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Witness peak bloom at the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC, while also experiencing entertainment representing Japanese, American, and other cultures!
Live performances among the blossoms at the Tidal Basin celebrate the longstanding friendship between the U.S. and Japan with a dynamic, cross-cultural mix of American, Japanese, and other performing arts. This year, we are expecting over 100 performances on the ANA Stage. Get ready to experience a variety of genres: Americana, Bluegrass, Country, Jazz, Pop, R&B, and Rock. Expect a diverse array of dance styles and performances, including Japanese, Eastern European, Colombian, Indian, Flamenco, Tap and Clogging, Zumba, and double dutch!
Welcome Area is open 10 AM – 5 PM, Mondays – Thursdays, and 10 AM – 6 PM, Fridays – Sundays. Performances are featured on the ANA stage beginning at 12 NOON daily, rain or shine. A detailed performance schedule coming soon; sign up for our emails to receive an update!
PLEASE NOTE: It is against the law to touch or climb the cherry trees. Help us continue to enjoy these beautiful trees for many generations to come!
Interested in performing on the Tidal Basin Welcome Area and ANA Stage?
Thank you for your interest in performing at the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s Tidal Basin Welcome Area and ANA.
Please read the guidelines BELOW carefully before clicking the button below to apply
Performance guidelines
Artists are encouraged to perform family-friendly, non-commercial dances, demonstrations, or music that are upbeat, festive, and reflective of the celebratory nature of the Festival.
Encouraged performances are those that:
- Incorporate live music
- Offer a cultural or traditional performance
- Enhanced by cultural or traditional costuming
- Present a performance offering that is upbeat and enjoyed by many demographics to solicit crowd interaction
Performances/demonstrations should be no less than 30 minutes in length and no longer than 60 minutes.
Performance time allotted to each group will depend on schedule/stage availability, diversity of programming, and appropriateness of act.
NPS Regulations
The Festival is subject to strict National Park Service regulations and guidelines regarding the type of performance, instruments, and volume levels permissible on park property.
Signage
Banners or signs must be self-standing and be displayed for the duration of the performance only.
All banners and signs are subject to approval.
Compensation
Performances are on a voluntary basis; no compensation is available. Monetary tips cannot be received.
Publicity
The Festival will take measures to publicize your performance, including but not limited to, on the Festival Website.
Rain or Shine
Tidal Basin Welcome Area and ANA stage performances will take place rain or shine. This is a covered outdoor stage.
In the event of inclement weather, performances may be stopped for safety reasons at the discretion of the stage manager, sound technician, electrician, or the National Park Service. Performances will begin again according to the performance schedule; schedules may be adjusted to accommodate all performers.
Parking
Parking is extremely limited. A parking pass (one vehicle per performer/group) may be available. The Festival cannot guarantee parking for any artist.
Load-In and Load-Out
Set-up will take place immediately prior to the performance, and load-out immediately following. Load-in/out assistance will be provided with volunteer assistance. Vehicles are not permitted in the stage area – the Loading Zone is approximately 300 yards from the stage; all gear will have to be transported by hand and/or handcarts.
Responsibilities
Each performance group must bring its own instruments, props, etc. A sound system with technician will be provided.
Backline
A drum kit, bass amp, guitar amp, keyboard stand and bench will be provided.
Special equipment and labor needs must be indicated on the application. Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate these needs. If your group requires special mats or ground covering (for dance/martial arts, etc.) you must provide them.
