100 Years in Bloom: DC’s Cherry Blossom Festival Goes Big for Its Centennial
A century of blossoms, a city full of celebrations, and a whole lot of pink. Washington’s favorite springtime tradition is turning 100 and it’s pulling out all the stops.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival has officially kicked off its Century of Celebration, marking 100 years since the first festival in 1927 with a spectacular springtime lineup planned for March 20 through April 11, 2027.
DC isn’t blushing this time around. The capital’s longest-running festival is going BIG for its centennial, bringing back beloved traditions while sprinkling in fresh festivities, artistic surprises, and plenty of opportunities for the community to join the party.
From the Tidal Basin to all eight wards — and beyond — the city will be awash in pink, with new experiences designed to spread the springtime spirit far beyond the famous blooms. Among the highlights? Night in Bloom, an illuminated procession promising to put a fresh glow on the festivities, plus City in Bloom® and artist installations at Blossom Blocks throughout the city. Consider it a citywide celebration with serious petal power.
Adding an extra dose of local flair is DC-born-and-raised artist Chris Pyrate, tapped as the Festival’s Official Artist and Artistic Director for its Centennial Art Collaboration. Known for his bold, joyful cherry blossom creations, Pyrate is putting his signature spin on the festival’s stylized blooms, blending neighborhood pride with the iconic landmarks that make Washington a worldwide springtime magnet. After all, some 1.6 million visitors flock to the region annually for the blossoms… and 2027 promises even more reasons to explore.
“This is a once-in-a-century moment, and we are pulling out all the stops to make it a celebration to remember,” said Diana Mayhew, president and CEO of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
The mission? Honor a century of history while planting the seeds for the next 100 years. Ans residents, artists, volunteers, and visitors are all invited to help the celebration flourish.
More events, programming, and opportunities to participate will be announced in the coming months. Until then, consider this your official notice: Spring 2027 is shaping up to be one for the blossoms (and the books).