If you are hesitant about braving the crowds for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, there are plenty of events that are not in downtown DC.
Cherry Blossom Guided Tours with Pedego Electric Bikes Alexandria
March 20 to April 12
Pedego e-bikes offer three-hour guided tours from Old Town to the cherry blossoms around East Potomac Park. Tours will run through when the blossoms are in bloom, and weekend tours tend to fill up fast, so it’s advised to make reservations early. 210 N. Lee St., Alexandria, $79 to $99
National Cherry Blossom Festival at The Lab
March 20 to April 12, timed entries at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
The Children’s Science Center Lab is hosting their own cherry blossom festival coinciding with the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Attendees can learn about the beauty and traditions of Japan while exploring activities that blend art, culture and science. Children can create cherry blossom origami and go on a cherry blossom scavenger hunt too. 11948L Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, $15, children under 2 are free
Cherry Blossom Festival at Breaux Vineyards
March 28
For those who don’t wish to brave the National Cherry Blossom Festival crowds, Breaux Vineyards in Purcellville is having their own version on March 28. There will be food and wine specials throughout the day, as well as live music among the vineyard’s cherry blossom trees. 36888 Breaux Vineyards Ln., Purcellville, free
Sip & Bloom: A Cherry Blossom Tea-Blending Workshop
March 28, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Shop Made in VA is hosting a tea blending workshop in honor of cherry blossom season. Guests will sample a curated selection of spring-inspired teas while learning about their health and wellness benefits. There will also be tea-themed games and at the end of the event, participants will make their own tea blend inspired by cherry blossom season. 1121 King St., Alexandria, $48.81
Blossom Bash at Tysons Corner
March 29, noon to 4 p.m.
Tysons is turning PenFed Plaza pink with live chalk art featuring local artists, cherry blossom-themed food and drink specials, live music, face painting, and more. A cherry blossom chalk art contest will be hosted by ArtsFairfax. Retailers will be set up throughout the plaza with promotions, too. 1961 Chain Bridge Rd., Tysons, free
Purry Blossom Day at Mount Purrnon
April 4, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Celebrate cherry blossom season with Mount Purrnon’s cats. There will be cherry blossom food and drink specials all weekend. Note: on Saturday, April 4 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the café will be ages 18+ only. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome if the establishment isn’t at capacity. 109 S. Alfred St., Alexandria, $27
Flower Power Party: Build a Community Art Installation
April 8, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Help create a cherry blossom art installation at the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington by filling the inside of an igloo structure with flowers. The igloo will be open for those who wish to take selfies with the flowering blooms. Light refreshments will be available, and live music will be playing. All flowers and materials will be provided, and the event is free. 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, free
Feature image, josephgruber/adobestock.com
