Cherry Blossom season is among us, symbolizing the start of Spring in Washington DC. With the prediction of the ‘peak bloom’ phase just days away, we’ve got you covered on all things ‘Cherry Blossom’. Whether you’re looking for the best place and time to experience the sea of blooms or you’re looking to join in the annual festivities surrounding this famed DC tradition, you’re just steps away from it all as a resident at The Collective!
When & Where To View The Cherry Blossoms
According to the National Park Service, Washington Post‘s Capital Weather Gang, and NBC Storm Team 4s’ predictions, peak blooms are expected between March 19th-26th–just a few days away. The most famed place to view the blooms in all of their glory is, of course, The Tidal Basin, a short jaunt from the Blue/Orange/Silver Metro Lines which you can catch at the nearby Capitol South Metro Station. If you’re interested in taking in the refreshing Spring air, it’s either a 45-minute walk, or if you’re looking for something closer to home, you can view them on the National Mall, a much shorter 10-15 minute stroll up New Jersey Ave SE. If you’re looking to avoid the largest crowds, as with any DC attraction that draws in tourists, the weekdays are best to visit.
Cherry Blossom Festival
It wouldn’t be Cherry Blossom Season without the famed Cherry Blossom Festival. The National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington, DC, and celebrates the enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Japan. The 2024 National Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled to kick off on March 23 with an opening ceremony and will continue until the Cherry Blossom Parade on April 13. Most of the events are free and open to the public, and there’s plenty of time to join in the festivities. Read all about the festival and learn about the full list of events here.
A Toast To The Cherry Blossoms
As a resident at The Collective, we have festivities happening in our very own Capitol Riverfront neighborhood! Join your neighbors at Capitol Riverfront BID’s Toast To The Blossoms and enjoy cherry blossom themed cocktails from six different neighborhood bars and restaurants. This event takes place on Thursday, March 28 starting at 6pm, and your ticket includes a cherry blossom beverage from each of the six participating bars and restaurants, and you can read more about the event here.
Whether you’re looking to get up close and personal with the beautiful blooms that are synonymous with our beautiful city, a fun-filled festival tradition to share with friends and family, or something to do closer to home, there are no shortage of ways to celebrate this momentous Washingtonian tradition.
