Tag Archives: National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade

March 20, 2013 · 1:52 pm

Peak Time in DC: The 2013 National Cherry Blossom Festival

DC at its peak last year

How appropriate that the first day of spring also marks the start of the 2013 National Cherry Blossom Festival. If only the weather would follow suit. But I digress…

This is one of my favorite times of year in DC. Between the gorgeous flowers complementing the scenery around the National Mall and the many unique events that come along with the Festival, it’s a superb time to be here. Sure, the crowds descend on the city to ogle the blooming trees, but to me that’s a testament to what a beautiful, dynamic, and exciting place Washington is, a sought-after destination for travelers from all over the world.

The official start of the Festival is today, but the events that are open to the public — many of them free — begin this weekend. I’ve pared down the lot to make one easy list of the best for families. If it looks familiar, that’s because much of it is the same as last year, just with updated dates and details. Happy Spring!

Family Days at the Building Museum
Where: National Building Museum
When: Saturday & Sunday, March 23-24
Admission: Free
Kicking off public festival events for the 8th consecutive year, this program at the National Building Museum offers kids of all ages (and that means the kid in you, parents!) all kinds of hands-on activities inspired by Japanese culture as a tribute to the trees gifted by them. Build Cha-shitsu tea house structures and Soji screens, construct a paper torii gate, make wafuku-clothed paper dolls, and design a cherry blossom tree from popcorn. There will also be exciting performances that celebrate spring and explore Japanese arts and design, Nen Daiko taiko drummers, Kaution Dance Kru, Brooklyn Youth Chorus, and youth arts groups from D.C. and across the country. And be sure to bring a camera along for photo ops with some of kids’ favorite characters like Snoopy and The Lorax.

Kites of Asia Family Day
Where: National Air & Space Museum
When: Saturday, March 23, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Get ready for the Blossom Kite Festival and celebrate the unique start of the National Air and Space Museum’s collection — the first aviation-related objects acquired by the Smithsonian were a group of Chinese kites, donated in 1876. At this annual Family Day, experience the artistry and beauty of Asian kites, see indoor kite flying, and make your own kite.

Blossom Kite Festival
Where: Washington Monument Grounds
When: Saturday, March 30, 10am – 4:30pm
Admission: Free
Go fly a kite! Seriously. The Kite Festival is, in my humble opinion, the best event during cherry blossom season (when the weather cooperates, anyway). The sight of thousands of kites in all colors, shapes, and sizes soaring around the Washington Monument is truly a sight to behold. It’s absolutely magical for my kids, and even for me as a jaded adult. 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 intricate works of art actually outnumber your basic diamond. And anyone can go fly their kites, so be sure to bring one. 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.

Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival
Where: Southwest Waterfront, 600-900 Water Street SW
When: Saturday, April 6, 1-9pm
Admission: Free
A fun family event happening along the water is the annual fireworks show at the Southwest Waterfront. It’s an all-day and part-evening affair with free live music and family-friendly festivities, including water-related activities, cultural experiences, and delicious foods. The grand finale will begin at 8:30pm when the National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks Show lights up the night sky.

Arts for Families: Koinobori
Where: Textile Museum
When: Saturday, April 6, 2-4pm
Admission: Free
This session of the Textile Museum’s free monthly program for families celebrates the Cherry Blossom Festival: In Japanese folklore, the carp is a symbol of determination and vigor, overcoming all obstacles to swim upstream. Families can drop in to the museum to explore pattern and texture as you create your own colorful paper koi mobiles.

Lantern Making Family Day
Where: Yards Park
When: Saturday, April 13, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Bring the whole family to construct Japanese lanterns at the Capitol Riverfront park. There will be two sessions of the activity, at 10am and 12pm, both followed by a parade through the Yards. Martial arts and a moonbouncing will also be happening throughout the event for kids to enjoy. Sushi and other Japanese foods will be available for purchase or BYO — either way it’s a great place for a picnic.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
Where: Constitution Avenue, 7th – 17th Streets NW
When: Saturday, April 13, 10am – 12:30pm
Admission: Free
The pinnacle of cherry blossom festivities is, hands-down, the parade. Thousands of people line Constitution Avenue every year to watch the spectacle of lavish floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, and a variety of performers travel down Constitution Avenue. 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: 12th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
When: Saturday, April 13, 10:30am – 6pm
Admission: $5/ages 13 and older
Immediately following the Cherry Blossom parade, many folks head right over to Sakura Matsuri, the Japanese Street Festival that is America’s largest one-day exhibition of Japanese culture. Stretching down six city blocks from 9^th to 14^th Streets on Pennsylvania Avenue NW, there will be live music and dance performances, all kinds of Asian and Western foods, martial arts demos, Japanese art, and more. Be prepared for a crowd.

ImaginAsia Art Activities
Where: Freer-Sackler Galleries
When: April 6,7, 13 & 14
Admission: Free
The National Museums of Asian Art will host a a couple of activities for families during the festival’s run, both of them hands-on. Kids can create Japanese book based on folios featuring cherry blossoms and scenes and activities related to springtime. There will also be anime-focused exhibitions and activities.

DC in Bloom: The 2012 National Cherry Blossom Festival

Flying amid the flowers during last year's cherry blossom peak.

I was going to save this post for later this week, but with the National Park Service’s recent announcement of new, earlier peak bloom dates, March 20-23, for DC’s famous cherry blossoms, I thought I would bump up my schedule, too. The timing actually works out better, since the start of the peak coincides with the official start date of the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Some might complain about the massive crowds the blossoms and festival draw, but the optimist in me wins here. I love this time of year in DC. Not only is the city at its prettiest, but there is ample entertainment and activities associated with the festival, including some of my personal favorites.

And this year is extra special, as its the centennial celebrations of the blossom; it was 100 years ago that Japan gifted DC with the cherry trees as a symbol of friendship. To celebrate the anniversary, the National Cherry Blossom Festival will last for five weeks this year, from March 20 – April 27. That means even more blossom-related recreation for folks of all ages to enjoy. And good news for you: I’ve already found the best for families to help your blossom experience peak.

Family Days at the Building Museum
Where: National Building Museum
When: Saturday & Sunday, March 24-25
Admission: Free
Kicking off festival events for the 7th consecutive year, this program at the National Building Museum has been expanded to two days in honor of the special centennial celebration. On Saturday 10am – 4:30pm and Sunday 11:30am – 3:30pm, kids of all ages (and that means the kid in you, parents!) can drop in to enjoy hands-on activities — make kokeshi dolls, construct origami teahouses, color at the Peter Max art station, and more. There will also be exciting indoor and outdoor performances that celebrate spring and explore Japanese arts and design, including taiko drummers, the Washington Ballet, and DC youth arts groups among them. And be sure to bring a camera along for photo ops with some of kids’ favorite characters like Snoopy and The Lorax!

Blossom Kite Festival
Where: Washington Monument Grounds
When: Saturday, March 31, 10:30am – 4:30pm
Admission: Free
Go fly a kite! Seriously. The Kite Festival is, in my humble opinion, the best event during cherry blossom season. Heck, I’ll go out on a limb and call it one of the best in DC all year. (When the weather cooperates, anyway. ) The sight of thousands of kites in all colors, shapes, and sizes soaring around the Washington Monument is truly a sight to behold. It’s absolutely magical for my kids, and also for this jaded adult. 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 intricate works of art actually outnumber your basic diamond. And anyone can go fly their kites, so be sure to bring one, or your kids will (and you) will be pretty bummed. 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.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
Where: Constitution Avenue, 7th – 17th Streets NW
When: Saturday, April 14, 10m – 12:30pm
Admission: Free
The mac daddy of cherry blossom festivities is definitely the parade. Thousands of people line Constitution Avenue every year to watch the spectacle of lavish floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, and a variety of performers travel down Constitution Avenue. 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 nice day.

Sakura Matsuri
Where: 12th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
When: Saturday, April 14, 11am – 6pm
Admission: $5/ages 13 and older
Immediately following the Cherry Blossom parade, many folks head right over to Sakura Matsuri, the Japanese Street Festival that is America’s largest one-day exhibition of Japanese culture. Stretching down six city blocks from 9^th to 14^th Streets on Pennsylvania Avenue NW, there will be live music and dance performances, all kinds of Asian and Western foods, martial arts demos, Japanese art, and more. Be prepared for a crowd.

Live Entertainment on the Canon Performance Stage
Where: Sylvan Theatre, Washington Monument Grounds
When: Throughout the Festival
Admission: Free
In the shadow of the Washington Monument, this is the Festival’s primary stage. Enjoy recognized and diverse talent from around the region, country, and world, including varied genres of music and dance, martial arts exhibitions, marching bands, and more. Free performances can be enjoyed from 12-5pm on Monday thru Thursday, and 12-6pm Friday thru Sunday.

Children’s Films at the NGA
Where: National Gallery of Art
When: Throughout the Festival
Admission: Free
The National Gallery is adding some Japanese movies to its Children’s Films program on March 31, April 7, April 21, and April 22 in honor of the National Cherry Blossom Festival . Visit the website to read descriptions of the films, and be sure to check the age recommendations of each. All films are shown in the East Building Auditorium. Programs are free, and no registration is required. Seating is offered on a first-come, first-seated basis.

Japanese Art-Inspired Activities
Where: Freer-Sackler Galleries
When: Througout the Festival
Admission: Free
The National Museums of Asian Art will host a variety of activities for families during the festival’s run, many of them hands-on. Kids can create mini dioramas of Japanese landscapes inspired by the 36 Views of Mount Fuji exhibit. There will also be anime-focused exhibitions and activities, and later in April a workshop where guests can create their own block prints. For even more activities from the museum, including cultural performances, go here.

Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival
Where: Southwest Waterfront, 600-900 Water Street SW
When: Saturday, April 7, 1-9pm
Admission: Free
A fun family event happening along the water is the annual fireworks show at the Southwest Waterfront. It’s an all-day and part-evening affair with free live music and family-friendly festivities, including water-related activities, cultural experiences, and delicious foods. The grand finale will begin at 8:30pm when the National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks Show lights up the night sky. See the schedule of events and music line-up here.

Lantern Making for Families
Where: The Yards Park
When: Saturday, April 21
Admission: Free
The Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District (BID) will be hosting its 2nd annual National Cherry Blossom Festival Lantern Making Family Day. Kids and adults can make their own Japanese lanterns at 10am and 12:30pm, with both sessions followed by a parade through the Yards Park. Hapumudo will also perform a variety of martial arts throughout the event on the boardwalk and a moonbounce will be set up for children to enjoy. Sushi and other Japanese foods and Pinkberry frozen yogurt will be available for purchase for picnics in the park. So, we went to this last year, and it was a bit of a bust, because it was a cold and windy day. (Remember cold? Yeah, I can’t either). But I have high hopes for it this year — not only do the activities sound cool, it’s happening at one of my favorite outdoor locales.

Cherry Blossom Regatta
Where: Washington Sailing Marina
When: Saturday, April 21, 11am
Admission: Free to spectate
Young boat enthusiasts will love watching sailboats from Daingerfield Island Sailing Club (DISC) and Potomac River Sailing Association race near Hains Point and East Potomac Park on the Potomac and Anacostia rivers. You can get a good view of the boats from Hains Point and possibly the Yards Park during the Family Day. And if you want to get on the water, some of the boats will be offering rides to spectators for a fee.

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Filed under All ages, Annual, Art, DC, Festival, Free, Live Entertainment, Monuments & Memorials, Movies, Museums, Music, Ongoing, Outdoor, Parade, Seasonal, Spring, Theatre, Weekdays, Weekend

Tagged as 2012 National Chery Blossom Festival, Best Cherry Blossom events for Families, Blossom Kite Festival, Cherry Blossom with Kids, Cherry Blossoms Families, DC with kids, National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival, Sylvan Theater, Tidal Basin, Washington DC Family Activities, Washington DC Kids Activities, Washington Monument, Yards Park

April 8, 2011 · 8:36 am

Weekend Plans TBD…

Look for Abe rolling down Constitution Avenue tomorrow. The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade is ON!

My recommendations for family recreation this weekend hinge on one sort of major detail: the potential government shutdown. There is a good chance many scheduled events will be postponed or even canceled altogether because of federal agency furloughs and museum closures. So, I’m just going to list the events that will definitely be “on” first with the “maybe” picks to follow. No matter the outcome of today’s talks at the Capitol, you’ll find ways to have a good time with the kids. Happy Weekend!

ON:

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade – The mac daddy of cherry blossom festivities is happening on Saturday no matter what, according to the Washington Post Breaking News Blog. Thousands of people line Constitution Avenue every year to watch the spectacle of lavish floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, and a variety of performers travel from 7th to 17th Streets. (Note: the route will likely be shortened this year, so I will post an update as soon as I hear more.) The parade begins at 10am and lasts about two hours. Tickets for grandstand seats are available for $17, but you can stake out a spot along the curb for free. Plan to arrive early to get a good view.

Sakura Matsuri – Immediately following the parade, many folks head right over to Sakura Matsuri, the Japanese Street Festival that is America’s largest one-day exhibition of Japanese culture. Stretching down six city blocks from 9th to 14th Streets on Pennsylvania Avenue NW, there will be live music and dance performances, all kinds of Asian and Western foods, martial arts demos, a Children’s Corner with storytelling, origami, Japanese games, calligraphy, and more. Festivities go on until 6pm, and there is a $5 charge for adults (free for children under 12).

See a LEGO Master at Work – On Saturday and Sunday, the master behind the National Building Museum’s “LEGO® Architecture” exhibit will be in the Great Hall constructing a new piece – the White House! — for the collection. And you’re invited to watch it happen. See this post from a couple of weeks ago for details.

Boogie Down at Eastern Market – Celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival with the Boogie Babes! The Festival’s Music of Spring program includes a Children’s Stage at the Market’s North Hall where some of Boogie Babes’ regular performers will entertain kids throughout the day. On the schedule: Saturday – 10:30am John Henry, The Guitar Playing Man 1:30pm Crash Chord, 4pm The Singing Lizard. Sunday -10:30am Bridgette with Dawn on Bongos, 1:30pm Bridgette with Dawn on Bongos, 4pm Groovy Nate. Suggested $10/family for the performer.

Airplanes, soccer, and a little R&R at Gravelly Point

Picnic, Play, & Planes – Have you been to Gravelly Point, the small park along the GW Parkway next to Ronald Reagan Airport? I just recommended it a few weekends ago, but am bringing it into the mix again because Sunday will be a great day to go. The beautiful spot along the river is nice place to spread out a picnic, people watch, and kick around a soccer ball — if you really like airplanes. I have to warn about this one: it’s hit or miss with kids (and adults, for that matter). The park is located just beyond the airport runway, so planes take off or land (depending on which way they are going that day) literally right overhead. That’s the hit or miss part — it’s loud and potentially scary for those who don’t like the looks of a plane coming right at them, but quite exciting for those that love a thrill.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Marshmallow Harvest – Start your Easter celebration a little early at Great Country Farms. The Loudoun County working farm well known for its u-pick produce and seasonal celebrations its holding is annual Egg Hunt and Marshmallow Harvest this weekend. Along with the main festivities, admission ($10/kids, $12/adults) grants access to loads of fun on the farm. For details, see this post from yesterday.

Good News – The Newseum is turning 3 and to celebrate, tickets will be buy one, get one free this weekend. This is a good opportunity to check out the museum dedicated to all things media if you’ve never been, since there’s a good chance most of the city’s other museums will be closed.

Au Pair Cultural Fair – Are you curious about au pairs as a childcare option? On Saturday, Au Pair in America invites families to their Cultural Fair at Glen Echo Park to learn more about their programs. It’s a family affair with an afternoon of fun activities for all ages. For more info, see this post from a few days ago.

See Becks Bend It – Put a little sports action into your weekend at a soccer match on Saturday evening. The DC United is taking on the LA Galaxy – yes, the David Beckham will be in the house! Tickets are still available for the 7:30pm game. Visit the DC United website to purchase online.

Show Time – Several productions will be on stages this weekend, including George and Martha – Tons of Fun opening at Imagination Stage tomorrow and Synetic Theater’s The Magic Paintbrush, which has been so successful, they are doing two weeks of encore performances. For info on tickets and more live entertainment in town, see this post on spring shows in the area.

Everyone’s Playground – Enjoy one of the best playgrounds in the area. If you have young children, and you haven’t been to Clemyjontri Park, I highly recommend taking them there. Since the park is privately funded, it will be open this weekend. The play possibilities there will seem endless to little ones. And the beautiful fairytale-themed carousel is now open for the season. Read more about the Clemyjontri in this post from last summer.

MAYBE:

Blossom Kite Festival – Rescheduled for Sunday after being postponed due to inclement weather, this is definitely one of the most anticipated events this weekend. And to think there is a very good chance it will be canceled again! If the Festival does, indeed, happen on Sunday, it’s going to be great – the weather forecast is looking ideal for kite-flying, and there is sure to be a celebratory spirit — along with the kites — in the air.

White House Garden Tours – This weekend is your chance to enjoy spring at the White House — and you don’t need to win a lottery to do it. The annual Spring Garden and Grounds Tours are being held on Saturday and Sunday. And gaining admission to the event is as easy as picking up tickets the day of. For more details and info on how to get tickets, see this post from last week.

Born to Be Wild 3D – This heart-warming film about the bond between humans and animals opens at the Johnson IMAX Theater today. Documenting orphaned orangutans and elephants and the extraordinary people who rescue and raise them, this is a movie all ages will adore. My longer review will come soon, but the short of it is that I highly recommended taking your kids to see it. For a longer description of the film, see this post from last week (note: the giveaway has ended). Tickets are $9. You can see the film on Friday, but the Natural History Museum, where the Johnson IMAX is located, might be closed this weekend.

Earth Day Family Celebration – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! On Saturday, the Smithsonian American Art Museum will teach guests how to turn their trash into artwork they’ll treasure. Artist David Edgar will show kids how to make fantastic creatures out of yogurt cartons and musician Billy B. will be on stage to help rock the planet! This free event runs from 11:30am – 3pm.

Super Science Saturday: How Things Fly – Head to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on Saturday for a day of aero fun. Through demonstrations and hands-on activities, visitors of all ages will become immersed in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics topics related to aviation and space exploration. The event runs from 10am – 3pm. Parking is $15, but admission is free.