The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of Washington’s most popular tourist attractions drawing around 1.5 million visitors for three weeks of street parties concerts family activities and days to go fly a kite. And of course the chance to see the fluffy pink and white petals that turn the trees around the Tidal Basin and the Washington Monument into a dazzling floral display reminding us that winter is over and brighter days are on the way.
After an unusually warm winter both The Post’s Capital Weather Gang and the National Park Service predict the blossoms will be at their peak during the third full week of March just as the National Cherry Blossom Festival begins.
The best time to come to the festival?
The festival’s prime time is known as “peak bloom” when the Yoshino cherry trees around the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park and on the Washington Monument grounds are at their most colorful and alluring. But that burst of color typically lasts a week to 10 days while the festival stretches to more than three weeks. The dilemma for festival organizers is that peak bloom changes every year due to weather making it tough to coordinate events and blooming times months in advance. Instead the festival hedges its bets by scheduling a different “signature event” each weekend alongside numerous smaller (but still compelling) happenings. Here are the key dates to know; more information on these events can be found at nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.
National Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 Events
Festival Kickoff Ceremony
- Date & Time: March 20 2025 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Description: This event marks the official start of the festival at Warner Theatre featuring cultural performances speeches and artistic presentations celebrating the strong friendship between Japan and the United States.
Blossom Kite Festival
- Date & Time: March 23 2025 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Description: Held at the Washington Monument Grounds this family-friendly event includes kite flying competitions and professional demonstrations. Visitors can also take part in kite-making workshops and enjoy various activities for all ages.
Sakura Sunday
- Date & Time: March 30 2025 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Description: A cultural celebration at National Harbor with live music traditional dance performances martial arts demonstrations a Japanese marketplace and authentic Japanese food vendors.
Petalpalooza
- Date & Time: April 5 2025 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Description: An exciting waterfront festival at The Wharf featuring live music interactive art installations family-friendly activities and a spectacular fireworks show over the Potomac River.
Tidal Basin Welcome Area & ANA Stage
- Date & Time: March 20 – April 13 2025 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
- Description: Enjoy live cultural performances and exhibits about the history of the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin one of the most iconic locations during the festival.
Cherry Blossom Citywide Art in Bloom
- Date & Time: March 20 – April 13 2025
- Description: A citywide series of art installations inspired by cherry blossoms displayed in various locations across Washington DC providing visitors with a visual feast of creativity during the festival.
National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
- Date & Time: April 12 2025 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Description: A grand parade along Constitution Avenue featuring elaborate floats marching bands performers and giant balloons. This signature event attracts thousands of spectators and highlights the festive spirit of the cherry blossoms.
When will the blossoms really be in bloom?
The peak bloom of the cherry blossoms in Washington DC is typically predicted to occur between March 28 and March 31 2025. This is when the cherry blossoms are expected to reach their full bloom offering visitors the best opportunity to enjoy the stunning sights of the blossoming trees.
However the bloom period can vary depending on weather conditions so it's always a good idea to check updates closer to your visit for the most accurate timing.
Over the past 30 years the average peak bloom has been March 31 according to the Capital Weather Gang.
When is the best time to see the blossoms in person?
The narrow paths around the trees at the Tidal Basin can become extremely crowded during and just after peak bloom — and basically any weekend throughout the festival. If you want to see the blossoms in all their glory — or have a shot at getting your new profile photo without hordes of people in the background — the best times to visit are early in the morning when joggers seem to outnumber tourists and in late-afternoon twilight. Just be warned that footpaths can be trickier to navigate during high tide when they’re inundated with water especially around the Roosevelt Memorial.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Washington, United States
