WASHINGTON — The National Cherry Blossom Festival, an annual springtime celebration, attracts visitors from all over the world to Washington, D.C.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival typically coincides with the “peak bloom” of D.C.’s cherry blossom trees, which Japan gave to the U.S. as a gift in 1912. According to the National Park Service, the average peak bloom date is in April.
Read more about the background of the National Cherry Blossom Festival on WTOP’S History page.
Throughout its four-week run, the festival hosts a variety of family-friendly events — from concerts to parades and more.
When: The 2017 National Cherry Blossom Festival runs March 20 through April 16.
Where: D.C.’s cherry blossom trees line the city’s Tidal Basin along the Potomac River. This is the most popular viewing spot for the blossoms — but it is not the only spot.
The Chevy Chase, Maryland, neighborhood of Kenwood has 1,200 cherry trees, located just off River Road near the popular Capital Crescent Trail. The U.S. National Arboretum and Anacostia Park are two places to catch a glimpse of the pink-hued trees.
American University in Northwest D.C. has 30 cherry trees at the East Quad Building. They were planted as an expression of AU-Korean friendship in 1943 by the exiled president of Korea.
Travel: It’s easy to get around D.C. — especially in the spring. There are bike share programs, car share companies, boats, taxis and, of course, the Metro.
When will the blooms be at their peak?
The National Park Service said it will announce the peak blooming period on Wednesday, March 1. The peak time is defined as when 70 percent of the trees around the Tidal Basin will be in bloom.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival utilizes an army of volunteers. There are volunteer opportunities at a variety of different venues. Volunteers receive a free Cherry Blossom T-shirt. Find out what’s available and how to sign up.
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