The Lilac Festival began in 1959, in response to a call from cultural figures to hold a culturally fragrant event in the season when lilac flowers are in full bloom. At the Odori Site, where about 400 lilacs are in full bloom, various events are held at each site, such as the Lilac Music Festival, Wine Garden, and Stamp Rally, and at the Kawashita Site, which was added to the site from the 50th event, the Lilac Tour and Kawashita Park Concert.

For the people of Sapporo, this festival marks the end of the long winter of over six months and marks the arrival of a season in which to enjoy outdoor strolls.