Japanese Culture Day

Library of Congress

Japanese Culture Day

Japanese Culture Day provides an exciting opportunity for children, their families, and teachers to learn about Japanese culture through reading, writing, and craft-making with Japanese cultural and linguistic professionals. Activities include a demonstration of the Japanese harp, calligraphy, and tiara making with the cherry blossom princesses, in addition to our regular programs, such as the introduction of Japanese woodblock prints, Japanese storytelling, and origami, among others. The Japan-America Society of Washington DC will present Japan-In-A-Suitcase, a program introducing Japan and its culture.

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!

Check out our other events

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

Petalpalooza®

get ready for an OUTDOOR EXTRAVAGANZA

Petalpalooza®

Celebrate spring at Petalpalooza®, for a full day of live music and engaging activities!

This day-long all-ages celebration brings art, music, and play to multiple outdoor stages, interactive art installations, a cashless beverage garden, family-friendly hands-on activities, roaming entertainers, and more, all along the banks of the Anacostia River. The evening is capped by the dazzling choreographed Official National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks show set to music starting at 8:30 PM.

This event is FREE and fun for all ages.

Times and activities are subject to change.

Sign-up for our newsletter for the latest announcements!

Check out the 2022 Petalpalooza digital map for a sneak peek of what you will see in 2023!

A SNEAK PEEK AT PETALPALOOZA®!

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What's Happening at Petalpalooza presented by Chase

*Please note, these listings are subject to change

ZONE 1:FLOWER POWER ZONE (NAVY YARD/BALLPARK METRO)

Rock Climbing Wall – 24ft rockwall with 3 routes that engages participants of all ages and activity level
Participant/Activity tents
- - Cherry Blossom Follies (Art in Bloom presented by Amazon) – wooden cherry blossom cutouts with slits on the sides that enable pieces to be fit together and built into interactive 3D sculptures
  - Metro Transit Police Department – interactive games and giveaways
  - iHeart – step and repeat with cherry blossoms and station logos, table tent prizes games, yard games
  - Hands on Heart – teaching first aid
  - Mobile Rock Climbing Wall – 24 foot climbing wall
  - Movement Gyms – on the ground climbing games and climbing skills demonstrations
  - Paragon / Evolve – protein shake giveaways
  - Harris Teeter – truck activation with tent + giveaways
  - National Children Museum – blossom-themed kids flower craft activity

Stage
- Yoga/Music – instructor on stage engaging the crowd in relaxing exercises to the beat of the music ; mobility and fitness classes
- Mayweather Gym

Food Trucks + Picnic tables

ZONE 2: ADULT FUN ZONE (TINGEY PLAZA)

Large Yard Games
- Picnic Tables / Hammocks – tables and hammocks are spread out through the zone providing rest spots
- Body Marbling – festival goers become art, utilizing hydrodynamics to transfer glowing, swirling patterns onto skin
- Dunk it with Dunkin’ Donuts – dunking game with pink basketballs; coffee samples and giveaways
- My Eye Dr. – swag giveaways (Silent Disco sponsor)
- Food and Bev
- Food Trucks
- Official Cocktail Bar – Sip on Blossom Espresso Martinis
- DC Water Quench Buggy

Music – Live DJ
- SILENT DISCO – participants are able to tune in to their desired channel through individual headsets providing personalized experiences
  - Latin Dance, Today’s Hits – by request
  - Schedule:
    - 2pm-2:30pm; 3:30pm-4:00pm; 5pm-5:30pm; 6:30pm-7pm
    - limited fun swag giveaway items for first 50 participants in each session!

ZONE 3: BLOSSOM MAIN HUB (YARDS PARK)

On-Site Activations
- Chase Sponsor Lounge
- Beverage Garden + Kirin Lounge
  - Opici Wine Bar + Kirin Beer Bar

Merchandise Tent
Petalpalooza Art Market – Black Girl Art Show – celebration of black female artists using varying forms of media with the central theme of vibrancy, organic, floral inspired
Sundeck – Gardening Activity Stations – sponsored by Chase
- Decorate your own Pot
- Plant a seedling
- DC Beekeepers – education and hive observatory

DC Lottery – games and giveaways
Picnic Tables / Hammocks
Origami Boat Activity – inviting event goers to decorate and create origami boats to test out in the canal basin
DC Water – Tent with giveaways

Stage Performances
- Jazzy Blu
- Mama Moon and the Rumpshakers
- Max Rosado
- Black Alley
- Everyday Everybody

Food Vendors

ZONE 4: THE BUDDING BLOSSOM ZONE (THE GREAT LAWN)

On-Site Activations
- Mars Petcare – pet-friendly giveaways / photo op
- Balloon twisters
- Anacostia River Festival – photo activation, giveaways and jump ropers
- CRBID’s Blossom Arbor – Public Art Activity + Installation
- Student Art Showcase display
- Washington Performing Arts – musical instrument petting zoo

Stage Performances
- 1pm Justin Trawick
- 2pm Crazy Legz
- 3pm Pam Ward
- 4pm Honest Lee Soul
- 5pm Future Band
- 6pm The Experience Band
- 7pm DuPont Brass
- ++Double Dutch Jump Rope performances and crowd engagement throughout the day

ZONE 5: THE '202' IN BLOOM ZONE (DIAMOND TEAGUE PARK)

On-Site Activations
- Kayak Painting Activity – event goers have a chance to contribute to the design of kayak(s) that will highlight the waterfront and the fun activities to come!
- Harbor Patrol – T-shirt Press Craft
- Picnic Tables/ Hammocks
- BetMGM – Game + Prizes – XL Plinko Board + photo op
- Hands on Heart – first aid training and info

Stage Performances Lineup
- Tre Charles
- Flowerbomb
- Massie
- Perro Sombra
- Blacc Print Experience

Food Offerings – TBD

HELPFUL INFORMATION

Lost and Found: Bring found items to an Information Tent.

Lost Child: Please escort lost children to an information tent where staff can assist with reunification

Fireworks viewing: The fireworks display may be viewed from all locations throughout the event, with the best views located on the boardwalk and Yards Park in Zones 3, 4, and 5. The fireworks can also be seen from Anacostia Park across the River.

Throughout the Day: Extend your reality with a special Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge XR Activation sponsored by ARTECHOUSE DC!

Download the ARTECHOUSE app, and point it at the Bridge from anywhere along the river at Petalpalooza. Tap the Blossom icon that pops up and watch the blossoms adorn the Bridge. Learn more.

ARTECHOUSE XR EXPERIENCE

Inspired by the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge — which connects physically-divided neighborhoods in the DC Metro Area — ARTECHOUSE has created a new XR (Extended Reality) art activation in partnership with the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Activated using the ARTECHOUSE XR app, viewers are encouraged to reflect on meaningful connections in the world around us core to this time of year.

GETTING TO PETALPALOOZA®

Metrorail

Metro is the best way to experience the Festival, with multiple ways to get to an event. For maps, schedules, and fees, please visit wmata.com.

METRO DESTINATION:

ALL DAY: Navy Yard-Ballpark station is recommended for avoiding road closures in the areas surrounding Capitol Riverfront at The Yards, including 3rd, 4th, 5th, and Water Street, after 10 AM on April 6.

Navy Yard-Ballpark station (Green line): We suggest taking the Department of Transportation exit at the Navy Yard station.

Walking Directions to Capitol Riverfront from Navy Yard-Ballpark metro

DC Circulator

Spectators should utilize the DC Circulator’s Eastern Market – L’Enfant Plaza route to access the Yards. The closest stops are located along D Street/ 7th Street SW. Rides cost just $1, and buses arrive every 10 minutes. Riders are encouraged to check DCCirculator.com for real-time service updates, as the traditional route may experience some detours due to road closures.

Capital Bikeshare

Multiple Capital Bikeshare stations are conveniently located near Capitol Riverfront at The Yards.

Spectators could utilize the docks along 3rd & M St SE or 4th & M St SE. To view more options, check out the ‘Getting to Petalpalooza’ layer on our map.

For a complete list of stations, visit CapitalBikeshare.com.

Transportation

Parking is limited in the District, especially during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. It’s highly recommended that visitors use DC’s alternative transportation modes like Capital Bikeshare, DC Streetcar, Scooters, DC Circulator, Metrobus, and Metrorail to make the most of their experience. Skip the traffic and parking by planning your trip with goDCgo’s Getting to the Blossoms Guide.

Travel Advisory

Metro train travel is strongly recommended to Petalpalooza for April 8, 2023.

CLOSEST METRO

Navy Yard-Ballpark (Department of Transportation exit on M Street & New Jersey Ave)

Navy Yard-Ballpark (Ball Park exit on M Street & Half Street)

STREET CLOSURE NOTICE

4/8/23: Please note that roads south of M street SE between First and 5th Streets will be restricted or closed for Petalpalooza in the Capitol Riverfront area. Please note that other large events are taking place in this area on the same date and public transit is strongly recommended.

Parking

We recommend booking convenient and affordable parking in advance through SpotHero, the nation's leading parking reservations app.

To reserve your parking spot, visit the Petalpalooza SpotHero Parking Page and book a spot with rates up to 50% off drive-up.

Health and Safety

To ensure Petalpalooza is a fun and safe experience for all attendees, the National Cherry Blossom Festival adheres to local and federal health requirements. Please note that this information is subject to change as the Festival continues to monitor health and safety guidelines.

We recommend that all eligible attendees be vaccinated against COVID-19 in alignment with CDC recommendations.

Pet Comfort Stations

Pet comfort stations will be available at the Tidal Basin Welcome Area, Blossom Kite Festival, and Petalpalooza. Click the link below for pet-friendly details!

PRESENTING SPONSOR

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

MEDIA SPONSORS

Special Thanks

Corner Water
Washington Performing Arts
Metro
DDOT
Blossom Beverages

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, see the Washington, DC area as you can only see it once a year!

Check out our other events

The National Cherry Blossom Parade presented by EventsDC

Get the best view with grandstand!

Reserve Grandstand Seats

Parade!

Paws & Petals

Get your pet festival ready!

Learn MOre

Pets!

Art In Bloom

ART IN BLOOM

ART BLOOMS IN 2024

PRESENTED BY AMAZON

Many of the Giant Cherry Blossom sculptures returned in spring 2024 to locations in all eight wards of Washington, DC, and beyond. Scroll down to check out the map with Art In Bloom locations.

PETALPALOOZA ART WALK

Learn More

Art bloomed in 2022 with the Petalpalooza Art Walk, a series of immersive, ‘Instagrammable’ art installations that residents and visitors enjoyed 24/7 from April 4 – 17 throughout the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood, leading up to Petalpalooza on April 16. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to find out about the 2023 Petalpalooza Art Walk!

MEET THE ARTISTS

ART IN BLOOM PHOTOS & VIDEOS

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BEHIND THE SCENES

Play

WHERE TO FIND ART IN BLOOM

What began with a gift in 1912 at the Tidal Basin is now spans five weekends throughout Washington, DC, and neighboring communities in Maryland and Virginia. Spring It On and go all out in celebrating the season — 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!

View the map below to locate the Art in Bloom presented by Amazon Giant Cherry Blossom Sculptures available in public spaces throughout the region. Please note that some sculptures may be in storage; please review the listing to determine if the sculpture is currently on display.

Questions? E-mail us at ncbf@ncbfdc.org.

About the 2024 OFFICIAL ARTIST: nicolas shi

The 2024 Official Artwork, ‘Fleeing Beauty,’ captures the essence of cherry blossoms against the iconic backdrop of Washington DC’s monuments and a sneak peek of the beauftil Tidal Basin.

Nicolas Shi, a long time Washington, DC resident, was born in El Salvador from Chinese parents. In 1980, he left his war-torn country and came to the United States to attend college, receiving a Masters degree in Architectural Engineering from Oklahoma State University in 1986. He practiced Architecture and Engineering for more than ten years before dedicating himself to painting. His work is influenced by his Latin American upbringing, his Chinese heritage, and his formal education in the United States. He mixes the bright colors of Central America with the harmony and simplicity of traditional Chinese painting and the boldness found in contemporary American art.

Shi has exhibited internationally, most notable at Museo de Arte, El Salvador; Centro Cultural Casa de la Moneda, Santiago, Chile; Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum, Washington, DC; the Gasteig Cultural Center, Munich; the Ibero- Amerikanishes Institut, Berlin; and the Biggs Museum of American Art, Dover, DE. His work is included in numerous private and public collections, including the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum, the Inter-American Development Bank, Museo de Arte de El Salvador, DC Art Bank, and the University of Maryland.

View more of Shi’s work at NicolasFShi.com and Instagram.

ART BLOOMS AT REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT

Artwork provided by ARTECHOUSE

ISEKAI: BLOOMING PARALLEL WORLDS AT ARTECHOUSE

Let's Go!

Now - 9/8

Anacostia River Festival

Let's Go!

5/20

SAKURA 2024: Live Projection by Robin Bell

Let's Go!

5/20

Parking

We recommend booking convenient and affordable parking in advance through SpotHero, the nation's leading parking reservations app.

To reserve your parking spot, visit the National Cherry Blossom Festival SpotHero Parking Page and book a spot with rates up to 50% off drive-up.

Presenting Sponsor

Petalpalooza Art Walk

Art in Bloom continues in 2022 with new installations across the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood with local and national artists creating new creative interpretations of the blossoms. Find and experience them all until April 17!

Swipe to check out the Art Work photos:

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Featuring:

1. Dragonfly Wishes by Tracie Griffith Tso

2. Blossom Gazebo by 2022 Festival Artist Lea Craigie-Marshall

3. Refresh, Renew, Rebloom by Melissa Ragos, Maria Luz Roa, Natalie Cox, Gonzalo Rodriguez and Darrah Wills

Sponsored by

4. Student Art Showcase by Eight Student Artists

5. Petalpalooza Art Maze: The Art of Daniel Wall

Sponsored by

6. Swing Into Spring, sponsored by Chase

Sponsored by

7. The Art of Daniel Wall: Yards Park Bridge

Sponsored by

8. Hana-Ikada by Elizabeth Ashe

9. Blossoming Spring Wear by Wendy Sittner

10. Emergence: The Cherry Blossom Runway by Alexander Moon

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Site Hosts: Brookfield Properties, Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District, Dock 79, and Steadfast Supply

Jordan Woodson, Arup – Global Advisory, Design, Planning & Engineering Group

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!

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SUPPORTING SPONSORS

HOST SPONSORS

Check out our other events

Petalpalooza Art Walk

Instragammable Art Installations

Click Here

Photos!

Credit Union Cherry Blossom Virtual Run

Run alongside blossoming cherry trees

Click Here

Explore!

Parking

We recommend booking convenient and affordable parking in advance through SpotHero, the nation's leading parking reservations app.

To reserve your parking spot, visit the National Cherry Blossom Festival SpotHero Parking Page and book a spot with rates up to 50% off drive-up.

2025 FESTIVAL: MARCH 20 – APRIL 13 WASHINGTON, DC

2025 FESTIVAL: MARCH 20 – APRIL 13

Library of Congress

Japanese Culture Day

YOUR FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

Explore the Festival's Roots

Check out our other events

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade presented by Events DC

Sakura Matsuri- Japanese Street Festival

get ready for an OUTDOOR EXTRAVAGANZA

Petalpalooza®

A SNEAK PEEK AT PETALPALOOZA®!

What's Happening at Petalpalooza presented by Chase

ARTECHOUSE XR EXPERIENCE

GETTING TO PETALPALOOZA®

Transportation

Travel Advisory

CLOSEST METRO

STREET CLOSURE NOTICE

Health and Safety

Pet Comfort Stations

PRESENTING SPONSOR

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

SPONSORS

MEDIA SPONSORS

Special Thanks

PLAN YOUR FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

Check out our other events

The National Cherry Blossom Parade presented by EventsDC

Paws & Petals

ART IN BLOOM

ART BLOOMS IN 2024

PRESENTED BY AMAZON

MEET THE ARTISTS

ART IN BLOOM PHOTOS & VIDEOS

BEHIND THE SCENES

WHERE TO FIND ART IN BLOOM

ART BLOOMS AT REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT

You Might Also Like:

ISEKAI: BLOOMING PARALLEL WORLDS AT ARTECHOUSE

Anacostia River Festival

SAKURA 2024: Live Projection by Robin Bell

Presenting Sponsor

Featuring:

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

MAP YOUR FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

HOST SPONSORS

Check out our other events

Petalpalooza Art Walk

Credit Union Cherry Blossom Virtual Run

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE SPONSORS

2025 FESTIVAL: MARCH 20 – APRIL 13
WASHINGTON, DC

2025 FESTIVAL:
MARCH 20 – APRIL 13