This weekend, the National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off its annual celebration of the iconic blossoms with a calendar of concerts and art events. That’s not all that’s going on the weekend of March 22 to 24 — you can also expect to find award-winning theater, a vibrant cultural celebration, and more fun events to keep you entertained.
Be aware that with the forecast calling for heavy rains on Saturday, some events may be canceled. Please check ahead of time before venturing out.
An Evening with Griffin House
March 22, 8 p.m.
Listen to tunes from folk singer-songwriter Griffen House’s broad discography, including his 2004 debut album, The Tides and Lost and Found. House was featured on the 2019 documentary Rising Star on Amazon Prime. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, tickets starting at $25
Revolutions: Art from the Hirshhorn Collection, 1860–1960
March 22, 2024–April 20, 2025
The Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn museum debuts a new collection this weekend in honor of its 50th anniversary season. You’ll see works from 126 artists, including Georgia O’Keeffe, Jackson Pollock, and Francis Bacon, spanning 100 years. Hirshhorn Museum: Seventh Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC
Nerf Mania
March 23
Bring your Nerf guns and protective eyewear for two hours of action-packed fun. Nerf bullets
provided. Pre-registration is required. Virginia Credit Union Stadium: 42 Jackie Robinson Way, Fredericksburg, $12–$15
Opening Ceremony of the National Cherry Blossom Festival
March 23, 5 p.m.
Kick off the National Cherry Blossom Festival with this artistic celebration, marking the 1912 gift of cherry trees from Japan. Expect performances from Kaoru Watanabe, Jo Kanamori, and Naotaro Moriyama. Advance tickets are sold out, but a limited number of walk-up tickets will be granted the day-of. Warner Theatre: 513 13th St. NW, Washington, DC, free
Free Concerts at the Tidal Basin
March 23–April 7
The welcome area and ANA Stage, overlooking the Tidal Basin, are part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Here you’ll find free concerts every day from 12 to 6 p.m., in a range of genres from Americana and bluegrass to pop and R&B. West Tidal Basin Drive SW
OmBaked Holi Festival
March 23, 12–4 p.m.
Reston’s OmBaked CBD Boutique will host an inaugural Holi Festival at Lake Anne Plaza, complete with music, food vendors, crafts, henna, and a vibrant color throw. The event will benefit the Women Empowerment Foundation. Lake Anne Plaza: 1609 Washington Plz., Reston, free
Harlem Globetrotters
March 23, 1 p.m.
This famous exhibition baseball team is going on a world tour and bringing its high-energy show to Capital One Arena on the way. Expect to see athletic feats and hilarious antics from the team as it takes the court. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC, tickets starting at $35
Murder on the Orient Express
March 23–April 13
This classic Agatha Christie mystery, set in 1934, unfolds on a snow-stranded train, where the famed detective Hercule Poirot must unravel the murder of a wealthy American businessman. The Little Theatre of Alexandria: 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria, $21–$24
Pink Torpedoes
March 23–April 14
Alexandria’s iconic art venue will be full of works inspired by Washington, DC’s cherry blossoms. Each of the Torpedo Factory’s participating artists will show one or more blossom-inspired pieces. Torpedo Factory Art Center: 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, free
National Cherry Blossom Festival at the Lab
March 23–April 14
The Children’s Science Center Lab is also taking inspiration from the Cherry Blossom Festival. Kids can explore scientific principles while enjoying blossom season by engineering kites, making cherry blossom origami, and taking a scavenger hunt through the lab. Children’s Science Center (Inside Fair Oaks Mall): 11948 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, $15
Fredericksburg Fine Art Show & Sale
March 22–24
Find distinct additions for your art collection at this weekend-long art show featuring more than 275 original works from area artists. Proceeds support the Woman’s Club of Fredericksburg and parks and rec programs. Dorothy Hart Community Center: 408 Canal St., Fredericksburg, free
COMPANY
Through March 31
Don’t miss the Tony Award–winning gender-swapped adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s iconic show. It’s set on the protagonist’s 35th birthday, while her visiting friends and family probe her with questions about why she’s still single. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, $45–$169
Feature image of the Opening Ceremony of the National Cherry Blossom Festival courtesy The National Cherry Blossom Festival
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