Join the National Cherry Blossom Festival and help create an unforgettable celebration of spring, culture, and community in Washington, DC.
We couldn’t do what we do without our amazing volunteers! The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a 501(c)3 non-profit that relies on the dedication, talent and support of our Volunteers. As a volunteer, you can contribute to an event that not only enriches our community but helps define its very spirit. We seek friendly, reliable and enthusiastic volunteers who want to experience DC and the cherry blossoms in a unique way.
New to volunteering with the National Cherry Blossom Festival? Apply here!
Welcome back and thank you to all our returning volunteers!
Have your team, friends or place of work get involved in supporting the Festival!
Each year we present the National Cherry Blossom Festival Barbara Ehrlich Volunteer of the Year (BEVY) Awards, which highlight outstanding volunteers whose dedicated service to the Festival made a significant difference and exemplify the Festival values of friendship and community spirit.
Recognizes the all-around volunteer who commits more than the average amount of time, is flexible and adaptable in their volunteer roles as a leader and doer, and whose contributions ensure a positive interaction with the Festival, for staff, other volunteers, and attendees alike.
Recognizes a first-year volunteer for their exemplary service as a debut volunteer with the Festival.
Recognizes one of our “Champion” volunteer members for their excellence in leadership, dedication, and service in their role.
There are volunteer roles for everyone! We also have group volunteer opportunities available at special events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade®. If your workplace or organization is interested in group volunteer opportunities, please contact volunteer@ncbfdc.org.
Click the buttons before to learn more about each opportunity.
Dates to be announced closer to the Festival.
Volunteer amongst the blossoms! This convenient location on the south lawn of the Jefferson Memorial is planned in conjunction with the National Park Service and features the ANA Stage. The area has performances, educational activities, visitor services, first aid, souvenirs, interactive entertainment, books and more. Park Rangers and volunteers like you are on hand to answer questions about the Festival. Volunteer roles may include:
March 21, 2026
The Opening Ceremony celebrates the kick-off of the National Cherry Blossom Festival through a showcase of great American and Japanese talent. Volunteer roles may include:
Note: The Opening Ceremony volunteer roles are available to Lead Volunteers only.
March 28, 2026
The Blossom Kite Festival kicks off the kite-flying season as enthusiasts and spectators enjoy a day of kite competition and craft on the grounds of the Washington Monument. Volunteer roles include:
April 4, 2026
Petalpalooza is a full day of art, music, and play! Petalpalooza includes interactive art installations, live music, a spectacular fireworks show, and more. This is an all-day event with the following volunteer roles:
April 11, 2026
Participate in the nation’s grandest display of springtime pageantry with top entertainment, seen by hundreds of thousands live and on TV. We have over 600 shifts available on the day of the Parade alone! Volunteer roles include:
Dates to be announced
From time to time, we have volunteer opportunities at our office located at 1275 K Street, NW. Volunteer roles may include:
Dates to be announced closer to the Festival.
Volunteer amongst the blossoms! This convenient location at the Tidal Basin Paddle Boat Parking Lot offered by the National Park Service and its partners provides visitor services, first aid, souvenirs, interactive entertainment, books and more. Park Rangers and volunteers like you are on hand to answer questions about the Festival. Volunteer roles may include:
March 21, 2026
The Opening Ceremony celebrates the kick-off of the National Cherry Blossom Festival through a showcase of great American and Japanese talent. Volunteer roles may include:
Note: The Opening Ceremony volunteer roles are available to Lead Volunteers only.
March 28, 2026
The Blossom Kite Festival kicks off the kite-flying season as enthusiasts and spectators enjoy a day of kite competition and craft on the grounds of the Washington Monument. Volunteer roles include:
April 4, 2026
Petalpalooza is a full day of art, music, and play! Petalpalooza includes interactive art installations, live music, a spectacular fireworks show, and more. This is an all-day event with the following volunteer roles:
April 11, 2026
Participate in the nation’s grandest display of springtime pageantry with top entertainment, seen by hundreds of thousands live and on TV. We have over 600 shifts available on the day of the Parade alone! Volunteer roles include:
Dates to be announced
From time to time, we have volunteer opportunities at our office located at 1275 K Street, NW. Volunteer roles may include:
Dates to be announced closer to the Festival.
Volunteer amongst the blossoms! This convenient location at the Tidal Basin Paddle Boat Parking Lot offered by the National Park Service and its partners provides visitor services, first aid, souvenirs, interactive entertainment, books and more. Park Rangers and volunteers like you are on hand to answer questions about the Festival. Volunteer roles may include:
March 21, 2026
The Opening Ceremony celebrates the kick-off of the National Cherry Blossom Festival through a showcase of great American and Japanese talent. Volunteer roles may include:
Note: The Opening Ceremony volunteer roles are available to Lead Volunteers only.
March 28, 2026
The Blossom Kite Festival kicks off the kite-flying season as enthusiasts and spectators enjoy a day of kite competition and craft on the grounds of the Washington Monument. Volunteer roles include:
April 4, 2026
Petalpalooza is a full day of art, music, and play! Petalpalooza includes interactive art installations, live music, a spectacular fireworks show, and more. This is an all-day event with the following volunteer roles:
April 11, 2026
Participate in the nation’s grandest display of springtime pageantry with top entertainment, seen by hundreds of thousands live and on TV. We have over 600 shifts available on the day of the Parade alone! Volunteer roles include:
Dates to be announced
From time to time, we have volunteer opportunities at our office located at 1275 K Street, NW. Volunteer roles may include:
All Signature Events have specialized volunteer roles reserved for Lead Volunteers only. These roles have more responsibility and involvement in production aspects of our events. We need dedicated, talented, and enthusiastic volunteers willing to take on the challenge (and reward) of being a Lead Volunteer!
Applications will open closer to the 2026 Festival.
Once you join the volunteer community, connect with the Festival Volunteer Facebook Group! Meet fellow volunteers, stay up to date with upcoming news, and more.
