DC’s annual National Cherry Blossom Festival is back for another season of blossom-inspired celebrations to welcome in springtime in the District. 

The Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place through March and April, is one of Washington, D.C.’s largest tourist attractions, drawing crowds from all over the country. 

With all the excitement surrounding the festival, many don’t know where to start, questioning where to find the best blossoms and which events are worth attending. 

To ease the stress, we’ve compiled a brief guide laying out when, where, and how much the festivities are so you don’t have to. 

Whether you are looking to scout the best cherry blossom views, looking for blossom-inspired art, or looking for live concerts to help you reel in the spring season, there’s something for everyone. 

Finding the Cherry Blossoms 

So, how do you get to the cherry blossom trees? 

Your best bet is to stick to locations along the bank of the Tidal Basin. This includes the Jefferson Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, which are great spots for getting photo ops.

If you want to avoid large crowds, check out the National Arboretum in Northeast. These blossoms usually bloom over a longer period than those at the Tidal Basin and attract much smaller audiences, offering visitors a quieter and more secluded location to see the blossoms. 

There are many events hosted by the official National Cherry Blossom Festival held beyond the National Mall: 

PETALPALOOZA

This day-long celebration will feature live music and interactive art installations along the Anacostia River, concluding with a choreographed fireworks display.

Saturday, April 6, 1 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Capitol Riverfront, 355 Water St. SE

Free

BLOSSOM KITE FESTIVAL

This event includes music, kite-making competitions, kite showcases, and performances by professional kite fliers. Check it out if you’re interested in learning some tricks and discovering more about the art of kites. 

Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. 

Rain Date: March 31

Washington Monument Grounds

Free

THE NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL PARADE

This annual parade will feature colorful balloon displays, floats, marching bands from around the country, and a range of performers to celebrate the bloom of spring in Washington, D.C. Purchase tickets here. 

Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.

Constitution Avenue NW, between 7th St. and 17th St.

$25-$40

PETAL PORCHES

Want to get in the spirit of cherry blossom season but don’t want to take the trip down to the Tidal Basin? Check out Petal Porches. Various neighborhoods throughout DMV participate in this celebration, covering their porches, yards, and windows in pink and blossom-themed decorations. Explore the petal porch map to find participating houses.  

March 20, April 14

Various locations

Free

JAZZ AND BLOSSOMS

A free outdoor music event reeling in spring against the backdrop of the blossom festival. There will be performances from hip-hop group Digable Planets, as well as DJ John Murph, Kassa Overall, Madison McFerrin, JoGo Project, and Sun Ra Arkestra. In addition to music, the event will include a vendor market, food trucks, and art installations throughout Franklin Park. 

Sunday, April 7, 12 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Franklin Park, 1315 I Street NW 

Free