The cherry trees’ blossoming marks the opening of Spring in DC, attracting a massive amount of visitors to partake in the National Cherry Blossom Festival held from March 20 to April 14, 2024. This annual event not only showcases the stunning display of over 3,000 cherry trees in bloom but also serves as a poignant tribute to the enduring bond between the United States and Japan, stemming from Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki’s generous gift of these trees in 1912.

For those eager to contribute to the preservation of these iconic cherry trees, the Trust for the National Mall’s Adopt a Cherry Tree campaign provides an opportunity to get involved, while the National Park Service keeps enthusiasts updated with anticipated peak bloom dates.

Throughout the Festival, spanning March 20 to April 14, 2024, an array of festivities unfold, spotlighting local businesses and offering a rich tapestry of Japanese culture. Anticipated peak bloom, forecasted by the National Park Service from March 23 to 26, 2024, varies annually, influenced by factors such as winter weather conditions and typically lasting up to 14 days.

Beyond the visual splendor of the cherry blossoms, the Festival extends into a month-long celebration, featuring diverse events that can be divided into the following:

Culture:

• Sakura Sunday features a Japanese marketplace, performances, food, and a sake garden. It’s happening on March 24, 2024, from 11 AM to 6 PM at National Harbor Plaza.
• Japanese Culture Day on March 23, 2024, at 10 First Street, SE, Washington, DC, offers family activities like performances, storytelling, and crafts from Japan. Attendees can also learn about Japanese culture through reading, writing, and crafting sessions led by professionals.
• The Cherry Blossom Tea Party at Dupont Circle Park, features a complimentary tea from Valley Brook Tea, Teaism, and Tea Mansion, amid paper parasols. Join us on Sunday, April 7, 2024, from 12 PM to 5 PM.

Food and Drink:

• The Spring Sake Festival celebrates the season and sake appreciation, offering guests the chance to meet top US sake professionals, connect with craft sake makers, and discover their favorite varieties. Register at https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/event/spring-sake-festival-2024/
• The Pink Tie Dinner Party which will be held on March 15, 2024, is aimed at raising funds for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, ensuring that its events remain largely free and accessible to everyone. This lively cocktail event features spring-inspired cuisine, a silent auction, live music, and dancing. Limited tickets are available, and attendees must be 21 or older. Get your tickets now at https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/event/pink-tie-party/
• Sakura Matsuri, the Japanese Street Festival on April 13-14, organized by the Japan-America Society of Washington DC, returns with over 80 cultural groups, art vendors, food stalls, and diverse programming. Experience it on Pennsylvania Avenue from 3rd to 7th Streets NW. Visit their website now to register: https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/event/sakura-matsuri-japanese-street-festival/

Family and Fun:

• The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on April 13, sponsored by Events DC, offers a grand display of giant balloons, floats, and live music. Watch from the grandstand ($25-$40 tickets) or for free along Constitution Avenue NW. Get your tickets at https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/event/2024-national-cherry-blossom-festival-parade/.
• Blossom Kite Festival is a highly anticipated event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival happening on March 30, sponsored by Amazon. Watch expert kite fliers from around the world with your family at the Washington Monument grounds or a nearby park. Visit the Festival’s website for more information.
• Petalpalooza, on April 6, is a neighborhood event sponsored by Chase. Enjoy live music, art installations, family activities, a beverage garden, and local food at The Yards Park. Free for all ages, don’t miss the National Cherry Blossom Festival fireworks!

Arts:

• Art in Bloom, happening March 20 to April 14, will feature cherry blossom sculptures placed throughout the DC metro area by Amazon. Join the fun by finding these sculptures and sharing your photos with the hashtag #ArtInBloom on social media.
• Isekai: Blooming Parallel Worlds at Artechouse DC invites you to witness cherry blossoms brought to life in captivating universes. Tickets range from $17 to $30. Experience it from March 9 to June 2, 2024, 10 AM – 10 PM. To book your tickets, visit https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/event/isekai-blooming-parallel-worlds/
• Sakura 2024: Live Video Projection at the Smithsonian American Art Museum showcases nightly live installations by Bell and other D.C.-based artists. Experience evolving visuals from March 20 to March 23, 2024, 8 PM – 9 PM.

Others:

• Opening Ceremony – On March 23, the National Cherry Blossom Festival and the Japan Foundation will hold an opening ceremony at the Warner Theatre. Performers from DC and Japan will entertain attendees. Early ticket access is available by signing up for the festival’s email list. The event will also be livestreamed on the festival’s YouTube channel.

If you just wanna relax and enjoy the sight, here are the top spots for viewing Cherry Blossoms in Washington, D.C this year:

• Tidal Basin – Known for its iconic cherry trees, the Tidal Basin offers stunning photo opportunities near the memorials of Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Martin Luther King, Jr. To avoid crowds, visit early morning or stay at the Salamander hotel for easy access.
• U.S. National Arboretum – This serene nature center boasts over 70 types of cherry trees spread across 446 acres. Explore the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, then head to the nearby H Street Corridor for top-notch dining options like The Little Grand and Daru.
• National Mall – Cherry blossoms can be spotted near the Washington Monument on the National Mall. Afterward, grab a bite at Old Ebbitt Grill or Immigrant Food nearby.
• Dumbarton Oaks Gardens – Cherry Hill at Dumbarton Oaks Gardens offers a picturesque setting with various cherry tree varieties and other blooms. Treat yourself to creative cocktails at Bourbon Steak or Fitzgerald’s afterward.
• Hains Point Loop Trail – For a biking adventure, try the Hains Point Loop Trail in East Potomac Park. Enjoy scenic views of cherry blossoms along with notable monuments. Visit Navy Yard for waterfront dining options like The Salt Line.

References: 

Guide to the national cherry blossom festival in Washington, DC: Washington DC. Official Tourism Site of Washington DC. (n.d.). https://washington.org/DC-guide-to/national-cherry-blossom-festival 

Chang, K. (2024, March 4). The best places to see Cherry blossoms in D.C.. This year. Travel + Leisure. https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/nature-travel/places-to-see-cherry-blossoms-washington-dc