Find the answers to your questions below
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is planned to coincide as nearly as possible with the blooming of the trees. Peak Bloom Date is defined as the day on which 70 percent of the blossoms of the Yoshino cherry trees are open. The date when the Yoshino cherry blossoms reach peak bloom varies from year to year, depending on weather conditions. The mean date of blooming is April 4, but nature is not always cooperative and the National Park Service horticulturists cannot make an accurate prediction much more than 10 days prior. The blooming period starts several days before the Peak Bloom Date and can last as long as 14 days; however, frost or high temperatures combined with wind and/or rain can shorten this period.
Anytime is a good time to see the blossoms. However, visitors should be prepared for heavier crowds on weekends and when the trees reach their peak blooming period. There is no guarantee, but there are often fewer people during the week, early in the morning, and in late afternoon/early evening.
You can also retrieve Festival information once in Washington by visiting Festival information centers. There is a Welcome Area located on the southern grounds of the Washington Monument, and an Information Kiosk located on the west side of the Jefferson Memorial. There is also an official Festival Headquarters at Union Station with information and official merchandise.
To get more information about Washington, DC while planning your trip, see the Visitor Information page, or call the Festival Hotline at (877) 44BLOOM to address specific questions regarding information on area airports, recommended hotels, etc.
The proposed dates for the 2023 Festival are March 20 through April 16, with the Parade on Saturday, April 15, 2023.
The proposed dates for the 2024 Festival are March 20 through April 14, with the Parade on Saturday, April 13, 2024.
ALL DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
Dogs are allowed on the National Mall and Memorial Parks but the owner must keep the dog on a leash 100% of the time. Never is an owner allowed to let a dog run freely in any of these locations. Also the owners are NEVER allowed to let the dog “go to the bathroom” in the Reflecting Pool or in the pool at the World War II Memorial. The National Park Service has had and continues to have problems in this regard and are making their best attempts to educate the public. For more pet friendly info click here!
Many Festival events are FREE and open to the public. However, there are a few exceptions. Browse the Events page for listings and to see which events have admissions fees.
We are pleased to share that we are currently planning in-person events at the 2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival as well as a variety of virtual and accessible options for those who wish to celebrate spring from home and across the globe. The most up-to-date information is available on our website and we encourage you to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest event updates. Please note that we are continuing to monitor the latest COVID safety guidelines and our schedule of events may change as we continue to prioritize the health and safety of our participants.
For the health and safety of all participants, the Festival encourages attendees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in alignment with CDC recommendations. If you are experiencing COVID-like symptoms or have recently been exposed, please choose a digital option such as the #BloomCam for experiencing the Festival. Masking may be required at Festival events in areas where social distancing is not possible. Be sure to review event details on the Festival website to determine whether proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required to attend. Please note that requirements may change, so please be sure to sign up for our emails to receive the latest updates. For additional information regarding coronavirus guidelines in DC, visit Washington.org.
The health and safety of all Festival participants remain the highest priority for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and consult Washington, DC Government and the CDC for guidance in how best to proceed. Festival participants are encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and wear a mask anywhere social distancing isn’t possible. If an event is cancelled due to COVID-19, virtual or alternative participation options may still be available. Please check individual event pages for the latest updates.
DC currently has an indoor mask mandate regardless of vaccination status and proof of vaccination is required at indoor gatherings. Please note that this guidance is currently scheduled to change as of March 1, 2022. For more information please visit the DC Government website and Washington.org.
Requirements may vary, and we recommend reviewing specific event details for guidance. We recommend being prepared to provide the physical vaccination card and photo identification. Where possible, a free digital passport such as VaxYes might also be considered approved documentation.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the beauty of nature and international friendship through year-round programs, events, and educational initiatives that enhance our environment, showcase arts and culture, and build community spirit.