The National Park Service and our partner National Cherry Blossom Festival are proud to offer a wide variety of events and activities during the Cherry Blossom Festival including the Blossom Kite Festival, Japanese Street Festival, Captial Waterfront Fireworks during the Petalpalooza event, National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, and more.
NPS
Tidal Basin Welcome Area
March 18- April 2, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Begin your visit to the National Cherry Blossom Festival at the Tidal Basin Welcome Area, located on West Basin Drive on the west side of the Tidal Basin, between the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Information tents, performance stage, food and souvenir sales areas, and first aid station provide everything you need for a fun-filled visit.
Stop by the National Park Service Activity Tent to become a Cherry Blossom Protector, earn a Bloomin’ Junior Ranger badge, and participate in activities related to conservation and responsible recreation.
March 18- April 2, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Begin your visit to the National Cherry Blossom Festival at the Tidal Basin Welcome Area, located on West Basin Drive on the west side of the Tidal Basin, between the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Information tents, performance stage, food and souvenir sales areas, and first aid station provide everything you need for a fun-filled visit.
Stop by the National Park Service Activity Tent to become a Cherry Blossom Protector, earn a Bloomin’ Junior Ranger badge, and participate in activities related to conservation and responsible recreation.
Jefferson Memorial Cherry Blossom Ranger Talk
March 18 - April 2, 11 am and 3pm
Join a Park Ranger and learn more about the history and lore of the cherry blossoms. Programs meet on the plaza in front of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Rain or shine.
March 18 - April 2, 11 am and 3pm
Join a Park Ranger and learn more about the history and lore of the cherry blossoms. Programs meet on the plaza in front of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Rain or shine.
Ranger-led Lantern Walks
Saturday April 1 Program Cancelled due to expected high winds
Bring your flashlight for a one-hour evening stroll beneath the blossoms; evening is one of the best times to beat the crowds and enjoy the beautiful serenity of the cherry trees! This 1.8- mile, guided walk around the Tidal Basin begins at 6:30 p.m. at the National Park Service Activity tent in the Tidal Basin Welcome Area on West Basin Drive.
Saturday April 1 Program Cancelled due to expected high winds
Bring your flashlight for a one-hour evening stroll beneath the blossoms; evening is one of the best times to beat the crowds and enjoy the beautiful serenity of the cherry trees! This 1.8- mile, guided walk around the Tidal Basin begins at 6:30 p.m. at the National Park Service Activity tent in the Tidal Basin Welcome Area on West Basin Drive.
Pup's and Petals Dog Walk
March 25 ONLY, 4 pm
Bring your furry friend for a one-hour stroll among the cherry blossoms! Meet outside the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial bookstore at 4 p.m. Don’t forget your leash (required), waste bags and water.
March 25 ONLY, 4 pm
Bring your furry friend for a one-hour stroll among the cherry blossoms! Meet outside the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial bookstore at 4 p.m. Don’t forget your leash (required), waste bags and water.
Tidal Basin Paddle Boats
One of the best ways to experience the cherry trees is on a paddle boat! This year, Guest Services, Inc. is offering online reservations during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Paddle boats are available daily from 10 am to 4 pm.
One of the best ways to experience the cherry trees is on a paddle boat! This year, Guest Services, Inc. is offering online reservations during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Paddle boats are available daily from 10 am to 4 pm.
Elsewhere During the Festival
Across the National Mall, our official festival partner the National Cherry Blossom Festival is hosting a wide variety of exciting events and activities to celebrate the gift of the cherry blossom trees.
March 25, 2023, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The Blossom Kite Festival soars into spring and kicks off the kite flying season with five areas to explore and enjoy. Open kite flying is welcome on the public field. Bring your own kite, or children can make a kite to fly at an activity station (while supplies last).
Petalpalooza
April 8, 2023, 1 p.m. - 9 p.m.
This day-long all-ages celebration brings art, music, and play to multiple outdoor stages, interactive art installations through the Petalpalooza Art Walk. The evening is capped by a spectacular fireworks display. Capital Riverfront at the Yards. Near Navy Yard Metro. Fireworks begin at 8:30 pm.
April 9, 2023, 2:30 pm
Join the National Conference of State Societies and the National Park Service for the traditional lighting of the Japanese Stone Lantern located among the cherry blossom trees on the Tidal Basin in Washington DC. The Stone Lantern Lighting Ceremony includes remarks by top US officials and Japanese diplomats, traditional songs and music.
April 15, 2023, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Street NW
One of DC's largest spectator events, the energy-filled parade runs for 10 blocks along iconic Constitution Avenue. Giant colorful balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country, celebrity entertainers, and performers burst down the parade route in a grand spectacle of music and showmanship.
Last updated: April 1, 2023