Tag Archives: Best Cherry Blossom events for Families

March 16, 2023 · 9:25 am

The Best Activities & Events for Families During Cherry Blossom Season

 

We’re about to hit one of the best times of the year in DC: Cherry Blossom Season! Not only is the city at its prettiest when the famous flowers are in bloom, there are also loads of special events and activities to celebrate it. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, running March 18 – April 16 this year, presents all kinds of fun and enriching opportunities over several weeks, plus there are some blossom-inspired happenings that aren’t part of the official festivities. Here are the best of them for families to help plan for a peak experience. Happy Blossom Season!

Cherry Blossom Viewing
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Late March
Admission: Free
Viewing the cherry blossoms may just be the top thing to do during the season — and lots of people agree. The scenery really can’t get more iconic DC than the flowering trees around the Tidal Basin at their peak pink and white brilliance with our grand memorials in the background. However, viewing the famous blooms can be a bit challenging without being aware of a few things, so be sure to check out these KFDC tips before you go to see them. And view scenes from blooms past here, here and here.

PIXELBLOOM: Timeless Butterflies
Where: ARTECHOUSE | Southwest DC
When: Through June 5
Admission: $20-25/adult, $17/age 4-15, $72/family of 4
The exhibits at ARTECHOUSE often reflect the season in some way, and for the sixth year, they are highlighting spring by celebrating the cherry blossoms with a gorgeous digital exhibit that immerses you in blooms and butterflies. Floor to ceiling projections, plus interactive elements make this one beautiful, engaging, and delightful to experience! Get more of a glimpse of it here.

Help a Wishing Tree Grow
Where: Planet Word | Downtown DC
When: March 20 – April 16
Admission: Free, but passes required
During the cherry blossom season, Planet Word invites guests to help build a Wishing Tree. They can select a poem from a collection of poetry, write it on a slip of paper, and place it inside an origami paper petal ‘pocket’ that is adhered to the branches of the museum’s cherry blossom tree. At the end of the festival, the petals will be passed on to visitors in the museum as a symbol of friendship. Note that (free) passes are required for admission to the museum. Read more about Planet Word in this KFDC post.

Petal Porches
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Through April 16
Admission: Free
This newer tradition invites residents in DC and surrounding communities in MD and VA to decorate their front yards, porches, and windows to show their cherry blossom spirit during the Festival’s run. A digital map with the locations of all registered Petal Porches will be made available, so we can all get in on the fun and do some Petal Porch viewing!

A past petal “porch” on Capitol Hill

Art in Bloom
Where: Around DC
When: Through April 16
Admission: Free
View blossom inspired art all around the city! The Giant Cherry Blossom sculptures scattered in all eight wards last year will be back in permanent locations. Find a map of them here and make it a mission to see all of them during the season!

Cherry Blossom Programming for Children
Where: National Children’s Museum | Downtown DC
When: Select dates in March (see below)
Admission: $15
This spring, curiosity is in full bloom at National Children’s Museum. In celebration of the season and peak bloom, families can join the museum for the some STEAM programs inspired by the natural world. March 23 & 30: Blossom-themed STEAM Story Times. March 24: Baby Jam. March 26: Helicopter seeds launcher design and build challenge using recycled materials to learn about the aerodynamics of seed dispersal under the Museum’s main entrance awnings (free) + Haiku exploration and experimentation pop-up (included in Museum admission). Read more about the museum in this KFDC post.

Cultural Performances
Where: Tidal Basin Welcome Area
When: Select dates during peak bloom
Admission: Free
Catch live entertainment as you take in views of the blossoms! During the cherry blossom peak, there will be music and dance performances on a special stage set up at the Tidal Basin Welcome Area at a new location on West Basin Drive SW (between the Martin Luther King, Jr., and Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorials and near the Japanese Pagoda).  The National Park Service will offer Ranger talks, Bloomin’ Junior Ranger activities, and more.  The daily live performances on the ANA stage presented by All Nippon Airways will take place 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. and showcase a cross-cultural mix of American, Japanese and other performing arts celebrating 110 years since the gift of trees from Tokyo to Washington, DC. A full list of performers and performance schedules can be viewed here. 

Cherry Blossom Family Celebration
Where: American Art Museum | Penn Quarter, DC
When: March 25, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Join SAAM for their annual celebration of spring and the blooming trees of DC. Enjoy taiko drumming and traditional Japanese dance performances, and break out your best Japanese pop dance moves with Les the DJ. Craft your own cherry blossom trees to take home, make a kinobori kite to fly at the kite festival, or try your hand at an origami Sakura. And ascavenger hunt will add some extra fun to explore the galleries with a scavenger hunt and enjoy festive. Register in advance. See more about the museum in this KFDC post. Read more about the museum in this KFDC post.

Wizards Cherry Blossom Night
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: March 24, 7pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Whoop it up at a special cherry blossom-themed basketball game! See the Wizards take on the Spurs as part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Purchase tickets through this link to get a cherry blossom bucket hat.

Go with the Flow
Where: Local waterways
When: Starting mid-March
Admission: Rates vary
Get a new perspective of the blossoms and enjoy some outdoor recreation on a paddling excursion. Several boathouses will open during cherry blossom season, offering canoe, kayak, and other rentals to take you out on the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers and Tidal Basin, where you can see the blooming cherry trees from the water. This KFDC post has more information on where to go with the flow around DC.

Go fly a kite on the National Mall!

Blossom Kite Festival
Where: Washington Monument Grounds | National Mall, DC
When: March 26, 10am – 4:30pm
Admission: Free
The annual Blossom Kite Festival, a favorite for many during the blossom season, will be back!  And the sight of thousands of kites in all colors, shapes, and sizes soaring around the Washington Monument truly is a sight to behold. The sails you see flying at the Festival each spring range from simple to pretty darn creative. Dragons, sharks, butterflies, giant soccer balls, even some that look like big, beautiful origami works way outnumber your basic diamond. And anyone can go fly their kites, so plan to BYO. There’s a competition aspect to the event, too; expert kite enthusiasts will wow crowds with cool stunts, and prizes will be awarded to winners of various categories such as most beautiful, funniest, and aerodynamics. Note the date change from March 25 to March 26!

First Saturday
Where: National Gallery of Art | NationalMall, DC
When: April 1
Admission:
The NGA’s monthly series has a cherry blossom theme this time. In this installment, join the museum for kid’s films, create a floral collage, and make a custom-designed cherry blossom screenprint with local printmakers Soul and Ink. Then, enjoy pop-up musical performances and venture over to the Sculpture Garden for a tour of outdoor art installations.

Bloomaroo
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: April 1, 2-9pm
Admission: Free
Join The Wharf for Bloomaroo, a free spring extravaganza featuring a full day of cherry-blossom themed art, music, fireworks, and family-friendly fun along the waterfront! Enjoy beer gardens on District pier, s’mores at the firepit, and live music. It’ll all be capped it all off with a blossom fireworks finale.

Pink in the Pool
Where: Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness | Arlington, VA
When: April 1, 9am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate cherry blossom season at National Landing with morning activities for families.  Starting with Pink in the Pool, jump into a splash of pink at the Long Bridge Park Aquatics and Fitness Center. Families are invited to take a free swim and toss around pink beach balls. After a dip in the pool, continue the fun with kite and origami making, face painting, giveaways, sweet treats from Kona Ice, and tons of pink.  Free pool passes are required — reserve them here.

Into the Woods
Where: Frying Pan Farm Park | Centreville, VA
When: April 2 | 1pm, 1:30pm, & 2pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival with this free event at Frying Pan Farm Park. Trek on their nature trail to experience the changes of spring. Along the way, visit stations that are peppered throughout the trail to build a fairy house, discuss woodland creatures, and search for critters in the soil and water. Plan to enjoy Japanese teas at the historic Frying Pan Meeting House, too! Recommended for ages 5+.

Art Blooms at Mosaic
Where: Mosaic District | McLean, VA
When: April 1-2, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Welcome spring at the Mosaic District with a celebratory weekend featuring fun for all ages. Shop at the market, catch live entertainment and art exhibits, do some kids activities, sip on a cocktail while you stroll, and more!

Cherry Blossom Celebration Match
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: April 2, 7:45pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Support local sports and be a part of the Cherry Blossom Festival at once! DC United’s home match against Atlanta United will include cherry blossom-themed activations for fans, including cherry blossom sunglasses for the first 5k fans, along with the action on the pitch. Score tickets here.

Japanese Culture Day
Where: Library of Congress | Capitol Hill, DC
When: April 1, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
The Library of Congress is hosting a day of fun especially for kids to celebrate cherry blossom season.  All ages can learn about Japanese culture through reading, writing, and craft-making with Japanese cultural and linguistic professionals. Books related to Japan and Japanese culture will also be on display.Other activities include Kamishibai (Japanese storytelling), hands-on origami lessons, Japanese calligraphy, decorative Koinobori and Japanese woodblock print coloring, tiara making with cherry blossom princesses, Kimono trial, and more. Register here! And read more about the Library of Congress in his KFDC post.

Sakura Sunday
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Run, MD
When: April 2, 12-6pm
Admission: Free
Join National Harbor for their annual Sakura Sunday Festival. The celebration will feature cultural activities, including a Japanese market, art, music and dance performances, culinary delights, and much more! Read more about all there is to do at National Harbor here.

 

Racing Presidents sightings at the Cherry Blossom Parade

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
Where: Constitution Avenue, 7th – 17th St NW | Downtown DC
When: April 15, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
The pinnacle of cherry blossom festivities just might be the parade. Thousands of people line Constitution Avenue to watch the procession of lavish floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, and a variety of performers roll through the city. Tickets for grandstand seats are available for $25-40, but you can stake out a spot along the curb for free. Plan to arrive early to get a good view — the crowds come out for this one, especially if it’s a pretty spring day.

Sakura Matsuri
Where: Pennsylvania Ave, 3rd-7th St NW | Downtown DC
When: April 15-16, 10:30am – 6pm
Admission: $10-15/ages 13+, $50/family package, free/12 & under
Following the Cherry Blossom parade, head over to Sakura Matsuri, the Japanese Street Festival that is America’s largest exhibition of Japanese culture. The 61st annual event will feature live music and dance performances, all kinds of Asian and Western foods, martial arts demos, Japanese art, and more. And once again, it will be held over two days!  PS: Note that the family package for $50 includes 2 one-day entry tickets  (kids 12 & under are free), 2 kids T-shirts , 2 Omen masks for kids, and 2 Japanese Snacks .

Petalpalooza
Where: The Yards | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: April 16, 5-9pm
Admission: Free
Join the Capitol Riverfront community for Petalpalooza! The final big event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival will be a blast, with live music, art installations, a beer garden, and lots of family-friendly activities. Go for awhile or just stop by for a bit. The evening will cap off with a fireworks show over the Anacostia River.

 

Which events are you looking forward to this cherry blossom season?

 

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March 17, 2022 · 2:07 pm

Activities & Events Especially Great for Families this Cherry Blossom Season

 

 

Cherry blossom season is upon us, and it’s time to start getting ready for it! Because not only is the city at its prettiest when the beloved flowers are in bloom, there also are loads of special events and activities to celebrate it all. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, running March 20 – April 17 this year, presents all kinds of fun and enriching activities over a few weeks, plus there are even more blossom-inspired happenings that aren’t part of the official festivities. I’ve picked the best of them for families to help you plan for it all. Happy Blossom Season!

Cherry Blossom Viewing
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Late March
Admission: Free
Viewing the cherry blossoms may just be the top thing to do during the season — and lots of people agree. The scenery really can’t get more iconic DC than the flowering trees around the Tidal Basin at their peak pink and white brilliance with our grand memorials in the background. However, viewing the famous blooms can be a bit challenging without being aware of a few things, so be sure to check out these KFDC tips before you go to see them. And view scenes from blooms past here and here.

PIXELBLOOM
Where: ARTECHOUSE | Southwest DC
When: March 12 – June 5
Admission: $20-25/adult, $14/age 4-15, free/under 4
The exhibits at ARTECHOUSE often reflect the season in some way, and for the fifth year, they are highlighting spring by celebrating the cherry blossoms with a gorgeous digital exhibit that immerses you in the blooms. Floor to ceiling projections, plus interactive elements make this one beautiful, engaging, and fun to experience! Get more of a glimpse of it here.

Cherry Blossom Family Celebration
Where: American Art Museum | Penn Quarter, DC
When: March 19, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Join the Smithsonian American art Museum and the National Cherry Blossom Festival outside on the museum’s F Street plaza for a celebration of Japanese culture. A taiko drumming performance kicks off the day, followed by Les The DJ spinning Japanese pop, funk, and boogie beats and the Koto ensemble performing traditional Japanese dance.  Pick up a step-by-step cherry blossom craft kit to take home, and discover spring-themed artworks in SAAM’s galleries with a self-guided scavenger hunt designed for all ages. Read more about the museum in this KFDC post.

Petals porches from 2021

Petal Porches
Where: Around the DC Area
When: March 19 – April 17
Admission: Free
For the second year, residents in DC and surrounding communities in MD and VA were invited to decorate their front yards, porches, and windows to show their cherry blossom spirit during the Festival’s run. A digital map with the locations of all registered Petal Porches will be made available, so we can all get in on the fun and do some Petal Porch viewing!

Cultural Performances
Where: Tidal Basin Welcome Area
When: Weekends, March 19 – April 17
Admission: Free
Catch live entertainment as you take in views of the blossoms! During the cherry blossom peak, there will be music and dance performances on a special stage set up at the Tidal Basin Welcome Area at a new location on West Basin Drive SW (between the Martin Luther King, Jr., and Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorials and near the Japanese Pagoda).  The National Park Service will offer Ranger talks, Bloomin’ Junior Ranger activities, and more.  The daily live performances on the ANA stage presented by All Nippon Airways will take place 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. and showcase a cross-cultural mix of American, Japanese and other performing arts celebrating 110 years since the gift of trees from Tokyo to Washington, DC. A full list of performers and performance schedules can be viewed here. 

Art in Bloom
Where: Around DC
When: March 20 – April 17
Admission: Free
View blossom inspired art all around the city! The Giant Cherry Blossom sculptures scattered in all eight wards last year will be back in permanent locations. And April 1-17, a series of immersive installations, perfect for photo ops, will be displayed along the Petalpalooza Art Walk in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood.

Book Hill in Bloom
Where: Book Hill Area | Georgetown, DC
When: March 20 – April 17
Admission: Varies by activity
Georgetown is celebrating DC’s cherry blossom season with Book Hill in Bloom. More than 15 small businesses on upper Wisconsin Avenue are participating by decorating their storefronts with pink and cherry blossom-themed decorations, and offering special promotions. More events include an outdoor letterpress demonstration, and nearby the 10-acre Dumbarton Oaks estate offers some of DC’s most picturesque cherry tree-lined gardens and walkways.

Celebrate Spring
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: March 25 – April 3, 12-2pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate spring at the Home of the Cherry Blossoms! Everyday from March 25 through April 3, there will be cherry blossom-themed activations and specials to go with the amazing views of all the cherry blossom trees across the Washington Channel at East Potomac Park and the Tidal Basin.

Go with the Flow
Where: Local waterways
When: Starting mid-March
Admission: Rates vary
Get a new perspective of the blossoms and enjoy some outdoor recreation on a paddling excursion. Several boathouses will open during cherry blossom season, offering canoe, kayak, and other rentals to take you out on the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers and Tidal Basin, where you can see the blooming cherry trees from the water. This KFDC post has more information on where to go with the flow around DC.

Go fly a kite at the Washington Monument!

Blossom Kite Festival
Where: Washington Monument Grounds | National Mall, DC
When: March 26, 10am – 4:30pm
Admission: Free
The annual Blossom Kite Festival, a favorite for many during the blossom season, will be back!  And the sight of thousands of kites in all colors, shapes, and sizes soaring around the Washington Monument truly is a sight to behold. The sails you see flying at the Festival each spring range from simple to pretty darn creative. Dragons, sharks, butterflies, giant soccer balls, even some that look like big, beautiful origami works way outnumber your basic diamond. And anyone can go fly their kites, so plan to BYO. There’s a competition aspect to the event, too; expert kite enthusiasts will wow crowds with cool stunts, and prizes will be awarded to winners of various categories such as most beautiful, funniest, and aerodynamics.

Oxon Run Pinknic & Kite Fly
Where: Oxon Run Park | Anacostia, DC
When: March 27, 12-3pm
Admission: Free
For a smaller kite flying fest than the big one on the National Mall, head to Oxon Run Park in Anacostia, There will be kite programming, entertainment, and more in coordination with the Blossom Kite Festival.

Wizards Cherry Blossom Night
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: March 29, 7pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Whoop it up at a special cherry blossom-themed basketball game! See the Wizards take on the Chicago Bulls as part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. A limited number of tickets come with an exclusive co-branded cherry blossom t-shirt, and a portion of the proceeds supports year-round care for the iconic trees through the Trust for the National Mall.

Bloomaroo
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: April 2, 2-9pm
Admission: Free
Join The Wharf for Bloomaroo, their local version of Bonaroo.  They’ll be celebrating the cherry blossoms with a  free spring festival full of art, music, and family-friendly fun along the waterfront!  Enjoy beer gardens on the pier, a pop-up roller rink, photo ops, s’mores at the firepit, and live music on all three of our outdoor stages. A fireworks finale will cap off the day.

Spring Gardening Program
Where: National Children’s Museum | Downtown DC
When: April 2
Admission: $15.95
In celebration of this year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival, the museum will make and decorate plant pots using recycled newspaper and folding techniques inspired by the Japanese origami art form. Then, Dreamers will plant a seed in their pot and take it home to continue to care for it. Recommended for ages 3+. Included with admission, so plan to explore the rest of the museum full of STEAM-inspired exhibits and stations that kids will dig — read more about it all.

Into the Woods
Where: Frying Pan Farm Park | Centreville, VA
When: April 2 | 1pm, 1:30pm, & 2pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival with this free event at Frying Pan Farm Park. Trek on their nature trail to experience the changes of spring. Along the way, visit stations that are peppered throughout the trail to build a fairy house, discuss woodland creatures, and search for critters in the soil and water. Plan to enjoy Japanese teas at the historic Frying Pan Meeting House, too! Recommended for ages 5+.

Art Blooms at Mosaic
Where: Mosaic District | McLean, VA
When: April 2-3, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Welcome spring at the Mosaic District with a celebratory weekend featuring fun for all ages. Shop at the market, catch live entertainment and art exhibits, do some kids activities, enjoy a pop-up beer garden, and more!

Cherry Blossom Celebration Match
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: April 2, 7:45pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Support local sports and be a part of the Cherry Blossom Festival at once! DC United’s home match against Atlanta United will include cherry blossom-themed activations for fans, including cherry blossom sunglasses for the first 5k fans, along with the action on the pitch. Score tickets here.

Sakura Sunday
Where: National Harbor | Oxon RUn, MD
When: April 3, 12-6pm
Admission: Free
Join National Harbor for their annual Sakura Sunday Festival. The celebration will feature cultural activities, including a Japanese market, art, music and dance performancs, culinary delights, and much more! Read more about all there is to do at National Harbor here.

Japanese Culture Day
Where: Library of Congress | Capitol Hill, DC
When: April 9, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
The Library of Congress is hosting a day of fun especially for kids to celebrate cherry blossom season.  All ages are welcome to learn about Japanese culture through reading, writing, and craft-making with Japanese cultural and linguistic professionals during the Library’s Japanese Culture day. Books related to Japan and Japanese culture will also be on display. Special highlights include a Japanese drum presentation by Miyako Taiko led by Mark Rooney (outside on the Plaza) and a karate demonstration by Tsuyoshi Takemori from D.C. Yamato-juku Club in the Great Hall.  Register here!

See Racing Presidents rolling down Constitution Ave at the annual parade

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
Where: Constitution Avenue, 7th – 17th St NW | Downtown DC
When: April 9, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
The pinnacle of cherry blossom festivities just might be the parade. Thousands of people line Constitution Avenue to watch the procession of lavish floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, and a variety of performers roll through the city. Tickets for grandstand seats are available for $25-40, but you can stake out a spot along the curb for free. Plan to arrive early to get a good view — the crowds come out for this one, especially if it’s a pretty spring day.

Sakura Matsuri
Where: Pennsylvania Ave, 3rd-7th St NW | Downtown DC
When: April 9-10, 10:30am – 6pm
Admission: $10-15/ages 13+, $50/family package, free/12 & under
Following the Cherry Blossom parade, head over to Sakura Matsuri, the Japanese Street Festival that is America’s largest exhibition of Japanese culture. The 60th annual event will feature live music and dance performances, all kinds of Asian and Western foods, martial arts demos, Japanese art, and more. Even better, this year it will be held over two days!

Cherry Blossom Jubilee
Where: Torpedo Factory | Old Town Alexandria, VA
When: April 10, 12-3pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the Cherry Blossoms on the other side of the Potomac, too! Head to the heart of Alexandria for cherry blossom-themed activities and other events at the Torpedo Factory, the wonderful riverfront arts center. The fun kicks off with a live performance by taiko drum group Nen Daiko on the Waterfront side. Afterward, view the Art Center-wide exhibition of cherry blossom-inspired works by resident artists and galleries while enjoying music and live art demonstrations from participating TFAC artists.

Blossoms & Baseball
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: April 10, 1:35pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Nats will get in on the National Cherry Blossom Festival celebration during their opening series against the Mets. A cherry blossom celebration is scheduled for the Saturday afternoon match-up. Details are still TBA, but check back soon for more info!

Anacostia River Festival
Where: Anacostia Park | Southeast DC
When: April 10, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
The annual Anacostia River Festival is a premier event of the 2022 National Cherry Blossom Festival. This year enjoy a series of musical performances, including the sights and sounds of Go-Go music, local drum lines, and military bands. Along with live music, the Festival will feature pre-registered and socially distant river activities such as canoeing and fishing along the Anacostia River.  Sign up here!

Petalpalooza
Where: The Yards | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: April 16, 5-9pm
Admission: Free
Join the Capitol Riverfront community for Petalpalooza! The final big event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival will be a blast, with live music, art installations, a beer garden, and lots of family-friendly activities. Go for awhile or just stop by for a bit. The evening will cap off with a fireworks show over the Anacostia River.

Art in Bloom on Capitol Hill last spring

 

 

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March 9, 2020 · 9:00 am

Activities & Events for Families During Cherry Blossom Season (2020)


UPDATE: Due to the coronavirus, the National Cherry Blossom Festival and just about all other events have been canceled. You can still try view them, but use good judgement doing so.

Cherry blossom season is almost upon us, and it’s time to start getting ready for it! Because not only is the city at its prettiest when the beloved flowers are in bloom, there also are loads of special events and activities to celebrate it all. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, running March 20 – April 12 this year, presents all kinds of fun and enriching activities over a few weeks, plus there are even more blossom-inspired happenings that aren’t part of the official festivities. I’ve picked the best of them for families to help you plan for a peak experience. Happy Spring!

Cherry Blossom Viewing
Where: Around the DMV
When: Late March
Admission: Free
Viewing the cherry blossoms may just be the top thing to do during the season — and lots of people agree. The scenery really can’t get more iconic DC than the flowering trees around the Tidal Basin at their peak pink and white brilliance with our grand memorials in the background. However, viewing the famous blooms can be a bit challenging without being aware of a few things, so be sure to check out these KFDC tips before you go to see them. And view scenes from last year’s bloom here.

STORYTIME: Under the Cherry Blossom Tree CANCELLED!
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: March 11, 10-11am & March 15 & 22, 11am – 12pm
Admission: Free
In celebration of cherry blossoms, join the Hirhshorn for a read aloud of Under the Cherry Blossom Tree by Allen Say. Take a close look at the museum’s lobby’s tables, created by artist Hiroshi Sugimoto using a 700-year-old nutmeg tree, then create your own tree- and blossom-inspired works.

Hanami: Beyond the Blooms
Where: ARTECHOUSE | Southwest DC
When: March 13 – May 25
Admission: $16-20/adult, $8-10/child
ARTECHOUSE introduces a new exhibit every season, and it’s only apropos that its spring offering highlights the cherry blossoms. Hanami: Beyond the Blooms “pushes the limits of the cherry blossom experience, inviting visitors to enter an immersive world of spring re-imagined. Now an annual tradition, ARTECHOUSE’s cherry blossom-inspired installation continues to celebrate springtime and women in the arts and tech.” Look for a KFDC review of it soon!

Cultural Performances CANCELLED!
Where: Tidal Basin Welcome Area
When: Weekends, March 21 – April 12
Admission: Free
Catch live entertainment as you take in views of the blossoms! On weekends during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, there will be music and dance performances on a special stage set up at the Tidal Basin Welcome Area. A highlight will be the Miyako Takio Takeover Saturday on March 28 from 11am to 6pm.

Cherry Blossom Celebration CANCELLED!
Where: American Art Museum | Penn Quarter, DC
When: March 21, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Join SAAM and the National Cherry Blossom Festival for a celebration of Japanese culture. A taiko drumming performance kicks off the day, followed by Les The DJ spinning Japanese pop, funk, and boogie beats and the Koto Ensemble performing traditional Japanese dance. Enjoy face painting, make cherry blossom crafts, and go on an art scavenger hunt throughout the exhibition Chiura Obata: American Modern in the first-floor galleries. 

Japanese Fashion Family Day CANCELLED!
Where: GWU & Textile Museum | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: March 21, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Japanese fashion during cherry blossom season this spring. Join the Textile Museum & George Washington University museum for a family day featuring kimono, happi coats, accessories, and the creative shapes of contemporary Japanese fashion designers. Enjoy dance performances of Eisaa and Ryubu traditional dances from Okinawa. See a demonstration for how to dress in a kimono and take the opportunity to design one of your own. Make a cherry blossom pendant to take home. And enjoy family-friendly tours of the Japanese artwork on display in Delight in Discovery: The Global Collections of Lloyd Cotsen. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience a museum that usually may be a bit sophisticated for little ones!

Go with the Flow
Where: Local waterways
When: Starting mid-March
Admission: Rates vary
Get a new perspective of the blossom and enjoy a fun activity on a paddling excursion. Many boathouses will open around the same time the National Cherry Blossom Festival begins, offering canoe, kayak, and other rentals to take you out on the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers and Tidal Bason, where you can see the blooming cherry trees from the water. This KFDC post has more information on where to go with the flow around DC.

River Cruisin’
Where: Local waterways
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by tour operator
Enjoy blossom filled scenery from the comfort of a cruise on the Potomac. Several companies offer boat rides along the river, many of them specifically for the season when the cherry trees are in bloom. Right now you can find great deals with Washington Marina National Ferry Corp, Boomerang Boat Tours, and Capitol River Cruises. Potomac Riverboat Company and DC Water Taxi are a couple more to check out.

Last year’s cherry blossom inspired exhibit at ARTECHOUSE

STORYTIME: The Tiny Seed CANCELLED!
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: March 25, 10-11am
Admission: Free
Join the Hirshhorn for a special STORYTIME, their regular program for littles, and join them to celebrate spring with the journey of a tiny seed. Take a close look at the round bronze sculptures of Spatial Concept: Nature by Lucio Fontana, and read-aloud The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle. Then, explore how plants move and change throughout their life cycle. Following the story, children will participate in a hands-on art activity.

Cherry Blossom Night with the Washington Wizards CANCELLED!
Where: Capitol One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: March 25, 7pm
Admission: Tickets start at $19
Celebrate the cherry blossom season with the Wizards and some basketball as they take on the Phoenix Suns! Each ticket purchased through this link comes with a limited edition Wizards Cherry Blossom t-shirt. In addition first 10,000 fans entering the arena will receive a Rui Hachimura Cherry Blossom inspired bobblehead!

Blossom Kite Festival CANCELLED!
Where: Washington Monument Grounds | National Mall, DC
When: March 28, 10am – 4:30pm
Admission: Free
The annual Blossom Kite Festival is a favorite for many during the blossom season. The sight of thousands of kites in all colors, shapes, and sizes soaring around the Washington Monument truly is a sight to behold. The sails you see flying at the Festival each spring range from simple to pretty darn creative. Dragons, sharks, butterflies, giant soccer balls, even some that look like big, beautiful origami works way outnumber your basic diamond. And anyone can go fly their kites, so BYO or make one there at an activity station. There’s a competition aspect to the event, too; expert kite enthusiasts will wow crowds with cool stunts, and prizes will be awarded to winners of various categories such as most beautiful, funniest, and aerodynamics.

Cherry Blossom Celebration CANCELLED!
Where: Freer|Sackler Gallery | National Mall, DC
When: March 28, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the season at the museum dedicated to Asian art! At this special event, explore Japanese art and culture through musical performances, making art, and taking a tour of Hokusai: Mad about Painting and Meeting Tessai. Try Japanese bookmaking, listen to taiko drumming, and then join the kite festival right outside on the National Mall. Japanese-inspired food and drink will be available for purchase.

Into the Woods
Where: Frying Pan Farm Park | Centreville, VA
When: March 28, 11am – 1:30pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the cherry blossoms at the farm park! Hike the nature trail to experience the changes of spring. Visit stations peppered throughout the trail to build a fairy house, help tally migratory and year round resident birds, and search for critters in the soil and water. Enjoy Japanese teas at the historic Frying Pan Meeting House, too. Stop by the Indoor Arena first for a map and instructions.

Cherry Blossom STEM Day
Where: Children’s Science Center Lab | Fairfax, VA
When: March 29, 10am – 6pm
Admission: $13
Celebrate the Cherry Blossom Festival with a twist of STEM! Visitors can learn more about the special flower and festival through hands-on activities and experiments inspired by the cherry blossom throughout the entire Lab. Read more about the Children’s Science Center Lab in this KFDC post.

Cuenta-Cuentos: STORYTIME in Spanish CANCELLED!
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: March 29, 11am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Join a special STORYTIME in Spanish and inspired the season! Celebrate spring with a close look at the round bronze sculptures Spatial Concept: Nature by Lucio Fontana, and a reading of The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle. Then, explore how plants move and change throughout their life cycle. Following the story, children will participate in a hands-on art activity.

Cherry Blossom Night at DC United
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: April 3, 7pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Support local sports and be a part of the Cherry Blossom Festival at once! DC United’s home match against New York City FC will include cherry blossom-themed activations, activities, and celebrations for fans along with the action on the pitch. Score tickets here.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade CANCELLED!
Where: Constitution Avenue, 7th – 17th St NW | Downtown DC
When: April 4, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
The pinnacle of cherry blossom festivities just might be the parade. Thousands of people line Constitution Avenue every year to watch the procession of lavish floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, and a variety of performers roll through the city. Tickets for grandstand seats are available for $20, but you can stake out a spot along the curb for free. Plan to arrive early to get a good view — the crowds come out for this one, especially if it’s a pretty spring day.

See Racing Presidents rolling down Constitution Ave at the annual parade

Sakura Matsuri
Where: Pennsylvania Ave, 3rd-7th St NW | Downtown DC
When: April 4, 10:30am – 6pm
Admission: $10/ages 13+, free/12 & under
Following the Cherry Blossom parade, many folks head over to Sakura Matsuri, the Japanese Street Festival that is America’s largest one-day exhibition of Japanese culture. The 60th annual event will feature live music and dance performances, all kinds of Asian and Western foods, martial arts demos, Japanese art, and more. Be prepared for a crowd.

Bloomaroo
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: April 4, 2-9pm
Admission: Free
Join The Wharf for Bloomaroo, their local version of Bonaroo, where they’ll be celebrating the cherry blossoms with a full day of art, music, and family-friendly fun along the waterfront! If you want to make this a special adult experience with food and drinks included, VIP tickets are available for $55. Read more about The Wharf in this KFDC post.

Art Blooms at Mosaic
Where: Mosaic District | McLean, VA
When: April 4 & 5, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The 2nd annual Art Blooms at Mosaic is celebratory weekend with fun for all ages. Do some shopping at the market, catch live entertainment and art exhibits, do some kids activities, enjoy a pop-up beer garden & wine patio, snap pics at selfie stations, join a free yoga session, and much more!

Sakura Sunday
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: April 5, 11am – 8pm
Admission: Free
National Harbor’s Sakura Sunday is an official event of the 2020 National Cherry Blossom Festival — and a taste of the traditional Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan! The day’s activities include a traditional Japanese picnic, unique Japanese market, foods of Japan, Japanese music & entertainment, and a sake, beer & rose garden!

Anacostia River Festival
Where: Anacostia Park | Southeast DC
When: April 5, 1-5pm
Admission: Free
The 6th annual Anacostia River Festival is a premier event of the 2020 National Cherry Blossom Festival. This year will feature an artist market, special performances, and activities that include boating, hands-on art projects, musical performances, and other unique programs engaging families with the river, its history, and ecology.

Blossoms & Baseball
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: April 6
Admission: Ticket price vary
The Nats are getting in on the Cherry Blossom festivities again this year with a petal-packed, pink takeover of Nationals Park as they host the Marlins. A portion of ticket proceeds from the game will also benefit the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Japanese Culture Day
Where: Library of Congress | Capitol Hill, DC
When: April 11, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Children of all ages and their families can learn about Japanese culture through reading, writing, and craft-making with Japanese cultural and linguistic professionals. Japanese-related books will be on display, and a special highlight of the day is “Japan-In-A-Suitcase,” an inspiring program about Japanese life and culture. Other activities include Japanese drum music and dance performances, instructions on the art of tiara-making by former Cherry Blossom princesses, origami artwork lessons, decorative Konobori coloring, and the kimono dress-up experience. Children can also explore the Library’s Young Readers Center, which is full of current and classic children’s literature — read more about it here.

Petalpalooza
Where: The Yards | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: April 11, 12-9:30pm
Admission: Free
Join the Capitol Riverfront community for Petalpalooza! It’s the first time the event will be held in neighborhood, and it should be a blast. The event will celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival with live music, art installations, a beer garden, and lots of family-friendly activities. Plan to go for awhile, or just stop by for a bit. The day will cap off with a fireworks show over the Anacostia River.

Ikebana Demonstrations
Where: National Arboretum | Northeast DC
When: April 11 & 12, 10am – 1:30pm
Admission: Free
Enjoy spring flowers with a Japanese twist! The Washington DC Chapter of Ikebana International is co-hosting four different Ikebana masters. Each master represents a different school and and will highlight the characteristics of their school. Demonstrations will be held in the Auditorium of the Visitor Center and are free to attend.


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April 11, 2019 · 5:34 pm

The Weekend Round-Up: April 12-14

Do a little dancing in Annmarie Sculpture Garden’s lovely Fairy Lolly at their annual festival




As this goes live, the forecast looks a little stormy for the weekend, so there’s a chance some events might be postponed or canceled. I’ll keep you posted the best I can — the KFDC Facebook Page is the best place to stay updated — but it’ll be a good idea to check websites or call ahead, especially for outdoor events. Rain or shine, Happy Weekend!

Eggcellent Adventures
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Egg hunts, Easter bunny visits, and more spring fun to celebrate Easter and the season have started around the area. Even if you’re not big on the holiday, there are attractions beyond bunnies and candy-filled eggs that will have the whole fam hopping with joy. Find a list of them to plan for it all here0..

Baseball (+ Bobblehead!)
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Root for the home team as the Nats host the Pittsburgh Pirates this weekend. Be sure to check out special promos — Friday is the Juan Soto Bobblehead giveaway (first 25,000 fans), Saturday they’ll recognize the year-round charitable work of the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation in the local community by selling Myster Grab Bags in the Center Field Plaza. And on Sunday, little fans can run the bases after the game! Don’t forget to sign up ages 4-12 for the Jr. Nationals Kids Club and check these KFDC tips on how to save on a day at the ballpark.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
Where: Constitution Avenue, 7th – 17th St NW | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
The Cherry Blossom Festival comes to a close after this weekend, but there are still several events taking place to celebrate the season — the biggest the annual parade. Thousands of people line Constitution Avenue every year to watch the procession of lavish floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, and a variety of performers roll through the city. Tickets for grandstand seats are available for $20, but you can stake out a spot along the curb for free. Plan to arrive early to get a good view — the crowds come out for this one, especially if it’s a pretty spring day.

Sakura Matsuri
Where: Pennsylvania Ave, 3rd-7th St NW | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 10:30am – 6pm
Admission: $10/ages 13+, free/12 & under
Following the Cherry Blossom parade, many folks head over to Sakura Matsuri, the Japanese Street Festival that is America’s largest one-day exhibition of Japanese culture. The 59th annual event will feature live music and dance performances, all kinds of Asian and Western foods, martial arts demos, Japanese art, and more. Be prepared for a crowd.

Auto Focus
Where: Washington Convention Center
When: Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: $12/adults, $5/ages 6-12, free for 5 and under
The 2019 Washington Auto Show is in its second and final weekend. If there’s any “grown-up” event that is equally fun for all ages, this is it. More than 700 cars and trucks are on display for guests to check out. And especially for kids will be appearances by some of their favorite characters along with the auto-fun. See this post from last year and this one from earlier KFDC days years ago for more about the event.

Cherokee Days Festival
Where: American Indian Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Friday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The National Museum of the American Indian celebrates Cherokee history during the sixth annual Cherokee Days Festival. Three days of festivities include the installation of the original Treaty of New Echota (1835) with the Cherokee Nation, two banner exhibitions “The Cherokee Culture” and “A Story of Cherokee Removal,” and a festival full of cultural demonstrations and performances. Storytelling, traditional flute playing, weaponry, wood carving, beadwork, traditional games, basket weaving, pottery demonstrations, plus music and dance performances will showcase the culture and life-ways of the Cherokee.

NSA Family Day
Where: National Academy of Sciences | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 10am -4pm
Admission: Free
Take the whole fam o this special Family Day with the National Academy of Science… Head to DecisionTown in the World of Genomics — where your choices matter! Visit to see how the decisions you make every day are influenced by science, engineering, and medicine. Each stop in town, more than 17 in all, offers a different activity centered on an issue facing DecisionTown as it plans for the future. Complete several activities and become a DecisionTown Citizen at Town Hall and receive special giveaway prizes. Visit the website for more details about this program geared for ages 3 and up.

Dog Days Bloom Festival
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: $10/adult, $8/child
Great Country Farms is going to the dogs! Bring your furry friend for a day that is all about them.
Watch competition-level canines from Appalachian Air Canines fetch Frisbee’s and novice and veteran competitors can join in on the fun! Meet vendors with specialty pet products, receive training tips and lessons, and compete in our Doggy Olympics for prizes! Our beer and wine garden will be open serving Dirt Farm Brewing beer and Bluemont Vineyard wine. All dogs must remain on a leash sporting their finest rabies certification tag. Please bring a water bowl to keep Fido hydrated, and pick up whatever they leave behind.
After a fun day on the farm, bring your dog up to Bluemont Vineyard for their Dog Days Yappy Hour!

More Show Time
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by performance
* Join Winnie the Pooh and friends at Adventure Theatre.
* Take tweens and older to see The Me I Want to Sing at the Kennedy Center
* Squirrel Stole My Underpants will bring puppet entertainment to BlackRock Center for the Arts
* Jack and the Beanstalk is current Main Stage production at The Puppet Co.
* Bunny Business is the featured Tiny Tots performance at The Puppet Co. on Saturday.
* Aquarium is on the Imagination Stage.
* Spend Saturday morning with The Great Zucchini at Jammin Java.
* Venture Into the Woods at Ford’s Theatre.

Into The Woods
Where: Frying Pan Farm Park | Herndon, VA
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 1:30pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the season trekking on Frying Pan’s nature trail to experience the changes of spring. Visit stations peppered throughout the trail to build a fairy house, help tally migratory and year round resident birds, and search for critters in the soil and water. Enjoy Japanese teas at the historic Frying Pan Meeting House. Stop by the Indoor Arena first for a map and instructions.

Family Day
Where: NMAAHC | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 2m
Admission: Free
Head to the National Museum of African American History and Culture for a Family Day inspired by the Museum’s first children’s book, A is for All the Things You Are: A Joyful ABC Book written by Anna Forgerson Hindley and illustrated by Keturah A. Bodo. Drop -in activities will be available on the 2nd floor throughout the day for children ages 0-8 will include “All the Things I Am!”- inspired Art Making, plus Story Time in the library – kids can celebrate all the things that make them special by joining an interactive and empowering story time — held at 11:30am, 12:30pm, and 1:30pm, readings last approximately 20 minutes, and a new book will be read at each story time. Registration is encouraged.

Root (root, root) for the Baysox
Where: Prince George’s Stadium | Landover, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Nats aren’t the only baseball team in town. The Bowie Baysox, one of the local minor league teams, are hosting the Harrisburg Senators all weekend, and there’s always extra fun and games especially for kids — read more about Baysox games in this KFDC post. And a head’s up that Sunday is Kids Opening Day with pony rides, a petting zoo, and more special treats for young fans.

Wheaton Family Theatre Festival
Where: Highland Elementary School | Wheaton, MD
When: Saturday, 11am – 12pm
Admission: Free
InterAct Story Theatre’s Season Four of Wheaton Family Theatre Festival welcomes Marian Licha on Saturday with a morning of stories and music for kids and families! The performance is free and open to the public (¡GRATIS y abierto al público!) — no need to reserve tickets, just drop in and join the fun! Recommended for ages 3 and up.

Washington Improv Theater Presents: The NitWITs
Where: Source Theater, 1835 14th St. NW
When: Saturday, 11am 
Admission: Free 
Every NitWITs show is a high-energy, unique theater experience for families. You’ve never seen anything like it before and you’ll never see anything like it again…because it is all made up right on the spot with the help of your suggestions. Audience members guide the cast in making up spontaneous stories and playing fun theater games in a family-friendly, relaxed atmosphere. This show is recommended for ages 6 and up and lasts about an hour. Reserve a free ticket here.

Milling Day
Where : Peirce Mill | Rock Creek Park, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Families can see a 200-year-old grist mill in action and learn how a water wheel and giant gears turn corn into cornmeal. Children can also celebrate the new season by planting seeds and making birds’ nests up at the barn, and by looking for signs of spring in the orchard. Read more about Peirce Mill in this KFDC post.

Cherry Blossom Ballet Performance
Where: National Arboretum | Northeast DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate spring with The Washington Ballet at the National Arboretum. Enjoy cherry blossom inspired performances every half hour from 11am – 2pm on Saturday. Meet and take photos with some of the dancers, do a craft, and learn about The Washington School of Ballet. Families may also want to visit the Ikebana International Exhibit and Kids Class that day. Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arranging.

Arlington Palooza
Where: Alcova Heights Park | Arlington, VA
When: Saturday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
Join the Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation for a day full of free fun at the third annual Arlington Palooza. The outdoor program will have inflatables, crafts, lawn games, live music, food trucks, face painting, and community exhibitors for all to enjoy!

John Wilmerding Community Celebration
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
This Community Celebration marks the opening of Oliver Lee Jackson: Recent Paintings with a program that weaves the rich sounds, rhythms, and colors of jazz with visual art. Activities include in-gallery exploration, art making, and live performances. In conjunction with the community day, visitors are invited to view a specially installed photo mural at 7th Street and Madison Drive NW that celebrates the extraordinary diversity of Washington, D.C. Made possible by a grant from the Alice L. Walton Foundation.

Happy Birthday to the Bard!
Where: Folger Shakespeare Library | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Sunday, 12pm
Admission: Free
‘Tis Shakespeare’s 455th birthday, and the Folger Shakespeare Library is celebrating with its annual Open House on Sunday afternoon. In true Renaissance fashion, there will be song and dance, Elizabethan crafts, theatrical performances (including puppets for little ones), sword fighting demos, special tours, a giant birthday cake, an appearance by Queen Elizabeth I , and even more. The free event takes place rain or shine. Food trucks will be stationed in Puck’s Circle. The Folger Shakespeare Library is located at 201 East Capitol Street SE. Read more about the Folger in this KFDC post.

Fairy & Gnome Home Festival
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Lusby, MD
When: Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: $7, free for member and under 2
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This annual festival at one of the most enchanting places will delight the whole family — and we know from experience. Festivities are scattered throughout the beautiful grounds, creating a charming journey of discovery for young (and young at heart) guests. Journey through magical realms including the Fairy Lolly, Stone Story Circle, Bubblelandia, Gnomeville, Treetopia, and more. Build your own fairy house or gnome home, make-n-take activities, and engage in a variety of imaginative activities! Visit the website for specifics. And read more about Annmarie Sculpture Garden and get a glimpse in this KFDC post and this one.

Rumpus Room
Where: Black Cat | 14th Street NW, DC
When: Sunday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: $12/advance, $15/day of
DC’s only daytime dance party for families returns! Prepare for a dance floor filled with little ones, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and caregivers. The soundtrack for Rumpus Room is always a family-friendly mix of popular dance hits, classics, children’s songs and more, all at a kid-friendly volume.
Rumpus Room is designed for kids 8 and under, but older siblings are welcome! No adults are permitted without a child. Maximum 3 children per adult. Infants/crawling children enter free!

Sakura Sunday
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Sunday, 11am – 8pm
Admission: Free
This year, National Harbor will be joining the DC region in the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival. Sakura Sunday will feature a wide array of fincluding traditional Japanese picnicking with food available for sale; a sake, rosé and beer garden; a Japanese Market; and Japanese-inspired music and entertainment. Restaurants and retailers will also participate in special offers and a cherry blossom store display window competition, and The Capital Wheel will turn pink during the festival. Muse Paintbar will feature cherry blossom art classes and a live painting demonstration as well.

Sesame Street Singalong
Where: Nordstrom | Tyson’s Corner, VA
When: Sunday, 11:15am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Join a free sing-a-long sponsored by Sesame Street Live! Recommended for children ages 0-8, enjoy live music, including some Sesame Street songs. Save $5 on tickets to the sponsor’s show, Sesame Street Live! at Eagle Bank Arena in Fairfax May 4-5 with offer code BABYJAM at Ticketmaster.com.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Starting this weekend through May 3, enjoy free performances by The Washington Ballet every Friday evening on the Plaza at CityCenter.
* If you’re looking for a last minute activity (and coverage) for kids during Spring Break, check out DC Way Soccer Camp!
* Washingtonian magazine has good recommendations for Easter brunch around the area.
* Stellina Pizzeria just opened in the Union Market area and it’s molto buono!
* This is one of my favorite Instagram accounts.
* The documentary The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley about Elizabeth Holmes and Theronos is fascinating. (I’ve heard the book is even better, isn’t it always?)
* The cherry blossom peak is winding down, but there are several other great flower blooms ahead!

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Filed under 2019, All ages, Annual, DC, Free, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Outdoor, Seasonal, Sports, Spring, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend

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April 4, 2019 · 6:01 pm

The Weekend Round-Up: April 5-7

The cherry blossom peak is so sublime, it’s worth braving the crowds to see them (imo)



Happy Weekend!

Peak DC
Where: Several Locations
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
The city is at its prettiest as the cherry trees are in bloom, and they should still be brightening up the landscape this weekend. The National Mall and Tidal Basin are sure to be teeming with blossom oglers, but braving the crowds is worth it, in my opinion. If you’re planning to partake in the peak experience over the next couple of days (or anytime, for that matter), be sure to check out these tips for viewing the beloved flowers before you go.

Auto Focus
Where: Washington Convention Center | Mount Vernon Square, DC
When: Friday, 12-10pm; Saturday, 10am -10pm; Sunday 10am – 7pm
Admission: $12/adult, $5/age 6-12, free/5 & under
The annual Washington Auto Show has zoomed back into town. And if there’s any “grown-up” event that is equally fun for all ages, this is it. The Auto Show is like a Truck Touch, but with automobiles — hundreds of them — on display for guests to check out. Other activities like Ride ‘n Drives and celeb appearances give guests even more to do and see. There will also be fun especially for kids, including a Family Fun Zone and photo ops with some of their favorite characters along with the sweet rides. The show will be in town through April 14. This post with scenes from last year’s event and this one about of our experiences at a past show has more about what to expect.

Baseball Opening Day Family Festival
Where: National Postal Museum | Union Station Area, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Baseball season has begun, but you don’t have to go to the ballpark to celebrate it this weekend. On Saturday, the National Postal Museum is hosting a fun-filled family festival to kick off the MLB season as well as the one-year countdown until the opening of their exhibition Baseball: America’s Home Run. Join them for all kinds of baseball-inspired activities — all for free!

Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Family Day
Where: Smithsonian American Ary Museum | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Visit the Kogod Courtyard and explore how orchids have adapted to variable habitats. Join experts from Smithsonian Gardens, the U.S. Botanic Garden, SAAM, and the National Portrait Gallery (NPG) to celebrate Orchids: Amazing Adaptations. Make a paper orchid while learning about what makes an orchid different from other flowers. See how orchids adapt to their homes and explore homes in various forms in the collections of the American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. Then make orchid-inspired art while learning about what makes an orchid unique.

Fairies in the Garden
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden
When: Friday/Saturday/Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Admission: $5/adult, $4/senior, $3/child
Annmarie’s magicalicious exhibit of fairy and gnome houses opens this weekend. As if the sculpture garden near Solomons, MD, wasn’t already wonderful, this annual display adds extra delight to a visit there with more than 75 handmade fairy and gnome homes scattered throughout the grounds. Visit the Arts Building to borrow a costume (or purchase one in the Gift Shop) to get into the fanciful spirit, grab a guide, and start your journey to locate them all. Read more about Annmarie Sculpture Garden and get a glimpse in this KFDC post and this one.

Reading of The Undefeated
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: Free
Join poet and educator Kwame Alexander who will share inspiration and read excerpts from his newly released picture book The Undefeated. Originally performed for ESPN’s website The Undefeated, this illustrated poem is a love letter to black life in the United States. With references to lyrics and lines originally shared by our most celebrated heroes, Martin Luther King Jr., Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, and others, the work offers deeper insights into the accomplishments of the past, while bringing stark attention to the endurance and spirit of those surviving and thriving in the present. The Undefeated brings together race, sports, culture, and art. Kwame Alexander will be joined in conversation with artist Kadir Nelson. For ages 8+.

Egg Hunt & Marshmallow Harvest
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: April 6-7, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $10/child, $12/adult at the gate
After a long cold winter, nothing chases away the chill like a visit to the farm. Head to Great Country for the first “crop” of the spring– Marshmallow Picking! Do marshmallow peeps grow on trees? Be sure to check it out and harvest a few to roast on the bonfire with Farmer Bob. You can even purchase a s’mores kit to melt away that chocolate craving. Guests can also help find Easter Bunny eggs during egg hunts (by age – see the schedule) with over 20,000 treat-filled eggs. Plan to visit spring chicks and baby animals, check out the spring plantings in the greenhouse, take a hayride and rejoice in the new season. Don’t forget to bring your camera for photo ops with the Easter Bunny. Buy advance tickets online for only $10/adult — visit the website to purchase, and look for the schedule of events there, too.

More Eggcellent Celebrations
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by event
Egg hunts, bunny visits, and more fun to celebrate Easter and the season are happening all around the area. Even if you’re not big on the holiday, there are attractions beyond bunnies and candy-filled eggs for your whole gang. This weekend, enjoy loads of festivities at Ticonderoga Farm, join a Fabergé Egg Family Festival, or go on an Easter treasure hunt. Find details on these and more upcoming events in this round-up of Easter-inspired celebrations.

Shake Up Your Saturday
Where: Folger Shakespeare Library | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free, but registration required
Shake up your Saturday with a workshop at the Folger! These programs occurring on the first Saturday of every month encourage families to experience Shakespeare’s language together. During this session, kids can start their training as a researcher, learn about rare books, and discover what lies between the pages. Includes a mini tour of the Reading Room! Register in advance. Read a KFDC write-up about the Folger here.

Petalpalooza
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 12-9:30pm
Admission: Free
It’s a full day of live music and engaging activities at The Wharf! Petalpalooza will feature live music on multiple outdoor stages, a beer garden, all-ages activities, product giveaways, a spectacular fireworks show by Pyrotecnico, and much more along the piers of the Southwest Waterfront. Take in the half-mile-long stretch of The Wharf’s shops and restaurants as the National Cherry Blossom Festival transforms the waterfront community into a one-day-only springtime spectacle. Read more about The Wharf in this KFDC post.

More Show Time
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by performance
* Join Winnie the Pooh and friends at Adventure Theatre.
* Enjoy an NSO Family Concert The Travels of Babar at the Kennedy Center on Sunday (look for a discount)
* Aquarium is on the Imagination Stage.
* Jack and the Beanstalk is current Main Stage production at The Puppet Co.
* Bunny Business is the featured Tiny Tots performance at The Puppet Co. on Saturday.
* Spend Saturday morning with The Great Zucchini at Jammin Java.
* Venture Into the Woods at Ford’s Theatre.

Virginia Truck Touch
Where: Stone Springs Hospital Center | Dulles, VA
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: $5
Virginia’s most popular touch-a-truck event is fun for the whole family. Climb on the big trucks, meet Redskins legend Gary Clark (10am – 12pm), run out some energy in the back of the Martin’s Potato Roll truck, visit kid-friendly food trucks, and much more! The first 300 kids to arrive will receive a free diecast car/truck with paid admission, and the first hour is horn-free for sensitive ears.

DC Youth Orchestra Spring Open House
Where: Eastern High School | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
The DC Youth Orchestra Program is opening its doors to the public on Saturday, with a day of free musical events for the entire family, featuring a concert by the popular DuPont Brass!  At 12:00 pm, DuPont Brass will perform the feature concert in the auditorium. From 12:30-3:00pm, DCYOP staff and teaching artists will facilitate musical instrument petting zoos so that prospective young musicians ages 4-18 can try out orchestral instruments. Throughout the afternoon, DCYOP ensembles will perform pop-up concerts featuring varied repertoire. Vendors from area music stores will also be on site. 

Spring Fling
Where: McLean Bible Church MoCo Campus | Rockville, MD
When: Saturday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Join McLean Bible Church as they celebrate the start of spring with a free community block party for the whole family! They’ll have inflatables, games, face painting, Extreme Balloon Shows (11:30am and 1:3pm), a juggling show (12:30pm), and more. Invite your friends, family, and neighbors!

Weekend Walk-In: Family Tree in 3-D
Where: American Visionary Arts Museum | Baltimore, MD
When: Saturday, 1-4pm
Admission: $5
Join the museum for their hands-on, drop-in, once-a-month art-making workshop in the AVAM classroom! Education staff will help you explore new creative territory & make a project inspired by one of their beloved visionary artists. During this session, make a 3D sculpture of your family tree, inspired by the current mega-exhibition “PARENTING: An Art without a Manual.” Supplies & boundless inspiration provided, and all ages are welcome.

Wizard School Scavenger Hunt
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 2-4pm
Admission: $17.50/ages 10-17, $19.50/adult
Join Watson Adventures on a unique Harry Potter-themed scavenger hunt that kids and adults will love! Follow in the footsteps of young wizards on a field trip to the National Gallery in search of art that echoes characters, places and enchanted objects in the famed Harry Potter books and movies. The hunt is not an addition to or variation on Harry’s adventures, but instead references to the books will provide a surprising bridge to many strange and wonderful works of art. This hunt is designed for kids and adults to do together (but all-adult teams are allowed to compete separately) Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Read about this super fun adventure in this KFDC post.

Growing Community
Where: National Building Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Sunday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the playfulness of spring at the National Building Museum! Participate in hands-on activities and learn from community partners as you explore how landscape design can inspire outdoor play to grow and strengthen community. Take a closer look at the green space incorporated into your built environment that gets people outside and brings them together.

Art Investigators
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall
When: Sunday, 11:30am, 12:30pm, & 1:30pm
Admission: Free
Drop in for the museum’s wonderful program for children ages 4-7. Art Investigators introduces kids to art and encourages them to make observations and use their imaginations as they discover different works. During this weekend’s sessions, they’ll explore works of Romare Bearden. Read a KFDC review of the program from the early KFDC years (it’s old, but still relevant, as the program is very much the same, although the name has changed). Sessions are at 11:30am, 12:30pm, & 1:30pm. Sign-in takes place in the East Building Atrium, starting at 11am.

Theater Arts Open House
Where: Care Actor Arts Space | Alexandria, VA
When: Sunday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
CARE Actor, a Theater Arts Education Company with programs throughout NoVa and Montgomery County, is hosting an Open House. This unique event gives parents and kids an opportunity to experience a “taste” of the creative collaboration that their classes have to offer. Act out a story, play theatre games, and awaken creativity as a family! There will be free activities for all ages, including storytime, face painting, arts & crafts, an improv workshop, and much more!

Kids Book Bash
Where: Community Family Life Services | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Sunday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Book Bash is one big party for families in the DC community! A couple of superheroes — Black Panther and Spider Man — will be teaching some karate moves and sharing tales of their adventures! There will also be face painting, crafts, games, food, giveaways for parents and kids, a DJ dance party, and, of course, lots of free books for all ages. While this event is open to the community, it is exclusively geared toward low-income families and families impacted by incarceration. Registration strongly encourage, but not required. The event location is 305 E Street NW.

Easter Eggstravaganza & Wagon Rides
Where: Frying Pan Farm Park | Herndon, VA
When: Sunday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: $8
Hunt for eggs and visit animals outdoors at the Visitor Center. Sign up for a hunt throughout the day — they start promptly at your registered times. Add a wagon ride for only $2, and take a jaunt around the crop fields and back to the Visitor Center. Children must be accompanied by a paid adult. Pre-registration required.

Launch Party for Acton Children’s Business Fair
Where: Cleveland Park Library | Cleveland Park, DC
When: Sunday, 2-3pm
Admission: Free
Children aged 6-14 (and their parents) are invited to this free event to learn about the Acton Children’s Business Fair of Washington, DC (Saturday, May 11, in Cleveland Park) and how they can participate. At the Launch Party, children will also discover the “3 Magic Seeds” for starting a business and get tips for making their business a success from other young entrepreneurs. Go here for more information and registration.

Good Deeds Day
Where: JCC locations in NoVa, MD, & DC
When: Sunday
Admission: Free
Join PJ Library in Greater Washington, The Jewish Federation, and their partners and share a volunteering experience with your family. The three hub sites — Bender JCCGW in MD, MILTON in DC and JCCNV in VA — will have a variety of family-friendly projects for children as young as 3. SSL hours are available for older tweens and teens. Or, sign up with a Good Deeds Day 2019 partner. Register here and be a force for GOOD in the world.

Young People’s Concert: The Incredible Big Band
Where: Northern Virginia Community College | Alexandria, VA
When: Sunday, 2pm
Admission: Free
Join the Marine Band’s “Big Band” as we explore the incredible world of Big Band Jazz in a program that is sure to leave your toes tapping and hearts pounding. The performance will feature music from The Incredibles, as well as other favorites such as “Can;t Stop the Feeling,” “Sing, Sing, Sing,” and “In the Mood.” This 50-minute concert is best suited for kids ages 6-12, but all are welcome. Following the performance, all children are invited to try their favorite instruments in our musical Petting Zoo! The concert, which takes place at Northern Virginia Community College’s Schlesinger Concert Hall, is free and no tickets are required. It will also stream live at youtube.com/usmarineband.

Kid’s Model Matzah Bakery
Where: Hill Center | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Sunday, 2:45-3:45pm
Admission: $8/child or $18/family
Join Chabad Washington, DC, as they re-enact the Exodus from Egypt! Using authentic props, interactive shows, and real bundles of wheat, the Matzah baking process comes alive! Children will go through the entire Matzah making process, from separating the kernals from the chaff, to rolling, perforating, shaping, and baking their very own Matzah!  RSVP required — sign up here! 

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* I recently joined the Everybody’s National Parks podcast to chat about the cherry blossom season in DC — you can listen to it here. (And check out some of their other episodes for great tips on visiting other parks!)
* Enter for a chance to win a week of summer camp with RDUTennis!
* Young people who stutter are invited to Camp SAY here in DC on April 27 & 28
* If you don’t have the sweetgreen app, get it! So convenient, and you get $3 credit with my referral link, not to mention the salads are yummy and healthy.
* Just watched and recommend the documentary Chef Flynn.
* An interesting perspective on wealth.
* Did anyone else follow the Humans of New York Special Olympics series? It was wonderful. Read it with tissues handy.


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