2024 Festival & World Bonsai Day

The well-known Potomac Bonsai Festival returns to the U.S. National Arboretum and the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum on May 10-12, 2024 in conjunction with World Bonsai Day (May 11). Presented by the Potomac Bonsai Association in partnership with the U.S. National Arboretum, the National Bonsai Foundation, and the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, the festival includes an exhibition of bonsai by PBA members, formal bonsai displays, bonsai vendors, beginner workshops, a bonsai learning series, childrens activities, Museum tours, and demonstrations and workshops led by renowned guest artist Sergio Cuan of M5 Bonsai Works.

U.S. National Arboretum 3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington D.C.

HELPFUL LINKS:
Festival Flyer (PDF coming soon)
About the Potomac Bonsai Association
National Arboretum Map
Beginner Bonsai Class Registration (now open!)
How PBA Members Can Get Involved

Guest Artist

We are honored to have guest artist Sergio Cuan at the 2024 Potomac Bonsai Festival. Review the events, below, for all the opportunities to learn from this bonsai expert including the opening ceremony (Sat), bonsai workshop (Sat), bonsai display discussion (Sun), and bonsai styling demonstration (Sun).

Bonsai Vendors

Friday 9-4, Saturday 9-4, and Sunday 9-3. Inside the Arboretum Admin & Visitor Center Auditorium, and outside on the East Terrace between the Visitor Center and the Bonsai Museum.

Bonsai, pre-bonsai plant material, bonsai tools and supplies, pots, stands, and everything you could want to support your own bonsai journey will be available for sale. Confirmed vendors are listed below. Interested Bonsai Vendors may submit a completed Vendor Agreement.

Artist Arlita Kadar
Bonsai Learning Center
Forest Inn Pottery
Iron Wood Bonsai Studio
Meehan’s Miniatures
Nature’s Way Nursery
Okie Bonsai – rocks, pots, and plants
PBA Member’s Sales Table – Items for sale by PBA members

Potomac Bonsai Association Exhibition

Friday 12-4, Saturday 10-4, and Sunday 10-4. National Bonsai Museum Upper Courtyard.

A display of bonsai trees and viewing stones by members of PBA affiliated clubs in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area. More information about PBA clubs is just a click away.

World Bonsai Day & Festival Opening Ceremony

Saturday at 10:30 a.m., National Bonsai Museum Exhibitions Gallery.
Join Guest Artist Sergio Cuan who will be joined by representatives from the Potomac Bonsai Association, National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, and the National Bonsai Foundation to formally kick off the festival and acknowledge World Bonsai Day on Saturday morning. The Art of Bonsai exhibit will open at the conclusion of the opening. (See above for Festival activities open on Friday.)

The Art of Bonsai Display

Saturday 10:45-4 and Sunday 10-4, National Bonsai Museum Special Exhibits Wing.

See and learn about Bonsai displays in a formal, interior setting. Exhibition remains open through May 19.

World Bonsai Day Children’s Activities

Saturday 10-4, in the lobby of the Arboretum Admin & Visitor Center.
Find the children’s table for family friendly activities to celebrate World Bonsai Day.

Beginner Bonsai Workshops

Saturday 9-4 and Sunday 9-2 with start times throughout the day. National Bonsai Museum Lecture/Demonstration Center. Pre-registration for Beginner Workshop is recommended.

Beginning bonsai classes will be available throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday. These very popular beginners workshops allow those interested in bonsai to style a tree with the help of an experienced PBA member. Space is limited and pre-registration is encouraged. All participants will pay at the door. The cost is $75 per person which includes everything you need to get started including a tree, pot, soil, wire, and help from an experienced bonsai practitioner. Use the link provided above to preregister. A limited number of walkup spaces may also be available.

Docent-Led Bonsai Museum Tours

Saturday and Sunday starting at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Museum upper courtyard.
Meet at the Tour sign at the start time to join an informative tour of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum.

Bonsai Learning Series

Saturday 11-2, National Bonsai Museum.

11 a.m. Lower Courtyard – Viewing Stones, presented by the Potomac Viewing Stone Group
12 p.m. Special Exhibits Wing – Arranging Bonsai for Display, Alexander Voorhies
1 p.m. Lower Courtyard – The Art of Kintsugi, David Lieu
2 p.m. Lower Courtyard – The Art of Nick Lenz, Mike McCallion

Bonsai Workshop with Guest Artist Sergio Cuan

Saturday 11-4, the classroom in the National Arboretum Admin & Visitor Center.
[SOLD OUT] This is a Bring-Your-Own-Tree workshop with our guest artist designed to support intermediate to advance bonsai practitioners and PBA members. Participants will be able to refine and style their own bonsai trees with the artist’s support and expertise. Seats are limited and registration is first come, first served.

Bonsai Display Discussion with Guest Artist Sergio Cuan

Sunday 10:30-11:30 a.m., Bonsai Museum Special Exhibits Wing.
Learn from the expertise of our guest artist as he describes and critiques the PBA bonsai displays and exhibition.

Bonsai Demonstration with Guest Artist Sergio Cuan

Sunday 12-4 p.m. National Bonsai Museum Lower Courtyard.
The guest artist will demonstrate and discuss the process of styling a tree or shrub into a bonsai.