2025 Cherry Blossom Fest Announces Anticipated Peak – and Events
The National Cherry Blossom Festival announced anticipated peak bloom dates and unveiled the official line-up of events for the 2025 festival to be held March 20 – April 13, 2025.
The National Park Service unveiled its prediction of peak bloom — the period when 70% of the Yoshino cherry tree blossoms surrounding the Tidal Basin are open — to be March 28-31, and it did so with the help of special guest, Ken Jennings, host of Jeopardy. Jennings will be a Grand Marshal for this year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade®.
The 2025 Festival, annually one of the world’s greatest celebrations of spring, brings back many well-loved signature events, including:
● Pink Tie Party presented by Union Station Washington D.C. and Design Cuisine (Friday, March 14)
This perfectly pink soiree invites guests to flaunt their best pink and floral attire on the pink carpet and experience curated food and cocktails from local DC-area restaurants, music, and more.
● Opening Ceremony (Saturday, March 22) co-presented with The Japan Foundation
This one-night-only showcase featuring performances from world-renowned artists connected to both the U.S. and Japan, highlighting the anniversary of the 113th anniversary of the gift of trees.
● Blossom Kite Festival (Saturday, March 29) presented by Amazon
Thousands of kites of all shapes and sizes take flight, with the iconic monuments as backdrop.
● Petalpalooza® (Saturday, April 5) presented by Chase
A day-long, interactive, outdoor celebration of music, art, and community at the Capitol Riverfront. The evening concludes with a choreographed
fireworks display over the Anacostia River.
● National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® (Saturday, April 12) presented by Events DC
The nation’s most beloved springtime parade fills the iconic Constitution Avenue with blossom magic, featuring a procession of pink and petals, giant
helium balloons, stunning floats, electrifying performances, and more than 3,000 participants from across the country.
But there are also some NEW experiences to love coming up this year!
● The first annual Stumpy’s Petals & Paddles Race at the Tidal Basin (Thursday, March 20)
Half of the proceeds from this new event support the Trust for the National Mall’s Adopt a Cherry Tree campaign for the care of the iconic cherry trees.
● Bloom Room (ongoing)
A unique pop-up gallery in Downtown DC where the Blossom Kicks for Kids “District of Blossoms” Showcase will present spring-themed painted shoes by DC Public Schools students from 8th to 12th grade, along with other art exhibitions to be announced.
These are some “cherry-picked” events, but you won’t want to miss any of spectacular cherry blossom season in DC. For more information, updates, and a full schedule of events, visit NationalCherryBlossomFestival.org.