Springtime is right around the corner! You know what that means? The cherry blossoms in Washington DC are about to put on their spectacular annual display!
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If you haven’t yet seen the incredible way the cherry blossoms transform our nation’s capital, you truly are missing out. It’s actually one of the best free things to experience in Washington DC! Read on for all the information you need for experiencing this beautiful festival in 2024.
When Will The Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC Bloom?
There are many factors that go into the timeline of Peak Bloom Season. Temperature, rainfall, and other weather conditions all affect the bloom period of the cherry blossoms in Washington DC.
There are 2 main entities that predict the Peak Bloom timeline. These are The Washington Post, and the National Park Service. Currently, their predictions are as follows.
- The Washington Post made their initial 2024 predictions on February 27. They forecast that the cherry blossoms will hit peak bloom sometime between March 19 and March 23.
- The National Park Service made their 2024 predictions on February 29. They forecast that the cherry blossoms will hit peak bloom sometime between March 23 and March 26.
Both organizations attribute the warmer temperatures in February to the dates being early this year, but weather doesn’t always behave the way we expect. These predictions may get updated as weather conditions change, and as the end of the month draws nearer. The most accurate predictions come about 10 days in advance.
What Is Peak Bloom?
Peak Bloom is defined as being the day when 70% of the Yoshino cherry blossoms are out. The days leading up to this and the days after this are also full of cherry blossoms. Occasionally these blooms can last for up to a couple weeks. Again, it all depends on weather conditions.
If a big, windy storm passes through Washington DC, many of the cherry blossoms are going to be blown away. However, if the weather stays mild, these blossoms may very well last for a couple weeks after Peak Bloom.
Historical Peak Bloom Timelines
The overall average Peak Bloom date for the cherry blossoms in Washington DC is April 3. Peak Bloom has been recorded as early as March 15, and as late as April 18. Below are the Peak Bloom dates for the last 20 years, so you can get an idea of the timelines.
- 2023 – March 23
- 2022 – March 21
- 2021 – March 28
- 2020 – March 20
- 2019 – April 1
- 2018 – April 5
- 2017 – March 25
- 2016 – March 25
- 2015 – April 10
- 2014 – April 10
- 2013 – April 9
- 2012 – March 20
- 2011 – March 29
- 2010 – March 31
- 2009 – April 1
- 2008 – March 29
- 2007 – April 1
- 2006 – March 30
- 2005 – April 9
- 2004 – March 31
Where Did The Cherry Trees Come From?
In 1912, Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki gifted 3,020 cherry trees to the city of Washington DC. This was a gift of friendship from the People of Japan to the People of the United States, and it is largely thanks to the efforts of Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore and First Lady Helen Taft.
Mrs. Scidmore had been trying for 24 years to have cherry trees planted all along the Potomac, but her efforts went largely unnoticed. She eventually sent a letter to First Lady Taft, who had once lived in Japan. Mrs. Taft rose spectacularly to the occasion, and we have her to thank for the beautiful cherry blossoms in Washington DC.
Fun Fact: In 1952, the cherry tree grove along the Arakawa River near Tokyo had fallen into decline during World War II. Japan requested help to restore the grove in the Adachi Ward. This grove had provided the original trees that were gifted to the US back in 1912. The National Park Service shipped budwood from descendants of those same trees back to Tokyo. These efforts helped to restore the original grove from their own descendant trees!
In 1965, another First Lady was gifted more cherry trees from the Japanese government. First Lady Lady Bird Johnson accepted a gift of 3,800 trees, many of which were planted around the Washington Monument. Lady Bird Johnson and Mrs. Ryuji Takeuchi, wife of Japan’s Ambassador, then reenacted the planting ceremony of 1912.
Where To See The Cherry Blossoms In Washington DC
There are many places to see cherry blossoms in Washington DC. These beautiful trees are scattered throughout the entire area, providing ample opportunity for viewing.
By far, the most popular place to see the cherry blossoms will be along the Tidal Basin. The Tidal Basin is part of West Potomac Park and is surrounded by many of the most famous landmarks in Washington DC.
There are fantastic photo and viewing opportunities near the Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. Most of the cherry blossoms are in this area and along the shoreline.
You also will be able to see cherry blossoms in the area near the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. If you visit Arlington National Cemetery, you can see gorgeous cherry blossoms among the pristine rows of white headstones.
Important Note: Do not pick the cherry blossoms! It is against the law, and you could be fined for it. Not to mention it damages these important trees. You also are not allowed to climb the cherry trees for any reason. Remember: look, but don’t touch.
What Time Of Day Is Best To See Cherry Blossoms In Washington DC?
There truly is no bad time to visit the cherry blossoms in Washington DC. Generally speaking, peak bloom dates will be the busiest, as will mid-day and on weekends.
The smaller crowds tend to be in early morning, or during the evening hours. You’ll also generally find smaller crowds on weekdays, as opposed to on the weekends.
What To Do – National Cherry Blossom Festival Events
The National Cherry Blossom Festival will take place from March 20 – April 14 this year. According to their official website, the festival “welcomes more than 1.5 million people to enjoy diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty, and community spirit.”
There are many ways to take part in the celebrations this year. Between live performances at the Tidal Basin, Japanese dancers and performers, parades, kite making, and so much more, you’ll have ample opportunity to celebrate. Below we’ve highlighted a few of the key events.
For more information and the latest updates, go to the official National Cherry Blossom Festival website.
Opening Ceremony
- When: Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 5:00 – 6:30 PM
- Where: Warner Theatre 513 13th Street NW & via Livestream on the Festival YouTube channel
- Price: $5 registration fee
The opening ceremony is a unique tribute to the friendship between the US and Japan. There will be special performances by artists who have ties to both countries.
This year features 3 different performing acts, including New York-based composer and instrumentalist Kaoru Watanabe, choreographer and dancer Jo Kanamori, and the folk singer/songwriter Naotaro Moriyama.
Registration needs to be made in advance, and tickets do sell out. There may be a limited number of walk-up tickets available.
Kite Festival
- When: Saturday, March 30, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Rain date: March 31, 2024 - Where: The Washington Monument grounds
- Price: FREE to attend
The Kite Festival is a celebration that delights kids and adults of all ages. You can bring your own kite, purchase one, or even decorate your own right outside the Washington Monument. There is nothing like seeing hundreds of kites flying together around the Monument and being able to participate!
There are choreographed performances by KiteLife, along with professional kite enthusiasts from the local Wings Over Washington Kite Club who put on amazing performances and demonstrations.
You also get to experience traditional Japanese drumming, and performances by Not a Saint Band, Ian Carroll, and Guava Jelly.
Another very special guest will be in attendance, Mr. Mikio Toki, a master of traditional Edo-style kites, who is traveling all the way from Japan to showcase his kites.
Festival Parade
- When: Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 10 AM – 12 PM
- Where: Constitution Avenue NW, between 7th and 17th Streets
- Ticket Options:
- Telecast (East End) Seating – $40 (+$5.20 per ticket fee)
Located between 7th and 9th Streets NW along Constitution Ave, NW by the National Archives - Grandstand (West End) – Performance Zone Seating – $30 (+$3.90 per ticket fee)
Located between 16th and 17th Streets NW along Constitution Ave, NW by the Washington Monument - Grandstand (West End) – Seating – $25 (+$3.25 per ticket fee)
Located between 16th and 17th Streets NW along Constitution Ave, NW by the Washington Monument - FREE at Constitution Ave between 9th & 15th Streets
- Telecast (East End) Seating – $40 (+$5.20 per ticket fee)
This year The Legendary Sugar Hill Gang is kicking off the parade festivities! You’ll get to witness incredibly elaborate floats and balloons, along with various marching bands from all around the country. Other amazing performers and dancers parade down the route in a magical celebration of spring.
Confirmed celebrity entertainers this year also include American Idol Finalist Colin Stough.
Petalpalooza
- When: Saturday, April 6, 2024 from 1 – 9 PM
- Where: Capitol Riverfront at the Yards
- Cost: FREE
This celebration lasts all day and brings art, music, and play to multiple outdoor stages. There are interactive art installations through the Petalpalooza Art Walk, a cashless beverage garden, and plenty of family-friendly hands-on activities. You’ll find numerous DC sports mascots and entertainers all along the banks of the Anacostia River.
The celebration ends with a dazzling choreographed Official National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks Show set to music starting at 8:30 PM.
Where To Stay For The Cherry Blossom Festival
It’s probably safe to say that if you’re going to Washington DC to see the cherry blossoms in bloom, then you’re going to need a place to stay. Here are our top hotel picks close to all the action.
- Salamander – 1330 Maryland Avenue Southwest
- InterContinental – 801 Wharf Street Southwest
- Canopy By Hilton – 975 7th Street Southwest
- Pendry Washington – 655 Water Street Southwest
- Waldorf Astoria – 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest
Additional Information
Along with seeing beautiful cherry blossoms in Washington DC, there are numerous restaurants all with cherry blossom inspired food, drinks, discounts, and savings. There are far too many places for us to name, so be sure to check out the full list with details courtesy of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
If you’re visiting Washington DC with kids, there are tons of other amazing activities and sights to see and experience as a family. Washington DC has some of the best, most interesting museums in the world, so be sure to check out at least a few of them. Our personal favorites are the Museum of Natural History and the Air and Space Museum.
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