D.C. in Bloom: The Best Places To Celebrate Cherry Blossom Season

Make the most of cherry blossom season in 2026 at these events and places around the city that are perfect for flower viewing.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Cherry blossom season, which lasts through mid-April, is when Washington, D.C. is at its most beautiful. Cherry blossom trees are not native to the U.S. but were gifted to the country in the early 1900s as a show of goodwill between the United States and Japan. There are now over 3,800 trees in D.C. which all burst into stunning shades of pink during peak bloom in early spring. It's really no wonder that cherry blossom season is a time for celebration in D.C., marked by the National Cherry Blossom Festival and its multitude of events, along with fairs and festivals helmed by local businesses and community organizations.

Why it matters

Cherry blossom season is a beloved annual tradition in Washington, D.C. that draws visitors from around the world to experience the city's natural beauty and vibrant cultural events. These blossoms represent an enduring symbol of friendship between the U.S. and Japan, and the celebrations surrounding them help to foster community spirit and appreciation for the city's natural environment.

The details

The National Cherry Blossom Festival features a variety of events and activities throughout the city, including the Pink in the Park series in Arlington, the Washington DC Water Lantern Festival, the SAAM Cherry Blossom Family Celebration, Blossom Bash in Tysons, Sakura Sunday at National Harbor, and the massive Petalpalooza festival. Beyond the official festival, there are also opportunities to view the cherry blossoms in more serene settings like the gardens at Dumbarton Oaks and Fort McHenry in Baltimore.

  • Cherry blossom season lasts through mid-April, with peak bloom typically occurring in the first week of April.
  • The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 21 to April 12, 2026.

The players

National Cherry Blossom Festival

An annual festival in Washington, D.C. that celebrates the city's cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the United States and Japan.

National Landing BID

The business improvement district that organizes the Pink in the Park event series in Arlington, Virginia.

Smithsonian American Art Museum

The art museum that is hosting the SAAM Cherry Blossom Family Celebration event.

Tysons Corner Center

The shopping mall in Tysons, Virginia that is holding the Blossom Bash event.

National Harbor

The mixed-use development in Oxon Hill, Maryland that is hosting the Sakura Sunday festival.

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The takeaway

Washington, D.C.'s annual cherry blossom season is a time of vibrant celebration, cultural exchange, and appreciation for the city's natural beauty. With a wide range of events and activities across the region, there are ample opportunities for both locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and flavors of this cherished springtime tradition.