Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC

One of the best times to visit Washington, DC is spring, when the cherry blossom trees bloom in a sea of pink and white. The grandest of Washington’s annual events, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, is set to take place this year, though festival organizers have announced plans for a series of “hybrid” events amid continued COVID-19 restrictions.

Festival Details

Held from mid-March to mid-April, with the beautiful blooms as a backdrop, the month-long festival usually celebrates spring’s arrival through hundreds of performances and special exhibitions. Attendees can typically enjoy paddle boat rides in the Tidal Basin, evening walks by lantern light, cultural fairs, a parade, and a final fireworks extravaganza. However, this year, park service officials are calling on people to enjoy the cherry blossoms online through its BloomCam due to restrictions on large gatherings.

A Historic Commemoration

This four-week event commemorates the gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Tokyo’s Mayor Yukio Ozaki to the city of Washington in 1912. On March 27, 1912, First Lady Helen Herron Taft and Viscountess Iwa Chinda, wife of the Japanese Ambassador, famously planted the first two trees on the north bank of the Tidal Basin. First Lady “Lady Bird” Johnson accepted 3,800 more trees in 1965, significantly enhancing the city’s cherry blossom display. By 1935, thanks to the support of various civil groups in the city, the Cherry Blossom Festival expanded, with the blossoms having already become a trademark for Washington, DC. In normal conditions, more than 1.5 million people attend the festival.

Peak Bloom and Visitor Advice

According to the National Park Service, the peak bloom for the cherry blossoms is expected to take place between April 2 and 5 this year, depending on weather conditions. The peak bloom date for DC’s cherry blossoms is defined as the day on which 70% of the blossoms of the Yoshino cherry trees surrounding the Tidal Basin are open. Visitors are urged to refrain from descending in droves on the area, given the restrictions on large gatherings.

Alternative Events

This year, those who usually enjoy the lively atmosphere can participate in an on-demand 3.3-mile virtual tour and a 360-degree bike ride experience. Moreover, there will be 25 blossom-themed art sculptures in each of DC’s eight wards designed by local artists, and “petal porch parade and processions” that will bring mini-versions of the traditional parade to different neighborhoods.

The popular Pink Tie Party will go virtual this year, along with the Blossom Kite Festival, where kites of all shapes and sizes are typically flown on the public field in the shadow of the Washington Monument. Participants are encouraged to fly kites in their own backyards or neighborhood parks. Additionally, there will be mindfulness sessions and a nationally-syndicated TV show featuring celebrity performances hosted by actress Drew Barrymore. “In keeping with the festival tradition, we will unite the city and the region, engaging local businesses and restaurants with beautiful pink lighting and blossom decor,” shared Diana Mayhew, president and CEO of the festival.

Festival Dates

The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs this year from March 20 through April 11. A comprehensive list of events can be found on the National Cherry Blossom Festival website here.

This article was first published on March 30, 2020, and updated on March 4, 2021.