
National Cherry Blossom Festival
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The National Cherry Blossom Festival (March 18–April 16) is a citywide celebration that commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry blossom trees to Washington, DC by the mayor of Tokyo. This year's Festival features a range of spectacular events and activities, as well as a chance to see the starring attraction during peak bloom. Signature events returning in 2023 include the Opening Ceremony co-presented with the Japan Foundation, the Blossom Kite Festival presented by Hilton, the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade presented by Events DC, Petalpalooza presented by Chase and the Tidal Basin Welcome Area & ANA Stage hosted with the National Park Service. You can also check out Petal Porches, City In Bloom decorations and art installations all over the city. The Opening Ceremony can be enjoyed in-person or via livestream; the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade will be broadcast nationally for those who cannot attend.
Local restaurants even get into the spirit with the Cherry Picks program, while DC-area hotels offer blossom-themed packages, deals and discounts.
Check the National Park Service's website for the latest information regarding health and safety protocols and updates about peak bloom. You can also visit the Festival's Bloom Watch page.
Read below for marquee events and make sure to check out our other cherry blossom content.
National Cherry Blossom Festival
The Pink Tie Dinner Party raises funds for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, ensuring events remain primarily free and open to the public. The elaborate cocktail party brings on the fun with lots of features: spring-inspired cuisine, a silent auction, live music and dancing. Tickets to this event are limited and guests must be 21 and over to attend.
National Cherry Blossom Festival
Petal Porches presented by Amazon asks participants to decorate their porches in cherry blossom style from March 20 through April 16. Residents can register now to add their homes to the Petal Porches map and participate in friendly decorating competitions for prizes. Festival-goers will be encouraged to #SpringItOn in DC by admiring Petal Porches across the area based on registered locations. For more information, including the official map of locations and registration details, visit the festival's website.
Custom cherry blossom public art sculptures will be placed at distinct locations all over the DC metro area as part of Art In Bloom presented by Amazon. The one-of-a-kind sculptures were designed by local artists and 2021 Festival Official Artist Patrick Guyton. Challenge your friends and family to discover all of them across the four-week celebration and make sure to post your poses with the pieces on social media using the hashtag #ArtInBloom. Check the Festival’s website for updates on the promotion.
National Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival and the Japan Foundation will join together to bring you an exciting in-person opening ceremony featuring performers from DC and Japan. The spectacle returns to the Warner Theatre. Early access to tickets to this epic spring celebration can be obtained by signing up for the festival's email list. The event will also be livestreamed on the festival's YouTube channel.
5-6:30 p.m. | More Info
Head to the Washington Monument grounds for this free kite-flying extravaganza, one of the most highly anticipated events of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The entire family can watch expert kite fliers from all over the world, whether enjoying the event near the Monument or at a featured park. More information is available on the Festival's website.
National Cherry Blossom Festival
Get ready for eight straight hours of free tunes, all-ages activities, a beer garden, interactive art installations and games, all capped off by fireworks along the banks of the Anacostia River. Get ready for a one-day neighborhood takeover with live music across multiple stages, interactive art installations, free family-friendly activities, a beverage garden, local cuisine, and more. Petalpalooza will take place at The Yards Park in Capitol Riverfront and is free for all ages to attend.
1-9 p.m. | More Info
Witness DC's grandest petal procession with the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade. Catch everything from giant helium balloons to elaborate floats to live musical performances. Enjoy prime performance viewing in the grandstand (tickets are $25-$30), or stand along the parade route – which runs for 10 blocks along Constitution Avenue NW – for free.
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The Sakura Matsuri, produced by the Japan-America Society of Washington DC, returns for two exciting days again this year. The event will present over 80 cultural groups, art vendors, food booths and dozens of hours of programming. You can also enjoy a Ginza Marketplace, popular Japan Now! Pavilion, a cosplay contest, sake tasting and more. This goes down on Pennsylvania Avenue from 3rd to 7th Streets NW.
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