Events category: In-person

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!

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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 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 Hilton

Let's Go!
3/25

Pink in the Park presented by Amazon

Let's Go!
4/1

Hayato Sumino – Co-presented with the Embassy of Japan

BLUES ALLEY JAZZ

Hayato Sumino - Co-presented with the Embassy of Japan

ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE FROM 9 – 10:30 PM

Don’t miss a night of incredible music, co-presented with the Embassy of Japan. Recognized as “”Cateen”” by his millions of YouTube followers, Hayato Sumino, a brilliant pianist from Japan now based in New York, presents a captivating jazz program infused with classical elements and featuring compositions by Japanese composers.

ABOUT HAYATO SUMINO
Born in 1995, Hayato Sumino won the Grand Prix of the Special Class of the PTNA Piano Competition while he was a graduate student at University of Tokyo in 2018. This was the start of his full-fledged musical career.

Currently, in addition to performing concerts in Japan and aboard, he also writes, arranges, and performs his own music under the name of “Cateen” on YouTube, with over 1,000,000 subscribers and 100 million views (as of June 2022). His unique style, a fusion of classical techniques, arrangements, and improvisational skills, has been well received by many fans.

While building a solid position in classical music, he is attracting attention as a truly new type of pianist who carefully focuses on all music that beyond genres.

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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!

Check out our other events

Pink Tie Party

Let's Go!
3/15

Opening Ceremony

Let's Go!
3/23

ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds

ARTECHOUSE

ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds

You are invited to the 7th annual celebration of cherry blossoms at ARTECHOUSE DC!

Enter a mesmerizing universe fusing art, technology, and tradition, as we bring the enchanting beauty of cherry blossoms to life through alternative universes filled with adventure and wonder.

This year, the ARTECHOUSE Studio explores multiple universes of blossoms in ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds, inspired by the Isekai genre of Anime. Over the years we have invited almost a million visitors to share in the Cherry Blossoms’ beauty, producing springtime exhibitions inspired by all-female artists, Ukiyo-e (a traditional Japanese style of art) , climate change, and the power of our natural world. Each exhibition connects us to our surroundings through innovative technology and one-of-a-kind digital storytelling.

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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!

Check out our other events

Pink Tie Party

Let's Go!
3/15

Opening Ceremony

Let's Go!
3/23

Japanese Culture Day

Library of Congress

Japanese Culture Day

Japanese Culture Day will feature family activities, including Japanese drum and traditional dance performances, storytelling, and arts and crafts from Japan. Children, families and teachers can learn about Japanese culture through reading, writing and craft-making with Japanese cultural and linguistic professionals. In connection with this event, Japanese-American author Misa Sugiura will present a book talk about her series “Momo Arashima,” with focus on her research and incorporation of Japanese folklore, mythology, and legends into her middle grade fantasy novel. Advanced timed-entry reservations are recommended at https://loc.usedirect.com/LOC. Free same-day tickets will be made available at 9 a.m., using the same link.

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

Pink Tie Party

Let's Go!
3/15

Opening Ceremony

Let's Go!
3/23

Japanese Culture Week

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

Japanese Culture Week

Object Lesson Series: Celebrating the 110th Anniversary of the Cherry Blossom Gift and U.S.-Japan Friendship
Wednesday through Friday, April 6-8, 7 to 8 p.m. Virtual event.

A series of three evening presentations will be presented by Mari Nakahara and Katherine Blood, authors of the book “Cherry Blossom: Sakura Collections from the Library of Congress” and curators in the Prints & Photographs Division. These events will not be recorded.

April 6: Object Lesson: Exploring Cherry Blossom Varieties. How many varieties of cherry blossoms can you find in your neighborhood? How do you describe their colors?

Nakahara will offer a close-up exploration of exquisite watercolor illustrations of the 1912 gift of cherry blossom trees from the city of Tokyo to Washington, D.C. to increase your visual recognition of cherry blossoms each spring.
Registration required – Click below to register.

REGISTER FOR 4/6

April 7: Object Lesson: One Man’s Life Dedicated to Peace. While the 1912 gift of cherry blossom trees from the city of Tokyo to Washington, D.C. is an enduring symbol of the U.S.–Japan friendship, former Japanese Ambassador Hirosi Saito also played an important role in our friendship in the 1930s.
Nakahara will introduce the Library’s collections related to Saito, along with his efforts to promote peace in the years before the outbreak of World War II. Saito’s granddaughter Tomiko Kagei will also join the conversation. 
Registration required – Click below to register.

REGISTER FOR 4/7

April 8: Object Lesson: Seasonal Appreciations in Japanese Visual Art. Jewel-toned woodblocks from the Library’s Japanese print collection reflect recurring seasonal celebrations of springtime cherry blossoms, summer fireflies, bright autumn foliage, winter snow and more.

Blood will highlight 18th century to contemporary artwork, including related, recently acquired prints, drawings and posters.
Registration required – Click below to register.

REGISTER FOR 4/8

Japanese Culture Day

Saturday, April 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St., SE, Washington, D.C.
Time entry reservations are required. Click here to register.

Children of all ages, families and teachers can learn about Japanese culture through reading, writing and craft-making with Japanese cultural and linguistic professionals during the Library’s Japanese Culture day. Books related to Japan and Japanese culture will also be on display. Special highlights include a Japanese drum presentation by Miyako Taiko led by Mark Rooney and a karate demonstration by Tsuyoshi Takemori from D.C. Yamato-juku Club.

Drum Presentation: Outside – Neptune Plaza (west side of the Jefferson Building) if weather allows; Coolidge Auditorium in case of rain. Four performances will be presented at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Rooney will also introduce the history of the Miyako Taiko and answer questions.

Karate Demonstration: Mezzanine level of the Great Hall, Jefferson Building. Three demonstrations will be provided at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1:30 p.m. Visitors may have opportunities to practice a basic Kata (form).

Other activities include:

  • Display and introduction of Library collections related to cherry blossoms and Japanese culture
  • Hands-on lessons about origami artwork creation
  • Kamishibai (Japanese storytelling)
  • Decorative Koinobori and Japanese woodblock print colori
REGISTER FOR 4/9

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

30th National Japan Bowl Championship Rounds

Let's Go!
4/22

24th Annual and 2nd Annual Virtual National Cherry Blossom Freedom Walk

Let's Go!
4/2

Japanese Rinpa Screens

Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art

Japanese Rinpa Screens

Explore a selection of screens painted in the Rinpa style, an integral part of traditional Japanese interiors. These three-dimensional, folded screens play with perception, cleverly tricking the eye so that scenes of undulating dragons, stormy seas and elegant foliage come to life.

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, 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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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

Japanese Stone Lantern Lighting Ceremony

National Conference of State Societies

Japanese Stone Lantern Lighting Ceremony

Presented by the National Park Service & National Conference of State Societies

Join NCSS and the National Park Service for the traditional lighting of the Japanese Stone Lantern, located amidst the cherry blossom trees. Lantern is approximately 375 years old and weighs over 4,000 pounds and given as a gift by Japan in 1954.

Musical Prelude starts at 2:30 PM with ceremony beginning at 3 PM until 4:30 PM. This ceremony marks the first public appearance of the 2024 U.S. Cherry Blossom Princesses.

The Japanese Stone Lantern was presented in 1954 to Washington, D.C. as a gift to commemorate the 100th anniversary of America’s first treaty with Japan. It is lit only once a year, and by the Cherry Blossom Princess representing Japan. Standing 8.5 feet tall and weighing approximately 4,000 pounds, it was carved nearly four centuries ago to honor the Third Shogun of the Tokugawa period. It stands 50 feet east of the first two cherry blossom trees planted by First Lady Helen Taft and Viscountess Chinda (wife of the Japanese ambassador) in 1912, and it is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Will be cancelled if inclement weather. There is no rain date

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

Art Blooms at Mosaic

Let's Go!
4/6 - 4/7

Sakura Matsuri

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

Jazz and Blossoms

Downtown DC Bid

Jazz and Blossoms

Jazz & Blossoms is a free outdoor music extravaganza that will blend the sounds of Grammy award-winning hip-hop trio Digable Planets along with the eclectic sounds of Daylight DC, Madison McFerrin, JoGo Project, and the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra, creating an atmosphere that resonates with the spirit of spring.

Produced by Words, Beats & Life in collaboration with the DowntownDC BID, this event promises an unforgettable fusion of jazz, blossoms, and the lively spirit of spring.

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, 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

Kenny Endo Contemporary Taiko, 45th Anniversary Tour: Breaking Through Tradition to Innovation

Kenny Endo Contemporary Taiko

Breaking Through Tradition to Innovation

Represented by Pasifika Artists Network

World-class artist Kenny Endo celebrates 45 years in taiko, his adventurous spirit at the vanguard of the genre. As a jazz percussionist and early innovator in Japanese taiko, he was the first non-Japanese national honored with a natori (stage name & master’s license) in classical Japanese drumming. With roots firmly grounded in tradition, he takes taiko in new directions by incorporating influences like funk, jazz, Afro-Cuban & Hawaiian, as he leads his ensemble –drums, vibes, ‘ukulele, flute, strings (koto, shamisen) — in performances that are nuanced, evocative, brilliant!

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Scroll to check out performance photos! 

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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

Anacostia River Festival

Let's Go!
4/10

Japanese Jazz Series


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

Kimonos and Cocktails

Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets

Kimonos and Cocktails

Quite possibly one of the most beautiful, complex fashions of Japanese culture, the Kimono symbolizes tradition and history. Over centuries the Kimono has been donned by lords, ladies, geishas and samurais. It is still worn today by many in Japanese culture to honor traditional events and special occasions.

We invite you to embrace your inner geishas and samurais, for the Dupont Circle 17th Street, Cherry Blossom “Kimonos and Cocktails” Happy Hour. We are honoring this iconic Japanese garment and encourage you to do the same. Wear your finest threads, or Kimonos! Restaurants and bars along 17th Street will offer signature cocktails and mocktails to tickle your tastebuds. Each with their own special nod to the Cherry Blossom.

The signature cocktail and mocktail with the most votes will win a people’s choice award for the best Cherry Blossom concoction, with the winner being announced on April 6th!

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

Kite Making Workshop

National Children's Museum

Kite Making Workshop

Stop by National Children’s Museum for a free kite making workshop from March 24-26 from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Families are invited to create their own kites using simple materials. Along the way, you’ll complete different design challenges to answer questions like, “What happens if I add two tails or more ribbons to my kite?” After testing and tweaking your design, you’ll walk away prepared to fly your own homemade kite at the Blossom Kite Festival on Saturday, March 26! The workshop will be held outside the Museum’s main entrance under the blue awnings. In the case of poor weather, it will be moved inside to the Museum’s Entry Hall

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

Minyo Blooms in Washington D.C // MINYO CRUSADERS Special Performance

The Japan Foundation, New York

Minyo Blooms in Washington D.C // MINYO CRUSADERS Special Performance

Join us at the National Harbor on (Sat) 3/19 4:00 – 5:00 pm (ET) for a special performance featuring MINYO CRUSADERS.

MINYO CRUSADERS is a 10-piece band known for their unique fusion of Japanese traditional folk songs called minyo, with various rhythms and beats inspired from Caribbean, Latin, and African music.

The concert will feature performances by MINYO CRUSADERS, along with explanations of minyo, and Japanese folk dancing. Attendees are welcome to join MINYO CRUSADERS for a special dance at the end of the concert once the choreography has been taught.

This performance is organized by The Japan Foundation New York in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in the United States of America with The National Harbor.

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

Cherry Blossom Jubilee

Let's Go!
4/10

Pink Tie Dinner Party


Let's Go!
4/28

Mosaic District Art Blooms

Mosaic District

Art Blooms

As the DMV’s cherry blossoms burst into bloom, Mosaic District welcomes Spring with a two-day festival: Art Blooms at Mosaic. On April 6 and 7, friends, families, and surrounding communities are invited to a weekend of fun-filled family activities while taking part in the nation’s favorite springtime celebrations.

In partnership with URBNmarket and FRESHFARM; Mosaic District will transform into an outdoor festival with a host of 90+ handmade and vintage vendors, special performances, and a variety of activities for the whole family. From live entertainment throughout the festival and kids’ activities to cherry blossom Arts n Crafts vendors, a farmers’ market, and much 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

Pink Tie Party

Let's Go!
3/15

Opening Ceremony

Let's Go!
3/23

NAOTARO MORIYAMA 20th Anniversary Tour “What a Wonderful World”

The Japan Foundation

NAOTARO MORIYAMA 20th Anniversary Tour “What a Wonderful World”

With the album “Wonderful World” commemorating the 20th anniversary of his debut in Japan, folk singer Naotaro Moriyama has been embarking on his first nationwide anniversary tour. Since June 2022, he has performed 101 concerts in a duration of a year and four months, kicking off his tour at Live House Mandara in Kichijoji, a place that holds fond memories from his indie days, earlier in his career. 

The 102nd stop on the tour, his first performance at Ryogoku Kokugikan was announced as the extra leg of the tour. The 103rd stop on the tour will be a performance in Washington, D.C., U.S.A. 

He will be performing “Sakura (solo)” with pianist Daisuke Sakurai and the National Children’s Chorus. 

This event is co-organized with Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian 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!

Check out our other events

Pink Tie Party

Let's Go!
3/15

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade presented by Events DC

Let's Go!
4/13

National Cherry Blossom Festival Celebration at the Lab

Children's Science Center Lab

National Cherry Blossom Festival Celebration at the Lab

The Lab has transformed into a Cherry Blossom Festival Celebration! Engineer a kite and test it in our wind tunnel, create cherry blossom origami, explore the science and history of cherry blossoms as you embark on a scavenger hunt throughout the entire Lab, and more!

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

Petalpalooza Presented by Chase

Let's Go!
4/6

Sakura Matsuri- Japanese Street Festival

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