Washington DC’s National Cherry Blossom Festival

Last Updated on March 1, 2024 by Travelationship

It’s that time again; DC’s best festival is about to start. From the end of March through the beginning of April, Washington, DC, USA, celebrates the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Washington DC’s National Cherry Blossom Festival

DC’s best festival is about to begin, and the predictions are already in; this year’s peak is set for March 23-26, 2024. You can check the National Park Services website for peak cherry blossom bloom dates each year.

Viewing the Cherry Blossoms:

When: Check out the National Park Services website for peak bloom dates and tips on how to tell when the cherry blossoms are about to bloom

Where: The majority of cherry blossom trees are located around DC’s Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park, East Potomac Park, and around the Washington Monument

Get there via: “Smithsonian” via Blue/Orange/Silver lines.

When the cherry blossoms are full, they are a beautiful sight. Full bloom is considered 70% or more of the trees flowering simultaneously. Not all the trees bloom during this time. If you can’t make it during the estimated full bloom, don’t fear. There are still a few trees that bloom early and some that bloom late. For me, the bloom marks spring and has officially put winter to rest. Walking the 2.1-mile ring around the Tidal Basin, don’t miss the Floral Library at about 17th Street and Independence. It is a vast garden containing hundreds of colorful flowers.

If all the flowers aren’t enough for you, visit the monuments. The steps at the Jefferson Memorial provide an above-the-crowd view and a resting spot all in one. If you want a different perspective or escape from the crowd, rent one of the available paddle boats while away around the water. For obvious reasons, my favorite times to visit are sunrise and sunset, but high noon is ideal for those perfectly lit photos. Weekends and midday are the busiest.

Events:

Opening Ceremony

When: Saturday, March 23, 2024: 5 – 6:30 pm

Where: The Warner Theatre – 513 13th Street, NW

Get there via: “Federal Triangle” via Blue/Orange/Silver lines.

Suppose you are among the few who have snagged a free ticket to the opening ceremony – congrats. You still have a chance if you haven’t gotten one of the few tickets but still want to go. At around 4:45 pm, if they need to replace “no shows,” they will allow people in on a first-come, first-serve basis. Line up early, but remember there is no way to know if or how many “no-shows” there may be for the event.

Blossom Kite Festival

When: Saturday, March 30, 2024: 10 am – 4 pm

Where: Washington Monument grounds – Constitution Avenue & 17th Street, NW

Get there via: “Smithsonian” via Blue/Orange/Silver lines

This is my favorite event of the entire festival. It is such a fun, relaxing day to spend outdoors. Bring a blanket, food, and plenty of water. Don’t forget your kite. Just past the Washington Monument, you will find demonstrations and competitions. The kite battles are entertaining to watch. Be sure to walk the entire mall area to see all the different kites and take part in flying your kite if that tickles your fancy.

PETALPALOOZA and Fireworks

When: Saturday, April 6, 2024: 1 pm – 9 pm (Evening; Fireworks start at 8:30 pm *weather permitting)

Where: Capitol Riverfront at the Yards

Get there via: “Navy Yard-Ballpark” via Green line.

Live entertainment, food, and activities throughout the afternoon. It all ends with a spectacular fireworks show. The best viewing is at the Southwest Waterfront Promenade or East Potomac Park on the Southside of the Tidal Basin.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade

When: Saturday, April 13, 2024: 10 am – 12 pm

Where: Constitution Avenue – From 7th to 17th Streets, NW

Get there via: “Federal Triangle” via Blue/Orange/Silver Lines

There is limited grandstand seating if you want to pay, but I don’t recommend it. There are many great places along Constitution Ave to view the parade for free. Along the south side of Constitution Avenue, several short retaining walls can be used for seats or to stand above the crowd. Unfortunately, the steps of The Archives building are blocked off during the parade. It is pretty crowded over by the White House, but you can get a good spot if you get there early. If you can’t get there early, don’t worry. You will find a location, but it might not be the perfect place.

Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival

When: Saturday, April 13, 2024: 10:30 am – 6 pm; Sunday, April 14, 2024: 10:30 am – 4 pm

Where: Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, between 3rd and 7th Streets. Cost: $10 one-day early bird, or $15 two-day early bird. Buy your tickets online, save money, and enter the festival quickly.

Get there via: “Archives-Navy Memorial” via Green/Yellow lines; “Judiciary Square” via Red lines.

The Matsuri Festival offers Japanese drumming, dancing, music, a Cosplay fashion show, martial arts demonstrations, and delicious street food. The festival gets exceptionally crowded as the parade comes to an end. The entrance line and the food lines can be long around lunchtime. I recommend waiting to enter until after 2 pm or so. Also, keep track of the weather. The large crowd and lack of shaded areas can feel sweltering fast if it is a warm day.

Helpful Links:

• Official National Cherry Blossom Festival Website
• National Park Service Cherry Blossom Bloom Schedule
• Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival

Matthew’s Photo Advice

• As far as the cherry blossoms go, think of the trees as big umbrellas, so you want to photograph them in the morning or evening so the sunlight will be at an angle.  Also, remember to have Fun with the blossoms!
• The Parade primarily heads east to west, which means nothing, but it also means the sun will be at the backs of the participants.  That being the case it’s harder to get a good shot, the best advice would be to line up on the north side of the street and then shoot at a 45 degree towards the parade.

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