (Karikomi & Tamamono): Sculpting Organic Forms Join Certified Aesthetic Pruner, Steve DaSilva for an immersive workshop on Karikomi & Tamamono -  art of cloud pruning, a traditional Japanese technique that shapes shrubs and trees into soft, rounded forms resembling floating clouds. This hands-on workshop will guide participants through the principles of karikomi […]

$25.00 – $45.00

Tea Ceremony Demonstration 1:30 pm

Shinzen Friendship Garden 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, United States

Experience a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony at Shinzen Garden Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Shinzen Garden as we present a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony on Sunday, April 27, 2025.  This unique cultural experience offers guests an opportunity to witness the graceful art of tea preparation and savor matcha in a serene setting. Join […]

$25.00 – $35.00

Tea Ceremony Demonstration 11 am

Shinzen Friendship Garden 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, United States

Experience a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony at Shinzen Garden Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Shinzen Garden as we present a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony on Sunday, April 27, 2025.  This unique cultural experience offers guests an opportunity to witness the graceful art of tea preparation and savor matcha in a serene setting. Join […]

$25.00 – $35.00

3rd Saturday Volunteer Day – April 26

Shinzen Friendship Garden 114 W Audubon Drive, Fresno, CA, United States

Join us April 26, 2025 for a rewarding Volunteer Day at Shinzen Garden! This hands-on event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, meet like-minded community members, and contribute to the care and maintenance of this beautiful space. Volunteers assist with tasks such as weeding, pruning, planting, and other seasonal projects that help preserve […]

Free