How to be Cherry

With our recent bout of warmer weather, peak blooming for DC’s Cherry Blossoms has been moved to April 1st – 4th, yet this weekend’s National Cherry Blossom Festival opening festivities are sure to bring a cherry blast — well, actually, that’s next Friday!


Plan your weekend with some of these most popular of the Cherry Blossom Festival activities:


National Cherry Blossom Festival Family Day (3-27-10)
Kick off cherry blossom season with lots of crafty, kid-friendly activities, music, food and more at the National Building Museum 
Smithsonian Kite Festival (3-27-10)
One of the opening events of the annual Cherry Blossom, the kite festival is an annual rite of Spring near the Washington Monument
2010 Cherry Blossom Soccer Tournament (3-27/28-10)
Cheer for your favorite of 32 co-ed teams competing for the Cherry Blossom Cup in West Potomac Park

Cherry Blast (4-2-10)
A true explosion!  Live music, DJs, graphic design, dance, video installations and performance art in one of the city’s up-and-coming areas (1701 Florida Ave. NW)

National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks Show (4-3-10)
Pink fireworks over the Southwest Waterfront light up the skies for the Cherry Blossom Festival.
Lantern Lighting Ceremony (4-4-10)
This formal traditional ceremony features the lighting of a 359-year old stone lantern with Japanese performers, Washington dignitaries, and the Cherry Blossom Princesses.
National Conference of State Societies Grand Ball (4-9-10)
Formal black-tie sushi reception and dinner introducing the Cherry Blossom Princesses and showcasing the selection of the U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen, with entertainment and dancing.
National Cherry Blossom Parade (4-10-10)
Floats, giant balloons, marching bands and other entertainers take part in this parade,  running along Constitution Avenue from Seventh to 17th streets.