Mark your calendars, dust off your camera and string up your favorite kite, because the 2009 National Cherry Blossom Festival will held from March 28 to April 12, according to the official Web site.
The start of the festival coincides with the Smithsonian Kite Festival, which will be held March 28 on the National Mall.
The Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off with the 11th Annual Cherry Blossom Freedom Walk and the Family Day at the National Building Museum. The opening ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. at the Building Museum, located at 401 F Street NW.
The Cherry Blossom Parade will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on April 4. The parade runs on Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th streets NW. The Japanese Street Festival also takes place on April 4 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The festival wraps up with a fireworks show at the Washington Channel on April 11 at the Southwest Waterfront, located at 7th Street and Maine Avenue.
And if you're looking for a little pre-partying, you may want to check out the Pink Tie Party, which will be held March 11 at The Liasion Capitol Hill. You can get a sneak peek of the tastes of the festival from some of Washington's top chefs. Cost is $150. Click here for more information.
Stay with our site for more cherry blossom information leading up to the festival, and don't forget to send your photos and videos from the festival to isee@nbcwashington.com, or by uploading them by clicking here.
