GSBF Bonsai Garden at lake Merritt

Autumn Lights Festival
2025-10-18 18:00 - 23:00, 2025-10-17 18:00 - 23:00, 2025-10-16 18:00 - 23:00 UTC | Gardens at Lake Merritt, 666 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94610, United States
The Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt (BGLM) takes pride in Oakland’s Autumn Lights Festival (ALF). The three-night event raises funds for the Gardens at Lake Merritt, which includes the BGLM.
The Gardens at Lake Merritt were established more than a half century ago. They are a collection of themed gardens requiring varying levels of maintenance. Volunteers provide much needed care and maintenance. The gardens are a tranquil oasis in the heart of Oakland and provide public educational programs. (https://gardensatlakemerritt.org/)

Autumn Moon-Viewing
2025-10-05 08:00 - 17:00 | Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt, 650 Bellevue Ave.,, Oakland, CA, 94610, United States
Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt supports the Oakland Fukuoka Sister City Association in their hosting of an evening of moon-viewing. The annual Otsukimi moon-viewing event is held on the Sunday closest to the full harvest moon each October at the Gardens at Lake Merritt. (https://www.oakland-fukuoka.org/home)
The harvest moon is a symbol of blessing and abundance for many cultures, including Japan.
Similar to tea parties, the moon viewing parties are occasions for sharing food and stories, while enjoying what is considered the most beautiful moon of the year.
BGLM opens its gate from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. for special guests of the Otsukimi moon-viewing party to be among bonsai masterpieces.
Reservation required.
For reservations – Call 510.325.3729 or email ofsca1962@gmail.com.

BGLM Volunteer Appreciation Day
2025-09-01 11:00 - 14:30 | Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt, 650 Bellevue Ave.,, Oakland, CA, 94610, United States
The Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt (BGLM) annual Volunteer Appreciation Day. Enjoy a social and catered luncheon for all bonsai garden volunteers.
Please RSVP with Director Suzanne Muller and request meat or vegetarian options.

World Bonsai Day
2025-05-10 10:00 - 15:30 | CA
World Bonsai Day was created in 2010 to promote bonsai and friendship throughout the world.
World Bonsai Day is celebrated to further bonsai awareness and appreciation world-wide.
The World Bonsai Friendship Federation World Bonsai Day celebrates the legacy of bonsai master Saburo Kato (1915-2008). A key figure in the modern history of bonsai. Kato was the third-generation owner of Mansei-en, located in Omiya (just north of Tokyo), one of the most famous bonsai nurseries in the world.
World Bonsai Day is recognized annually on the second Saturday of May.
Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt celebrates World Bonsai Day by conducting bonsai activities at the bonsai garden.
Join us for bonsai awareness and appreciation.

Mammoth Auction & Sale Fundraiser
2025-03-02 09:00 - 15:00, 2025-03-01 09:00 - 17:00 | CA
The Mammoth Auction & Sale fundraiser is held once a year in the winter at the Lakeside Park Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Ave., Lakeside Park, Lake Merritt, Oakland, California. All proceeds go to support the bonsai garden’s yearly operations.
The Mammoth fundraiser is scheduled annually for the first full weekend in March.
On Saturday, there is a live auction of bonsai trees, pots, stands, and related art. Preview of auction items is from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Live auction is from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
On Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., there are numerous bonsai vendors from the greater San Francisco/Bay Area to sell bonsai trees, soil, pots, tools, and other bonsai goods.
On Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., there is a bargain sale of bonsai trees, a ton of pots and other bonsai goods.
The annual fundraiser event is well attended by the bonsai community and the public.

Official Procedures PDF
Auction Forms
Sale Forms
Catalog PDF

25th Anniversary Celebration for Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt
2024-11-09 13:00 - 15:30 | Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt, 650 Bellevue Ave.,, Oakland, CA, 94610, United States
Twenty-five years ago, the BGLM opened its gates to the public on November 6, 1999, by hosting a Grand Opening celebration of bonsai and suiseki, held on site at the Gardens of Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park Garden Center. Dennis Makishima was master of ceremonies for the grand opening, including then Mayor Jerry Brown, the Consul General of Japan in San Francisco, John Naka, Harry Hirao and other Japanese American notable bonsai artists, Yasuo Mitsuya of Japan, Recreation and Parks Officials, and many more. In addition to the ribbon cutting, there was a lively celebration inside the Lakeside Park Garden Center; all well attended. The San Jose Taiko drum performers were present.
On November 9th, 2024, BGLM would like to recognize the first 25 years by holding a smaller in scale celebration. Oakland City officials from District 3 and Parks & Recreation, Friends of the Gardens at Lake Merritt, the General Counsel of Japan in San Francisco, Japanese American communities, and the general public are invited to attend. Free admission. Public parking available.
Location: Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt, 650 Bellevue Ave., Gate 4, Lakeside Park, Lake Merritt, Oakland, California
Time: 1:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Potential speakers:
Gordon Deeg, Director of BGLM
Carroll Fife, District 3 Councilmember
Fred Kelley, Director of Parks & Recreation
Yo Osumi, General Counsel of Japan in San Francisco
Entertainment:
Sonoma County Taiko
Light refreshments
Point of Contact:
George Haas, BGLM Marketing Manager 707-762-9154 gwhaas@comcast.net

Pacific Bonsai Expo 2024
2024-10-27 09:00 - 16:00 | Henry J. Kaiser Center, 10 10th Street, Oakland, CA, 94607, United States
An exhibition of extraordinary bonsai.

Pacific Bonsai Expo 2024
2024-10-26 09:00 - 17:00 | Henry J. Kaiser Center, 10 10th Street, Oakland, CA, 94607, United States
An exhibition of extraordinary bonsai. Located at the Henry J. Kaiser Center in Oakland, California. A two-day event with 75 outstanding bonsai displays and top- quality bonsai vendors.

Autumn Lights Festival
2024-10-19 18:00 - 23:00, 2024-10-17 18:00 - 23:00 | CA

BGLM CLOSED during regular daytime hours
2024-10-15 - 2024-10-20 | Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt, 650 Bellevue Ave.,, Oakland, CA, 94610, United States
BGLM will be closed during regular daytime hours for the Autumn Lights Festival from October 15 October 20. Please visit the BGLM during the Autumn Lights Festival.

Autumn Moon-Viewing
2024-10-13 17:00 - 20:30 | CA

BGLM Volunteer Appreciation Day
2024-09-02 11:00 - 14:30 | Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt, 650 Bellevue Ave.,, Oakland, CA, 94610, United States
On September 2, 2024 (Labor Day), the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt will host the Volunteer Appreciation Day. A social and catered luncheon for all bonsai garden volunteers. The event is scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Please be sure to RSVP with Assistant Director Suzanne Muller and request meat or vegetarian options.
