Questions About Cherry Blossoms
- When will the
cherry blossom trees bloom?
- I want to see
the cherry blossoms when they are in bloom. For what days should
I plan my visit?
- When is the best time to
see the cherry blossoms?
- Where are the cherry
blossom trees located?
- How do I get to the
Tidal Basin?
- Are there
wheelchairs available for rent at the Tidal Basin?
- Are there any tours (led or
self-guided) to see the cherry blossom trees?
- Can I bring my dog with me to
the Tidal Basin?
- What else should I
know about the cherry blossom trees?
- I want to hold a
large picnic or wedding under the cherry blossom trees. What do I
need to do?
- How can I get my own cherry
blossom tree?
- Who can I contact for
specific cherry blossom tree questions or questions about
National Park Service property?
Festival
Questions
- What
is the National Cherry Blossom Festival?
- What sorts of events
occur during the Festival?
- Where does the Festival
take place?
- Are tickets required to
attend the Festival?
- How can I get more
information about the Festival?
- Where should I stay when
in Washington, DC for the Festival?
- How can I get more
information about Washington, DC or assistance in planning my
trip?
- How do I get into
contact with the Festival organization to address specific
questions?
- What are the future
dates of the National Cherry Blossom Festival?
Getting Involved With The
Festival
- How
can I volunteer to help the National Cherry Blossom Festival?
- What
performance opportunities are there associated with the Festival?
- How do I get in
contact with the Festival organization regarding sponsorship or
promotional opportunities?
- How do I get in contact
with the Festival organization regarding vending opportunities?
Click here to visit the
Frequently Asked Questions page about the National Cherry Blossom
Festival Parade®.
General
Questions
When will the Cherry
Blossom Trees bloom?
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is planned to coincide as
nearly as possible with the blooming of the trees. Peak Bloom
Date is defined as the day in which 70 percent of the blossoms of
the Yoshino Cherry trees are open. The date when the Yoshino
cherry blossoms reach peak bloom varies from year to year,
depending on weather conditions. The mean date of blooming is
April 4, but nature is not always cooperative and the National
Park Service horticulturists cannot make an accurate prediction
much more than 10 days prior. The blooming period starts several
days before the Peak Bloom Date and can last as long as 14 days;
however, frost or high temperatures combined with wind and/or
rain can shorten this period.
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I want to see the cherry
blossoms when they are in bloom. For what days should I plan my
visit?
Since a close-to-accurate prediction on the blooming period
cannot be until early March of each year, the Festival advises
that you take stock of what other activities you want to engage
in during your visit. For example, if attending the parade and
street festival are a priority for you, plan your visit for that
weekend of the Festival. Fill your itinerary with all you want to
see and do; and include walking around the Tidal Basin among
them.
The various stages of bloom on the trees are wonderful in each
their own way, from the vivid pink of the buds about to burst
into bloom, to the softer pink of the blossoms on the trees, to
the snowy white environment of the petals falling off the trees.
So now matter when you visit Washington DC during cherry blossom
season, you'll see something memorable happening at the Tidal
Basin.
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When is the best time of day to see
the cherry blossoms?
Anytime is a good time to see the blossoms. However, visitors
should be prepared for heavier crowds on weekends and when the
trees reach their peak blooming period. There is no guarantee,
but there are often fewer people during the week, early in the
morning and late afternoon/early evening.
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Where are the cherry blossom
trees located?
The cherry blossom trees currently grow in three National Park
Services locations: around the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park,
in East Potomac Park (Hains Point), and on the Washington
Monument grounds. For information on which varieties of cherry
blossom trees are located in which park and maps, visit http://www.nps.gov/cherry/cherry-tree-locations.htm.
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How do I get to the Tidal
Basin?
Visit our MAPS page to download helpful documents that
advise you on how to drive, bike and walk to the Tidal Basin!
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Are there any tours (led or self-guided)
to see the cherry blossom trees?
For led tours, there several options. Click here to view a complete list of cherry
blossom-specific tours.
The National Park Service and the National Cherry Blossom
Festival publish a pamphlet for visitors to use in a self-guided
tour. This map can be picked-up at the Information Stations
located on the north side of the Tidal Basin (grounds of the
Washington Monument) and south side of the Tidal Basin (adjacent
to the Jefferson Memorial), which are in place the two weeks of
the Festival.
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Are there wheelchairs available
for rent at the Tidal Basin?
The National Park Service has a limited supply of wheelchairs
available for rent at no charge. Wheelchairs may be checked-out
from either the World War II Memorial or the Franklin D.
Roosevelt Memorial. Visitors can sign out an available wheel chair via first come first served basis by leaving a form of ID (i.e. drivers license) but the wheelchairs must remain at that memorial site. They are not permitted to be used around the mall. Upon return of the wheelchair to the site from which they were borrowed, their ID will be returned.
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Can I bring my dog with me to the Tidal
Basin?
Dogs are allowed on the National Mall and Memorial Parks but
the owner must keep the dog on leash 100% of the time. Never is
an owner allowed to let a dog run freely in any of these
locations. Also the owners are NEVER allowed to let the dog
"go to the bathroom" in the Reflecting Pool or in the
pool at the World War II Memorial. The National Park Service has
had and continues to have problems in this regard and are making
best attempts at educating the public.
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What else should I know about
the cherry blossom trees?
The plantings of the cherry blossom trees originated as a gift
in 1912 from the people of Japan to the United States as gesture
of friendship and goodwill. Since then, the number of trees has
expanded to approximately 3,750 trees of 16 varieties on National
Park Service land.
For the most part the care of the Japanese flowering cherries
has been entrusted to the members of the Tree Crew for National
Capital Parks-Central. These individuals are professional
arborists who posses technical competence through experience and
related training to provide for the care of the trees.
As hard as members of the Tree Crew works year round, there
are things you can do to assist in the maintenance and longevity
of the trees when you visit:
- Please do not climb the trees or pick branches
- Be aware of walking around the roots of the trees as
ground compaction has been causing damage to the trees
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I want to hold a large picnic or
wedding under the cherry blossom trees. What do I need to do?
Please call the Office of Park Programs/Permits Office at (202)
619-7225. Large picnics can only be held in Hains Point and a permit is only required from Memorial Day through
Labor Day. All other times it is a first come first serve basis. An approved Special Use Permit application is required to have wedding
ceremonies on or near the National Mall. Advise the office personnel that you would like to apply for a permit to have a
wedding ceremony. A Special Use Permit application can be picked up or
faxed to you. Completed applications should be mailed to the Office of
Parks Programs, at the address on the application, or faxed to (202)
401-2430. An application fee may be required for this permit. There are
a certain site locations in and along the National Mall where wedding
ceremonies are allowed. Please ask for available site locations and
required fees. The Office of Park Programs will help you find a location
for your wedding so that it does not interfere with other groups who
already would have a permit.
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How can I get my own cherry blossom
tree?
The National Cherry Blossom Festival suggests that you contact
a local nursery about attaining a tree. Additionally, you can get
more information about whether a flowering cherry tree would be
appropriate for your location and purchase a tree by visiting the
National Arbor Day Foundation website at http://www.arborday.org/Trees/TreeGuide/TreeDetail.cfm?ID=9.
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Who can I contact for specific cherry blossom tree
questions or questions about National Park Service property?
Send an e-mail to the National Capital Region Public Affairs
Office at NCFA_Public_Affairs@nps.gov
or call (202) 619-7222.
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Festival
Questions
What is the National
Cherry Blossom Festival?
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is the nation's and
Washington, DC's greatest springtime event and annually
celebrates the gift of the cherry blossom trees and their symbol
of enduring friendship between the citizens of Japan and the
United States. Timed in conjunction with the peak blooming period
of the trees, the city-wide festival attracts visitors and DC
residents to over 90 events in partnership with more than 30
local organizations.
The festival is organized by the National Cherry Blossom
Festival, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that
coordinates, produces, and supports creative and diverse
activities promoting traditional and contemporary arts and
culture, natural beauty and the environment, and community spirit
and youth education.
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What sorts of events occur during
the Festival?
The festival features over 150 daily cultural performances by
local, national and international entertainers. Other events
include art exhibits, fireworks, arts & crafts
demonstrations, sports competitions and special events
celebrating spring. Click here for a complete listing of events and
additional information.
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Where does the Festival take place?
Festival events and programs take place all over the city of
Washington, DC. Click here for a complete listing of events and
their locations.
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Are tickets required to attend the
Festival?
Many of the festival events are FREE and open to the public.
However, there are a few exceptions to the rule. Those events
that have paid admission will be indicated with a Dollar Symbol
next to the title of the event. Click here for a complete listing of events to
determine which are ticketed events.
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How can I get more information about
the Festival?
The Festival website has the most up-to-date information
available. It is constantly being updated. If you would like a
printed version of the Calendar of Events, send a self-addressed,
stamped envelope with your request to: National Cherry Blossom
Festival 1250 H Street, NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005. The
printed calendar of events is first available in its most recent
form in late-February of every year.
You can also retrieve festival information once in Washington
by visiting either of our two Information Centers: the Welcome
Area located on the southern grounds of the Washington Monument,
and the Information Kiosk located on the west side of the
Jefferson Memorial.
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Where should I stay
when in Washington, DC for the Festival?
The Festival partners with numerous Washington,
DC hotels that are located both within the District and the
surrounding areas, providing visitors with numerous options and
deals when selecting where to stay during your trip. Click
here to view the list of participating hotels.
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How can I get more information about
Washington, DC or assistance in planning my trip?
To get more information about Washington, DC while planning
your trip, go to the Visitor Information page provided on the
NCBF website. Or visit the Destination DC website at www.destinationdc.com
or call (202) 789-7000. They can address specific questions
regarding information on area airports, recommended hotels, etc.
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How do I get into contact with the
Festival organization to address specific questions?
Send an e-mail to ncbf@downtowndc.org
or call the NCBF Hotline at (877) 44BLOOM.
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What are the future dates of the
National Cherry Blossom Festival?
The 2010 Festival will be March 27 - April 11, 2010; with the
Parade on Saturday, April 10.
The 2011 Festival will be March 26 - April 10, 2011; with the
Parade on Saturday, April 9.
The 2012 Festival (100th Anniversary of the Gift of Trees)
will be March 31 - April 15; with the Parade on Saturday, April
14.
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How can I volunteer to help the
National Cherry Blossom Festival?
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is always looking for
volunteer assistance. If you would like to volunteer, click here for more information or contact
us at (202) 661-7595 or via e-mail at volunteer@downtowndc.org.
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What
performance opportunities are there associated with the Festival?
There are several performance opportunities
available during the Festival, the two major events being the
Parade and the Target Stage at Sylvan Theatre.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival welcomes performing
groups to apply to participate in the Parade. The Parade
will take place on Saturday, April 10, 2010 in Washington, D.C.
There opportunities to get involved with the Parade include
Marching Bands, Specialty Units, The All-Star Tap Team and the
Youth Choir. Click here for more information about these
opportunities and how to apply.
The Daily Performances on the Target Stage at Sylvan Theatre
are held everyday beginning at Noon on the south-east grounds of
the Washington Monument. The purpose of the Cultural Performances
on the Target Stage is to celebrate the friendship symbolized by
the gift of flowering cherry trees from Tokyo to Washington and
to demonstrate cross-cultural exchange through a dynamic mix of
American, Japanese and other cultural performing arts. Click here for more information about performing on
the Target Stage and how to apply.
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How do I get into contact with
the Festival organization regarding sponsorship or promotional
opportunities (including sampling)?
Send an e-mail to Diana Mayhew, President at diana@downtowndc.org or
call (202) 661-7596.
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How do I get into contact with the
Festival organization regarding vending opportunities?
The event in our calendar of events that allows for vending is
the Sakura Matsuri - Japanese Street Festival
produced by the Japan-America Society of Washington DC. This
event will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2010.
The Sakura Matsuri offers festival attendees a chance to
experience the sights, sounds and tastes of Japan. Preferences
are given to those vendors that offer/feature Japanese items.
However, sometimes opportunities arise where variances on the
basic theme are allowed.
If you would like to request an information packet, please
email jaswdc@us-japan.org
with subject line: Request for Matsuri Vendor Application. Please
include your name and mailing address with zip code.
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