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Rediscover Spring throughout Washington, DC and be a part of this year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival, March 18 – April 16. Four weeks of celebration filled with food, fun, culture, and of course those beautiful Yoshino cherry trees!
The 2023 Festival is the 111th anniversary of the gift of more than 3,000 trees from the Mayor of Tokyo to Washington, DC. The Signature Events you know and love are back in person, along with a wide variety of ways to experience Washington, DC as you can only see it once a year. And if this is your first time at the Festival, this is the year to see it! Stay at partner hotels, dine at Cherry Picks restaurants, and check out Petal Porches and Art in Bloom installations across the city and surrounding areas. Be sure to tag the Festival with #RediscoverSpring and sign up for their emails to receive the latest updates!
Photo courtesy of: PIXELBLOOM: Timeless Butterflies
PIXELBLOOM: Timeless Butterflies | March 11 – June 11
Their 6th annual celebration of the Cherry Blossom season expands on the world of PIXELBLOOM, enveloping you in a thriving digital ecosystem where pixels bloom into a dynamic visual world, along with digital art installations inspired by a butterfly’s biology and ecosystem.
Pink Tie Dinner Party | March 16, 7 – 11 p.m.
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
This signature event is an unforgettable evening of dazzling entertainment, incredible cuisine, a rousing silent auction, and more! Don your finest pink attire and start the evening with a cocktail reception featuring a sushi and sake tasting. Enjoy a dinner of culinary delights crafted by TCMA executive chef Houman Gohary.
Tidal Basin Welcome Area and ANA Stage | March 18 – April 2
West Basin Drive SW
Witness peak bloom at the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC, while also experiencing entertainment representing Japanese, American, and other cultures!
Live performances among the blossoms at the Tidal Basin celebrate the longstanding friendship between the U.S. and Japan with a dynamic, cross-cultural mix of American, Japanese, and other performing arts.
Photo courtesy of: Art in Bloom
Art In Bloom | March 20 – April 17
Washington, D.C.
The Giant Cherry Blossom sculptures are returning in 2023 to permanent locations in all eight wards of Washington, DC and beyond. Scroll down to check out the map with Art In Bloom locations.
Free Admission
Credit Union Cherry Blossom Virtual Run | March 20 – April 16
Starting Point is Anywhere (where there are blooming cherry blossoms)
Join this event in spirit by running 10 miles or running/walking 5K virtually. The Virtual Run is a great option if you have a conflict on race weekend. Everyone who registers will receive a specially designed Virtual Run cotton t-shirt and Virtual Run medal. It is also a great way to introduce a newcomer to running who may not be quite ready to strut before thousands on race day on the Washington Monument Grounds.
Petal Porches | March 20 – April 16
Various neighborhoods in DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland
This year, spring starts at your doorstep with Petal Porches! The National Cherry Blossom Festival invites DC residents to unleash their creativity and celebrate their springtime spirit by decorating their home.
Free Admission | Register Here
Opening Ceremony | March 25, 5-6:30 p.m.
performance will also be available via Livestream on The Festival YouTube channel, @CherryBlossFest.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s signature Opening Ceremony is an artistic celebration of the 1912 gift of trees from Tokyo to Washington, D.C., and an annual tribute to the longstanding friendship between Japan and the United States. This unique, one-time-only performance will feature acclaimed artists with ties to both countries.
Photo courtesy of: Blossom Kite Festival
Blossom Kite Festival | March 25, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Washington Monument Grounds
Rediscover the joy of kite flying back on the Washington Monument grounds, at featured parks, or at home! The Blossom Kite Festival is a long-standing DC tradition encouraging attendees of all ages to fly kites among the cherry blossom trees. The iconic outdoor event is fun, free, and open to the public. This year will feature both virtual and in-person options so that you can fly your kite from your favorite neighborhood park or anywhere across the globe.
Free Admission
25th Annual National Cherry Blossom Freedom Walk | April 1, 2022, 9 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
National Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism During World War II
This year marks the 80th anniversary of FDR signing Executive Order 9066 which incarcerated Japanese Americans during World War II. Our theme is “Dissenting Voice to EO 9066: Eleanor Roosevelt.” David B. Woolner, Senior Fellow and Resident Historian of the Roosevelt Institute will share insights and reflections on her opposition to EO 9066.
Free Admission
Petalpalooza | April 8, 1-9 p.m.
Capitol Riverfront at the Yards
Celebrate spring at the National Cherry Blossom Festival‘s Petalpalooza for a full day of live music and engaging activities!
This day-long, all-ages celebration brings art, music, and play to multiple outdoor stages, interactive art installations, a beer garden, family-friendly hands-on activities, and more, all along the banks of the Anacostia River. The evening is capped by a dazzling 15 minute choreographed fireworks show set to music starting at 8:30 PM.
Free Admission
Photo courtesy of: National Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade | April 15, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Constitution Avenue NW, between 7th and 17th Streets, Washington, DC
This energy-filled Parade runs for 10 blocks along iconic Constitution Avenue Northwest. Grand colorful helium balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country, celebrity entertainers, and performers burst down the Parade route in a spectacle of music and showmanship!
Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival | April 15, 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. & April 16, 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pennsylvania Avenue, NW – Between 3rd and 7th Streets, Washington, DC 20004
The Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival features two days of Japanese cultural performances on four stages (including J-Pop, traditional Japanese music, and martial arts) and a diverse range of cultural exhibitors, artisan and commercial vendors of traditional and contemporary Japanese goods, and Japanese and other food and beverages. The festival also spotlights travel and tourism opportunities and innovative Japanese technologies.
For More Events or Information About the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Click HERE!
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