One of the many benefits of living in such close proximity to our Nation's Capitol is being able to attend the Cherry Blossom Festival. This year the Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled for March 18th - April 16th, 2023. The Peak Bloom is predicted for March 22-25! The Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. is an annual celebration of the blooming of the cherry blossom trees that were gifted to the United States by Japan in 1912 as a symbol of friendship between the two nations.
During the festival, visitors can enjoy a variety of events and activities, such as the Blossom Kite Festival which is scheduled for Saturday, March 25th from 10 AM - 4:30 PM at the Washington Monument Grounds as well as some other parks in the area. You can learn more about the Blossom Kite Festival here.
If you are a runner, then don't miss the Cherry Blossom 5K and 10 Mile runs. The 5K is happening on April 1st at 9:15 AM and the 10 Mile run is on April 2nd at 7:30 AM. You can learn more about Both Runs here.
Be sure to mark your calendars for 10 AM on April 15th if you want to attend the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade. There are also plenty of cultural performances, art exhibits, and food vendors showcasing Japanese and American cuisine.
In addition to the festival events, visitors can also take a stroll through the Tidal Basin to admire the beautiful cherry blossoms in bloom. The Tidal Basin is lined with over 3,000 cherry blossom trees, making it a popular spot for photography and picnics during the festival. This is an event that visitors come from all around the world to participate in. If you have not gone before, prepare to be impressed when you see these magnificent Cherry Blossoms.