The time is almost here when the thousands of cherry blossom trees that call D.C. their home will enter their full bloom, covering the city in a gorgeous layer of soft pink petals. To celebrate this, the National Cherry Blossom Festival returns from March 20th to April 13th, with a full suite of events for the whole family to enjoy.
Opening Ceremony
Saturday, March 22nd. A free artistic celebration at the Warner Theatre of the 1912 gift of trees from Tokyo to Washington, D.C. Featured performers include dancer Kazunori Kumagai, singer/songwriter Ka-Na (Kana Uemura), Maui Taiko Drummers and Seiwa Bunraku puppet theater presenting a performance based on hit manga One Piece.
SAAM Cherry Blossom Celebration
Saturday, March 22nd. The Smithsonian American Art Museum will be celebrating the Cherry Blossom Festival with a day- long program. Guests can visit the Kogod Courtyard for Japanese pop, boogie and more with Les The DJ. Children (ages 12 and younger) will have the opportunity to make cherry-blossom-themed crafts. Seasonal treats will be available for purchase and a spring-themed scavenger hunt through SAAM’s galleries will extend the fun through the whole museum.
Blossom Kite Festival
aturday, March 29th. Families are invited to the Washington Monument Grounds for a day filled with soaring activities, music, competitions and performances. Kite enthusiasts, beginners, families and friends are all welcome. This festival will feature kite demonstrations and competitions, arts and crafts and much more.
Family Day: Kimonos, Capes and Other Art to Wear
Saturday, March 29th. Celebrate culture and craft with a special family day at the George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum dedicated to art you can wear. Featured activities include dance performances by Okinawa Kai, the opportunity to design a cape inspired by artworks on display, kirigami cherry blossom accessory crafts, friendship braceletmaking, trying on traditional Japanese garments and more.
Sakura Sunday 2025
Sunday, March 30th. National Harbor’s official participating event of the 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from noon to 5 p.m. and feature a wide array of free activities including an artisanal Japanese marketplace, cultural performances, culinary experiences, a Water Lantern Festival and more.
Sakura Taiko Fest
Saturday, March 29th. Various taiko drum performance groups come together at the Sylvan Theatre for this all-ages festival to celebrate the artform of taiko. Featured groups include Inochi Taiko, Maikaze Daiko, Maui Taiko, OMNY Taiko, Pittsburg Taiko and Fairfax County local performance group Nen Daiko.
Petalpalooza
Saturday, April 5th. A day-long all-ages celebration that brings art, music and play to multiple outdoor stages, featuring interactive art installations, family-friendly hands-on activities, roaming entertainers and more at the Capitol Riverfront by the Navy Yard Metro. The evening is capped off by the Official National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks show set to music starting at 8:30 p.m.
Mosaic Art Blooms Festival
Saturday, April 5th and Sunday, April 6th. Fairfax’s Mosaic District will transform into a lively outdoor festival featuring over 110+ handmade and vintage vendors and fresh produce and treats from 60+ local vendors. There will also be family-friendly activities, including a kids’ game corner, petting zoo, cherry-blossom-inspired arts and crafts, face painting and painting stations. Live music performances will take center stage on Strawberry Lane, featuring local bands and artists.
National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
Saturday, April 12th. Colorful helium balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country, celebrity entertainers and performers will parade down Constitution Avenue in this display of music and spectacle celebrating spring in D.C. Tickets required.
Liam McCrickard holds a B.A. in creative and professional writing from Goucher College. He is assistant editor at Washington Parent. He also works as a freelance designer, writer and editor of tabletop role-playing games.
Liam McCrickard holds a B.A. in creative and professional writing from Goucher College. He is former assistant editor at Washington Parent. He works as a freelance designer, writer and editor of tabletop role-playing games.
Liam McCrickard holds a B.A. in creative and professional writing from Goucher College. He is former assistant editor at Washington Parent. He works as a freelance designer, writer and editor of tabletop role-playing games.
