National Cherry Blossom Festival® Event List

    List of All Events

  • Contemporary Japanese Fashion: The Mary Baskett Collection
    Exhibition features 41 innovative garments and accessories created by Issey Miyake, Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto, all drawn from the private collection/wardrobe of Mary Baskett.
    Date: Oct 17, 2009 - Apr 11, 2010
    Time: Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday 1 to 5 pm. - Closed Mondays
    Location: 2320 S Street, NW

  • Cornucopia: Ceramics from Southern Japan
    Exhibition covers over three centuries of work, exploring the wide variety of local styles of glazing and decoration invented by potters from Kyushu (Southern Japan).
    Date: Dec 19, 2009 - Jan 09, 2011
    Time: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
    Location: Smithsonian Institution, Freer Gallery of Art- 1050 Independence Avenue, SW

  • The Art of Gaman: Arts and Crafts from the Japanese American Internments Camps, 1942-1946
    A showcase of arts and crafts made by Japanese Americans in U.S. internment camps during World War II.
    Date: Mar 05, 2010 - Jan 30, 2011
    Time: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
    Location: Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum - Pennsylvania Avenue at 17th Street NW

  • Tidal Basin Paddle Boats
    Enjoy the cherry blossoms from a paddle boat on the Tidal Basin!
    Date: Mar 10, 2010 - Apr 11, 2010
    Time: 8:00 am - 11:00 am
    Location: Tidal Basin Boat House - 1500 Maine Avenue, SW

  • Annual Pink Tie Party Fund-Raiser
    Kick off spring and the “Season of the Blossoms” in style with 20 top Washington chefs presenting their custom-designed, cherry-inspired dishes and cocktails, and bid on fabulous silent auction items. Presented by Shiseido and Mazza Gallerie.
    Date: Mar 11, 2010 - Mar 11, 2010
    Time: 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
    Location: W Washington D.C. - 515 15th Street NW

  • National Park Service - Bloomin Junior Ranger - Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Only
    Join National Park Service Rangers for fun and activities as they explore the history of the cherry blossoms!
    Date: Mar 27, 2010 - Apr 11, 2010
    Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Location: Tidal Basin Welcome Area (near the paddle boats)

  • National Park Service - Ranger Cherry Talks
    Come celebrate the blooming of the cherry blossoms by joining a tour guided by a National Park Service Ranger. The stories which surround the rich natural and cultural history of these annual wonders will serve to enrich the experience of our visitors.
    Date: Mar 27, 2010 - Apr 11, 2010
    Time: 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm - Programs run from 20-60 minutes
    Location: ALL TIMES LISTED - Two Meeting Points: Tidal Basin at the entrance of the FDR Memorial and at the Jefferson Memorial Welcome Center; SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS ONLY - Third Meeting Point: Hains Point (East Potomac Park) at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm

  • Blossoms by Bike
    Celebrate the arrival of spring with a two-hour bike ride specifically designed to showcase the natural beauty of the Nation’s Capital at its peak!
    Date: Mar 27, 2010 - Apr 11, 2010
    Time: M-F: tours at 3:00 pm - Sat. & Sun: tours at 9:30 am, 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm
    Location: Bike and Roll Kiosk - 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (rear plaza on 12th Street)

  • National Park Service - Cherry Chit-Chat Runs - Saturday & Sundays Only
    Join National Park Service Rangers on an early morning jaunt and daybreak view of the blossoms.
    Date: Mar 27, 2010 - Apr 10, 2010
    Time: 8:00 am
    Location: Base of the Washington Monument

  • National Park Service - Ranger Guided Lantern Walks - Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays Only
    The cherry blossoms by artificial light! Join a National Park Service Ranger for evening walks amongst the cherry trees.
    Date: Mar 27, 2010 - Apr 11, 2010
    Time: 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
    Location: TWO MEETING POINTS: Tidal Basin Paddle Boats & Washington Monument Stone Lodge

  • Fairfax County: Glorious Gardens Self-Guided Tour
    Self-guided tours through the gardens of Fairfax County at three locations: River Farm, Green Spring Gardens and Meadow Lark Gardens
    Date: Mar 27, 2010 - Apr 11, 2010
    Time: Check Websites or Call for Hours and Directions
    Location: River Farm/ Green Spring Gardens/ Meadow Lark Gardens

  • River Blossoms Tours
    Cruise along and experience the magical view of the blossoms and Monuments from the river.
    Date: Mar 27, 2010 - Apr 11, 2010
    Time: M-Th: 12pm & 2pm, Fr-Su 10am, 12pm, 2pm, & 4pm - Tours last 90 minutes
    Location: 1300 Maine Ave. SW, Washington DC, 20024

  • Weekend Cherry Blossom River Teas
    Enjoy a charming English ‘High Tea’ aboard a classic yacht as you cruise along the blossoms. Offered on weekends only.
    Date: Mar 27, 2010 - Apr 11, 2010
    Time: 11:30am and 1:30pm - Tours last 90 minutes
    Location: Boats depart from Washington Marina - 1300 Maine Ave. SW

  • National Park Service - Ranger-led Bike Tours - Saturdays & Sundays Only
    The history of Washington\\\'s cherry blossoms comes alive with three-hour bike tours led by a National Park Service ranger. Come explore the cultural and natural significance of these national treasures!
    Date: Mar 27, 2010 - Apr 11, 2010
    Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
    Location: Thomas Jefferson Memorial

  • The 44th Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival
    Fun for everyone, the 44th annual Smithsonian Kite Festival includes kite competitions, hands-on kite making activity tents and flying demonstrations led by representatives from national kite organizations.
    Date: Mar 27, 2010 - Mar 27, 2010
    Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Location: Washington Monument grounds - 17th & Constitution Ave, NW

  • National Park Service - Family Fun Zone - Saturdays & Sundays Only
    Park Rangers entertain and educate children about the trees of other national parks, and they practice writing in Japanese.
    Date: Mar 27, 2010 - Apr 11, 2010
    Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Location: Jefferson Memorial

  • 2010 Cherry Blossom Soccer Tournament
    Thirty-two adult, co-ed, 7v7 teams from the Washington, DC metropolitan area compete for the Cherry Blossom Cup.
    Date: Mar 27, 2010 - Mar 28, 2010
    Time: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Location: JFK Hockey & Soccer Fields - Independence Avenue & 17th Street, SW

  • National Cherry Blossom Festival Family Day presented with the National Building Museum
    The National Cherry Blossom Festival and the National Building Museum celebrate the official opening of Washington, DC’s 2010 cherry blossom season with a family festival full of hands-on fun celebrating Spring and exploring Japanese arts and design.
    Date: Mar 27, 2010 - Mar 27, 2010
    Time: 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
    Location: National Building Museum - 401 F Street, NW

  • Target Performance Stage at Sylvan Theater
    Daily performances featuring music, dance, and song by local, national and international performing artists.
    Date: Mar 27, 2010 - Apr 11, 2010
    Time: Begins at Noon - Held Daily
    Location: Washington Monument Grounds - Independence Ave SW & Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW

  • Monuments-by-Moonlight River Cruise - Saturdays & Wednesdays Only
    Enjoy a magnificent cruise along the illuminated Monuments, Landmarks and Kennedy Center.
    Date: Mar 27, 2010 - Apr 10, 2010
    Time: 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm - 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm
    Location: 1300 Maine Ave., SW Washington DC 20024

  • Community Cherry Blossom Art Show at Union Station
    Blossom inspiration comes to life through the imagination of DC Public and Charter School students, grades 1-12, as seen in their artwork on display at Union Station.
    Date: Mar 27, 2010 - Apr 11, 2010
    Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
    Location: Union Station - 50 Massachusetts Ave., NE

  • Blossoms by Bike River Ride
    Bike and Roll Alexandria: Blossoms by Bike River Ride NEW for 2010! Three-hour ride along the beautiful Mount Vernon Trail from Old Town into DC and through the sea of pink and white blossoms surrounding the Tidal Basin. Moderate ride: Not recommended for 12 and under.
    Date: Mar 27, 2010 - Apr 11, 2010
    Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
    Location: One Wales Alley, Alexandria, VA 22314

  • The Blossoms Secrets Stroll - Weekend Afternoons and Monday & Friday Mornings Only
    A walking tour recounting the story of how the Japanese cherry trees came to Washington, D.C.
    Date: Mar 27, 2010 - Apr 11, 2010
    Time: Monday & Friday: 10 am to Noon - Saturday & Sunday: 2 pm to 4 pm
    Location: Meet at Smithsonian Station Independence Avenue exit

  • Cherry Blossom Photo Safaris
    Washington Photo Safari uses the beautiful venue of the Tidal Basin at cherry blossom time to teach techniques of travel photography.
    Date: Mar 27, 2010 - Apr 11, 2010
    Time: Sunrise Safari: 6:15 - 8:30 am - Afternoon Safari: 3 - 5:30 pm
    Location: Sunrise Safaris start at Paddle Boat Rental Station (1501 Maine Ave, SW) // Afternoon Safaris start at FDR Memorial bookstore

  • Beyond the Tidal Basin: Introducing Other Great Flowering Cherries
    Self-guided tour of different species and cultivars of flowering cherries, including two introduced by the U.S. National Arboretum.
    Date: Mar 27, 2010 - Apr 11, 2010
    Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Location: U.S. National Arboretum - 3501 New York Avenue, NE

  • Hiroshima Childrens Drawings: Finding Hope in the Aftermath of War
    View 41 recently-restored drawings by children living in Hiroshima after World War II, sent to the children of All Souls Church in response to a gift of school supplies. Presented by All Souls Church, Unitarian.
    Date: Mar 27, 2010 - Apr 24, 2010
    Location: All Souls Church, Unitarian AND Smith Farm Center

  • National Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony
    Ninety-eight years to the day of the first tree planting, the ceremonial kick-off to the 2010 National Cherry Blossom Festival features Washington dignitaries and performances by Japanese and western artists.
    Date: Mar 27, 2010 - Mar 27, 2010
    Time: 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
    Location: National Building Museum - 401 F Street NW

  • Japanese-style Garden Days at Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens
    Explore Hillwood’s Japanese-style Garden and celebrate the cherry blossom season with a special tour of this extraordinary garden. Garden docents will provide insight into the garden and be on hand in the afternoon to bring it to life for visitors.
    Date: Mar 30, 2010 - Mar 31, 2010
    Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
    Location: Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens - 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW

  • Embassy of Japan Presents: Tempei Nakamura
    Embassy of Japan is proud to present the pianist, Tempei Nakamura.
    Date: Mar 30, 2010 - Mar 30, 2010
    Time: 6:00 pm
    Location: The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts - Millennium Stage - 2700 F St., NW

  • Embassy of Japan Presents: Kaishi Katsura
    Embassy of Japan is proud to present the English Rakugo with Mr. Kaishi Katsura.
    Date: Mar 31, 2010 - Mar 31, 2010
    Time: 6:00 pm
    Location: The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts - Millennium Stage - 2700 F St., NW

  • Samurai Orchids and Other Japanese Orchid Treasures
    Renowned Japanese orchid expert Jason Fischer will explore the history and traditional culture of the Japanese fascination with the orchid, which is respected and displayed similar to bonsai.
    Date: Mar 31, 2010 - Mar 31, 2010
    Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
    Location: United States Botanic Gardens - 245 First Street, S.W.

  • Beyond America: The Creativity of Japanese Subcultures
    In this special evening lecture, Dr. Hiroshi Marumi, an associate professor at the Kyoto University of Art and Design, provides a post-war history of Japanese subcultures and considers their origins.
    Date: Apr 01, 2010 - Apr 01, 2010
    Time: 6:00 pm
    Location: 2320 S Street, NW

  • Ikebana International Washington, DC Chapter #1: Annual Flower Exhibition
    Seventeen master teachers, teachers and members display the Art of Ikebana from all schools in the greater Washington, DC area.
    Date: Apr 02, 2010 - Apr 26, 2010
    Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Location: Bonsai and Penjing Museum at the U.S. National Arboretum - 3501 New York Avenue, NE, Washington, DC, 20018

  • Second Annual Cherry Blast Offers an Evening of Eclectic Art
    The National Cherry Blossom Festival Cherry Blast: A Night of Contemporary Art + Music, presented by Westwood College, produced by The Pink Line Project.
    Date: Apr 02, 2010 - Apr 02, 2010
    Time: 9:00 pm - 1:00 am
    Location: 1701 Florida Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20009

  • Southwest Waterfront Musical Prelude to the Fireworks
    Produced by the Washington Waterfront Association, enjoy musical entertainment by military and local musical groups, family-friendly activities and food and beverage prior to the fireworks.
    Date: Apr 03, 2010 - Apr 03, 2010
    Time: 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm
    Location: Waterfront Park - 600 Water Street, SW

  • Twelfth Annual Cherry Blossom Freedom Walk
    Celebrate the Japanese American spirit of patriotism and the 10th anniversary of the National Japanese American Memorial.
    Date: Apr 03, 2010 - Apr 03, 2010
    Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
    Location: National Japanese American Memorial - D Street & New Jersey Avenue, NW

  • Eighth Annual Anime Marathon Film Festival
    In celebration of this year’s Cherry Blossom Festival, the Freer Gallery of Art presents a day-long festival of Anime films in the Meyer Auditorium.
    Date: Apr 03, 2010 - Apr 03, 2010
    Time: Start Time to be determined - Marathon finishes
    Location: Smithsonian Institution, Freer Gallery of Art - 1050 Independence Avenue, SW

  • Cherry Blossom Regatta
    PHRF sailboat regatta organized by the Dangerfield Island Sailing Club, and sponsored by the Washington Sailing Marina and Indigo Landing Restaurant.
    Date: Apr 03, 2010 - Apr 03, 2010
    Time: Skippers Meeting at 11:00 am in the Afterdeck Cafe - Finish Time TBD
    Location: Washington Sailing Marina - George Washington Parkway, Marina Drive, Alexandria, VA

  • Cherry Blossom Fireworks Dinner Cruise
    Cruise aboard the Spirit of Washington for an evening with a beautiful buffet, live entertainment, DJ dancing, views of the nations capital and the spectacular festival fireworks.
    Date: Apr 03, 2010 - Apr 03, 2010
    Time: Board 7pm - Cruise from 8-11pm
    Location: Pier 4 - 6th & Water Street SW

  • Silver Spring\\\'s Big Cherry Block Party
    Enjoy an all-day block party with arts and crafts, entertainment and exhibitors in Downtown Silver Spring.
    Date: Apr 03, 2010 - Apr 03, 2010
    Time: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Location: 908 Ellsworth Drive / Silver Spring, MD 20910

  • Arts for Families: Fun with Fans
    Learn about fashion designer Issey Miyake and his unique pleating technique in the exhibition Contemporary Japanese Fashion: The Mary Baskett Collection and decorate your own Japanese fan to take home.
    Date: Apr 03, 2010 - Apr 03, 2010
    Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Location: 2320 S Street, NW

  • Fireworks Cruise on the Celebrity!
    Enjoy the Festival’s fireworks show from aboard your own 100’ yacht!
    Date: Apr 03, 2010 - Apr 03, 2010
    Time: 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
    Location: 1300 Maine Ave., SW Washington DC 20024

  • National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks Show
    Enjoy a spectacular fireworks show from the Washington Channel presented by Safeway and The Washington Examiner.
    Date: Apr 03, 2010 - Apr 03, 2010
    Time: 8:30 pm - 9:00 pm
    Location: Southwest Waterfront - 7th Street & Maine Ave., SW

  • Lantern Lighting Ceremony
    The 359-year old stone lantern is lit in a formal ceremony featuring traditional Japanese performers, Washington dignitaries, and the Cherry Blossom Princesses representing the U.S. State Societies.
    Date: Apr 04, 2010 - Apr 04, 2010
    Time: 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
    Location: Tidal Basin at Independence Ave & 17th Street, SW

  • Philadephia Phillies at Washington Nationals - Game at 7:05pm!
    Join the Washington Nationals as they take on the Philadelphia Phillies at 7:05pm on April 7, 2010 at Washington Nationals Ball Park.
    Date: Apr 07, 2010 - Apr 07, 2010
    Time: 7:05pm
    Location: Nationals Park - 1500 South Capitol St., SE, Washington, DC 20003

  • Cherry Blossom Gala Dinner Cruise Aboard the Odyssey
    Cruise past the cherry blossoms that line the Potomac while enjoying a four-course dinner, live entertainment and dancing in the glass atrium dining rooms with monumental views of the nation’s capital at night. Presented by Profit Investment Management.
    Date: Apr 08, 2010 - Apr 08, 2010
    Time: Boarding at 6:00 pm - Cruise from 7:00 - 10:00 pm
    Location: Gangplank Marina - 6th & Water streets, SW

  • Philadephia Phillies at Washington Nationals - Game at 4:35pm!
    Join the Washington Nationals as they take on the Philadelphia Phillies at 4:35pm on April 8,2010 at Washington Nationals Ball Park.
    Date: Apr 08, 2010 - Apr 08, 2010
    Time: 4:35 pm
    Location: Nationals Park - 1500 South Capitol St., SE, Washington, DC 20003

  • National Conference of State Societies\' Cherry Blossom Grand Ball and Sushi Reception
    Be there for event that caps-off the Cherry Blossom Princess festivities -- the crowning of the 2010 United States Cherry Blossom Queen!
    Date: Apr 09, 2010 - Apr 09, 2010
    Time: 6:00 pm - Midnight
    Location: Grand Hyatt at Washington Center - 1000 H Street, NW

  • Tamagawa University Presents: Tamagawa University Taiko Drumming and Dance Group
    Tamagawa Univeristy is proud to present the Tamagawa University Taiko Drumming and Dance Group.
    Date: Apr 09, 2010 - Apr 09, 2010
    Time: 6:00 pm
    Location: The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts - Millennium Stage - 2700 F St., NW

  • National Japan Bowl
    The Japan Bowl is an academic team competition for high school students from across the nation.
    Date: Apr 09, 2010 - Apr 09, 2010
    Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
    Location: National 4-H Youth Conference Center - 7100 Connecticut Avenue Chevy Chase, MD

  • PM@TM - Hapi Hapi Hour at The Textile Museum
    Hapi Hapi Hour at The Textile Museum Program Category: Art & Culture, Food & Drink, Dance & Music Celebrate Japanese pop culture and fashion at The Textile Museum after-hours. Enjoy Japanese refreshments, live music and gallery talks in the exhibition Contemporary Japanese Fashion: The Mary Baskett Collection.
    Date: Apr 09, 2010 - Apr 09, 2010
    Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    Location: 2320 S Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008

  • 23rd Annual George Washington University Invitational Regatta
    Largest rowing event in the Washington, DC-metro area.
    Date: Apr 09, 2010 - Apr 10, 2010
    Time: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Location: Best Viewing from Georgetown Waterfront and Thompson Boat Center - 2900 Virginia Ave, NW

  • The National Cherry Blossom Festival Stage
    In conjunction with its 125th anniversary tour featuring an interactive exhibit, Good Housekeeping Research Institute, together with IKEA, sponsors musicians and performance groups on Woodrow Wilson Plaza. Also supported by the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.
    Date: Apr 09, 2010 - Apr 10, 2010
    Time: 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
    Location: Woodrow Wilson Plaza at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center - 1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20004

  • Harmonia Opera Company Presents: Amanjaku and Princess Urikohime
    Harmonia Opera Company, the only professional Japanese opera company in the United States, will perform the opera, Amanjaku and Urikohime, as well as folksongs and other selections.
    Date: Apr 10, 2010 - Apr 10, 2010
    Time: 6:00 pm
    Location: The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts - Millennium Stage - 2700 F St., NW

  • 44th Annual Cherry Blossom Rugby Tournament
    Invitation-only Rugby Tournament features best teams from across the United States in Men’s club, College Men and Women’s Division, as well as High School teams.
    Date: Apr 10, 2010 - Apr 11, 2010
    Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Location: Rosecroft Raceway - 6338 Rosecroft Drive Ft. Washington, MD 26744

  • 50th Sakura Matsuri - Japanese Street Festival
    The Japan-America Society of Washington DC presents the nation’s largest Japanese street festival, stretching for six blocks through downtown DC!
    Date: Apr 10, 2010 - Apr 10, 2010
    Time: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Location: Downtown DC - Pennsylvania Ave. between 14th & 10th streets; and 12th Street between Pennsylvania & Constitution avenues

  • National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade®
    Enjoy this long-standing Washington tradition featuring marching bands, floats, balloons, and other family entertainment.
    Date: Apr 10, 2010 - Apr 10, 2010
    Time: 10:00 am - Noon
    Location: Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th streets, NW

  • Junko Yamada - Paper Collage at The Dumbarton Concert Gallery
    By portraying modern subjects in vibrant colors, Junko Yamada creates unique artworks in a traditional Japanese art form. Her collages are composed with thousands of pieces using fine rice paper in the tradition of Harie, a style that dates back centuries in Japan. Born in Kyoto, she grew up along the Pacific coast of Japan and studied art in the U.S. She has been chosen as the official artist of the 2010 Cherry Blossom Festival. We are honored to exhibit a range of her work in conjunction with this annual event devoted to the natural beauty of Springtime in our Nations Capitol.
    Date: Apr 10, 2010 - Apr 17, 2010
    Time: Reception: April 10th, 6:00pm - Call Ahead for Other Gallery Hours
    Location: Dumbarton Church - 3133 Dumbarton St, Georgetown

  • Corcoran Family Day: Lights, Camera, Action!
    A day of Family fun at the Corcoran featuring ukiyo-e workshop and “Blossoms in Bloom” photo contest.
    Date: Apr 11, 2010 - Apr 11, 2010
    Time: TDB
    Location: The Corcoran Gallery of Art - 500 17th Street NW

  • Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run and 5K Run-Walk
    World-class runners and 12,000 running enthusiasts take part in the 36th running of the “Runner’s Rite of Spring.”
    Date: Apr 11, 2010 - Apr 11, 2010
    Time: 7:45 am - 11:30 am
    Location: Washington Monument Grounds (15th and Jefferson Dr., SW).