Renewal 2121

ARTECHOUSE PRESENTS: RENEWAL 2121

Embark on a journey 100 years into the future to an overdeveloped metropolis where nature’s resilience takes center stage.

Inspired by the annual cherry blossom season and utilizing the power of creative technology, Renewal 2121 seeks to inspire hope amid a global pandemic and concerns of climate change.

Renewal 2121 presents a possible future 100 years from now, if humanity’s growth and expansion goes unchecked. As visitors explore ARTECHOUSE DC’s four galleries, they will traverse through a cyberpunk cityscape, an interactive market, bustling alleyways and an abandoned rooftop, finding nature blooming in the most unexpected places amidst this industrial future. This science fiction aesthetic is intentional —the imagined worlds of our future and advancements in science and technology often inspire one other.

The installation’s inspiration also celebrates three themes of renewal —the city, nature, and ourselves.Paralleling the constant rebirth of cities through human innovation and nature’s adaptive resilience, Renewal2121 coincides with both the blooming season and the beginning of the calendar year. The forward-looking energy of new hopes, dreams and actions that these cycles bring is part of the core message of this multi-sensory experience, along with the critical challenge that we face together as global citizens: climate change. Focusing specifically on the extinction element of climate change and presenting “sakura” or cherry blossoms as a symbol for nature as a whole, Renewal 2121 aims to inspire people to harness their energy towards finding solutions that will ensure a brighter future.

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Smithsonian

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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!

Opening Ceremony

Enjoy a one-TIME-only experience!

OPENING CEREMONY

CO-PRESENTED WITH THE JAPAN FOUNDATION

The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s signature Opening Ceremony is an artistic celebration of the 1912 gift of trees from Tokyo to Washington, DC, and an annual tribute to the longstanding friendship between Japan and the United States. This unique, one-time-only performance will feature special performances from acclaimed artists with ties to both countries.

Join our email list! Be the first to know when Opening Ceremony tickets are released and future news.

Watch the 2024 Opening Ceremony livestream! Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more great Festival content.

A Look Back at the 2023 Opening Ceremony

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Opening Ceremony Program

Walk-up Ticket Information

On the day of the Opening Ceremony, a limited quantity of walk-up tickets may be granted access if space allows.

Things to note if you would like to be eligible for walk-up admission:

• Walk-ups will not be granted access until approx 5:00 PM. This means you may miss the initial start of the show as the Tickets team calculates how many walk-ups could be accommodated

• You will still be subject to walking through a magnetometer. Small bags will be bag-checked. Backpacks will not be allowed in the building

• When you arrive and begin to queue for the chance to receive a walk-up ticket, please follow the instructions on the signs, and what our staff/volunteers are telling you.

Just Announced! More to come

2025 Opening Ceremony Performers

KAZ KUMAGAI LIVE写真 黄色×ライト (1)

Kazunori Kumagai

Kazunori Kumagai began tap dancing at age 15 and moved to the US at age 19. He was described as a “true tap artist” by the NY Times. In 2006, he was selected by Dance Magazine as one of the “25 dancers to watch in the world,” and in 2014 he received the Flo-Bert Award in NY, and in 2016 he received the Bessie Award. Kumagai was selected as one of the “100 Japanese people respected by the world” by Newsweek magazine in 2019. Kumagai also performed, choreographed, and composed music for the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Currently has two main bases in New York and Japan, and is expanding his activities to Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world. His unique and one-of-a-kind art is evolving every day, creating a new future for tap dance.

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Seiwa Bunraku

Seiwa Bunraku is the only remaining traditional puppetry organization in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. Seiwa Bunraku puppet theater began about 170 years ago (toward the end of the Edo period) in Seiwa Village (now the Seiwa section of Yamato Town, Kumamoto Prefecture), when local farmers learned from visiting members of the Awaji Puppet Troupe. While going through rises and declines, the performing art was passed down by farming communities.

In 2022, as part of a reconstruction effort from the Kumamoto Earthquake, “Chopper, Embarking from the Winter Sakura” was presented in collaboration with ONE PIECE, a popular manga by Eiichiro Oda, who is from Kumamoto Prefecture. A remake of the play adapted to the scale of Seiwa Bunrakukan has been staged since 2023, and now in March 2025, the highlight of the work will be presented abroad for the first time at the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C.

SNEAK PEEK AT PAST PERFORMANCES!

PLAN YOUR VISIT

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.

Trigger Warning: Please be advised that this production may contain strobe lighting effects, sudden loud noises, and the use of a confetti cannon

Bag Policy: The venue will only allow clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC tote bags no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ and/or small clutch bags (4.5″x 6.5″)

The show will be live-streamed on the Festival YouTube channel. Additional venue details are available on the Warner Theatre website.

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.

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 Opening Ceremony SpotHero Parking Page and book a spot with rates up to 50% off drive-up.

Co-Presented with

Supporting Sponsors

Contributing Sponsors

Special Thanks

Embassy of Japan
The Webster Group – Global Event Management

Media Partner

7News & WJLA 24/7 News

Blossom Tea Party

SHARING THE SPRING SPIRIT

BLOSSOM TEA PARTY

National Cherry Blossom Festival in conjunction with Events DC, invites DC seniors from the community to a Blossom Tea Party. This elegant and sophisticated afternoon tea invites seniors from the Washington, DC community to celebrate and honor the rich history of Japanese culture through fine teas, delightful conversations, and more.

If you’d like to attend, please submit a registration form.

Presenting Sponsor

Special Thanks

Image of DJ with angel wings on stage with large cherry blossoms in the background.

Cherry Night

CHERRY NIGHT

Part of the Festival’s Cherry Picks program, Cherry Night is an exclusive, one-night-only cherry blossom-themed celebration of DC nightlife through music, fashion, and food.

Selected venues throughout the DC area elevate the dinner scene with custom springtime menus, blossom décor, and live entertainment. Add the 2024 Cherry Night to your calendar for March 29, and plan to wear your best PINK outfit to show off your spring spirit.

2024 CHERRY NIGHT EXCLUSIVE VENUES

Metrobar

Hosted by Corinna Delgado from (94.7 The Drive)

DJ Fatboi from El Zol

Want a sneak peak?

Swipe to check out past National Cherry Blossom Festival nights out.

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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. ​

Water Park at National Landing

Hosted by DJ Chan Don

 
 
 
 

Mercy Me DC

Wunder Garten

Pinstripes 

Dirty Habit 

Pink Tie Party

a pASSPORT TO SPRING

PINK TIE PARTY

PRESENTED BY UNION STATION & DESIGN CUISINE WITH SUPPORT BY ANA

Mark your calendars for the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s Pink Tie Party on the evening of March 14, 2025, presented by Union Station Washington D.C. and Design Cuisine. We invite you to experience the sites and bites of global locations as we celebrate spring at the historic Union Station Washington D.C.

Featuring sumptuous bites from local restaurants, cool unique cocktails, exciting entertainment, and an always anticipated silent auction, the Pink Tie Party is the best springtime kick-off in DC!

Stay tuned for a formal invitation and ticket information to the best spring party in town! All funds raised support the mission of Washington, DC’s iconic National Cherry Blossom Festival, ensuring Festival events remain primarily free and open to the public.

Sign-up for our newsletter! Be the first to know when Pink Tie Party tickets are announced and the latest 2025 Festival details!

NOW ON SALE! Grab your Pink Tie Party tickets at a special early bird rate of $225*

Unlock with CODE: EARLYBIRD25

*Full ticket rate $250 | Code valid until December 31

Featuring A dazzling runway show featuring the fashionable models of MODELS INC., show coordinated by Aaron Handy

Miss H.E.R.

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A Taste of Pink Tie Party

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Miss H.E.R.

FEatured Emcee
Guy Lambert

FEatured
Absolutely dragulous

Walking the Blossom Runway

Photo Credit: Studio5Baltimore

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.

Parking We recommend booking convenient and affordable parking in advance through SpotHero, the nation's leading parking reservations app. To reserve your parking spot for the National Cherry Blossom Festival Pink Tie Party, visit the Union Station DC SpotHero Parking Page and book a spot with rates up to 50% off drive-up.

Presenting Sponsors

ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR

Supporting Sponsors

Sponsor

restaurant services provider

MEDIA SPONSORS

SPECIAL THANKS TO

GETTING TO PINK TIE DINNER PARTY

The one-mile length of the Parade route is accessible from multiple Metro stations. Ticketholders should confer their ticket purchase confirmation email that contains explicit instructions on how to walk from Metro to their seats. Spectators who are standing along the free & accessible portions of the route from 9th to 15th Streets should utilize the following Metro stops:

  • To stand on the north side of Constitution Avenue – Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter (Green/Yellow lines), Federal Triangle (Blue/Orange/Silver lines) or Metro Center (Blue/Orange/Red/Silver lines)
  • To stand on the south side of Constitution Avenue – L’Enfant Plaza (Blue/Green/Orange/Silver/Yellow lines) or Smithsonian (Blue/Orange lines)

Spectators should utilize the DC Circulator’s National Mall route for access to all portions of the Parade. The closest stops are located along Madison Drive NW. 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.

Multiple Capital Bikeshare stations are conveniently located near the Parade route and along the National Mall.

Spectators on the north side of Constitution Avenue can use the station at 10th Street & Constitution Avenue NW or 14th Street & D Street NW/Reagan Building.

Spectators on the south side of Constitution Avenue can use the station at 14th Street & Jefferson Street SW / Washington Monument or 12th Street & Jefferson Street SW / Smithsonian Metro.

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