{"id":29805,"date":"2020-01-27T18:30:34","date_gmt":"2020-01-27T18:30:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/?p=29805"},"modified":"2021-10-28T17:26:58","modified_gmt":"2021-10-28T17:26:58","slug":"guide-to-the-dc-cherry-blossom-festival","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/guide-to-the-dc-cherry-blossom-festival\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to the DC Cherry Blossom Festival"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Washington, D.C.<\/a> Cherry Blossom Festival is a treasured event that occurs each spring in the nation\u2019s capital. It\u2019s a multi-week fest that celebrates the region\u2019s famous cherry blossoms. At least 70% of the flowers are open at this time, making them a spectacular sight. Typically, the flowers are at their peak during early April, but they have been known to bloom as early as mid-March and as late as mid-April.<\/p>\n

Each year, millions of people gather to see the light pink trees in bloom along the waterfront. Over the course of four weeks, the festival hosts all kinds of events\u2014from parades to parties\u2014in celebration of the big bloom. Because there is so much to see and do during this springtime festival, we\u2019ve created a helpful guide to the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. Check out our tips and tricks to ensure you experience all the flower-focused fun in 2020.<\/p>\n

What You Need to Know<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Via Hang Dinh \/ shutterstock.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Officially named the National Cherry Blossom Festival, this springtime event honors the gift of friendship between Japan and the United States. In 1912, Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo sent 3,000 cherry blossom trees to Washington, D.C. as a token of international goodwill.<\/p>\n

The actual festival itself began in 1934. It started as a small, three-day affair to celebrate the flowering of the trees. Today, more than 1.5 million people from around the world visit the nation\u2019s capital for the super bloom during the month-long event. Now there\u2019s even a parade!<\/p>\n

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When is the Cherry Blossom Festival in D.C.?<\/h2>\n
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The festival begins around when the cherry blossoms usually bloom and lasts for several weeks. Sometimes the trees will blossom at different times depending on the weather, but the festival events will remain the same regardless. For 2020, the Cherry Blossom Festival D.C. dates are March 20 to April 12.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Where is the Cherry Blossom Festival in D.C.?<\/h2>\n
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To see the blossoms, make your way to the shoreline at East Potomac Park near the Tidal Basin. The events take place all around the District, including the National Mall, Constitution Avenue, and The Yards.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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What time is the Cherry Blossom Parade in D.C.?<\/h2>\n
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The parade begins at 10 a.m. and runs until noon. Arrive early to get a good spot along Constitution Avenue.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

What to Do During the Celebrations<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Via Mike Haw \/ flickr.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although admiring and photographing the delicate flowers are certainly some of the best things to do during the festival, there are more than 50 events and programs that take place during the celebration. From kite festivals and live music to art shows and parades, be sure to mark your calendar for some of these popular events:<\/p>\n