As the chill of winter fades, Washington, DC, blossoms into a spectacle of colour and life. Springtime in the US capital is a period of renewal, where the city's famed cherry blossoms take centre stage, framing the historic monuments and the serene Tidal Basin in soft pink hues. This enchanting season draws visitors from all over the world who are looking to explore, learn, and marvel at everything this multifaceted destination has to offer, including experiencing its unmissable Cherry Blossom Festival.
In 2024, the USA’s National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place between 20th March and 14th April, while peak bloom in Washington, DC this year was 17th March. Peak bloom date – the days when 70% of the Yoshino Cherry (Prunus x yedoensis) blossoms are open – varies annually depending on weather conditions.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival invites both locals and visitors to celebrate all that spring in Washington, DC has to offer, from exciting events and art installations to special treats in participating restaurants. The Opening Ceremony, co-presented with the Japan Foundation, is an artistic celebration of the 1912 gift of trees from Tokyo to Washington, DC, with special performances from acclaimed artists with ties to both countries.
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. In 2024 it includes a day-long celebration of dynamic traditional Japanese drumming, a showcase of traditional Edo-style kites, and choreographed performances and demonstrations by professional kite fliers.
Meanwhile, Petalpalooza is a day-long, all-ages celebration bringing art, music, and play to outdoor stages, as well as offering interactive art installations, a drinks garden, hands-on family activities, roaming entertainers, and more along the banks of the Anacostia River, culminating in a choreographed fireworks display set to music.
There's also the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade – a riot of colourful helium balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country, celebrity entertainers, and performers bursting down the route in a spectacle of music and showmanship – plus a ticketed Pink Tie Party. And throughout all this are the cherry blossom-inspired flavours, tours, specials, and events laid on by city businesses. In terms of food, this includes French macarons, themed afternoon teas, and one-off cocktails.
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.
Content created in partnership with Washington, DC & Brand USA
To book your trip to Washington, DC trip during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, call your Travel Counsellor today.
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