Discover meaningful ways to showcase your skills and passion during the National Cherry Blossom Festival through diverse performance and creative roles.
Calling all dance groups, sports teams, equestrian units, and groups with unique skills or routines! The 2026–2028 Specialty Unit application is now available for future Parades. Submit your specialty unit application before January 15 of each Parade year!
For information about how your business can be part of City in Bloom, scroll down to Ways to Participate.
Calling all dance groups, sports teams, equestrian units, and groups with unique skills or routines! The 2026–2028 Specialty Unit application is now available for future Parades. Submit your specialty unit application before January 15 of each Parade year!
For information about how your business can be part of City in Bloom, scroll down to Ways to Participate.
Are you interested in performing on the Tidal Basin Stage during the National Cherry Blossom Festival? Submit an application! Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee a slot in the Tidal Basin line up. See below for more information and guidelines for Tidal Basin performances.
Thank you for your interest in performing at the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s Tidal Basin Welcome Area & ANA Stage. Please read the following guidelines, and find the application linked below.
The purpose of the cultural performances on the Tidal Basin Welcome Area and ANA Stage during the National Cherry Blossom Festival is to celebrate the friendship symbolized by the gift of flowering cherry trees from Tokyo to Washington, DC, and to demonstrate cross-cultural exchange through a dynamic mix of American, Japanese, and other cultural performing arts.
Tidal Basin – On West Basin Drive between the MLK and FDR memorials.
The performances will be featured on the stage from 12 – 6 PM during Peak Bloom, rain or shine. The exact dates in late March or early April will be announced in 2026. Note: All dates and hours are subject to change.
The Festival is subject to strict National Park Service regulations and guidelines regarding the type of performance, instruments, and volume levels permissible on park property. Merchandise of any kind, including CDs, may not be sold. No items such as flyers or stickers may be handed out. Cultural, non-commercial performances are encouraged. Consideration will be given to performances that:
Performances are on a voluntary basis; no compensation is available. Monetary tips cannot be received.
Set-up will take place immediately prior to the performance, and load-out immediately following. Load-in/out assistance will be provided with volunteer assistance. Vehicles are not permitted in the stage area – the Loading Zone is approximately 300 yards from the stage; all gear will have to be transported by hand and/or handcarts.
Parking is extremely limited. A parking pass (one vehicle per performer/group) may be available. The Festival cannot guarantee parking for any artist.
Each performance group must bring its own instruments, props, etc. A sound system with technician will be provided.
A drum kit, bass amp, guitar amp, keyboard stand, and bench will be provided.
Banners or signs must be self-standing and be displayed for the duration of the performance only. All banners and signs are subject to approval.
Special equipment and labor needs must be indicated on the application. Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate these needs. If your group requires special mats or ground covering (for dance/martial arts, etc.), you must provide them.
The Festival will take measures to publicize your performance, including but not limited to, on the Festival Website (www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org), the Official Festival Guide, and day-of signage. We ask that you also publicize your performance as part of the Festival to your audiences.
Tidal Basin Welcome Area and ANA stage performances happen rain or shine. This is a covered outdoor stage. In the event of inclement weather, performances may be stopped for safety reasons at the discretion of the stage manager, sound technician, electrician, or the National Park Service. Performances will begin again according to the performance schedule; schedules may be adjusted to accommodate all performers.
If you have any questions, please contact the Tidal Basin Production Manager.
Artists are encouraged to perform family-friendly dances, demonstrations, or music that are upbeat, festive, and reflective of the celebratory nature of the festival. Performances/demonstrations should be no less than 30 minutes in length and no longer than 60 minutes. Performance time allotted to each group will depend on schedule/stage availability, diversity of programming, and appropriateness of act.
Are you interested in performing on the Tidal Basin Stage during the National Cherry Blossom Festival? Please complete the 2026 Performers Application Form by clicking the button below.
Help us keep festival events free and accessible to the community by becoming a sponsor. You will reach the 1.5 million visitors and residents who attend the Festival annually.
