The National Cherry Blossom Festival, one of the world’s greatest celebrations of spring, will make its mark on the Nation’s Capital between March 20 and April 13, with an exciting lineup of events and programs.
The Festival commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Japan to the United States and celebrates the enduring friendship between the two nations.
There’s a parade, a kite festival and pink parties! Check out the events below. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the world’s great celebrations of spring.
Peak bloom, the ten-day period when 70 percent of the blossoms are at their glorious fluffy fullest, is expected to be between March 28 and March 31. Can’t get there? Watch the #BloomCam!
But don’t you worry. You have plenty of opportunity spring into the 2025 Festival! Events take place over three weeks with a wide variety of fun.
We’ve got the listings here!
Friday, March 14, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
The Pink Tie Party is the pinkest soiree on the DC social calendar. Guests flaunt their best pink and floral attire on the pink carpet and experience carefully curated food and cocktails from local DC-area restaurants, music, experiences, décor, and more.
Friday, March 21, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
The second annual Blossom Tea Party is an afternoon tea event that honors the rich history and experiences of the DC community’s cherished grandmothers and grandfathers as part of the cherry blossom traditon.
Saturday, March 22, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
The Opening Ceremony, co-presented with The Japan Foundation, officially kicks off the Festival at the historic Warner Theatre with a one-night-only showcase featuring performances from world-renowned artists connected to both the U.S. and Japan, highlighting the anniversary of the 113th anniversary of the gift of trees.
Saturday, March 29, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thousands of kites of all shapes and sizes take flight at the same time, with the iconic monuments as their backdrop. The event also features Sakura Taiko Fest presented by Chase, where an incredible lineup of Taiko drummers from across the country will take the stage at the Sylvan Theatre, for a high-energy, rousing celebration of sound.
Saturday, April 5, 1 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Petalpalooza is the Festival’s day-long, interactive, outdoor celebration of music, art, and community, stretching across multiple gathering spaces, taking over the Capitol Riverfront. The evening concludes with a choreographed fireworks display set to music over the Anacostia River, starting at 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 6, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
The Oxon Run Pinknic expands the beloved tradition of the Blossom Kite Festival beyond the National Mall to Ward 8. The event features a catered lunch, kite making and kite flying, face painting, balloon art, and other family fun activities.
National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade is the nation’s most beloved springtime parade. It fills iconic Constitution Avenue with blossom magic, featuring a procession of pink and petals, giant helium balloons, stunning floats, electrifying performances and more than 3,000 participants from across the country.
For a full schedule of events, visit the nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.
