Events category: Indoor

“Suspended Spring” AR cherry blossoms by Tamiko Thiel

Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building

“Suspended Spring” AR cherry blossoms by Tamiko Thiel

For the first time in Washington, D.C., experience the poetic beauty of swirling cherry blossoms anywhere, anytime. Timed with the start of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, this augmented reality (AR) artwork from acclaimed digital artist Tamiko Thiel (Japanese American, working in Germany) will be available across the DC region through the free AR app, ARpoise. Download and look through your smartphone’s or tablet’s screen to see your surroundings transformed into a meditative experience honoring the exquisite and fleeting beauty of spring’s cherry blossoms, accompanied by a meditative variation of the Japanese folksong “Sakura.”

Thiel’s related work ReWildAR, created with her collaborator /p, is currently on view at the FUTURES exhibition at the Smithsonian’s Arts + Industries Building. This augmented reality experience turns the building into a growing future wildflower meadow, envisioning the future city as a thriving ecosystem for nature.

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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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Film Series: The Legacy of Satoshi Kon

Let's Go!
3/26 - 4/10

Meditation and Mindfulness Through Art

Let's Go!
4/1 - 4/29

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.

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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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Petalpalooza presented by Chase

Let's Go!
4/6

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Presented by Events DC

Let's Go!
4/13

30th National Japan Bowl Championship Rounds

JAPAN AMERICA SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON DC

30th National Japan Bowl Championship Rounds

The National Japan Bowl is America’s national Japanese-language competition for high school students. Each spring, the National Japan Bowl welcomes 200 of the country’s top high school Japanese language students to the nation’s capital each spring for the competition, testing students’ knowledge of Japan’s language, culture, and history. The top three teams go head-to-head to determine this year’s champions.

The Championship rounds will feature VIP guest appearances from Her Royal Highness Princess Takamado, Japan’s Ambassador to the United States Tomita Koji, and a few surprises. Viewers have a chance to win prizes by answering quiz questions between championship rounds.

Watch the Championship Rounds live on JASWDC’s YouTube channel from 6-9PM EST on Friday, April 22.

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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

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

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.

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

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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
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

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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

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 Date Night

Museum of Illusions

Cherry Blossom Night at the Museum of Illusions

Come experience the ultimate cherry blossom date night at the Museum of Illusions Washington DC. Enjoy and photograph optical illusions dressed in pink cherry blossoms while sipping Pink Prosecco and enjoying a Cherry Blossom and Champagne Cotton Candy live station between the hours of 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm. One night only. Don’t miss it!

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

Tidal Basin Welcome Area & ANA Stage

Let's Go!
3/23 - 4-7

Blossom Kite Festival Presented by Amazon

Let's Go!
3/30

Cherry Blossom Jubilee

Torpedo Factory Art Center

Cherry Blossom Jubilee

Celebrate the Cherry Blossoms during the height of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. After Saturday’s Cherry Blossom Parade in D.C., stop by the heart of Alexandria the next day to enjoy cherry blossom-themed activities and other events. Kick off the celebrations at noon with a live performance by taiko drum group Nen Daiko by the Waterfront entrance. Afterward, view cherry-blossom-inspired works of art throughout studios and galleries on all three floors. Enjoy music and live art demonstrations from participating TFAC artists.

Schedule of Activities

Live Music:

Hands-on Projects between 12 – 3 pm:  

In the Studios:

Visit various studios and galleries throughout all three floors to view The 2022 Cherry Blossom Exhibition. Resident artists showcase their floral and festive designs for visitors to enjoy all month long! On display from Saturday April 2 to Sunday May 1.

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

Sakura Matsuri - Japanese Street Festival

Let's Go!
4/9-4/10

Enchanted Rhapsody



Let's Go!
4/9

Cherry Blossom Night with the Washington Wizards

Washington Wizards

Cherry Blossom Night

Celebrate spring in Washington, DC with family and friends: come to a special cherry blossom-themed game and seethe Wizards take on the Brooklyn Nets as part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival celebration from March 20 to April 14. A portion of proceeds supporting year-round care for the iconic trees through the Trust for the National Mall. Purchase tickets today!

Each ticket purchased through this link comes with a Washington Wizards cherry blossom water bottle. *Limited quantities*

BUY TICKETS

Each ticket purchased through this link comes with a Washington Wizards cherry blossom water bottle. *limited quantities*

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

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 Series: The Legacy of Satoshi Kon

Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art

Film Series: The Legacy of Satoshi Kon

The National Museum of Asian Art teams up with the Japan Information & Culture Center to present a retrospective of the influential anime director Satoshi Kon, including a new documentary about his life and work. 

Click below to Stream the Films: 

STREAM NOW

Films in this Series:

Perfect Blue 

In Perfect Blue, director Satoshi Kon tells the story of pop star Mima, who turns to frenzied paranoia when her handlers and collaborators begin turning up murdered. 

Millennium Actress 

In Millennium Actress, filmmaker Genya Tachibana is pulled into reclusive star Chiyoko Fujiwara’s memories when he is tasked with interviewing her. It’s a seamless blend of reality and memory only Satoshi Kon could deliver. 

Tokyo Godfathers

When three forgotten members of society discover a baby in a garbage dump on Christmas Eve, they must band together to solve the mystery of her abandonment. Tokyo Godfathers is Satoshi Kon’s third feature. 

Paprika

Paprika is a magical tale centered on a revolutionary machine that allows scientists to enter subjects’ dreams. When the machine is stolen, a detective and therapist join forces to recover it before it falls into the wrong hands. 

Satoshi Kon: The Illusionist 

The documentary Satoshi Kon: The Illusionist celebrates the legacy of Satoshi Kon with interviews from fellow anime directors and overseas admirers. 

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