
Each spring, Washington, DC, becomes a sea of pink and white as thousands of cherrynate flowers bloom around the tidal basin.
He Blossom National Festival of Cherry It goes back to 1912 when the mayor of Tokyo, Yukio Ozaki, gave 3,000 cherry trees to the United States as a goodwill. More than a century later, the simple gesture has flourished at a several weeks festival attracting 1.5 million people every year.
More than alone A way of welcoming spring, the festival honors the ancient friendship between the two nations and celebrates US and Japanese traditions.
When is the National Cherry Blossom Festival?
This year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival will run from March 20 to April 13.
The maximum flowering, when 70% of Yoshino cherry trees are covered with flowers, is expected between March 28 and 31, 2025, according to the National Parks Service. However, keep in mind that these dates can change slightly depending on the weather.
If you want to see the trees at your best, plan your visit around these dates and verify Real -time flowering updates Before leaving.
2025 special events, activities and celebrations
While cherry trees are the main attraction, the festival will have much more to enjoy, including the annual parade, live performances, food vendors and family fun.
Here are some of the Special events You can wait this year.
- Pink tie party (March 14, 2025): Station in Union Station begin, where the best DC chefs serve dishes and cocktails inspired by cherry flow. Assistants are encouraged to dress with their best rose outfit.
- Race Petals & Paddles de Stumpy (March 20, 2025): Inspired by “Stumpy”, the dear cherry tree, this new pedal boat race in the Marea basin is a race against the clock. All income will be used to preserve cherry trees.
- Opening ceremony (March 22): Held at the Warner Theater, this free event celebrates cultural exchange between the United States and Japan through traditional and contemporary performances.
- Blossom Kite Festival (March 29, 2025): Imagine a sky full of colorful comets that rise at the top of the monument to Washington. This festival favorite invites people of all ages to bring or build a comet and participate in competitions.
- Petalpalooza (April 5, 2025): Think about this as the largest spring party in DC! Celebrated along the forehead of the Capitol River, this free event will include live music, art, activities and fireworks on the river.
- National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade (April 12, 2025): One of the greatest celebrations of the festival, the annual parade will have giant balloons, fun floats, music bands and celebrity artists throughout Constitution Avenue.
Washington hotel offers, last minute DC

Vía in hotelThe application of spontaneous travel reserve, has selected a list of hotels from Washington, DC, perfect for festival attendees, some with offers of up to 20%.
ARC HOTEL WASHINGTON DC, Georgetown It is just a short trip in the subway or an easy walk from the tide basin. This Boutique Hotel has modern rooms, a gym and easy access to museums, shops and restaurants.
- Rates as low as $ 141 per night
- Nebulous background neighborhood
Le Méridien Washington, DC, The Madison It is just one mile from the National Mall and Tidal Basin, which makes it convenient for the festival attendees. The luxury hotel offers rooms with a Parisian decoration, the restaurant and the Lady Madison bar, and an attraction market for fast snacks before going out to see the flowers.
- Rates as low as $ 245 per night
- Downtown Washington, DC
He Kimpton Banneker hotel It is less than two miles from the main attractions of the festival. It offers courtesy bicycles rentals to do tourism, a nice French bistro (le Sel) and the opportunity to enjoy the spring climate on the roof Lady Bird.
- Rates as low as $ 261 per night
- Near the White House
A quick walk in the subway or a short by car of the Marea basin and the National Shopping Center, guests of the Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/Capitol of the USA. You can enjoy the interior pool, eat at the restaurant in the place or take snacks in the pavilion of the 24/7 pavilion.
- Rates as low as $ 265 per night
- Promising Noma neighborhood
Frequent questions of the Cherry Blossom Festival

Where are the best places to see cherry flowers? The most emblematic place to see cherry trees is around the tide basin in the center of Washington, DC, adjacent to the National Mall. The area has excellent views of the flowers along with historical reference points such as Jefferson Memorial and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.
If you want to avoid crowds, try Hains Point Loop Trail and the National Arboretum, which also has cherries.
The National Cerezo Festival in Blossom in DC for free? Yeah! The National Cherry Blossom Festival is free and open to the public. You can see cherry flowers in the Marea basin, the National Shopping Center and other places in Washington, DC, without any cost.
Many festivals, such as the Blossom Kite Festival, Petalpalooza and the opening ceremony, are also free to attend. However, some activities, such as Pink Tie Party, require tickets or reserves.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is more than beautiful flowers. It is a celebration of international friendship, art, music and community.
Can’t balance the dates? Look at it at the National Mall #Bloomcam!

Travel journalist, digital editor, creator