Cherry blossom season is one of the best times of the year to be in DC. Not only is the city at its prettiest when the iconic flowers are in bloom, there are loads of special events and activities to celebrate them. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, running March 20 – April 12 this year, presents all kinds of fun and enriching opportunities over a few weeks, plus there are some blossom-inspired happenings that aren’t part of the official festivities. See the best of them for families to help plan for a peak experience. Happy Cherry Blossom Season!
Cherry Blossom Viewing
Where: Tidal Basin, DC
When: Late March/Early April
Admission: Free
DC’s famous cherry trees are predicted to hit peak bloom March 29 – 31 this year. And 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 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. Get a glimpse of last year’s bloom! And view scenes from blooms past here, here, and here.
Caps Cherry Blossom Night
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: March 18,7:30pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary (check for deals)
Catch some hockey wit a blossom twist at Cherry Blossom Night as the Caps host the Ottawa Senators. A special ticket package comes with a Capitals-branded Cherry Blossom tumbler. Caps players will arrive to the game wearing the Cherry Blossom specialty jersey (that wil later be auctioned off), and fans can visit section 105 on the concourse to participate in a hands-on art experience and contribute cherry blossomed-themed illustrations to an oversized puck canvas. The sculpture will be transported to and displayed at The Wharf’s District Square.
Stumpy’s Petals and Paddles Race
Where: Basin Pedal Boats | Tidal Basin, DC
When: March 19, 4-7pm
Admission: $100/two riders, $20/additional, free to spectate
The second-ever Stumpy’s Petals and Paddles Race promises an exciting and vibrant kick-off to spring and the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Participants of all ages are invited to race pedal boats across the iconic Tidal Basin the beautiful body of water surrounded by famous monuments and memorials. The race features both timed heats and friendly competitions, with awards for the fastest boats per age group and best dressed participants. 50% of the net proceeds goes towards the Trust for the National Cherry Blossom Tree Endowment Fund.
Opening Ceremony
Where: DAR Constitution Hall | Downtown DC
When: March 20, 5-6:30pm
Admission: $5
The signature Opening Ceremony of the festival is an artistic celebration of the 1912 gift of trees from Tokyo to Washington, DC, and an annual tribute to the longstanding friendship between Japan and the United States. This performance will feature special performances from acclaimed artists with ties to both countries, including breathtaking traditional sword dances by Futago Onikenbai, pop music by award-winning singer Ayaka Hirahara, and modern dance choreographed by Takehiro Ueyama.
Cherry Blossom Festival at the Lab
Where: Children’s Science Center Lab | Fairfax, VA
When: March 20 – April 12
Admission:
Experience the magic of cherry blossoms at the kids’ space in Lake Fairfax MallThe Lab is bursting into bloom for the National Cherry Blossom Festival! Dive into the beauty, traditions, and innovations of Japan with exploration-focused activities that blend art, science, and culture. There will be a special program Blossom Bahsh on March 20, then throughout the festival you program a robot, create cherry blossom origami to take home, and explore the Lab during a cherry blossom scavenger hunt as you learn more about the science and history behind these iconic blooms. Read more about the Children’s Science Center Lab here.
Pink in the Pool
Where: Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness | Arlington, VA
When: March 21, 9am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate cherry blossom season with a free swim session in the leisure pool surrounded by pink beach balls and festive pink décor, plus arts activities for all ages. Poolside, get creative with a tea and origami station and paper lantern decorating from the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington. There will also be flower balloon twisting, a mermaid, and delicious Japanese snacks. Register in advance.
Wizards Cherry Blossom Night
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: March 21, 6pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary (check for deals)
Whoop it up at a special cherry blossom-themed basketball game! See the Wizards take on Oklahoma City Thunder with some extra cherry blossom inspo. Purchase tickets through this link to get a special cherry blossom hat A portion of proceeds also supports year-round care for the iconic trees through the Trust for the National Mall.
Cherry Blossom Tea
Where: Ritz Carlton | Pentagon City, VA
When: Friday – Sunday through April 12
Admission: $88/adult, $55/age 12 & under
The Ritz at Pentagon City is offering a Cherry Blossom Tea, inviting guests to savor their unique Japanese Cherry Blossom-inspired tea sandwiches, pastries, warm scones, and a variety of luxury loose-leaf teas, all complemented by a glass of sparkling wine (for adults). Young guests c anenjoy delightful treats paired with their choice of tea or hot chocolate and a special Cherry Blossom teddy bear to take home!
BloomFest
Where: Jefferson Memoria | Tidal Basin, DC
When: March 27 – April 12, 10am – 6pm
Admission: Free
Enjoy the bloom at the Tidal Basin along with more fun to celebrate it. BloomFest at the Tidal Basin features ive entertainment, Junior Ranger educational activities, food trucks, festival merch, and a beer garden. Performances honor the friendship between the U.S. and Japan with a cross-cultural mix of American, Japanese, and other performing arts. Experience a variety of genres — Americana, Bluegrass, Classical, Folk, GoGo, Jazz, Pop, Rock, R&B, and Salsa — and expect a diverse array of dance styles and performances, including Japanese, Eastern European, K-Pop, Indian, Flamenco, Thai, Zumba, Cambodian, and HipHop!
Blossom Kite Festival
Where: Washington Monument Grounds | National Mall, DC
When: March 28, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
The annual Blossom Kite Festival ia a favorite for many during the blossom season. The scene 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.
Bloomaroo
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: March 28, 12-9pm
Admission: Free
The Wharf’s annual Bloomaroo is a free spring extravaganza featuring a full day of cherry-blossom themed art, music, fireworks, and family-friendly fun along the waterfront! Stop by the Kids Zone on Recreation Pier for crafts, face painting, balloon artists, and more. There will also be live music, wellness activities, and concessions to purchase. It’ll all be capped off with a blossom fireworks finale.
Cherry Blossom Family Celebration
Where: American Art Museum | Penn Quarter, DC
When: March 28, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the season of cherry blossoms with SAAM! The program begins on the F Street Plaza with a taiko performance by drumming group Nen Daiko. Activities continue inside in the Kogod Courtyard with music from Les the DJ, a ballet showcase by Misako Ballet Company, and a Japanese model train display from Japan Rail Modelers of Washington DC. Kids can make cherry-blossom themed crafts, and a spring-themed scavenger hunt through the galleries extends the cherry blossom fun.
Bloom Break
Where: National Building Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: March 29, 10am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate spring and the city’s cherry blossoms at the Building Museum with Japanese-inspired creativity. Hands-on activities will center on language exploration, paper craft, and illustration, along with a short koto and shamisen performance showcasing traditional Japanese music. Plus, enjoy seasonal treats and spring-themed offerings at Konbini by Daikaya, the Museum’s café. Register in advance.
Pinknic & Kite Fly
Where: Oxon Run Park | Southeast DC
When: March 29, 12-3pm
Admission: Free
Soar into spring at another kite flying fest. Enjoy a day of culture, kites, exciting activities, and community crafts for all ages. Explore the Ward 8 vendor market, connect with neighbors, and experience the joy of spring in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
Sakura Sunday
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Run, MD
When: March 29, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
Join National Harbor for their annual Sakura Sunday Festival. The celebration will feature a wide array of free cultural activities including an artisanal Japanese marketplace, cultural performances, culinary delights, a Sakura Spirits Garden, Water Lantern Festival and more! Read more about all there is to do at National Harbor here.
Blossom Bash
Where: Tysons Corner Center | Tysons, VA
When: March 29, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Tysons is painting PenFed plaza pink and celebrating the season with a festival. Experience vibrant retailer activations and exclusive promotions, live chalk art featuring local artists, food and beverages specials and tastings, live music, face painting, giveaways, parade entertainment, and more!
Cherry Blossom Make & Takes
Where: Merry Pin | Shepherd Park, DC
When: April 3, 5-8:30pm | April 4, 1:30-4pm
Admission: $12-35
Get creative at a couple of cherry blossom inspired workshops at Merry Pin, a craft store, cafe, and bar. On April 3, make a cherry blossom candle, and on April 4, do some paper fan painting. Plan to enjoy a bite or sip while you’re there!
Petalpalooza
Where: The Yards | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: April 4, 1-9pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate spring at Petalpalooza! This day-long all-ages spring streety party brings art, music, and play to multiple outdoor stages, interactive art installations, a cashless beverage garden, family-friendly hands-on activities, roaming entertainers, and more, all along the banks of the Anacostia River. The evening ends with a dazzling choreographed fireworks show set to music starting at 8:30 PM.
Art Blooms at Mosaic
Where: Mosaic District | McLean, VA
When: April 11-12, 11am – 6pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the arrival of spring at Mosaic District with their annual two-day festival. As cherry blossoms paint the season with their beauty, join the vibrant celebration of art, culture, and community. More details to come!
National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
Where: Constitution Avenue, 7th – 17th St NW | Downtown DC
When: April 11, 11am – 1:30pm
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 11, 10:30am – 6pm & April 12, 10:30m – 4pm
Admission: $20/ages 11+, $65/family package, free/10 & 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 64th 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 $65 includes 2 one-day entry tickets (kids 10 & under are free), 2 kids T-shirts , 2 Omen masks for kids, and 2 Japanese Snacks.
The Art of Pink
Where: Metropolitan Park | Arlington, VA
When: April 11, 5-10pm
Admission: Free
Head to National Landing for Art of Pink for this after-hours celebration as Metropolitan Park transforms into an indoor/outdoor art showcase. Browse BLOOM, an exhibition featuring 50+ local artists showcasing cherry blossom inspired artwork, enjoy Japanese and pan-Asian bites from local vendors, and catch an exhilarating live mural showdown. Free with RSVP.
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 (or pedaling) excursion. Several boathouses will open during cherry blossom season — the earliest the pedal boats at the Tidal Basin — offering pedal boat, canoe, kayak, and other rentals to take you out on local waterways, 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.
Extra ways to enhance the season:
* From March 20 – April 12, Levain Bakery is offering cherry scones and cherry iced tea in honor of the season, and guests who purchase a cookie or scone + any drink will receive a free limited-edition pink mini tote (while supplies last)
* Hotel packages for the season.
* Cherry blossom play at home: A beautiful building set, a painting kit, and origami.
* Dress the kids for the occasion (boys, too).
* Pink up your decor with pretty faux cherry blossoms.
Which events are you looking forward to this cherry blossom season?
