This page features past events from the National Cherry Blossom Festival that are no longer part of our current programming. While these events are not expected to return in the foreseeable future, we’ve preserved them here to celebrate their legacy and provide a historical record of the Festival’s evolution over the years.
Between 2020-2022, 30 Giant Cherry Blossom Sculptures were created by local DC area artists to spread the joy of the cherry blossoms across the city. While many are now owned by collectors, there are quite a few still on display in all eight wards of Washington, DC and beyond. A few of the public sculptures are featured below. If you find one, be sure to tag us (@cherryblossfest) in your photos!
A premier event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Cherry Blast brought brings the sights, sounds, scents and tastes of Tokyo to Washington, DC. Featuring music and live entertainment, the event put the spotlight on Japanese culture, highlighting the country’s delectable cuisine, captivating arts and exciting night life. It has been reimagined now as a distinct programming zone within Petalpalooza®.
In 2021 –2023, this signature program united neighborhoods with hundreds of homes in the DC region beautifully celebrating spring. Local r4sidents decorated homes, balconies, and yards with all things floral and pink, from paper lanterns and giant cherry blossom arrangements to festive yard inflatables. The Festival collaborated with local Instagram influencers to expand the visibility and reach of the program.
Imagine a parade of ten Toyota hybrid vehicles uniquely painted by local artists, dazzling spectators as it rolled through neighborhoods in all eight wards of the Distrct and neighboring communities in Maryland and Virginia. The flowering procession traveled 78.8 miles over two days, inspiring countless smiles, waves, and cheers.
