2019 DC Blossom Kite Festival: Everything You Need To Know

WASHINGTON, DC -- The D.C. cherry blossom trees are getting close to peak bloom, and the Blossom Kite Festival comes just in time for the best weather and the blossoms at their most beautiful. Here's everything you need to know about the event.

WHEN: Saturday, March 30, 2019 - 10: a.m. until 4 p.m.

With the National Park Service projecting peak bloom for the cherry blossom trees on April 1, this event comes just a couple days before and so the trees should be looking close to their best.

The weather should be decent, if not perfect. Temperatures will be pleasant in the low to mid 70s, and there is no rain expected -- however, it will be cloudy so we won't get much sun.

WHERE: Grounds of the Washington Monument, near 15th Street and Constitution Avenue NW.

COST: Free, although if you don't bring your own kite you'll have to buy one.

TRANSPORTATION: Don't bother trying to drive, as it will be difficult to find parking anywhere near the event. Instead, you're better off taking the Metro to one of the stops closest to the Washington Monument, such as the Federal Triangle or Smithsonian stations on the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines. You can try ridesharing as well, but traffic is likely to be heavy.

MORE INFO AND FULL SCHEDULE: Here's more info from the official National Cherry Blossom Festival website, including the schedule of events:

The National Mall serves as the backdrop as thousands of kites take flight during the annual Blossom Kite Festival. Held on the grounds of the Washington Monument, this event is a spectacle to see and one you don’t want to miss!

Professionals and novices alike showcase their skill through a variety of competitions and demonstrations, Rokkaku Battles, and the Hot Tricks Showdown.

Bring your own kites or children can make a kite at an activity station (while supplies last) to fly on the Public Field. Kites are also available for purchase onsite.

Family Field Schedule
Practice Fly for Youth Kite Makers………10:30 – 11 AM

Youth Kite Makers Competition………….11 AM – 12:00 PM

Youth Kite Makers Awards…………………12– 12:30 PM

Blossom Build-off Competition…………….12:30-1:45 PM

Bol Races………………………………………….2– 4:30 PM

Competition and Demonstration Field Schedule
Kick-Off Parade………………………………………..10 AM

Kite Ballets & Demos…………………………….10:30 – 11 AM

Adult Kite Makers Competition………………11 AM – 12 PM

Featured Fliers Demonstration ………………12– 12:30 PM

Show Kite Demonstrations……………………….12:30 -1:30 PM

Hot Tricks Showdown……………………………1:30– 2:30 PM

Rokkaku Battle……………………………………..2:30– 3:30 PM

Fliers Demonstration………………………………..3:30-4:00 PM

Blossom Kite Arch and Awards……………… 4– 4:30 PM

Kite Makers Competition Theme: Spring Blossoms in the Air

Grand Prize Winner will receive a Samsung Galaxy S10+ Phone (unlocked)