 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 any tours (led or
self-guided) to see the cherry blossom trees?
- Do the cherry
blossom trees produce cherries?
- Can I bring my dog with me to
the Tidal Basin?
- What else should I
know about the cherry blossom trees?
- I want to plant a cherry
blossom tree in memory/honor of a family member or friend. How
can I go about doing that?
- 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?
- 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 into
contact with the Festival organization regarding sponsorship or
promotional opportunities?
- How do I get into contact
with the Festival organization regarding vending opportunities?
Click here to visit the
Frequently Asked Questions page about the Parade of the National
Cherry Blossom Festival.
 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 an accurate prediction on the blooming period cannot be
made very far in advance, 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 of the trees.
So now matter when you visit Washington DC during cherry blossom
season, you'll see something memorable happening on 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 (Haines 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/nama/planyourvisit/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 are a few options. A walking tour is held
on the Saturdays and Sundays of the festival by Washington Walks.
A bike tour is held every day of the festival by Bike the Sites.
Additionally, the National Park Service offers walking tours led
by park rangers.
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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Do the cherry blossom trees
produce cherries?
The cherry blossom trees given to us as a gift from Japan in
1912 are not fruit-bearing trees. They only produce the beautiful
pink, white and combinations thereof blossoms that are such a joy
to see.
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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 plant a cherry blossom
tree in memory/honor of a family member or friend. How can I go
about doing that?
The National Park Service (NPS) is able to accept donations
for Cherry trees for the Greater Washington National Parks. Using
donations to the Cherry Tree Replacement Fund, NPS will plant a
tree or trees in the name of the person to be honored. They will
also publicly recognize the person and the donation. Depending
upon the interest of the donor, NPS may arrange for a tree
planting ceremony and provide the donor with a framed certificate
that includes photos and the recognition.
Cherry tree donations can provide a charitable deduction and
often can offer additional tax savings. The Cherry Tree Fund is
managed for NPS by the National Park Foundation (NPF).
For more information, please contact Ms. Wendy O'Sullivan at
Wendy_O'Sullivan@nps.gov or
202-374-9051 (cell).
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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 (202) 619-7225 and ask the Office of Park
Programs/Permits Office to fax you a Public Gathering Permit
application. The rule is that groups of people over 25 persons
are required to have a permit. You will need to fill it out and
fax it back to them at (202) 401-2430. This office will help you
find a location for your event so that it does not interfere with
other groups who already would have a permit.
Additionally, there are a certain select few locations in and
along the National Mall where weddings are allowed. You would be
best to call (202) 619-7225 and ask the Office of Park
Programs/Permits Office for assistance.
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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 Washington, DC's
signature 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 Committee, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit
organization.
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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?
The festival does not occur in one enclosed area, but rather
all over Washington, DC at the location of the festival events. 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 February of every year.
You can also retrieve festival information once in Washington
by visiting either of our two Information Centers: the
Information Trailer 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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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 Washington, DC Convention &
Tourism Corporation website at www.washington.org
or call (202) 789-7000. They can address specific questions
regarding information on area airports, recommended hotels, etc.
Once in Washington, DC you can retrieve city information at
the DC Visitor
and Information Center located in the Ronald Reagan Building
& International trade Center located at 1300 Pennsylvania
Avenue, NW (closest Metro: Federal Triangle station on the Blue
& Orange lines).
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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 2009 Festival will be March 28 - April 12, 2009; the
Parade will be on Saturday, April 4, so as not to conflict with
Easter weekend.
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) 661-7585 or via e-mail at ncbf@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 three major events being the
Parade, the Stage at the Tidal Basin and the Union Station Stage.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival® welcomes performing
groups to apply to participate in the Parade. The Parade
will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2008 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 Cultural Performances at the Tidal Basin Stage are held
everyday beginning at Noon in front of the steps of the Jefferson
Memorial. The purpose of the Cultural Performances on the Tidal
Basin 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 Tidal Basin Stage and how to apply.
Finally, the Union Station Stage is set up for five-six days
of the Festival to offer afternoon performances in one of
Washington, D.C.'s most-visited sites. Because of performance
restrictions prohibited drums and horns, performers/groups in the
areas of song or dance are recommended to apply. Click here for more information about performing on
the Union Station 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 12 2008.
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.
Companies interested in promotional sampling should send an
e-mail to Diana Mayhew, President at diana@downtowndc.org or
call (202) 661-7596.
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