Events category: Educational

26th Annual National Cherry Blossom Freedom Walk

National Japanese American Memorial Foundation

26th Annual National Cherry Blossom Freedom Walk

The 26th Annual National Cherry Blossom Freedom Walk. The Freedom Walk will take place Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 10:00 am (EST). This annual event continues to be an official event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

The National Cherry Blossom Freedom Walk is a historical and cultural event to raise awareness about the Japanese American experience during World War II and to highlight the vigilant role that American citizens must continue to play in preserving the Constitutional rights of all Americans. Built as a lasting tribute to the more than 33,000 Japanese American soldiers who served with great distinction in the U.S. Military, the Memorial also pays homage to the more than 120,000 persons of Japanese ancestry unjustly relocated during World War II. It is also a testament to our nation’s greatness that it does not fear acknowledging its mistakes.

Our theme this year is “Activism Matters – intergenerational views on the Japanese American incarceration.” This panel discussion will explore how the experiences of Mary Murakami, who was incarcerated during World War II have been passed down to her daughter, Kimi, and then to her granddaughter, Carolyn. The panel will be moderated by Julie Abo, JACL-DC Chapter board member.

Our program is free to all. Please visit the website at www.njamemorial.org/events. We will continue to update our website with registration and other information.

REGISTER

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!

Check out our other events

Petalpalooza presented by Chase

Let's Go!
4/6

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Presented by Events DC

Let's Go!
4/13

31st National Japan Bowl

Japan-America Society of Washington DC

31st National Japan Bowl

The National Japan Bowl is America’s premier Japanese-language competition, now in its 31st year. Each spring, the Japan-America Society of Washington DC welcomes 200 of the country’s top high school Japanese language students to the nation’s capital for the competition.

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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

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

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.

VISIT WEBSITE

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!

Check out our other events

Blossom Kite Festival presented by Amazon

Let's Go!
3/30

Petalpalooza Presented by Chase

Let's Go!
4/6
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
REGISTER

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

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.

VISIT WEBSITE

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!

Check out our other events

Opening Ceremony

Let's Go!
3/23

Sakura Matsuri - Japanese Street Festival

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

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

Cherry Blossom Celebration

Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art

Cherry Blossom Celebration

Celebrate Cherry Blossom season with free performances, virtual tours, educational videos, programs and more!

LEARN MORE

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!

Check out our other events

Opening Ceremony

Let's Go!
3/23

Blossom Kite Festival Presented by Amazon

Let's Go!
3/30

Cherry Blossom Youth Webinars

Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art

Cherry Blossom Festival Youth Webinars

Through art, discover Japanese symbols, values, and traditions associated with blooming cherry blossom trees. These virtual learning sessions are perfect for homeschool students in Pre-K through Grade 12, teachers and Japanese language learners.

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!

Check out our other events

Blossom Kite Festival presented by Hilton

Let's Go!
3/25

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade presented by Events DC

Let's Go!
4/15

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

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

Family Day: Japanese Fashion

The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum

Family Day: Japanese Fashion

Celebrate cherry-blossom season at the museum with a family day featuring Japanese kimono, “happi” coats and crafts for all ages. Performances of traditional Okinawan dance will showcase the colorful costume of the islands, and guests can enjoy the beautiful melodies of Japan’s national instrument, the “koto.” Design your own kimono bookmark, make a cherry blossom pendant or join us for a family-friendly tour of the galleries, including Japanese textiles on display in Irresistible: The Global Patterns of Ikat.

Learn more

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!

Check out our other events

Blossom Kite Festival Presented by Amazon

Let's Go!
3/30

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade Presented by Events DC

Let's Go!
4/13

Film Screening x Tasting: The Zen Diary

Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art

Film Screening x Tasting: The Zen Diary

Director Yuji Nakae’s film of gratitude revolves around the art of simple cooking. Former Zen monk Tsutomu and widower (Kenji Sawada) lives alone, writing and cooking. His routine is happily disturbed when Machiko, his editor and love interest, visits. Tsutomu seems content with life, but when Tsutomu’s mother-in-law suddenly passes, it sets in motion a review of life’s meaning. Screening followed by a free tasting.

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

Film Screening x Tasting: Ramen Heads

Let's Go!
4/9

National Cherry Blossom Parade presented by Events DC

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

Frying Pan Farm Park

Frying Pan Farm Park: CANCELLED

Into The Woods At Frying Pan Farm Park

Celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival with this free event at Frying Pan Farm Park. We invite you to trek on our nature trail to experience the changes of spring. Visit stations peppered throughout the trail to build a fairy house, help tally migratory and year-round resident birds, and search for critters in the soil and water. Enjoy Japanese teas at the historic Frying Pan Meeting House. Stop by the Indoor Arena first for a map and instructions.

Into the Woods at Frying Pan Farm Park is now at capacity!

REGISTER

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!

Check out our other events

Blossom Kite Festival presented by Hilton

Let's Go!
3/25

Pink in the Park presented by Amazon

Let's Go!
4/1