FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
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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, high temperatures, 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.
For the most part, the care of the Japanese flowering cherries has been entrusted to the members of the Tree Crew for National Capital Parks-Central. These individuals are professional arborists with technical competence through experience and related training to provide for the care of the trees.
- As hard as members of the Tree Crew work year-round, there are things you can do to assist in the maintenance and longevity of the trees when you visit:
- Please do not climb the trees or pick branches.
- Be aware of walking around the roots of the trees as ground compaction causes damage to the trees.
2025
March 20 – Sun April 13
– Opening Ceremony: March 22
– Blossom Kite: March 29
– Petalpalooza and Fireworks: April 5
– Parade: April 12
2026
Fri March 20 – Sun April 12
– Opening Ceremony: March 21
– Blossom Kite: March 28
– Petalpalooza and Fireworks: April 4
– Parade: April 11
2027
Sat Mar 20 – Sun Apr 11
– Opening Ceremony: March 20
– Blossom Kite: March 27
– Petalpalooza and Fireworks: April 3
– Parade: April 10
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 is making its best attempts to educate the public. For more pet-friendly info, click here!
Unfortunately, we are no longer accepting vendors for the 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival. Please feel free to reach out in the summer of 2025 to be considered for the 2026 National Cherry Blossom Festival.
SpotHero
If you choose to drive, we recommend booking convenient and affordable parking in advance through SpotHero, the Preferred Parking Partner of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and the nation’s leading parking reservation 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.
Metrorail/Metrobus
Metro is the best way to experience the Festival, with multiple ways to get to the Tidal Basin and most Festival events. Custom cherry blossom SmarTrip cards are available for purchase at L’Enfant and Navy Yard Stations as well as cherry blossom-wrapped trains and buses. For maps, schedules, and fees, please visit wmata.com.
Big Bus Tours
See the capital’s legendary Cherry Blossom Trees on a Hop-on, Hop-off Washington DC Big Bus Tour! Hop on and discover your destination from open- top buses, with commentary guiding you along the way, then hop off to explore the blossoms. Visit nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/thing-to-do.
Motorcoach
If you are traveling to the Festival via Motorcoach, you can find additional information about drop off and parking regulations here.
DC Circulator
Ride up to the Festival in style on the DC Circulator Bus during the Festival at just $1 per ride. View the schedule and pick up locations at dccirculator.com.
Bikeshare
Hop on a bike at one of over 600 Capital Bikeshare stations all around the area. Single trips cost $1 to unlock and $0.05/min on a classic bike or $0.15/ min on an ebike. Visit CapitalBikeshare.com for a map of station locations and details about rentals.
Water Taxi and Cruises
Check out the cherry blossoms from a new perspective this year — the water. Avoid the crowds and enjoy spectacular views aboard the Cherry Blossom Water Taxi or one of this year’s dining or sightseeing cruises from City Cruises along the Potomac. Visit cityexperiences.com for more information.
Bags are allowed at all outdoor Festival activations.
If you are attending the Opening Ceremony, you will be subject to walking through a magnetometer. 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″). Small bags will be bag-checked. Backpacks will not be allowed in the building.
Please also note that indoor events at Participating Organization locations may be subject to their own rules. Potential attendees should visit the organization’s website for more information.
Where can I book a hotel to visit during the National Cherry Blossom Festival?
Look no further than our proud Premier Hotel Provider Hilton offering over100 properties throughout the Washington, DC area to accommodate anyone who comes out to celebrate spring. No matter where you are joining us from, there are plenty of options to fit your needs while enjoying the cherry blossoms and all the fun that goes along with the blooms. To reserve your room and view the full list of hotels by neighborhood, visit NationalCherryBlossomFestival.org/Hotels
Enjoy the taste of spring by dining at one of the many local restaurants across Washington, DC and surrounding communities as they showcase their best springtime menu items through Cherry Picks in collaboration with the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington. Cherry Picks restaurants will feature full menus, special items, and exciting cherry blossom-themed cocktails to bring the blossoms straight to your table or for takeout! We’re delighted to introduce Flave, the app that turns your foodie passion into a rewarding experience. With Flave, every photo of food or drinks that is captured at local restaurants turns into points that can be used to redeem exclusive rewards. The app helps foodies discover new places on a feed that highlights posts within the foodie community. People can also rise on the leaderboard and earn badges while they explore, savor, and share their delightful discoveries. Join us in cultivating a community where every flavor captured is a flavor celebrated. Dive into a world where the concept of “phone eats first” is not just to highlight the moment but also incredibly rewarding. Snap. Eat. Earn. With Cherry Picks, the Festival proudly highlights the District and surrounding region’s vibrant and diverse restaurant scene. Five spotlight restaurants are creating a customized spring-themed menu, while over 50 participating restaurants will offer a special springtime menu item throughout the Festival, between March 20 – April 13.
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.
Please email Lauren Boland, lboland@ncbfdc.org for questions regarding interviews, credentials and filming.
We have something for everyone, whether you are looking to sip your coffee with a side of pink, celebrate the holiday season with cherry blossom décor, or wear your favorite shirt to commemorate the 2024 Festival. Browse clothing, lapel pins, mugs, candles, gift sets, ornaments, and many other items at NCBFStore.org.
- Pop-up merchandise sales will be available at:
- Union Station in Bloom: 3/22-3/24
- Opening Ceremony co-presented with The Japan Foundation: 3/23
- Tidal Basin Welcome Area & ANA Stage hosted with the National Park Service: 3/23-4/7
- Petalpalooza® at Capitol Riverfront presented by Chase: 4/6
- Art Blooms Festival at Mosaic District: 4/7
- National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® presented by Events DC: 4/13
- Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival produced by the Japan-America Society of Washington DC: 4/13-14
- Select gift and souvenir shops throughout Washington, DC
Thank you for your interest! Please contact sponsorship@ncbfdc.org with your inquiry.
You can apply as the Official Festival Artist for the year 2026, since we have already chosen a 2024 and 2025 artist. Please send your CV and portfolio to ncbf@ncbfdc.org and we will contact you if interested once it’s closer to the 2026 Festival.
To get more information on tickets for the Opening Ceremony, please email tickets@ncbfdc.org.
To get more information on Parade tickets, please email tickets@ncbfdc.org.
If you are interested in learning more about an event, please visit our website, under ‘All Events’: https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/
We recommend you contact the National Park Service directly. You can find their contact information on their website: https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/contactus.htm
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Drop us a line or call 877.44.BLOOM (877.442.5666) Monday - Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm EST to speak with an Information Specialist.
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE SPONSORS
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.