Events category: Art

A Live Cherry Blossom Mural Installation in Dupont Circle Park

Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets

A Live Cherry Blossom Mural Installation in Dupont Circle Park

Artist and DC Native, Chris Pyrate will be returning to Dupont Circle for the 2024 National Cherry Blossom Festival!

In 2019, Chris painted a series of panels to create a pop up mural installation for the Dupont Circle Metro. The piece brought the Cherry Blossoms to Dupont with Chris’s hand painted brilliant blooms. This time he will be scaling his signature Cherry Blossom imagery to tremendous proportions. Dupont Circle residents and festival goers will have an opportunity to see the ongoing mural work and installation being created in real time. The end result will be a semi-permanent work of art for Dupont Circle and attendees of the National Cherry Blossom Festival to enjoy!

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PLAN YOUR FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

What began with a gift in 1912 at the Tidal Basin is now a four-week extravaganza spanning Washington, DC, and neighboring communities in Maryland and Virginia. From exciting events to convenient hotels, delectable Cherry Picks restaurants, vibrant Art in Bloom installations, and a jaw-dropping City in Bloom to joyful Petal Porches, see the Washington, DC area as you can only see it once a year!

Check out our other events

Pink Tie Party

Let's Go!
3/15

Petalpalooza presented by Chase

Let's Go!
4/6

Art & Me Preservation Family Workshop: Cherry Blossoms

Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Museum of Asian Art

Art & Me Preservation Family Workshop: Cherry Blossoms

Celebrate spring and DC’s beloved cherry blossoms with a festive family workshop cohosted by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.  This hands-on preservation workshop is designed for children ages three to eight and their caretakers at the National Museum of Asian Art.

Attendees are joined by conservators from SAAM and NMAA to learn how they care for collections even more fragile than the cherry blossoms. After learning about conservation methods, attendees can create and preserve their own cherry blossom-inspired art.

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PLAN YOUR FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

What began with a gift in 1912 at the Tidal Basin is now a four-week extravaganza spanning Washington, DC, and neighboring communities in Maryland and Virginia. From exciting events to convenient hotels, delectable Cherry Picks restaurants to, vibrant Art in Bloom installations, and a jaw-dropping City in Bloom to joyful Petal Porches, see the Washington, DC area as you can only see it once a year!

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Blossom Kite Festival presented by Amazon

Let's Go!
3/30

Petalpalooza Presented by Chase

Let's Go!
4/6

Art in Bloom

PRESENTED BY AMAZON

ART IN BLOOM

Art in Bloom, presented by Amazon, celebrates the magical and whimsical mystique of the D.C. area, while honoring its vibrant arts scene.

A community-wide visual arts exhibition, Art in Bloom radiates spring with 26 oversized cherry blossom statues that have been painted by local artists and placed in  in all eight wards of the District, plus Maryland’s National Harbor and the Aurora Highlands and National Landing neighborhoods in Northern Virginia.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to go on a Blossom Hunt – finding the sculptures, posting a photo to Instagram or Twitter; tagging the Festival and using #artinbloom in the caption. Now through May 31, 2021, the Festival is randomly selecting one photo entry per week to win a $25 Amazon gift card; and selecting one photo entry at the end of May to receive a $500 Amazon gift card.

To learn more about the artists, see behind-the-scenes videos of their sculptures coming to life, and view the #ArtInBloom Photo Contest entries, go to nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/art-in-bloom.

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PRESENTED BY

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SUPPORTED BY

Art in Bloom logo with Amazon sponsor

Art in Bloom Auction

own a piece of National Cherry Blossom Festival history!

Art in Bloom Auction

Now is your exclusive chance to own of only five sculptures are available for bidding by the general public, for a limited time!

Art in Bloom premiered as a signature program of the 2021 National Cherry Blossom Festival. Presented by Amazon, it showcased the visual artistry of 25 talented artists on 26 giant cherry blossom sculptures. Throughout the 10-week exhibition, the unique and creative Art in Bloom sculptures inspired countless fun and memorable moments for residents of and visitors to the D.C. area.

The five sculptures featured in the auction were chosen for their dynamic aesthetic and one-of-a-kind interpretations, celebrating the treasured cherry blossoms and conveying messages of hope and positivity.

The online auction is now accepting bids, and will close at 11:59 PM ET on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. Proceeds from the sale of the sculptures will support National Cherry Blossom Festival programs, with a portion of the proceeds to be contributed to the Trust for the National Mall’s Cherry Tree Endowment.

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Proceeds benefit National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc.

A portion will be contributed to the Trust for the National Mall’s Cherry Tree Endowment. 

For more information about Auction Rules and FAQs

CLICK HERE

Ay-Ō’s Happy Rainbow Hell

Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art

Ay-Ō’s Happy Rainbow Hell

Immerse yourself in Japanese artist Ay-Ō’s world of sensory experience, exploration, and fun. By encompassing anything and everything within the visible light spectrum, Ay-Ō’s rainbow works are an exploration into visuality that complements his tactile works. This exhibition is not appropriate for all audiences. Parental discretion is advised.

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YOUR FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

What began with a gift in 1912 at the Tidal Basin is now a four-week extravaganza spanning Washington, DC, and neighboring communities in Maryland and Virginia. From exciting events to convenient hotels, delectable Cherry Picks restaurants, vibrant Art in Bloom installations, and a jaw-dropping City in Bloom to joyful Petal Porches, see the Washington, DC area as you can only see it once a year!

Explore the Festival's Roots

Travel to Japan is open once again, and we invite you experience and explore Japan firsthand. Learn more about the Festival partners who would love to help you plan your trip!

TRAVEL TO JAPAN

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Japanese Rinpa Screens

Let's Go!
2/25-1/28

Sakura Matsuri- Japanese Street Festival

Let's Go!
4/15 - 4/16
Lea Craigie-Marshall, Official Artist

Beyond the Studio with Lea Craigie-Marshall

SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN ART MUSEUM

Beyond the Studio with Lea Craigie-Marshall

Celebrate spring with SAAM and the National Cherry Blossom Festival during a virtual pastel workshop with Lea Craigie-Marshall, the official artist of the 2022 National Cherry Blossom Festival. Lea is a native Washingtonian, an educator, and a multidisciplinary artist who works with various mediums and techniques. In this workshop, participants will learn about Lea’s background and practice as she leads us through the basics of working with oil pastels and shares tips and tricks for creating our own masterpieces.

Tickets include the cost of materials needed for the activity, instructions, and postage. Materials kits will be shipped to participants in advance of the program. Please note that space is limited for this program, and registration is required. Participants must register by 7 p.m. ET on March 6.
If you are outside of the US, please contact SAAMPrograms@si.edu before registering.

This program is presented in partnership with the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Lea Craigie-Marshall, Official Artist
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MAP YOUR FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

What began with a gift in 1912 at the Tidal Basin is now a four-week extravaganza spanning Washington, DC, and neighboring communities in Maryland and Virginia. Click the filters on our interactive map to see all that the Festival has to offer and craft a tailored experience as you Rediscover Spring. From exciting events to convenient hotels, delectable Cherry Picks restaurants to vibrant Art in Bloom installations, and a jaw-dropping City in Bloom to joyful Petal Porches, see the Washington, DC area as you can only see it once a year!

MAP THE BLOSSOMS

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Japanese Culture Week



Let's Go!
4/6 - 4/9

Art & Me Preservation Family Workshop: Cherry Blossoms In Bloom

Let's Go!
4/9

Beyond the Studio Workshop: Cherry Blossoms with Artist Nicolas Shi

Smithsonian American Art Museum Presents

Beyond the Studio Workshop: Cherry Blossoms with Artist Nicolas Shi

Kick off cherry blossom season with a workshop presented with Nicolas Shi, the official artist of the National Cherry Blossom Festival! A longtime resident of Washington, DC, Shi’s work is influenced by his upbringing in El Salvador, his Chinese heritage, and his formal education in the United States. Shi will discuss his work with the Festival before leading participants through a hands-on art activity inspired by DC’s beloved cherry blossoms.

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Please note space is limited, and registration is required by March 10, 7 p.m.

This program is presented with the 2024 National Cherry Blossom Festival.

PLAN YOUR FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

What began with a gift in 1912 at the Tidal Basin is now a four-week extravaganza spanning Washington, DC, and neighboring communities in Maryland and Virginia. From exciting events to convenient hotels, delectable Cherry Picks restaurants to, vibrant Art in Bloom installations, and a jaw-dropping City in Bloom to joyful Petal Porches, see the Washington, DC area as you can only see it once a year!

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Opening Ceremony

Let's Go!
3/23

Sakura Matsuri - Japanese Street Festival

Let's Go!
4/13 - 4/14

Blossom Block Fest: Flea DC

Sycamore and Oak

Blossom Block Fest: Flea DC

Our upcoming event will feature a blend of food, music, fashion, showcasing black creatives, and engaging interactive children’s games. It’s returning to the Congress Heights community, but this time with an exciting twist – we’ll be hosting it at Sycamore and Oak.

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YOUR FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

What began with a gift in 1912 at the Tidal Basin is now a four-week extravaganza spanning Washington, DC, and neighboring communities in Maryland and Virginia. From exciting events to convenient hotels, delectable Cherry Picks restaurants, vibrant Art in Bloom installations, and a jaw-dropping City in Bloom to joyful Petal Porches, see the Washington, DC area as you can only see it once a year!

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The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade presented by Events DC

Let's Go!
4/15

Sakura Matsuri- Japanese Street Festival

Let's Go!
4/15 - 4/16

Blossom Block Festival

DestINATION CONGRESS HEIGHTS

Blossom Block Festival

Food, music, apparel, black creatives, and interactive children’s games to the Congress Heights community again with a twist. This year we have partnered with creative genius Chris Pyrate and The Museum DC to combine food, music, apparel, and kid friendly interactive games like GOGO Bingo to our backyard of Congress Heights to hold our very first Blossom Block Festival.

MAP YOUR FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

What began with a gift in 1912 at the Tidal Basin is now a four-week extravaganza spanning Washington, DC, and neighboring communities in Maryland and Virginia. Click the filters on our interactive map to see all that the Festival has to offer and craft a tailored experience as you Rediscover Spring. From exciting events to convenient hotels, delectable Cherry Picks restaurants to vibrant Art in Bloom installations, and a jaw-dropping City in Bloom to joyful Petal Porches, see the Washington, DC area as you can only see it once a year!

MAP THE BLOSSOMS

Blossoming Flowers in Japanese Art and Poetry

Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan

Blossoming Flowers in Japanese Art and Poetry

In a celebration of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and the enduring Japan-US friendship, the Japan Information & Culture Center (JICC), Embassy of Japan presents “Blossoming Flowers in Japanese Art and Poetry.” 

This exhibition showcases the artistic talents of DC-area students alongside official reproductions of art from the Embassy’s private collection and hand-selected haikus. This unique collaboration highlights the “blooming” creativity of students when drawing inspiration from the symbolism of flowers in Japanese art and poetry. This exhibit hopes to show that even through the impermanence of the season’s most famed flowers, strong community ties can flourish.

VISIT WEBSITE

YOUR FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

What began with a gift in 1912 at the Tidal Basin is now a four-week extravaganza spanning Washington, DC, and neighboring communities in Maryland and Virginia. From exciting events to convenient hotels, delectable Cherry Picks restaurants, vibrant Art in Bloom installations, and a jaw-dropping City in Bloom to joyful Petal Porches, see the Washington, DC area as you can only see it once a year!

Explore the Festival's Roots

Travel to Japan is open once again, and we invite you experience and explore Japan firsthand. Learn more about the Festival partners who would love to help you plan your trip!

TRAVEL TO JAPAN

Check out our other events

Blossom Kite Festival presented by Hilton

Let's Go!
3/25

National Cherry Blossom Youth Webinars

Let's Go!
3/20 - 3/23

Color Me Pink

Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan

Color Me Pink

This year, immerse yourself in the enchanting world of cherry blossoms at the JICC. Sponsored by Park West Gallery, this exhibition will showcase seven original artworks inspired by Japan’s gift, NCBF’s ongoing efforts to plant new trees, and fascinating trivia on cherry blossoms.

Explore the gallery’s whimsical atmosphere, featuring a Lego mural and interactive cherry blossom art, where creativity blooms alongside the natural beauty of the iconic blossoms.

PLAN YOUR FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

What began with a gift in 1912 at the Tidal Basin is now a four-week extravaganza spanning Washington, DC, and neighboring communities in Maryland and Virginia. From exciting events to convenient hotels, delectable Cherry Picks restaurants, vibrant Art in Bloom installations, and a jaw-dropping City in Bloom to joyful Petal Porches, see the Washington, DC area as you can only see it once a year!

Check out our other events

Pink Tie Party

Let's Go!
3/15

Petalpalooza presented by Chase

Let's Go!
4/6

Sponsored by

Post shares event near Washington DC, things to do during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Image of violin made of cherry blossom. Text reads Enchanted Rhapsody with the Edgewood String Quartet. Taylor Swift vs. Queen. Saturday, April 9 4:00 to 7:30 PM.

Enchanted Rhapsody

NATIONAL LANDING

Enchanted Rhapsody

Don’t miss a starlit night listening to a live set of Taylor Swift versus Queen songs performed by the Edgewood String Quartet to welcome in the bliss of springtime and the beauty of the cherry blossoms. Grab your best friend and rock the night away celebrating friendship, warmer days to come and a season of new beginnings. Specialty drinks and food will be available for purchase from RĀKO, Crystal City Wine Shop and other local eateries. Registration is required to experience this night of Enchanted Rhapsody and to break free from the winter blues, embracing an evening of being fearlessly you.

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MAP YOUR FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

What began with a gift in 1912 at the Tidal Basin is now a four-week extravaganza spanning Washington, DC, and neighboring communities in Maryland and Virginia. Click the filters on our interactive map to see all that the Festival has to offer and craft a tailored experience as you Rediscover Spring. From exciting events to convenient hotels, delectable Cherry Picks restaurants to vibrant Art in Bloom installations, and a jaw-dropping City in Bloom to joyful Petal Porches, see the Washington, DC area as you can only see it once a year!

MAP THE BLOSSOMS

Check out our other events

Petalpalooza

Let's Go!
4/16

30th National Japan Bowl Championship Rounds

Let's Go!
4/22

Exhibition: Mind Over Matter: Zen in Medieval Japan

Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art

Exhibition: Mind Over Matter: Zen in Medieval Japan

This exhibition showcases the breadth of the museum’s medieval Zen collections, highlighting rare and striking works from Japan and China to illustrate the visual, spiritual, and philosophical power of Zen. Rooted in the culture of medieval Japan, the lessons of Zen have become an important part of contemporary American life, as applicable today as they were in premodern times.
VISIT WEBSITE

MAP YOUR FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

What began with a gift in 1912 at the Tidal Basin is now a four-week extravaganza spanning Washington, DC, and neighboring communities in Maryland and Virginia. Click the filters on our interactive map to see all that the Festival has to offer and craft a tailored experience as you Rediscover Spring. From exciting events to convenient hotels, delectable Cherry Picks restaurants to vibrant Art in Bloom installations, and a jaw-dropping City in Bloom to joyful Petal Porches, see the Washington, DC area as you can only see it once a year!

MAP THE BLOSSOMS

Check out our other events

What Makes a Good Karaoke Song?

Let's Go!
3/29

Southwest Chamber Players Gala 25th Anniversary Concerts

Let's Go!
4/1 - 4/3

Exhibition: Underdogs and Antiheroes: Japanese Prints from the Moskowitz Collection

Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art

Exhibition: Underdogs and Antiheroes: Japanese Prints from the Moskowitz Collection

Expect the unexpected. This exhibition reveals the captivating stories and urban legends of individuals living on the fringes of society in early modern Japan. Key subjects in theater, literature, and the visual arts focus on antiheroes and underdogs whose virtues are often embodied by their rejection of societal norms, making them misfits and moral exemplars at the same time.
VISIT WEBSITE

MAP YOUR FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

What began with a gift in 1912 at the Tidal Basin is now a four-week extravaganza spanning Washington, DC, and neighboring communities in Maryland and Virginia. Click the filters on our interactive map to see all that the Festival has to offer and craft a tailored experience as you Rediscover Spring. From exciting events to convenient hotels, delectable Cherry Picks restaurants to vibrant Art in Bloom installations, and a jaw-dropping City in Bloom to joyful Petal Porches, see the Washington, DC area as you can only see it once a year!

MAP THE BLOSSOMS

Check out our other events

What Makes a Good Karaoke Song?

Let's Go!
3/21

Southwest Chamber Players Gala 25th Anniversary Concerts

Let's Go!
4/1 - 4/3

Exploring Hiroshige and His Influence on Social Media

Japan Information and Culture Center

Exploring Hiroshige and His Influence on Social Media

The JICC spring exhibition looks at the life and work of the seminal ukiyo-e artist, Uta-gawa Hiroshige. Known for capturing Japan’s breathtaking landscapes as they change throughout the seasons, Hiroshige frequently incorporated popular seasonal motifs, like cherry blossoms for spring or rain for summer. In this exhibition, the JICC, in collaboration with American University, wants to showcase the works of Hiroshige and then celebrate Hiroshige’s legacy on social media by presenting recent photo-graphic interpretations of Hiroshige’s ukiyo-e, submitted to us through our call for entry! It is our hope that our audience will leave our exhibit with a new sense of appreciation for Hiroshige and the obvious influence he still has in the contemporary art world.
VISIT WEBSITE

MAP YOUR FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

What began with a gift in 1912 at the Tidal Basin is now a four-week extravaganza spanning Washington, DC, and neighboring communities in Maryland and Virginia. Click the filters on our interactive map to see all that the Festival has to offer and craft a tailored experience as you Rediscover Spring. From exciting events to convenient hotels, delectable Cherry Picks restaurants to vibrant Art in Bloom installations, and a jaw-dropping City in Bloom to joyful Petal Porches, see the Washington, DC area as you can only see it once a year!

MAP THE BLOSSOMS

Check out our other events

What Makes a Good Karaoke Song?

Let's Go!
3/21

Southwest Chamber Players Gala 25th Anniversary Concerts

Let's Go!
4/1 - 4/3