The blossoms are just barely blooming, but the National Cherry Blossom Festival will wrap up this weekend with two of its capstone events: the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade and the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival.
Both are set for Saturday. The parade (10 a.m.-noon) features "American Idol" winner Candice Glover; Aaron Carter; R&B/Gospel singer Regina Belle; Sheena Easton, and Branden James from "America's Got Talent."
Grandstand seating will set you back $20, but it's free to snag a standing-room spot. The parade will run along Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th streets NW.
The street fair (10:30 a.m.-6 p.m) will offer Japanese food (including plenty of sushi), live performances and a Japanese vendors' market. Admission to the fair is $8 for those age 13 and older; it's free for kids ages 12 and younger. You'll find it at 12th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW.
Looking for more cherry blossom-related fun? Here are our suggestions:
- Hit up a local bar or restaurant for special cherry-infused or Japan-inspired menu items. See our picks for cocktails here and bites here.
- Take a pedicab to get to the blossoms in style.
- Go paddle-boating on the Tidal Basin. You can take to the water daily between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. (and can reserve boats online between 10 a.m and noon).
- See exhibitions of Japanese art, and Japanese cultural programs at the Freer/Sackler Galleries, daily through Sunday (free admission).
- Catch a live performance at the Tidal Basin. Acts take the stage daily through Sunday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; see schedule here.
Find more events here.
