A Guide to the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Rich in history, culture, and beauty, Washington D.C. is always worth a visit. But at no time is the city more stunning than during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Tourists flock to the district each year to explore the free museums and eat delicious food. Of course, some also attend the National Cherry Blossom Festival!
Date Information:
In 2024, the exact dates are Wednesday, March 20, 2024 – Sunday, April 14, 2024. The National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place every year in late March to early April.
Getting There:
I’d consider leaving the car at home. Finding street parking in this city is hard enough. Now thousands of people are coming to see the cherry blossoms, so take the metro.
One of the best places to see the cherry trees is at the national mall. Take a taxi or the metro. The nearest Metro train stop to the festival is the Smithsonian metro stop or National Mall Stop. You can access this from the orange, blue and silver metro lines.
Accommodations:
The Hotel Washington is very close to the festival, putting you right in the heart of the action. But alas, it fills up fast.
There are lots of other hotels in the DC area where you can find accommodations. If you want to save money, stay outside of DC in Maryland or Virginia. It’s going to be cheaper and you can get a hotel near a metro stop on the orange, silver, or blue line to go straight there.
You can take the metro straight to the festival. Commuting is an authentic D.C. experience.
History:
The festival marks spring’s arrival! Thank goodness, I am so over winter! It’s also for the close bond of international friendship between the U.S. and Japan.
Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki in Japan gave 3,000 cherry blossom trees to the United States in 1912. On 27 March 1912, First Lady Helen Herron Taft and Viscountess Chinda (the Japanese Ambassador’s wife) planted the first tree from Japan.
If you want to see it, it’s on the north bank of the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park.
This simple gift of trees has become a HUGE event for the city of Washington
Anticipated Festival Events:
The Opening Ceremony
The Opening Ceremony kicks off the National Cherry Blossom Festival every year. It’s a popular attraction for those that love Japanese music and culture. The committee promises a ton of traditional festival favorites. There are also some new experiences for attendees!
Previous ceremonies included live music performances by award winning musicians. They use both traditional and modern instruments. There is also katana wielding sword masters dancing in their traditional regalia.
The Japanese Ambassador to the United States will give a speech. CEO of the National Cherry Blossom Festival Diana Mayhew will also give a speech.
In 2023, the festival had celebrities and artists with ties to both the United States and Japan. PETÆL, Mika Stoltzman, Anna Sato, and Toshiyuki Sasaki performed.
NOTE there is a 5 USD registration fee although the event itself is free.
The Blossom Kite Festival
Kite flying has a long and rich history in Japan. You can experience it at the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Kite flying dates back to the 12th century. Believe it or not, they used kites for military and religious purposes. NOT FOR FUN!
That’s right! They used kites to act as signals to attack or retreat. They even flew kites with flammable materials attached to their tails to drop onto the enemy. Ouch…
As kite flying gained in popularity, it became a popular pastime for the wealthy. Kite-making became a very respected craft. Each spring in many parts of Japan, there is the “Takoage” kite-flying festival where participants try to fly the largest, most intricate kites (some several meters long!).
At the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C., you’ll get to fly a kite! You’ll experience this Japanese tradition yourself on the grasses surrounding the Washington monument.
Remember, this event is often determined by weather so keep a close watch on the event’s website. It could happen anytime from March 20 – April 16.
While you’re waiting, take a cherry blossom tour! On tours you will see many DC things. Of course you’ll see the cherry blossoms. But you’ll also see famous DC buildings like the White House and the National Archives!
Petalpalooza
Going to spend only one day taking in the Washington DC cherry blossoms? Consider Petalpalooza Art Walk! It’s a great place to see contemporary arts and artists. It is also a great way to take part in the rich community spirit that makes up DC.
Petalpalooza is a FREE event and takes place on Saturday, April 6, 2024from 1 – 9 PM near the Navy Yard Metro stop. It’s an all-day event with art exhibits, outdoor performances, and food and drink booths. There is also lots of hand-on activities for the kids.
The Official National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks Show begins at 8:30pm. It’s played completely to music – a very unique experience.
Pro-tip: Jump across the river to Anacostia Park to sit along the banks of the Potomac River. You can escape some of the crowds and watch the fireworks against the backdrop of the DC skyline.
National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
Saturday, April 13 2024 from 1000-1200.
Parades for me are awesome. They’re filled with great childhood memories of candy hurled at me from elaborate floats. I also enjoyed practicing my princess wave to the various rodeo queens going by. If parades are your thing too… or if your candy stocks from Halloween are getting low… come to the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade.
Is this event free? Kind of. The parade route goes down Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets
If you want the chance to end up on tv so mom can see you, you’ll want to be in the Telecast area. In the telecast section, tickets are $40 USD each and you’ll be between 7th to 9th streets.
Want to sit in the Grandstand section? You’ll be at the end of the parade from 15th Street to 17th Street and tickets are $25 – $30 USD.
Are you a budget traveler like myself and don’t mind throwing elbows to get a FREE viewing? You’ll want to arrive somewhere between 9th and 15th Streets for the first come first serve FREE ticket.
Pro-tip: Get there early it fills up pretty quick.
Pink Tie Party
All proceeds support the mission of Washington, DC’s iconic National Cherry Blossom Festival, ensuring Festival events remain primarily free and open to the public.
The Japanese Street Festival is one of my favorite parts of the festival. The National Cherry Blossoms Festival has many events, but this is a must see.
This 24-hour extravaganza takes place Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14 2024. It’s on Pennsylvania Ave and is a great place to get Japan information and culture.
This street festival has FOOD STALLS offering a taste of Japan. We’re talking dumpings, teriyaki, and tempura. Ginza marketplaces will also sell all sorts of beautiful Japanese crafts. That way you can pick up swords for your kids. (kidding – don’t do that).
Of course, there will also be many outdoor stages filled with performances.
For a vendor list click here.
The Japanese Street Festival
The Japanese Street Festival is one of my favorite parts of the festival. The National Cherry Blossoms Festival has many events, but this is a must see.
This 24-hour extravaganza takes place Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14 2024. It’s on Pennsylvania Ave and is a great place to get Japan information and culture.
This street festival has FOOD STALLS offering a taste of Japan. We’re talking dumpings, teriyaki, and tempura. Ginza marketplaces will also sell all sorts of beautiful Japanese crafts. That way you can pick up swords for your kids. (kidding – don’t do that).
Of course, there will also be many outdoor stages filled with performances.
For a vendor list click here.
Cherry Blossoms at the Tidal Basin
Okay, this is likely the reason that you are here. The date for peak bloom for the cherry blossoms is ALWAYS up in the air. The United States National Park Service when about 70% of the blossoms are in full bloom. It lasts only for a couple of days and is impossible to forecast more than 10 days out. Weather conditions greatly affect the number of blooms. A poorly timed storm can wipe out these delicate flowers.
At the Tidal Basin Welcome Area, the Cherry Blossom Festival hosts live concerts.
Within walking distance of the tidal basin welcome area is Hains Point. It’s on the south eastern side of East Potomac Park. East Potomac Park is another great area to walk under the blooms.
Peak Bloom 2023 Forecast:
The Peak Bloom Forecast is TBD.
Peak Blooms over the Past 20 Years:
So, what is a wayward and weary traveler to do? Look at the HISTORY of the peak blooms of course! Remember the National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off from 20 March 2023 – 14 April 2024.
The earliest that peak bloom has EVER occurred in the past 20 years is March 20. The latest peak bloom was April 10. 14 of the past 20 years have had peak bloom dates before or on April 1.
Crowd Avoidance
Remember, best time to avoid the crowds but still see the cherry blossoms, is to get up really early. I’m talking arriving at the tidal basin just before sunrise early. This will be before any events begin at the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
You’re going to be sleepy, but your pictures will be stunning in the lighting. Also you’ll be out of there before the masses have woken up and had breakfast.
If possible, for even fewer people, come out early on a weekday. An early morning run around the mall can be one of the best ways to enjoy cherry blossom season without the crowds.
There are also several other areas in and around the WMA to escape the crowds. One way is to schedule a tour at River Farm in Alexandria, VA. This 25-acre property was once owned by George Washington. Because it is reservation only, you can rest assured you’ll avoid over crowding…if you plan ahead.
Conclusion
Enjoy the National Cherry Blossom Festival. But also, make sure to take advantage of this time in DC by exploring some of the nearby Smithsonian museums.
Local restaurants go all out with cherry blossom themed foods and cocktails. The whole city is so excited to welcome spring.
For more details on the National Cherry Blossom Festival visit their website by clicking HERE.
Bringing your dog to the festival? It is dog friendly! Check out this How to Guide with tips on flying with your pet in-cabin!
I’ll see you there!