The National Park Service and our partner National Cherry Blossom Festival are proud to offer a wide variety of events and activities during the Cherry Blossom Festival including the Blossom Kite Festival, Japanese Street Festival, Captial Waterfront Fireworks during the Petalpalooza event, National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, and more.
NPS
March 27 - April 11, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
BloomFest at the Tidal Basin
New Location: Behind the Thomas Jefferson Memorial
Begin your visit to the National Cherry Blossom Festival at the Tidal Basin Welcome Area, at its new location behind the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Information tents, performance stage, food and souvenir sales areas, and first aid station provide everything you need for a fun-filled visit.
Stop by the National Park Service Activity Tent to become a Cherry Blossom Protector, earn a Bloomin’ Junior Ranger badge, and participate in activities related to conservation and responsible recreation.
BloomFest at the Tidal Basin
New Location: Behind the Thomas Jefferson Memorial
Begin your visit to the National Cherry Blossom Festival at the Tidal Basin Welcome Area, at its new location behind the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Information tents, performance stage, food and souvenir sales areas, and first aid station provide everything you need for a fun-filled visit.
Stop by the National Park Service Activity Tent to become a Cherry Blossom Protector, earn a Bloomin’ Junior Ranger badge, and participate in activities related to conservation and responsible recreation.
March 27 - April 11, 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily
Jefferson Memorial Cherry Blossom Ranger Talk
Location: Meet in front of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial
Join a Park Ranger and learn more about the history and lore of the cherry blossoms. Programs meet on the plaza in front of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Rain or shine.
Jefferson Memorial Cherry Blossom Ranger Talk
Location: Meet in front of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial
Join a Park Ranger and learn more about the history and lore of the cherry blossoms. Programs meet on the plaza in front of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Rain or shine.
March 28, March 29, April 5 - 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Ranger-led Lantern Walks
Location: Met at the BloomFest at the Tidal Basin tents behind the Jefferson Memorial
Bring your flashlight for a one-hour evening stroll beneath the blossoms; evening is one of the best times to beat the crowds and enjoy the beautiful serenity of the cherry trees! This 1.8- mile, guided walk around the Tidal Basin begins at 6:30 p.m. at the National Park Service activity tent at BloomFest at the Tidal Basin.
Ranger-led Lantern Walks
Location: Met at the BloomFest at the Tidal Basin tents behind the Jefferson Memorial
Bring your flashlight for a one-hour evening stroll beneath the blossoms; evening is one of the best times to beat the crowds and enjoy the beautiful serenity of the cherry trees! This 1.8- mile, guided walk around the Tidal Basin begins at 6:30 p.m. at the National Park Service activity tent at BloomFest at the Tidal Basin.
Friday, March 27 - 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Basic Birding on the Basin...Dipping, Ducking & Racing
Location: BloomFest at the Tidal Basin, behind the Jefferson Memorial
Basic Birding on the Basin...Dipping, Ducking & Racing
Location: BloomFest at the Tidal Basin, behind the Jefferson Memorial
Discover the birds that call the Tidal Basin home in this fun, beginner‑friendly program. Rangers will introduce the common seasonal species and the entertaining ways they feed, dive, and race across the water. Learn simple tips for spotting and identifying birds—perfect for families, first‑time birders, and anyone curious about the wildlife among the cherry blossoms. Join us at the Jefferson Memorial for a light, engaging look at the Basin’s feathered residents.
Saturday, March 28 - 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Cherry Blossom Crocheting
Location: BloomFest at the Tidal Basin, behind the Jefferson Memorial
Cherry Blossom Crocheting
Location: BloomFest at the Tidal Basin, behind the Jefferson Memorial
Try your hand at crocheting with this fun, beginner‑friendly craft inspired by the cherry blossoms. Rangers provide yarn, hooks, and easy patterns to help you create a simple blossom‑themed piece to take home. Whether you’re new to crocheting or already have some experience, this relaxed drop‑in activity offers a creative break amid the beauty of the Tidal Basin.
Sunday, March 29 - 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Animal Olympics
Location: BloomFest at the Tidal Basin, behind the Jefferson Memorial
Animal Olympics
Location: BloomFest at the Tidal Basin, behind the Jefferson Memorial
Put your skills to the test in this fun, kid‑friendly challenge celebrating amazing animal adaptations. Try quick races, balance tests, and simple movement activities to see how you compare to nature’s top performers. With rangers as your coaches, the Animal Olympics offers an active, hands‑on way for families to explore how animals survive and thrive—right in the heart of cherry blossom season.
Saturday, March 28 - noon and 3 p.m.
Saturday, April 4 - noon and 3 p.m.
Cherry Blossom Storytime
Location: Japanese Stone lantern, northeast side of the Tidal Basin
Enjoy a cheerful, family‑friendly storytime for younger visitors under the cherry blossoms. Rangers share spring‑themed picture books that celebrate nature, friendship, and the beauty of Washington’s iconic blooms. It’s a gentle, engaging program perfect for budding readers and a calm, imaginative break amid the festival excitement.
Sunday, March 29 - 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Saturday, April 4 - 1 p.m.
Animal Olympics
Location: BloomFest at the Tidal Basin, behind the Jefferson Memorial
Put your skills to the test in this fun, kid‑friendly challenge celebrating amazing animal adaptations. Try quick races, balance tests, and simple movement activities to see how you compare to nature’s top performers. With rangers as your coaches, the Animal Olympics offers an active, hands‑on way for families to explore how animals survive and thrive—right in the heart of cherry blossom season.
Sunday, March 29, 2 p.m.
Thursday, April 9, 2 p.m.
Woodblock Art Program
Location: Japanese Stone Lantern, northwest side of the Tidal Basin
Monday, March 30, all day
Cherry Blossom Paper Crowns
Location: BloomFest at the Tidal Basin, behind the Jefferson Memorial
Create your own cherry blossom look with this fun make‑and‑take craft! Visitors of all ages can stop by the NPS Activity Tent to design colorful paper crowns inspired by the blooms around the Tidal Basin. Rangers provide simple materials and guidance—just bring your creativity. Take home a charming, blossom‑themed accessory to celebrate spring in Washington, DC.
Wednesday, April 1, 11 a.m.
Cherry Blossom Lantern Making
Location: Japanese Stone Lantern, northwest side of the Tidal Basin
Create your own cherry‑blossom‑inspired lantern at this hands‑on art activity by the historic Japanese Lantern. Rangers provide simple materials and guidance as you design a colorful keepsake to celebrate the season. Fun, creative, and perfect for all ages, this drop‑in program lets visitors enjoy a moment of craftmaking amid the beauty of the Tidal Basin.
Saturday, April 4, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Witness Trees Talk
Location: Japanese Stone Lantern, northwest side of Tidal Basin
Discover the Tidal Basin’s living history through its remarkable “witness trees.” Join a ranger at the Japanese Stone Lantern for a short, engaging talk about the iconic cherry trees that have stood watch for more than a century. Learn how these beloved trees link Washington’s past to the present, why they are considered cultural treasures, and how they’re cared for for future generations. Perfect for visitors seeking a deeper appreciation of the Basin’s natural and historical landscape.
Saturday, April 4, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Cherry Blossom Under the Night Sky
Location: Jefferson Memorial Plaza
Join a ranger on the Jefferson Memorial Plaza for an evening of stargazing beneath the cherry blossoms. Enjoy the beauty of the memorial at night while learning about Thomas Jefferson’s lifelong fascination with astronomy. Try your hand at spotting celestial objects through a telescope and work toward earning a Night Explorer Junior Ranger patch. Weather permitting.
Saturday, April 4 - noon and 3 p.m.
Cherry Blossom Storytime
Location: Japanese Stone lantern, northeast side of the Tidal Basin
Enjoy a cheerful, family‑friendly storytime for younger visitors under the cherry blossoms. Rangers share spring‑themed picture books that celebrate nature, friendship, and the beauty of Washington’s iconic blooms. It’s a gentle, engaging program perfect for budding readers and a calm, imaginative break amid the festival excitement.
Sunday, March 29 - 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Saturday, April 4 - 1 p.m.
Animal Olympics
Location: BloomFest at the Tidal Basin, behind the Jefferson Memorial
Put your skills to the test in this fun, kid‑friendly challenge celebrating amazing animal adaptations. Try quick races, balance tests, and simple movement activities to see how you compare to nature’s top performers. With rangers as your coaches, the Animal Olympics offers an active, hands‑on way for families to explore how animals survive and thrive—right in the heart of cherry blossom season.
Sunday, March 29, 2 p.m.
Thursday, April 9, 2 p.m.
Woodblock Art Program
Location: Japanese Stone Lantern, northwest side of the Tidal Basin
Monday, March 30, all day
Cherry Blossom Paper Crowns
Location: BloomFest at the Tidal Basin, behind the Jefferson Memorial
Create your own cherry blossom look with this fun make‑and‑take craft! Visitors of all ages can stop by the NPS Activity Tent to design colorful paper crowns inspired by the blooms around the Tidal Basin. Rangers provide simple materials and guidance—just bring your creativity. Take home a charming, blossom‑themed accessory to celebrate spring in Washington, DC.
Wednesday, April 1, 11 a.m.
Cherry Blossom Lantern Making
Location: Japanese Stone Lantern, northwest side of the Tidal Basin
Create your own cherry‑blossom‑inspired lantern at this hands‑on art activity by the historic Japanese Lantern. Rangers provide simple materials and guidance as you design a colorful keepsake to celebrate the season. Fun, creative, and perfect for all ages, this drop‑in program lets visitors enjoy a moment of craftmaking amid the beauty of the Tidal Basin.
Saturday, April 4, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Witness Trees Talk
Location: Japanese Stone Lantern, northwest side of Tidal Basin
Discover the Tidal Basin’s living history through its remarkable “witness trees.” Join a ranger at the Japanese Stone Lantern for a short, engaging talk about the iconic cherry trees that have stood watch for more than a century. Learn how these beloved trees link Washington’s past to the present, why they are considered cultural treasures, and how they’re cared for for future generations. Perfect for visitors seeking a deeper appreciation of the Basin’s natural and historical landscape.
Saturday, April 4, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Cherry Blossom Under the Night Sky
Location: Jefferson Memorial Plaza
Join a ranger on the Jefferson Memorial Plaza for an evening of stargazing beneath the cherry blossoms. Enjoy the beauty of the memorial at night while learning about Thomas Jefferson’s lifelong fascination with astronomy. Try your hand at spotting celestial objects through a telescope and work toward earning a Night Explorer Junior Ranger patch. Weather permitting.
.
Elsewhere During the Festival
Across the National Mall, our festival partner the National Cherry Blossom Festival is hosting a wide variety of exciting events and activities to celebrate the gift of the cherry blossom trees.
Blossom Kite Festival
Location: Washington Monument grounds
The Blossom Kite Festival soars into spring and kicks off the kite flying season with five areas to explore and enjoy. Open kite flying is welcome on the public field. Bring your own kite, or children can make a kite to fly at an activity station (while supplies last).
April 4, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m
Petalpalooza
Location: Capital Riverfront at the Yards (1300 First Street SE)
This day-long all-ages celebration brings art, music, and play to multiple outdoor stages, interactive art installations through the Petalpalooza Art Walk. The evening is capped by a spectacular fireworks display. Capital Riverfront at the Yards. Near Navy Yard Metro. Fireworks begin at 8:30 pm.
National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
Location: Constitution Avenue NW from 7th to 17th Street NW
One of DC's largest spectator events, the energy-filled parade runs for 10 blocks along iconic Constitution Avenue. Giant colorful balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country, celebrity entertainers, and performers burst down the parade route in a grand spectacle of music and showmanship.
Official Japanese Stone Lantern Lighting Ceremony
Location - Japanese Stone Lantern, located on Independence Avenue SW at the west end of the Kutz Bridge
Join the National Conference of State Societies and the National Park Service for the traditional lighting of the Japanese Stone Lantern located among the cherry blossom trees on the Tidal Basin in Washington DC. The Stone Lantern Lighting Ceremony includes remarks by top US officials and Japanese diplomats, traditional songs and music.
Tidal Basin Paddle Boats
One of the best ways to experience the cherry trees is on a paddle boat! This year, Guest Services, Inc. is offering online reservations during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Paddle boats are available daily from 10 am to 4 pm.
One of the best ways to experience the cherry trees is on a paddle boat! This year, Guest Services, Inc. is offering online reservations during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Paddle boats are available daily from 10 am to 4 pm.
Last updated: March 27, 2026