Each spring, the Tidal Basin’s 3,800 cherry trees burst into bloom and transform the area into an Instagram-worthy array of pink and white petals. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, held this year from March 20 to April 12, celebrates peak bloom and commemorates Japan gifting the trees to Washington, DC, in 1912 as a sign of friendship and goodwill.
Throughout the four-week festival, stop by the Tidal Basin Welcome Area and ANA Stage for a mix of performing arts, cultural dance presentations, and music — including country, jazz, pop, and R&B.
Other festival events include a parade, kite flying, art exhibitions, and fireworks. Many events are free and open to the public, and more than 1.5 million visitors are expected to partake in the fun.
Some of the festival’s highlights include:
Pink Tie Party
March 13 , 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Wear chic pink to this party held at Union Station, where you can dine on tasty bites from local restaurants, sip themed cocktails, enjoy live entertainment, and bid on silent auction items — all for a worthy cause. The $275 ticket and auction proceeds help the festival offer primarily free and open event programming to the public.
Opening Ceremony
March 21, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The Daughters of the American Revolution, in conjunction with The Japan Foundation, will host performances at Constitution Hall this year. See traditional sword dances by Futago Onikenbai; pop music by award-winning singer Ayaka Hirahara, and modern dance choreographed by Takehiro Ueyama. Tickets are $5.
Blossom Kite Festival
March 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Grab your kite and head to the Washington Monument Grounds for a day of free activities, music, demonstrations, and competitions. The event will also feature Sakura Taiko Fest, produced by Washington, DC-based Japanese drumming group, Miyako Taiko. Drummers from across the country will take the stage from noon to 5 p.m. at the Sylvan Theatre for a high-energy performance.
Petalpalooza at Navy Yard
April 5, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Don’t miss this free, daylong celebration held along the banks of the Anacostia River near the Capitol Riverfront Navy Yard Metro station. The family-friendly event features music, hands-on art activities, a cashless beverage garden, and roaming entertainers. The evening is capped by the Official National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks show set to music, which starts at 8:30 p.m.
National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
April 11, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Held on Constitution Avenue NW, between Seventh and 17th streets, the parade boasts elaborate floats, marching bands, and award-winning entertainers. Admission along the 10-block route is free, or spectators can purchase tickets for grandstands located on the east and west ends of the route.
Feature image courtesy National Cherry Blossom Festival
