National Cherry Blossom Festival 2018

National Cherry Blossom Festival Dates

When: 20 March - 15 April 2018
Where: Washington DC, United States of America

The National Cherry Blossom Festival, which marks the beginning of spring, is celebrated in Washington DC every year. It celebrates the blossoming of cherry trees. The first cherry blossom trees were gifted by a Japanese chemist as a symbol of everlasting friendship between the United States of America and Japan.

National Cherry Blossom Festival is organised by a city based non-profit organisation and showcases events which promotes traditional and present times’ art and culture. The main attraction of the festival is the blossoming cherry trees. It is the celebration of nature, community spirit and the bond of friendship.

The days of the festival are marked with over 150 different activities such as performances of various artists, both local and international performers. Several sports and cultural competitions are organised and most of the activities are free and open to the general public. Along with participating in the numerous events, people can volunteer too to help and serve in the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

National Cherry Blossom Events:

The signature festival events, both ticketed and non-ticketed, which are not to be missed are:

Pink Tie Party:The event will kick start the festival. It is a fundraising event where in an auction is conducted and the funds raised in the event are used for the betterment of environment. Spring time inspired cuisines and cocktails are served and people follow the theme of the party by wearing pink ties and attires of springtime styling. The event is a ticketed affair with tickets costing USD 200 per person.

The Family Day: Which will take place on March 23 and 24, is a two day family festival enjoyed by “kids of all ages”. The event includes indoor and outdoor activities which are to be enjoyed during spring and also displays Japanese art and designs among other things. No entry fee is charged.

The Opening Ceremony: Kicks off the event on March 23 with traditional and contemporary dramatised performances on how the cherry blossom trees were brought to the States and how it became a spring-time celebration. The access to the event is free but prior reservation is required. For reservation related questions, you can call: 8774425666.

Cherry Blast- Art and Music Dance Party: The party will begin on March 29. This multimedia Festival is filled with world class DJ’s, visual treat and performance art. It is a place to be for letting your hair down. The tickets cost USD 10 per person.

Blossom Kite Festival: This free event is open to all and will take place on March 30. The event reflects the creativeness and skills of the kite makers and flyers. Various kite flying competitions are held. Families can bring their own kites and fly them high in the sky.

The Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival: Southwest Waterfront is the home of the cherry blossoms and it stages eight hours of non-stop music, fun-filled activities, delicious food and cultural experiences. The main highlight of the event is the Fireworks festival which lights up the sky after sun down. This free of cost event will take place on April 6.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade: The grand energy-filled parade will take place on April 13. The springtime parade is marked with vibrant costumes and blossom inspired decorations. It is a spectacular event where performers showcase their skills on the road. Giant colourful helium balloons, elaborate floats and marching bands complete the festive look. It is open to general public without any charges.