Spring in DC is a miraculous time. The chilly DC winter has come and gone, giving you relief from the shivering cold – but the steamy, hot weather of summer has yet to rear its head. Truly, the spring is one of the best times to experience the city – and the Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the best springtime events in DC.
This year, the DC Cherry Blossom Festival is being held from March 18 – April 16, 2017 – and we’ve put together a list of the best Cherry Blossom festival events that you NEED to try this year. Read on, and find your new favorite annual tradition!
The Blossom Kite Festival
10:00 am – 4:30 pm, April 1, National Mall
The Blossom Kite Festival celebrates the beginning of kite season – in spectacular fashion. Head to the National Mall on April 1, 2017 to see high-flying stunt kites, participate in interactive activities and watch kite making competitions.
If you have kids, this is a fantastic option – whether you bring your own kites or make one at the interactive Kite Activity station, your kids will have a blast enjoying the weather and flying their very own kites on the Public Field.
The Cherry Blossom Celebration – Smithsonian American Art Museum
11:30 am – 3:00 pm, March 25, 2017, The Smithsonian American Art Museum
The Smithsonian American Art Museum holds a National Cherry Blossom Festival celebration yearly, and if you’re interested in Japanese-themed activities that are fun and family friendly, this event is sure to be a hit.
Last year, events included taiko drumming, live musical performances, and paper fan-making stations spread throughout the museum, as well as crafting tables where visitors could make koinobori windsocks – heralding the beginning of spring.
Fun, culture, and interactivity mix to make this a fantastic choice for a unique National Cherry Blossom Festival celebration.
The Annual Cherry Blossom Freedom Walk
9:00 am – 12:00 pm, April 1, National Japanese American Memorial
The Annual Cherry Blossom Freedom Walk has been established by the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation as a way to spread awareness about the struggles that Japanese-Americans had to face during internment camps in World War II.
And while the subject material may be a bit heavy, the Annual Cherry Blossom Freedom Walk is still nothing short of a great time – starting from the National Japanese American Memorial, you’ll take a leisurely stroll through DC’s cherry trees, and be able to truly experience the beauty of the blossoms.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
10:00 am – 12:00 pm, April 8 Constitution Avenue
No list of activities would be complete without the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade. The crowning event of the season, this parade is one of the largest spectator events in all of DC – running for more than 10 blocks down Constitution Ave.
Gigantic helium balloons, unique floats, and big-name celebrities are the name of the game at this parade. This year, celebrity guests include Drew Lachey, Jo De Messina, Blu Cantrell, and many, many more.
If you love live music, a spectacle, and having your senses thrilled by a truly one-of-a-kind combination of showmanship and musical talent, you’ll love the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade.
Take Advantage Of These Spring Events In DC!
You owe it to yourself to make it to at least one of these unique events if you live in DC. Spring only rolls around once a year – and before you know it, it’ll be gone. So when the cherry trees start to bloom, don’t just sit around – get to one of these awesome and unique events, and enjoy the unique springtime experience that only DC can offer.
