Your cherry blossom calendar is here and two nights end with fireworks

D.C.’s pink spring is almost here, so mark your calendar with these key dates.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival this year runs from March 20 to April 12. It’s a great time to visit D.C.’s famed trees at the Tidal Basin and beyond, and check out the season’s top events, including the Kite Festival, a parade and more.

When is peak bloom? The best time to see the cherry blossoms in 2026

Peak bloom is when 70% of the Yoshino cherry trees along the Tidal Basin are flowering. It typically lasts several days.

Storm Team4 will reveal its peak bloom prediction on Wednesday, and the National Park Service will announce its prediction the next day. Download our app or follow us on TikTok and Instagram so you don’t miss it!

“Extraordinary warm or cool temperatures have resulted in peak bloom as early as March 15 (1990) and as late as April 18 (1958),” the National Park Service says.

Pink Tie Party – March 13

Welcome spring with style, and support philanthropy along the way. Put on your best pink and floral attire for The Pink Tie Party at Union Station. It will feature curated food and cocktails from top D.C. restaurants. Get excited to participate in a benefit auction featuring fashion and beauty items and luxury travel experiences.

Tickets cost $275.

Stumpy’s Petal and Paddles Race – March 19

In honor of Stumpy, the cherry tree that reached viral fame, you can join the second annual pedal boat race in D.C.

You can register to race; half of the proceeds will be donated to the Trust for the National Mall Cherry Tree Endowment Fund. Racers can compete not just on speed, but also style in the Best Team Costume category.

It’s free for spectators. The races will happen on Thursday, March 19, from 4-7 p.m. at the Tidal Basin Boathouse.

Opening Ceremony – March 21

The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s official Opening Ceremony at The Warner Theatre will feature an artistic display to pay tribute to Japan’s gift of cherry trees to the United States, and the countries’ enduring friendship.

Tickets start at $5.

Blossom Kite Festival – March 28

The fan-favorite kite festival is coming back to fill the skies around the Washington Monument with colorful, soaring kites! Get ready to enjoy youth and adult kite-making competitions, special demonstrators and performances bound to take your breath away. Visitors are also welcome to come by and fly their own kite for fun, or simply take in the views. The Blossom Kite Festival is free and runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Make sure to stop by the Sakura Taiko Fest for some high-energy Japanese drumming from noon to 5 p.m. at the Sylvan Theater. The outdoor stage is near Independence Avenue and 15th Street SW, next to the Washington Monument.

Bloomaroo – March 28

While not an official event with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, The Wharf’s celebration will be pretty in pink, featuring four stages with live music, kids’ activities and a fireworks finale about 8 p.m. It’s free and open to anyone.

Petalpalooza – April 4

From art to live music to fireworks, Petalpalooza brings all the fun to the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood.

Celebrate spring with interactive art installations, stop by a beverage garden and join family-friendly, hands-on activities.

Soak in the views of the Anacostia River, ending the night with a fireworks show synced to music at 8:30 p.m. This event is free for all, and kids are welcome.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade – April 11

Parade time is approaching fast! Enjoy colorful sights, marching bands, guest entertainers and cultural performances as the parade moves along Constitution Avenue.

Tickets are up for grabs here if you want extra special views of performances, but guests who don’t get to secure tickets are able to still enjoy the parade for free.

Sarah Pixley

Sarah Pixley

Sakura Matsuri: Japanese Street Festival – April 11-12

Billed as the largest celebration of Japanese culture in the U.S., the 64th Sakura Matsuri festival is set to feature Japanese cultural performances, food, vendors and more.

Tickets are on sale now (kids 10 and under can go for free). Buy early to get a discount!

Get there early and be ready for lines, especially for food and drinks.

Mosaic Art Blooms Festival – April 11-12

This festival in Fairfax’s Mosaic District will feature more than 100 vendors with handmade and vintage wares, plus lots of activities for kids including a petting zoo, arts and crafts, face painting and games.

Complimentary shuttle service will be available from the Dunn Loring Metro Station.

Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile, 5K and Kids Run – April 11-12

These 10-mile and 5K runs gather athletes from all around the world to run through the iconic Tidal Basin and its blooming flowers. While registration has closed, you still make plans to cheer on the runners. Here’s more info.

Sign up for The Weekend Scene newsletter! It’s free. We’ll share cherry blossom updates all season long, along with more things to do in the D.C. area.