WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — In just under three weeks, the Tidal Basin will be lined with cherry blossom trees, officially kicking off the 2025 spring season in Washington, D.C.
While highlighting the beauty of the trees in the nation’s capital, the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival brings together thousands of people across the DMV and the world. The festival celebrates the start of the new season and honors a tradition in the District.
What started as a gift from Japan in 1912 is now an extravaganza spread across four weeks in D.C. and the surrounding areas.
With a series of signature events happening across the city from March 20 to April 13, DC News Now created a list to help visitors and cherry blossom lovers during this year’s celebration.
Parties, festivals and more
Pink Tie Party | March 14
Back for its second year in the District, the Pink Tie Party will take place at Union Station. As one of the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s signature events, party-goers are encouraged to dress in their best pink and floral designs.
The party will be held from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased here.
2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony| March 22
The traditional Cherry Blossom Festival’s opening ceremony is an artistic celebration of the gift of trees from Tokyo to Washington, D.C. The unique, one-time-only performance features special performances between Japan and the United States.
The ceremony will be held at the Warner Theatre from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m
Tickets for the Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony can be purchased here.
Stumpy’s Petals & Paddles Race | March 20
If you are ready to take on the challenge, Stumpy’s Petals and Paddles Race along the Tidal Basin will take pedal boats across the water. The friendly competition is timed, and the fastest boats per age group and best-dressed participants will receive an award.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Blossom Tea Party | March 21
Organizers of the National Cherry Blossom Festival are inviting legacy residents in the District to its Blossom Tea Party at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center Ballroom from noon to 3 p.m.
For the second year in a row, the free event is dedicated to seniors in the community for a special afternoon that celebrates their history. With lunch and tea, there will be live music and, of course, dancing.
To register for the event, click here.
27th annual National Cherry Blossom Freedom Walk | March 29
The National Cherry Blossom Freedom Walk is back for its 27th run in the District. The historical and cultural event takes place at the National Japanese American Memorial to raise awareness about the Japanese American experience during World War II.
With more than 33,000 Japanese American soldiers who served in the U.S. Military, the memorial pays respect to over 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry relocated during the war.
This year’s theme for the walk is, “Resilience: We Continue to Thrive.”
The event is free and will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine.
Blossom Kite Festival | March 29
Flying high at the Washington Monument Grounds, kite enthusiasts and families are encouraged to attend a kite demonstration and competitions. The event will be soaring with activities, music, competitions and performances.
It takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, click here.
Afternoon Tea in the Park | March 30
Whether you are out for a stroll or ready to enjoy a cup of tea, Afternoon Tea in the Park will take place at Dupont Circle Park from noon to 2 p.m.
The park will be decorated in hues of pink and attendees can sample a free cup of tea from shops in the Dupont Circle area.
Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile, 5K and Kids Run | April 5-6
The Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 mile, 5K and Kids Run will take place in Northwest D.C. The two-day challenge will include hundreds of runners.
The 5K run features thousands of runners on Pennsylvania Avenue. The 10-mile challenge attracts participants to the Washington Monument Grounds, where they will run a course past all the prime blossom locations. Lastly, the Kids Run will take place on Pennsylvania Avenue with about 600 kids, according to the National Cherry Blossom’s website.
The run is free to spectators and entries will be closed to participants.
To learn more about the race, click here.
National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade | April 12
The beloved Cherry Blossom Festival Parade will march on Constitution Avenue NW with grand colorful helium balloons, bands and floats. Performers will also join the route with music and showmanship to ring in the Spring season.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Petalpalooza | April 5
Featuring live music and multiple activities, the day-long Petalpalooza event brings art, music and spring fun to multiple outdoor stages. The Capital Riverfront Navy Yard will transform into an interactive art installation and a cashless beverage garden.
Along the Anacostia River, attendees can find hands-on activities.
Starting at 8:30 p.m., the Official National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks show will light up the night sky.
The event is free.
Parking and Travel
When traveling to these events across the District, parking will be limited and visitors should use alternative transportation modes, including Capital Bikeshare, DC Streetcar, Scooters, DC Circulator, Metrobus and Metrorail.
For parking, visitors can book a parking spot at a garage near the event ahead of time on SpotHero.
