Among the signature events is the entertainment representing Japanese, American, and other cultures at the Tidal Basin Welcome Area & Performance Stage, hosted by the National Park Service. Here, live performances among the blossoms celebrate the longstanding friendship between the US and Japan with a dynamic cross-cultural mix. Expect Americana, bluegrass, country, jazz, pop, R&B, and rock, plus dance styles and performances, including Japanese, Eastern European, Colombian, Indian, flamenco, tap and clogging, and Zumba.

Then there’s the Blossom Kite Festival at the Washington Monument Grounds, with activities, music, competitions, and performances for kite enthusiasts, beginners, families, and friends.

As to the best place for getting great shots of the cherry blossom, try the Jefferson Memorial steps, with the Tidal Basin in the foreground and the Washington Monument in the distance. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on the banks of the Tidal Basin (or anywhere on the banks) is also a great spot where you can see the best of the blooms, and you can also see them from a two- or four-person paddleboat on the Basin. Other places to look out for include the Japanese Lantern, the U.S. National Arboretum, the Gardens of Dumbarton Oaks historic estate in Georgetown, the Hains Point Loop Trail, and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Brookland neighbourhood.

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To book your trip to Washington, DC trip during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, call your Travel Counsellor today.