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CELEBRATE SPRING WITH THE FESTIVAL!
We’re excited to announce that the 2021 Festival will bloom this spring (March 20-April 11), with an innovative format that honors the tradition of the Festival, while prioritizing the health and safety of participants amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
Designed to incorporate both virtual and personal experiences, the Festival programs can be enjoyed by both residents and visitors to the Washington, DC area and fans from afar. Stay tuned for more details about the programs below and the ways you can “blossom safely” with the Festival.
VIRTUAL
Opening Ceremony
On March 20, watch the ceremonial start to the Festival as performers from Japan and DC bring to your living room a celebration of the season with artistry and spectacle. Co-presented with The Japan Foundation.
Art in Bloom
Beginning March 20, go on the hunt for 25 giant cherry blossom sculptures flourishing throughout the DC area. Featuring the artwork of local and national artists, engage with the icons for a chance to win prizes.
Blossom Kite Fly
Broaden your kite-making skills or deepen your general kite knowledge with virtual workshops and demos beginning on March 22. Then, take to the skies from your own backyard March 27th & 28th and contribute your kite-flying merriment to our online community!
VIRTUAL
Pink Tie Party
Dress up at home like everyone is watching and join revelers from all over the world in an evening of fun, entertainment, and friendly competition. On Saturday, March 27, the Festival brings its annual fund-raiser to a digital venue for a one-night, can’t miss event.
Petal Porch Parade
Unleash your creativity and cherry blossom spirit! Bring the celebration of spring to your neighborhood by decorating your porch, yard or window in the theme of cherry blossoms, pink or springtime! Register by March 15 and get your neighbors in on it too for the chance to have the inaugural Petal Procession cruise through your DC area neighborhood on April 10 & 11.
Petal Porch Parade Touring
From March 20 – April 11, explore the creativity and cherry blossom spirit of your neighbors. A virtual map with the locations of all registered Petal Porches will be created, so you can #StepIntoSpring and plan a walk or drive around your neighborhood to see and share in the celebration of spring.
VIRTUAL
Celebration Show
Tune in to our special “love letter” to blossoms and DC in springtime, as the National Cherry Blossom Festival Celebration Show presented by Events DC debuts online Friday, April 10. Celebrated entertainment sing and dance the glories of the season in an hour-long production to be enjoyed by the entire family.
Support Local
From viewing magical retail window displays, to ordering take out from excellent restaurants, now more than ever the Festival is encouraging your support of local DC establishments.
Cherry Blossom Viewing
See the blossoming trees from the birds-eye view of Blossom Cam or enjoy tours of the Tidal Basin from the comfort and safety of your home as the Festival and its partners provide a variety of ways to see the blossoms.
NOTE: as of October 20, 2020, the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade will not be taking place in 2021.
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Thanks for joining Spirit of Spring!
Thanks to the many runners from all across the country who joined our inaugural 5K! Proceeds from the Spirit of Spring 5K benefitted the 2021 Festival programming as well as the Trust for the National Mall’s Cherry Tree Endowment, which supports the year-around care and maintenance of the 3800 cherry trees on the National Mall, in partnership with the National Park Service.
WHILE YOU'RE WAITING FOR THE BLOSSOMS...
You can experience the nation’s greatest springtime celebration by taking our virtual Tidal Basin tour! Experience peak bloom and so much more all thanks to the National Park Service!
