2024 FESTIVAL: MARCH 20 - APRIL 14
WASHINGTON, DC

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2024 FESTIVAL:
MARCH 20 - APRIL 14

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQs

HAVE A QUESTION?

Find the answers to your questions below

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 on 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, high temperatures, wind and/or rain can shorten this period. This year, Peak Bloom is predicted to occur from March 23 to March 26, while the National Cherry Blossom Festival will run between March 20 and April 14. 

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 in late afternoon/early evening. 

Who cares for the cherry blossom trees?
How can I get more information about the Festival?
How can I get more information about Washington, DC or assistance in planning my trip?
What are the future dates of the National Cherry Blossom Festival?
Where are the cherry blossom trees located?
Are there wheelchairs available for rent at the Tidal Basin?
Can I bring my dog with me to the Festival?
Are tickets required to attend the Festival?
How can I perform at the National Cherry Blossom Festival?
How can I become a vendor?

Unfortunately, we are no longer accepting vendors for the 2024 National Cherry Blossom Festival. Please feel free to reach out in the summer of 2024 to be considered for the 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Where can I find the Opening Ceremony Livestream?

You can watch the Livestream of our Opening Ceremony on our YouTube Page at @CherryBlossFest on Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 5 – 6:30 PM.

Where can I find parking for National Cherry Blossom Festival Events?

SpotHero 

If you choose to drive, we recommend booking convenient and affordable parking in advance through SpotHero, the Preferred Parking Partner of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and the nation’s leading parking reservation app. To reserve your parking spot, visit the National Cherry Blossom Festival SpotHero Parking Page and book a spot with rates up to 50% off drive-up. 

Metrorail/Metrobus 

Metro is the best way to experience the Festival, with multiple ways to get to the Tidal Basin and most Festival events. Custom cherry blossom SmarTrip cards are available for purchase at L’Enfant and Navy Yard Stations as well as cherry blossom-wrapped trains and buses. For maps, schedules, and fees, please visit wmata.com. 

Big Bus Tours 

See the capital’s legendary Cherry Blossom Trees on a Hop-on, Hop-off Washington DC Big Bus Tour! Hop on and discover your destination from open- top buses, with commentary guiding you along the way, then hop off to explore the blossoms. Visit nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/thing-to-do. 

Motorcoach 

If you are traveling to the Festival via Motorcoach, you can find additional information about drop off and parking regulations here. 

DC Circulator 

Ride up to the Festival in style on the DC Circulator Bus during the Festival at just $1 per ride. View the schedule and pick up locations at dccirculator.com. 

Bikeshare 

Hop on a bike at one of over 600 Capital Bikeshare stations all around the area. Single trips cost $1 to unlock and $0.05/min on a classic bike or $0.15/ min on an ebike. Visit CapitalBikeshare.com for a map of station locations and details about rentals. 

Water Taxi and Cruises 

Check out the cherry blossoms from a new perspective this year — the water. Avoid the crowds and enjoy spectacular views aboard the Cherry Blossom Water Taxi or one of this year’s dining or sightseeing cruises from City Cruises along the Potomac. Visit cityexperiences.com for more information. 

What is the bag policy at National Cherry Blossom Festival Events?

Bags are allowed at all outdoor Festival activations.  

If you are attending the Opening Ceremony, you will be subject to walking through a magnetometer. The venue will only allow clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC tote bags no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ and/or small clutch bags (4.5″x 6.5″). Small bags will be bag-checked. Backpacks will not be allowed in the building.  

Please also note that indoor events at Participating Organization locations may be subject to their own rules. Potential attendees should visit the organization’s website for more information. 

Where can I book a hotel to visit during the National Cherry Blossom Festival? 

Look no further than our proud Premier Hotel Provider Hilton offering over100 properties throughout the Washington, DC area to accommodate anyone who comes out to celebrate spring. No matter where you are joining us from, there are plenty of options to fit your needs while enjoying the cherry blossoms and all the fun that goes along with the blooms. To reserve your room and view the full list of hotels by neighborhood, visit NationalCherryBlossomFestival.org/Hotels 

Where can I dine during the National Cherry Blossom Festival?

Enjoy the taste of spring by dining at one of the many local restaurants across Washington, DC and surrounding communities as they showcase their best springtime menu items through Cherry Picks in collaboration with the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington. Cherry Picks restaurants will feature full menus, special items, and exciting cherry blossom-themed cocktails to bring the blossoms straight to your table or for takeout! We’re delighted to introduce Flave, the app that turns your foodie passion into a rewarding experience. With Flave, every photo of food or drinks that is captured at local restaurants turns into points that can be used to redeem exclusive rewards. The app helps foodies discover new places on a feed that highlights posts within the foodie community. People can also rise on the leaderboard and earn badges while they explore, savor, and share their delightful discoveries. Join us in cultivating a community where every flavor captured is a flavor celebrated. Dive into a world where the concept of “phone eats first” is not just to highlight the moment but also incredibly rewarding. Snap. Eat. Earn. With Cherry Picks, the Festival proudly highlights the District and surrounding region’s vibrant and diverse restaurant scene. Five spotlight restaurants are creating a customized spring-themed menu, while over 50 participating restaurants will offer a special springtime menu item throughout the Festival, between March 20 – April 14. 

I have a tour group visiting during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. How can we experience the events?

Many Festival events are FREE and open to the public. However, there are a few exceptions. Browse the Events page for listings and to see which events have admissions fees.

I am a member of the media and would like to set up an interview to discuss the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Who should I contact?

Please email Lauren Boland, lboland@ncbfdc.org for questions regarding interviews, credentials and filming.

I would like to purchase an item from the National Cherry Blossom Official Store – where can I find these items?

We have something for everyone, whether you are looking to sip your coffee with a side of pink, celebrate the holiday season with cherry blossom décor, or wear your favorite shirt to commemorate the 2024 Festival. Browse clothing, lapel pins, mugs, candles, gift sets, ornaments, and many other items at NCBFStore.org. 

 

  • Pop-up merchandise sales will be available at: 
  • Union Station in Bloom: 3/22-3/24  
  • Opening Ceremony co-presented with The Japan Foundation: 3/23  
  • Tidal Basin Welcome Area & ANA Stage hosted with the National Park Service: 3/23-4/7  
  • Petalpalooza® at Capitol Riverfront presented by Chase: 4/6 
  • Art Blooms Festival at Mosaic District: 4/7   
  • National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® presented by Events DC: 4/13  
  • Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival produced by the Japan-America Society of Washington DC: 4/13-14  
  • Select gift and souvenir shops throughout Washington, DC 
I am interested in becoming a sponsor, who should I contact?

Thank you for your interest! Please contact sponsorship@ncbfdc.org with your inquiry.

How can I apply to become the Official Festival Artist?

You can apply as the Official Festival Artist for the year 2026, since we have already chosen a 2024 and 2025 artist. Please send your CV and portfolio to ncbf@ncbfdc.org  and we will contact you if interested once it’s closer to the 2026 Festival.

Who do I contact for an Opening Ceremony Festival ticket inquiry?

To get more information on tickets for the Opening Ceremony, please email tickets@ncbfdc.org.

Who do I contact for a Parade ticket inquiry?

To get more information on Parade tickets, please email tickets@ncbfdc.org. 

I have a question about an event, who should I contact?

If you are interested in learning more about an event, please visit our website, under ‘All Events’: https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/ 

I have a question regarding the Tidal Basin and the National Park Service, who should I contact?

We recommend you contact the National Park Service directly. You can find their contact information on their website: https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/contactus.htm 

COVID-19 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES

Will the 2023 Festival be in person?

We are pleased to share that we are currently planning in-person events at the 2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival as well as a variety of virtual and accessible options for those who wish to celebrate spring from home and across the globe. The most up-to-date information is available on our website and we encourage you to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest event updates.  Please note that we are continuing to monitor the latest COVID safety guidelines and our schedule of events may change as we continue to prioritize the health and safety of our participants. 

What kind of COVID precautions are being taken during the Festival?

For the health and safety of all participants, the Festival encourages attendees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in alignment with CDC recommendations. If you are experiencing COVID-like symptoms or have recently been exposed, please choose a digital option such as the #BloomCam for experiencing the Festival. Masking may be required at Festival events in areas where social distancing is not possible. Be sure to review event details on the Festival website to determine whether proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required to attend.  Please note that requirements may change, so please be sure to sign up for our emails to receive the latest updates. For additional information regarding coronavirus guidelines in DC, visit Washington.org. 

Will events be cancelled if there is a spike in COVID cases?

The health and safety of all Festival participants remain the highest priority for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and consult Washington, DC Government and the CDC for guidance in how best to proceed. Festival participants are encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and wear a mask anywhere social distancing isn’t possible. If an event is cancelled due to COVID-19, virtual or alternative participation options may still be available. Please check individual event pages for the latest updates. 

What are the current COVID regulations in Washington, DC?

DC currently has an indoor mask mandate regardless of vaccination status and proof of vaccination is required at indoor gatherings. Please note that this guidance is currently scheduled to change as of March 1, 2022. For more information please visit the DC Government website and Washington.org. 

What kind of documentation is required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination?

Requirements may vary, and we recommend reviewing specific event details for guidance. We recommend being prepared to provide the physical vaccination card and photo identification. Where possible, a free digital passport such as VaxYes might also be considered approved documentation.  

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Drop us a line or call 877.44.BLOOM (877.442.5666) Monday - Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm EST to speak with an Information Specialist.