Tag Archives: Where to See the Cherry Blossoms in DC

March 16, 2026 · 4:38 pm

The Best Family Activities to Celebrate the 2026 Cherry Blossom Season

Bloomaroo at The Wharf

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?

Tips for Families Viewing the Cherry Blossoms

[Note: This was originally written in 2011 (hence, the now verrry outdated Lost reference) and has been updated every year since. But because the tips always apply, I’m re-posting yet again, just with a few minor revisions applicable to this year’s bloom.]

🌸 🌸 🌸 🌸 🌸

Taking the family to the National Mall to see some pretty flowers sounds easy enough. If only it actually was. The cherry blossom peak, predicted by the National Park Service to occur March 29 – April 1 this year, is one of the best times to visit DC. The city is at its most beautiful, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival provides loads of fun activities to help enjoy it all. But viewing the famous blooms can also be a bit challenging without being aware of a few things. Here are seven recommendations to consider if seeing the cherry blossoms is on your family’s spring agenda. Happy Viewing!

The peak brings the crowds

1. Don’t drive if you value your sanity. Take Metro, ride the city bus, bike, walk, jet pack. Get here however you can, just leave the car at home. Traffic is beyond frustrating during the cherry blossom peak, and your chances of finding decent parking are about as good as hitting the Powerball with Hurley’s numbers (okay, slight exaggeration, but it is hard). The masses descend on Washington, DC, this time of year, and way too many do so in their vehicles. Besides, kids love riding the Metro — it’s like an urban version of Hogwarts Express. The Smithsonian stop on the Blue/Orange Line is mere minutes from all of the blossom action, but it’s also likely to be crowded. Consider riding to L’Enfant on Yellow/Green, Federal Center on Blue/Orange, or even a stop downtown or in Penn Quarter and taking a nice stroll to the Tidal Basin for the blossom scene. Another good option is Metrobus with lines and stops all over the city, including many at the National Mall close to the Washington Monument.

*If you absolutely must drive and need parking you miiight find a spot at Hains Point, where there is free and metered parking, then walk to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial at the Tidal Basin. There is also garage parking at L’Enfant Plaza, which is a short stroll to the blossoms as well. Your best bet, though, may be to find a garage in the downtown or Penn Quarter area, then walk or Metro to the National Mall. You can ensure yourself a spot with Spot Hero, an online parking reservation service that lets you search for and reserve garage spaces in advance.

Beautiful light and barely any others on a weekday morning

2. Visit on a weekday if you have the flexibility. Crowds are significantly smaller from Monday to Friday, so you can stroll around the Tidal Basin at a nice pace, and public transportation won’t be nearly as packed (though it likely still will be more crowded than usual). But if the kids are in school or daycare during the week, think about going later in the day. The National Mall and monuments look beautiful at sunset, and the blossoms make it even more sublime. Even better if you can go super early, when the morning light on the Mall makes for quite a picturesque setting.

A babe enjoying the blossoms

3. Consider using a child carrier instead of a stroller for little ones. This is especially applicable if you take Metro, since elevator lines can be very long and slow-going. I learned my lesson back in my kids’ baby days on a weekday and ended up taking my daughter out of the stroller and carrying both on the escalator, which was probably as unsafe as it was difficult. Even if you don’t take Metro, a carrier is still a wise option. Navigating crowded walkways while pushing a pram takes focus, and you could end up spending more time concentrating on not rolling over others’ heels than enjoying the sights you came to see. It’s a bonus for wee ones, too — perched on your back, your babe will get a better view of the blossoms.

Kites and blossoms (and crowds) during the annual Kite Festival

4. Check the National Cherry Blossom Festival schedule, so you can plan your visit accordingly. Some of the city’s most anticipated events are part of the annual celebration that runs March 20 – April 12. The Blossom Kite Festival, National Cherry Blossom Parade, and Sakura Matsuri are among them, and there are some non-official festival happenings as well — see the best ones for families to help you plan for the season. Most events take place nearby the blossoms or an easy Metro ride away. Peak bloom is expected to occur right after the festival starts, so you can enjoy some of the blossom-inspired activities and the efflorescent trees at the same time.

See the blossoms from the water

5. Get a new view of the blossoms and enjoy a fun activity. Several companies offer boat rides along the river, many of them specifically for the season when the cherry trees are in bloom. Potomac Water Taxi, City Cruises, and Boomerang Boat Tours are some to check out. You can also opt for a paddling excursion and navigate the waters yourself, including pedal boating right on the Tidal Basin. Or go on a bike tour to easily cover more ground and experience the blossoms from two wheels.

Cherry blossoms at the National Arboreum

6. Seek out other spots to see the cherry blossoms if you don’t want to deal with crowds and chaos around the Tidal Basin and National Mall. Several places around the DC-Metro area are well known for their annual cherry blossom displays. When I worked in Bethesda many years ago, it was an annual tradition for my colleagues and me to take a drive through Kenwood, a lovely neighborhood between Little Falls Parkway and River Road with cherry tree-lined streets. The National Arboretum also has a nice collection of the trees and a beautiful environment in which to view them in bloom. Dumbarton Oaks Gardens is one of the prettiest places in DC and its annual cherry blossoms only add to it. Stanton Park on Capitol Hill glows with the pink and white trees this time of year. Congressional Cemetery has some nice, cherry tree-lined paths (that have already been blooming) and a few around the large locale. President Lincoln’s Cottage in Petworth has cherry trees on the grounds. And Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD, has a nice collection of the trees, too.

Flying amid the flowers

7. Have your camera ready to take advantage of some of the best photo ops DC offers. The peak colors plus the memorials are about as iconic as you can get when photographing Washington, DC. Get your kids to sit still — or even let them run and play for a fun candid — and you’ve got this year’s holiday card.

Can’t beat the blossom backdrop for photos

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March 17, 2025 · 7:48 am

The Best Events & Activities for Families During Cherry Blossom Season

Blossoms, kites, and people galore at the annual Kite Festival

It’s almost peak time in DC as cherry blossom season will soon begin! 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 them. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, running March 20 – April 13 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 Cherry Blossom Season!

Cherry Blossom Viewing
Where: Tidal Basin, DC
When: Late March
Admission: Free
DC’s famous cherry trees are predicted to hit peak bloom March 28 – 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 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. Get a glimpse of last year’s bloom! And view scenes from blooms past here, here and here.

Blooming Wonders
Where: ARTECHOUSE | Southwest DC
When: Through April
Admission: $20-25/adult, $17/age 4-15, $72/family 4-pack
The spring exhibition at ARTECHOUSE is always a celebration of the cherry blossoms, and this year Blooming Wonders is a best-of-spring showcase, brginging back bringing back fan favorites alongside new interactive experiences. Floor to ceiling projections, plus interactive elements always make them beautiful, engaging, and fun to experience.

Stumpy’s Petals and Paddles Race
Where: Basin Pedal Voats | Tidal Basin, DC
When: March 20, 4-7pm
Admission: $100/two riders, $20/additional, free to spectate
The first-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.

Cultural Performances
Where: Tidal Basin Welcome Area
When: March 22 – April 6
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 22, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the season of cherry blossoms with SAAM! Begin the day on the F Street Plaza (weather permitting) with a taiko drumming performance by drumming group Nen Daiko, then head inside in the Kogod Courtyard for Japanese pop, boogie, and more with Les The DJ. Enjoy performances while children make cherry-blossom themed crafts. Seasonal treats will be available for purchase from the Courtyard Café, and a spring-themed scavenger hunt through the galleries extends the cherry blossom fun.

Celebration at the Lab
Where: Children’s Science Center Lab | Fairfax, VA
When: March 22 – April 14
Admission:
Experience the magic of cherry blossoms at the kids’ space in Lake Fairfax Mall. Step into a world of wonder as the Lab is tranformed into a vibrant Cherry Blossom Festival Celebration and into the beauty and traditions of Japan with hands-on activities that blend art, science, and culture… Explore Magnetic Levitation: Test out the push and pull of the magnetic field and create a model of a high speed shinkansen or Japanese bullet train. Petal Perfect Origami: Master the art of paper folding and create delicate cherry blossom petals to take home. Cherry Blossom Scavenger Hunt: Explore the entire Lab as you learn 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 22
Admission: Free
Celebrate cherry blossom season with swimming and more fun! Enjoy free access to the Long Bridge Aquatics Center, plus pink beach balls, and interactive activity stations featuring Japanese arts and culture, balloon twisters, a Japanese candy station, and more. Register in advance.

Cherry Blossom Tea
Where: Ritz Carlton | Pentagon City, VA
When: Friday – Sunday through April 13
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!

Bloomaroo
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: March 29, 5-9pm
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! Decorate koi kites, create haikus, do some karaoke, enjoy ballon art, sample matcha tea, and more. There will also be beer gardens on District pier, s’mores at the firepit, and live music. It’ll all be capped off with a blossom fireworks finale.

Blossom Kite Festival
Where: Washington Monument Grounds | National Mall, DC
When: March 29, 10am – 4:30pm (rain date March 30)
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.

Family Day: Japanese Fashion
Where: The GWU & Textile Museum | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: March 29, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate culture, craft, and cherry blossom season with a special family day dedicated to art you can wear! People across time and cultures have expressed themselves through clothing and other adornments. This day of family-friendly art activities is inspired by beautiful kimonos, capes, robes and tunics on view in the museum’s centennial exhibition Intrinsic Beauty: Celebrating the Art of Textiles. There will be a special focus on Japan with demonstrations of traditional dance and music, as well as “kirigami” crafts. Read more about the Textile Museum here.

Wizards Cherry Blossom Night
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: March 29, 7pm
Admission: $38-193
Whoop it up at a special cherry blossom-themed basketball game! See the Wizards take on the Nets as part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Purchase tickets through this link to get a cherry blossom Hawaiian shirt. A portion of proceeds also supports year-round care for the iconic trees through the Trust for the National Mall.

Sakura Sunday
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Run, MD
When: March 30, 11am – 6pm
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, and more! Read more about all there is to do at National Harbor here.

Blossom Bash
Where: Tysons Corner Center | Tysons, VA
When: March 30, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Tysons is celebrating the season with a festival on the Plaza, featuring a variety of cherry blossom-themed activities and attractions. Families can enjoy kid-friendly activities such as face painting, glitter tattoos, and enjoy live music. Local artists will create live cherry blossom-themed chalk art, including a contest for participants, along with art exhibits on display. The Virginia LOVE letters sign provides a perfect photo opportunity and decorations. And retailers and restarants will offer special merchandise and food for the occasion.

Japanese Culture Day
Where: Library of Congress | Capitol Hill, DC
When: April 5, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
The Library of Congress hosts its annual Japanese Culture Day in celebration of the 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival! The event features family activities, Japanese musical instrument demonstrations, storytelling, and arts and crafts. Collection items related to cherry blossoms and Japanese culture will also be on display. Get tickets here! And read more about the Library of Congress in this KFDC post.

Petalpalooza
Where: The Yards | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: April 5, 1-9pm
Admission: Free
Join the Capitol Riverfront community for Petalpalooza! This day-long all-ages celebration 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 is capped by the spectacular Official National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks show set to music starting at 8:30pm.

Art Blooms at Mosaic
Where: Mosaic District | McLean, VA
When: April 5-6, 11am – 6pm
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, enjoy some kids activities, sip on a cocktail while you stroll, and more! Family-friendly activities include a kids’ game corner, petting zoo, cherry blossom-inspired arts and crafts, face painting, and painting stations.

The Art of Pink
Where: Metropolitan Park | Arlington, VA
When: April 11, 5-10pm
Admission: Free
Head to National Landing for Art of Pink, an immersive art and music experience celebrating cherry blossom season. Browse a pop-up gallery featuring 30+ artists, enjoy Japanese and Asian-inspired bites, and catch an electrifying breakdance showcase with beats by DJ Fleg (of Olympic breakdancing fame). Explore Met Park retailers, snap Instagram-worthy photos, and soak in the vibrant nighttime atmosphere. Free with RSVP.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
Where: Constitution Avenue, 7th – 17th St NW | Downtown DC
When: April 12, 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 12, 10:30am – 6pm & April 13, 10:30m – 4:30pm
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.

DC United Cherry Blosssom Night
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: April 12, 7:30pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Not only will you watch some great soccer action as the United play Columbus Crew, at this special themed matchday, enjoy a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the MLS season and the cherry blossom season. There’s always extra fun going on in the concourse, and there is sure to be some pink, to boot.

Extra ideas to enhance the season:
* Special cherry blossom treats from Astro Doughnuts
* Seasonal play: A LEGO kit, a cool 3D puzzle, and origami
* Dress the kids for the occasion (boys, too).
* Make your nails match the scenery.
* Pink up your decor with pretty faux cherry blossoms.