National Cherry Blossom Festival – March 20, 2027

Expected National Cherry Blossom Festival Deals

As the National Cherry Blossom Festival approaches, expect a vibrant array of promotions across Washington, D.C. While specific 2027 deals will emerge closer to the date, past years suggest local hotels like Marriott and Hilton will offer special packages, often including bloom-view rooms or themed amenities. Restaurants and cafes, from fine dining to casual eateries, will feature cherry blossom-inspired menus and drinks. Retailers such as Target and boutiques along the waterfront may carry themed merchandise, from apparel to home goods. Travel companies like United Airlines and Amtrak often run promotions for D.C.-bound visitors. Additionally, cultural institutions and museums frequently host special exhibits and events, sometimes with discounted entry. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as March 20 approaches.

History of National Cherry Blossom Festival

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is organized by the National Cherry Blossom Festival Inc., an umbrella organization consisting of representatives from the business, civic, and government sectors. The three-week festival begins around the middle of March with the opening ceremony taking place at the Warner Theatre. The cherry blossom trees are located in three National Park Service locations: around the Tidal basin in West Potomac Park, in East Potomac Park, and within an area where the Washington Monument stands.

The first cherry blossom festival was held in late 1934 under the joint sponsorship of numerous civic groups. It was only in 1935 that the festival became a national annual event. In 1937, the Garden Club of America commemorated the twenty-fifth anniversary of the gifting of cherry blossom trees (which took place in March 1912) by gifting 5,000 flowering trees and plants to Japan. Initially, the festival would last only for a number of days but in 1994, organizers of the event extended it to two weeks. This was done to accommodate the event’s myriad activities which include, among other things, the releasing of helium balloons, performances by marching bands that come from different parts of the U.S, and other musical events.

Usually, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is planned to coincide as nearly as possible with the blooming of the trees. The authorities determine the peak bloom date, that is, the day when 70% of the blossoms of the cherry trees are open. This is why the dates of the National Cherry Bloom Festival vary from year to year, depending on weather conditions.