National Cherry Blossom Festival

– hosted across the vibrant streets of Washington D.C.

When: Annual Spring Events from March to May

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is back, and it’s bigger, brighter, and more vibrant than ever! From March to May, Washington, D.C. transforms into a stunning “City in Bloom,” celebrating the timeless beauty of 3,000 cherry trees gifted by Tokyo’s Mayor Yukio Ozaki in 1912. This heartwarming tradition honors the special bond between the United States and Japan—and you’re invited to be part of it!

Each year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington, DC. The gift and annual celebration honor the lasting friendship between the United States and Japan and the continued close relationship between the two countries.From music to dance, family-friendly activities to mouth-watering food trucks, there’s an adventure for every age and interest.

🎉 Festival Highlights:

• Opening Ceremony – Kick off the festival with star-studded performances and high-energy celebrations!
• Kite Festival
• Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival – Get ready for jaw-dropping fireworks lighting up the sky above the beautiful waterfront.
• National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade – Watch in awe as colorful floats, performers, and marching bands make their way through the streets.
• Over 150 Cultural Performances – Enjoy non-stop entertainment with local, national, and international artists sharing their talents across D.C.’s most iconic parks and venues. There’s something for everyone!
• Free Events for All Ages: Discover diverse performances, exciting sports competitions, and immersive cultural experiences throughout the city—all free and open to the public!

🌸 Get Ready for the Unforgettable National Cherry Blossom Festival! 🌸

Watch in awe as the Yoshino cherry trees burst into full bloom around the Tidal Basin. While the bloom period varies, typically lasting from a few days to two weeks, the magic of the blossoms is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you can’t miss!
Keep an eye out for the National Park Service’s highly anticipated 2025 Peak Bloom Date, announced at the Festival’s press conference in early March. It’s always a surprise, but no matter when it happens, the Festival promises an unforgettable time.
This is the perfect opportunity to get outside, explore the beauty of D.C., and create lasting memories with friends and family. Mark your calendars, pack your bags, and get ready to bloom with us at the National Cherry Blossom Festival! 🌸
For more details and a full list of events, visit National Cherry Blossom Festival – #BloomCam.

When will peak bloom dates be available for 2025?
This highly anticipated period is predicted by the National Park Service at the Festival kick-off press conference in early March of each year. While the blooming period is difficult to predict more than ten days in advance, but the Festival has so much to offer throughout a City in Bloom no matter when the blossoms bloom.