For anyone who loves festivals or just the old-fashioned beauty of nature, the National Cherry Blossom Festival in the nation’s capital is definitely a must-attend event.

And with the COVID-19 pandemic waning, organizers have big plans for this year’s festival later this month.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival will run for 4 weeks from March 20 to April 17, filled with activities. And, if Mother Nature cooperates, the stars will be the trees.

According to forecasts, the peak of tree flowering will be from March 22 to 25. Peak flowering is considered when at least 70% of the trees are in bloom.

“The National Cherry Blossom Festival, like spring and the cherry trees themselves, symbolizes hope, renewal and new beginnings,” said Diana Mayhew, CEO of the festival. “The trees, a gesture of goodwill from Tokyo to Washington DC, are a greater reminder than ever of the importance of uniting communities and sharing in the celebration of peace and international friendship.”

A host of activities will take place during the festival.

Opening ceremony

On Sunday March 20, artists from Japan and the United States will take the stage at the Warner Theater to mark the start of the festival. The event will also be broadcast live.

Blooming Kite Festival

On Saturday, March 26, the kites will take over the grounds of the Washington Monument with kite shows, kite making, and kite flying events for all ages. Area residents will be encouraged to fly kites in their own community parks that day if they cannot make it to the festival.

festival parade

On Saturday, April 9, a parade will take place on Constitution Avenue with entertainment, floats and other cultural performances featuring Taylor Dane, Tag Team and Freddie Jackson.

Tidal pool reception area

At the height of the bloom, the National Park Service will have food trucks, a beverage tent, and information booths from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and cultural and entertainment events will take place throughout the daytime.

Petal porches

The festival encourages residents of DC, Maryland and Virginia to join in the celebration with spring and floral themed decorations. Amazon and Instagram will hold creativity contests.

Blooming art

The spirit of the season will be celebrated with oversized cherry blossom statues painted by local artists located throughout the city.

city ​​in bloom

Area businesses, organizations and landmarks will have cherry blossom-inspired lighting and decorations in windows and lobbies.

Cherry Picks

More than 200 restaurants in the region will offer special menus to celebrate the season. And on March 31, customers are encouraged to wear pink to go out to dinner for a night of personalized dishes at many locations.

Petalpalooza

On Saturday, April 16, the Capitol Riverfront will feature a variety of stages for live entertainment, interactive art, games and other activities. There will also be an art walk starting April 1 and going through Petalpalooza in the neighborhood.

Return of in-person events

The festival was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic and was held virtually in 2021. Needless to say, officials are excited to have it back in person in 2022.

“We are delighted to finally be back in person and to have the opportunity to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the gift of 3,000 cherry trees given to us by Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki in 1912,” the mayor said. from DC, Muriel Bowser. “Whether you’re a fifth-generation Washingtonian like me or visiting our nation’s capital for the first time, I hope you’ll immerse yourself in the spectacular brilliance of our magnificent cherry blossoms.”

Those who can’t make it to DC can view the flowers via webcam on the festival’s website.

“Whether you’re traveling to see the flowers in person or taking advantage of the online flower experience with BloomCam and other virtual resources, we hope you’ll join us in Washington’s greatest springtime tradition,” said said Jeff Reinbold, superintendent of the National Mall.

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