Bay Area Community

Local Bonsai Clubs

Connect with your local bonsai community. The Bay Area has a rich tradition of bonsai clubs spanning from San Francisco to Silicon Valley.

Joining a local club is the fastest way to improve your bonsai practice. Monthly meetings, hands-on critiques from experienced members, and access to quality pre-bonsai material and show events are all benefits of club membership.

๐ŸŒฟ
Bay Island Bonsai
๐Ÿ“ Oakland ยท East Bay ยท Est. 1953

One of the oldest bonsai clubs in California. Monthly meetings in Oakland with a strong educational program. Annual show at Lakeside Park.

๐Ÿ• Meetings: 2nd Saturday of each month ยท 1:30 PM
โ„น๏ธ Active show program, beginner-friendly
๐Ÿชจ
California Aiseki Kai
๐Ÿ“ Bay Area wide ยท Est. 1963

Focused on suiseki (viewing stones) and complementary bonsai practice. Excellent resource for traditional display and tokonoma arrangement.

๐Ÿ• Meetings: Monthly ยท Location rotates
โ„น๏ธ Traditional practice, suiseki focus
๐ŸŒธ
Palo Alto Bonsai Society
๐Ÿ“ Palo Alto ยท South Bay ยท Est. 1978

Mid-peninsula club with active membership. Well-organized annual exhibit at the Palo Alto Cultural Center. Monthly workshops in addition to meetings.

๐Ÿ• Meetings: 3rd Sunday ยท Palo Alto
โ„น๏ธ Strong workshop program
โ›ฉ๏ธ
San Jose Buddhist Bonsai Club
๐Ÿ“ San Jose ยท South Bay ยท Est. 1966

Long-established club with deep roots in Japantown San Jose. Annual spring and fall shows. Connection to traditional Japanese bonsai practices.

๐Ÿ• Meetings: 1st Saturday monthly ยท Japantown
โ„น๏ธ Traditional Japanese style, annual shows
๐ŸŒฒ
Golden State Bonsai Federation
๐Ÿ“ NorCal regional ยท Regional federation

The umbrella federation connecting NorCal bonsai clubs. Coordinates the Golden State Bonsai Collection at Lake Merritt in Oakland.

๐Ÿ• Meetings: Quarterly federation meetings
โ„น๏ธ Regional coordination, Golden State Collection
๐Ÿชด
Peninsula Bonsai Association
๐Ÿ“ San Mateo ยท Peninsula ยท Est. 1985

Active club serving the mid-peninsula with a focus on developing growers. Hosts beginner programs and mentorship pairings.

๐Ÿ• Meetings: 2nd Monday monthly
โ„น๏ธ Mentorship program, beginner focus

Bay Area Show Calendar 2026

Mar 15โ€“16 Bay Island Annual Spring Show ๐Ÿ“ Oakland Lakeside Park
Apr 5โ€“6 Palo Alto Cultural Center Spring Exhibition ๐Ÿ“ Palo Alto
May 3โ€“4 San Jose Japantown Bonsai Show ๐Ÿ“ San Jose Japantown
Jun 21โ€“22 Hakone Estate Summer Show ๐Ÿ“ Saratoga
Oct 11โ€“12 Bay Island Fall Show ๐Ÿ“ Oakland Lakeside Park
Nov 8โ€“9 Golden State Federation Annual ๐Ÿ“ Lake Merritt, Oakland

Show dates are approximate and subject to change. Contact individual clubs for confirmed dates.