In late March or early April of each year, thousands of cherry blossom trees bloom in our nation’s capital, marking the arrival of spring. To admire the beautiful pink and white blossoms and take part in an array of festivities, one million visitors attend the 16-day National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC. This year’s festival marks the 98th anniversary of Tokyo’s gift of 3000 cherry blossom trees to Washington D.C.
The National Cherry Blossom festival is a city-wide celebration that consists of over 90 special events and approximately 200 cultural performances. Featuring everything from sporting events to art exhibits to storytelling performances, the National Cherry Blossom Festival provides something for everyone.
Last week, the National Park Service predicted that the cherry blossoms would bloom on schedule for the 2010 National Cherry Blossom Festival. The blooming is expected to take place anytime between March 31 and April 11. If the prediction is accurate, this year will be the 10th year in a row that the blossoms have bloomed on schedule.
When
The 2010 National Cherry Blossom Festival will run from March 27 to April 11. Bear in mind that the cherry blossoms don’t always bloom by the time the festival starts. If you’re going to the festival as a family, try to get there by opening day, as it is also Family Day. There are many free festivities to enjoy on Family Day.
Where
Although the festival is city-wide, the cherry blossom trees are located in the area that surrounds the Jefferson Memorial and the Tidal Basin. The walk around the Tidal Basin’s perimeter is 1.5 miles long. To enjoy the scenic stroll around the Tidal Basin at a leisurely pace before the crowds arrive, try to get there at around 8am.
Events Schedule
Saturday, March 27 – Family Day and Opening Ceremony
Saturday, March 27 to Sunday, April 11 – Daily Cultural Performances at the Sylvan Theatre (Target Stage)
Friday, April 2 – Cherry Blast: A Night of Contemporary Art + Music
Saturday, April 3 – Fireworks Show
Sunday, April 4 – Lantern Lighting Ceremony
Thursday, April 8 – Gala Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey
Saturday, April 10 – National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, Sakura Matsuri (Japanese Street Festival)
Sunday, April 11 – Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run
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Zoo Package at Omni Shoreham Hotel – Prices from $180
Day at the Museum Package at the Four Seasons Hotel – Prices from $595
Weekend Sale with $50 Gift Card from Marriott International – Prices from $139
Bed and Breakfast Package at the Omni Shoreham Hotel – Prices from $151
Comfy Comforts Package at the Liaison Capitol Hill – Prices from $119
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