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.
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.
Beginning March 20, go on the hunt for 26 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. Art in Bloom is presented by Amazon.
Broaden your kite-making skills or deepen your general kite knowledge with virtual workshops and demos beginning on March 15. Then, take to the skies from your own backyard March 27th & 28th and contribute your kite-flying merriment to our online community! Blossom Kite Fly is sponsored by Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.
Dress up at home in your finest springtime attire and party with your pod and other online revelers from all over the world in an evening of fun, entertainment, and friendly competition. On Friday, March 26, the Festival brings its annual fund-raiser to a digital venue for a one-night, can’t miss event.
Unleash your creativity and bring the spirit of spring to your neighborhood by decorating your porch, yard or window in the theme of cherry blossoms, pink or springtime! Register 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.
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.
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 9. Celebrated entertainment sing and dance the glories of the season in an hour-long production to be enjoyed by the entire family.
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.
See the blossoming trees from the birds-eye view of BloomCam 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.
Check out all of our great resources to help you plan where to stay, where to eat and what to do once you’re here. Washington DC in springtime truly has something for everyone to enjoy. Call the Festival hotline at 877.44.BLOOM (442.5666) to speak with Destination DC representatives for information, hotel reservations, or questions about Washington, DC.
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!
The National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the beauty of nature and international friendship through year-round programs, events, and educational initiatives that enhance our environment, showcase arts and culture, and build community spirit.
