Wearing pink dresses, suits and blazers, Washingtonians on Feb. 27 officially launched the 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival season, which will run from March 20-April 13.
“Spring in D.C. is a time of joy and renewal, and we can’t wait to bring the city to life with the National Cherry Blossom Festival,” said Diana Mayhew, president of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
The launch, which took place at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Northwest D.C., featured noted speakers who talked about the importance of the Cherry Blossom Festival and the looming question in the minds of many: when will the cherry blossoms reach their peak in blooming?
Even before the expected peak bloom in late March, Mayhew, who has led the festival for the past 25 years, emphasized the importance of the event.
The festival honors the gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Tokyo, the capital of Japan, to the District, in 1912. The gift has come to symbolize the friendship of Japan and the United States.
The first festival was held in the District in 1935. A springtime event held between mid-March and mid-April, the festival features such activities as a parade and musical and cultural performances.
Mayhew said there’s much to be excited for in 2025.
“From cherished traditions to exciting new experiences, this year’s celebration will unite our community and welcome visitors from around the world to create unforgettable memories,” said Mayhew.
2025 Festival Details
During the official launch, the burning question — when will the cherry blossoms bloom? — was answered in a unique manner.
Dr. Kevin Griess, the superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, led the presentation, starting with a video of Jeopardy television show host Ken Jennings, who will serve as the Grand Marshal of the 2025 festival parade, shown on monitors.
Jennings posed the question of Jeopardy-style and flashed the answer: the peak bloom dates are March 28-31.
Fumito Miyake, the Embassy of Japan’s minister for public affairs, said the National Cherry Blossom Festival cements the bond between the two countries.
“Spring in the D.C. area is synonymous with the Cherry Blossom Festival,” Miyake said. “As the trees have grown, so has our friendship.”
Noting that the U.S. will celebrate its semi quincentennial or its 250th birthday in 2026, Miyake said Japan will send 250 more cherry blossom trees “as a birthday gift.”
Mayhew mentioned other National Cherry Blossom Festival events such as the Pink Tie Party presented by Union Station Washington, D.C. and Design Cuisine. The party serves as a primary fundraiser for the festival.
“Be sure to get your tickets because they are going fast,” Mayhew said.
The Opening Ceremony, co-presented with The Japan Foundation, is scheduled for March 22. The ceremony will consist of a one-night showcase featuring performances from world-renowned artists connected to the U.S. and Japan, with the highlight noting the 113th anniversary of the tree gifting.
The parade, presented by Events DC, takes place on April 12 along Constitution Avenue NW with an estimated 3,000 participants. New experiences in 2025 include the first annual Stumpy’s Petals & Paddles Race at the Tidal Basin on March 20, with half of the proceeds supporting the Trust for the National Mall’s Adopt a Cherry Tree campaign for the care of the iconic cherry trees.
During the festival, there will also be a unique pop-up exhibit in the Gallery Space at Place in Northwest D.C., where Blossom Kicks for Kids “District of Blossoms” Showcase, presented by Events DC, will highlight spring-themed painted shoes by D.C. public school students from 8th to 12th grade, along with other art exhibitions to be announced.
Additionally, the Bridge District announced that it will sponsor a Move & Bloom at Bridge District, a health and wellness-focused festival on April 5 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. “We are proud to bring the health-focused Move & Bloom event to this iconic D.C. celebration, and we welcome Washingtonians and visitors from all over to experience the Bridge District this spring,” said Ayisha Swann, Redbrick LMD Vice President of Development.