There’s Still Time to Enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival and Springtime In DC

Spring has sprung in Washington, DC, and with it comes the highly anticipated annual cherry blossom festival. Despite the festival starting a couple weeks ago, there is still plenty of time to bask in the beautiful pink blooms and enjoy the pleasant weather. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there are still a variety of activities and events to take part in during this vibrant season. Read on to learn about the exciting events and activities still happening during the cherry blossom festival, so you can make the most of your springtime in the nation’s capital.

The 2023 National Blossom Festival Until April 16

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a beloved tradition in the United States and attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year. It is a time to celebrate the beauty of nature, the enduring friendship between the United States and Japan, and the vibrant culture of the nation’s capital. The 2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place from March 18th to April 16th in DC. The over 3,000 cherry blossom trees can be viewed with multiple spots perfect for your springtime Instagram photoshoot at the Tidal Basin and there are various events taking place at other locations throughout the city as well that you don’t want to miss.

Attend the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade

The Nation’s Springtime Parade, presented by Events DC, is making its triumphant return to Constitution Avenue on Saturday, April 15, 2023. Be sure to mark your calendar to witness the grand spectacle of colorful helium balloons, extravagant floats, marching bands from all over the country, and celebrity entertainers and performers, all celebrating the arrival of spring in Washington, DC. While certain sections of the parade will be free to the public along the route between 9th and 15th streets, they are first-come, first-serve. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this unforgettable event! Learn more about the event here.

Watch the Fireworks at Petalpelooza

On April 8th, Petalpalooza presented by Chase is a full-day outdoor extravaganza featuring live music and engaging activities. This all-ages celebration will bring together art, music, and play on multiple outdoor stages, interactive art installations, a cashless beverage garden, hands-on activities for families, and roaming DC sports mascots and entertainers, all located along the picturesque banks of the Anacostia River. The day culminates with a dazzling choreographed display of the Official National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks Show set to music at 8:30 PM. This event is completely free and offers fun for everyone, so don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to experience the joys of springtime in Washington, DC at Petalpelooza and the firework show. Read more here.

See Cherry Blossom-Themed Sculptures at Art In Bloom

Experience the enchanting spirit of Washington, DC through the Art in Bloom exhibit which pays tribute to the city’s flourishing arts community while embracing the whimsical wonder of the season. This community-wide visual arts exhibition features larger-than-life cherry blossom statues that have been imaginatively painted by local artists and installed in various locations across the District’s eight wards. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and creative energy of this stunning display, and take in the full beauty of spring in the nation’s capital. Visit the official page here to learn about the artists and the locations of each of these incredible sculptures.

Contribute a Petal to the Wishing Tree at Planet Word Museum

On April 15th, visitors of Planet Word will be invited to participate in the ‘Wishing Tree’ for the duration of the Cherry Blossom Festival. Over time, a large cherry blossom tree will begin to form with hundreds of pink paper petals. Guests will select a poem from our collection of poetry, write it on a slip of paper, and place it inside an origami paper petal ‘pocket’ that is adhered to the branches of the cherry blossom tree. At the end of the festival, the petals will be passed on to visitors in the museum as a symbol of friendship. The museum recommends booking your pass online ahead of time. Visit the Planet Word Museum website here and learn more about the event and tickets here.

Decorate Your Porch for the Season with Petal Porches

If you’re looking for a creative and fun way to get involved in the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC, Petal Porches may be the perfect opportunity! The National Cherry Blossom Festival invites individuals and groups to decorate their porches, yards, or balconies with cherry blossom-themed decor and participate in a unique celebration of springtime. Learn more information about registration, guidelines, inspiration, and tips for creating stunning decorations, as well as links to a virtual map of participating locations here. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your creativity and join in the festivities of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

View the Digital PIXELBLOOM: Timeless Butterflies Exhibition

Step into a world of wonder and delight with PIXELBLOOM: Timeless Butterflies, an enchanting digital celebration of the spring season at ARTECHOUSE. This immersive experience features a breathtaking display of butterflies and flowers, capturing the essence of the cherry blossom season and welcoming us into the warmer months. The exhibit showcases a stunning digital ecosystem, where pixels come alive in a dynamic visual world, complete with mesmerizing installations inspired by the biology and ecosystem of butterflies. As the 6th annual celebration of the Cherry Blossom season, PIXELBLOOM expands on the previous year’s success, merging the digital and physical worlds to create a vibrant, full spring bloom that’s both organic and digital in design. Experience the magic of spring in a whole new way with PIXELBLOOM: Timeless Butterflies at ARTECHOUSE Studio. Read more and purchase tickets here.

See the Japanese Rinpa Screens at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art

Step into the captivating world of traditional Japanese interiors with a unique collection of screens painted in the Rinpa style. This art movement, spanning from the seventeenth to the nineteenth century, is known for its stylized forms in bright colors, providing a stunning aesthetic that has stood the test of time. These large, decorative surfaces allowed artists to experiment with painting techniques and motifs, bringing scenes of undulating dragons, stormy seas, and elegant foliage to life in an animated display that would have adorned private households and temples. Take a journey through the art and history of Rinpa screens and explore the beauty and craftsmanship of traditional Japanese interiors. Visit the website here to learn more.

Take a Tour of the Monuments Among the Spring Foliage

While in DC, take this opportunity to explore and learn more about the city on one of our guided golf cart tours. These tours are a fun and stress-free way to visit all of the popular sites in DC without needing to create a plan or research on your own. Capitol Express Tours is a local business that will take you to see the iconic monuments and memorials within the city on ​​our narrated tour down Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House to the Capitol and through the heart of the National Mall where you can see various monumental landmarks, memorials, and other sites that show the interesting details of the nation’s capital. Book your tour today!