It’s that time of year again! Cherry Blossom mania in the District has officially begun with the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s signature Pink Tie Party, the opening ceremony and more events to come through April. Of course the folks that brought you the “Miracle on 7th Street” holiday concept are back with a new Cherry Blossom themed pop-up, featuring Japanese inspired cocktails and fare. It’s officially spring in Washington!
National Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival remains the nation’s greatest springtime celebration. The 2017 Festival, March 15 – April 16, includes four weeks of events featuring diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture.
The 2017 Festival commemorates the 105th anniversary of the gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the United States and Japan.
Tidal Basin Welcome Area and Performance Stage
Thursday, March 30 – April 2
Time: Welcome Area open daily 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (Performances daily noon-6 p.m.)
Location: 1501 Maine Avenue SW
Cost: FREE
Blossom Kite Festival
Saturday, April 1
The seventh annual Blossom Kite Festival showcases the creativity of kite makers and skill of fliers from across the U.S. and other countries through a variety of competitions and demonstrations, Rokkaku Battles and the Hot Tricks Showdown. Bring your own kites or children can make a kite at an activity station (while supplies last) to fly on the Public Field.
Time: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Location: Grounds of the Washington Monument near 17th Street NW and Constitution Avenue
Cost: FREE
Festival Parade presented by Events DC
Saturday, April 8
Giant colorful helium balloons, elaborate oats, marching bands from across the country, celebrity entertainers, and performers burst down the Parade route in a grand spectacle of music and showmanship seen only once a year during the Festival. From the National Archives to the Washington Monument, spectators are wow-ed by the pageantry and excitement that is the nation’s premier springtime parade.
• 98 Degrees member and “Dancing with the Stars” winner Drew Lachey
• Grammy nominated country singer Jo Dee Messina
• DC-Native and chart-topping rapper DJ Kool
• Breakout star from the most recent season of “America’s Got Talent” Brian Justin Crum
• R&B singer/songwriter Blu Cantrell • Vocalist Mari
• Glee star Alex Newell
• Miss America Saavy Shields
• And special appearances by Dancing with the Stars’ Carrie Ann Inaba and Good Morning America’s Rob Marciano
Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival Presented by Harris Teeter
Saturday, April 15
From 2 p.m.-9:30 p.m. festival goers can party at the District Wharf for live music, beer garden, food trucks, all ages hands-on activities, and more. Then from 6 p.m.-9 p.m., join at The Titanic Memorial for pre-fireworks entertainment.
Time: Fireworks display 8:30 p.m. (weather permitting)
Location: District Wharf – 600-650 Water Street, SW
Titanic Memorial, Southwest Waterfront Park
Cost: FREE