Seasonal & Holidays
Cherry Blossom Guide 2018: Peak Bloom, Events, More
The predicted peak bloom for D.C.'s cherry blossoms has been pushed back to April because of cold weather. Plus, a preview of all events.
(Updated at 5:23 p.m. Monday): WASHINGTON, DC — Due to colder-than-normal weather this March, the National Park Service pushed back its peak bloom date for cherry blossom season Monday.
NPS tweeted Friday that because of colder than average temperatures -- with February actually being warmer than March -- the blossoms are going to be slow to bloom this year. As a result, they are now projecting peak bloom sometime between April 8-12.
That is a lot later than their original projection, which was March 17-20, or a week ago. The average peak bloom happens around March 31, so the NPS went from expecting the cherry blossoms to peak early to a later-than-average bloom.
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The peak bloom date is defined as the day when 70 percent of the Yoshino Cherry blossoms are open, the National Park Service notes.
"With continued colder than average temps (Feb was warmer than March has been this year), the blossoms lack the heating degrees needed to keep the #BloomWatch on track," the National Park Service Tweeted. "And with no warmup on the horizon, peak bloom is now forecast for April 8-12."
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The NPS notes that predicting peak bloom is "almost impossible" more than 10 days in advance because weather conditions can have a big effect on the timing.
The length of the blooming period depends on weather conditions. Cool, calm weather can extend the length of the bloom, and a rainy, windy day can bring an abrupt end to the ephemeral blossoms. A late frost can prevent the trees from blooming at all.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicked off March 20 and ends April 15.
Whether you prefer heading to the Tidal Basin for all the festivities or seeing the blooms without the big crowds, there are many options around the area.
Here's a guide to the National Cherry Blossom Festival and bloom viewing opportunities.
D.C. Events:
Anytime during peak bloom is a great time to see the blossoms. Festival organizers warn that visitors should be prepared for heavier crowds on weekends. There is no guarantee, but there are often fewer people during the week, early in the morning, and in late afternoon/early evening.
There are so many ways to see the blossoms: on foot, by pedicab tour, boat cruise, guided photo safaris and more. Check out the tours section of the festival website for options. The Cherry Blossom Shuttle ($1) runs from the Thomas Jefferson Memorial around Haines Point and has 11 stops along the way.
March 1-April 29
Where: 1843 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Sunday-Thursday: 5 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Friday-Saturday: 5 p.m.-1:30 a.m.
The second annual pop-up bar in Shaw is quickly becoming a favorite during the Cherry Blossom Festival. It's not hard to see why with cherry blossom-themed drinks and cherry blossoms, paper cranes, a garden room, animatronic Godzilla and more decor.
March 15
Pink Tie Party Presented By Ana
Where: 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
7-11 p.m.
The Pink Tie Party kicks off the beginning of spring with delicious food, an open bar, entertainment, a silent auction, casino games and more. Over 800 attendees are expected and proceeds benefit the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
March 17-April 1
Tidal Basin Welcome Area and ANA Performance Stage
Where: 1501 Maine Avenue, SW
Welcome Area open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Performances daily noon-6 p.m.
The National Park Service rangers will be on hand to provide information about the festival. Visitors can also get visitor services, first aid, food, souvenirs, books, and more. Plus visit the National Cherry Blossom Festival tent in the Paddle Boat Parking Lot for fun interactive entertainment, merchandise and more.
March 23-24
Where: The Park at CityCenterDC, 10th Street and New York Avenue, NW
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
For two days only, The Park at CityCenter will be filled with more than 40,000 tulips. Entry into the garden is free and you can take a piece of spring home with you for $1/stem. Every purchase made supports DC Central Kitchen.
March 24
Opening ceremony
Where: Warner Theatre
5 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival and the spring season kicks off with American and Japanese performances celebrating the anniversary of the gift of cherry blossom trees from Japan to the U.S. and friendship between the two countries. This event is sold out. Look out for a live stream on Facebook.
March 31
Where: Washington Monument
10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
The Blossom Kite Festival is one of the most popular events in D.C. The seventh annual festival will showcase the creativity of kite makers and skill of fliers from across the U.S. and other countries. There are a variety of competitions and demonstrations from 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 will also be available for purchase onsite.
A mini-parade will kick off the event at 10 a.m. See the full schedule here.
Tastes of Spring Cherry Blossom Food Crawl
Where: Various locations
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Enjoy all the spring flavors DC has to offer on the Tastes of Spring Cherry Blossom Food Crawl. Eat your way through downtown DC on a self-guided food tour sampling diverse cuisine at some of DCs most popular restaurants. Just check-in, grab your wrist band and passport and head out on a culinary crawl of the district. At each participating location, show your wrist band to enjoy some delicious Cherry Blossom inspired tastings! Passport includes tastings at up to eight restaurants. Plus, enjoy an additional day of tastings offered on Saturday, April 7 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
April 7
Petalpalooza
Where: The Wharf, 1100 Maine Avenue, SW
1 p.m.-9:30 p.m., fireworks at 8:30 p.m. (weather permitting)
New this year is Petapalooza debuting at the new Wharf. Formerly the Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival, Petalpalooza will include interactive art installations, games and activities, a Pop-Up Puppy Parklet, live music on three outdoor stages, a roller rink, a beer garden, a fireworks show and more.
April 14
National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
Where: Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets NW
10 a.m.-noon
The parade is one of DC's most anticipated events of the festival—and the year. Spectators will be dazzled by giant colorful helium balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country, celebrity entertainers, and performers in the 10-block parade along Constitution Avenue.
This year's Grand Marshal is Carla Hall from ABC’s "The Chew." Other celebrity performers are hip-hop group Arrested Development, pop/classical string quartet Well Strung, "The Voice" season 11 contestant Billy Gilman, "The Voice" season eight contestant Sarah Potenza, country singer Ty Herndon and extreme pogo stunt team XPOGO. More performers will be announced throughout March.
Grandstanding seats available for $20. Standing room along Constitution Avenue from 9th to 15th Streets NW is free, but arrive early.
Dates throughout Cherry Blossom Festival
Cherry Blossom Sightseeing Tours
There are numerous options to see the cherry blossoms without venturing through the crowds. The Potomac Riverboat company offers cruises with up-close views of the cherry blossoms. Tours leave from Georgetown, The Wharf and Alexandria. Spirit Cruises and Odyssey Cruises take sightseeing a step further by offering dinner and entertainment aboard.
See the cherry blossoms with fewer crowds
Arlington National Cemetery: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA 22211
Green Spring Gardens: 4603 Green Spring Rd, Alexandria, VA
River Farm: 7931 E Boulevard Dr, Alexandria, VA 22308
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, VA 22182
U.S. National Arboretum: 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
Dumbarton Oaks Park: 1703 32nd St NW, Washington, DC 20007
National Cathedral (cathedral grounds and Bishop's Garden): 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
Kenwood neighborhood: Bethesda, Md. (See more Montgomery County events here.)
Coming to the festival from out of town? Here's a collection of DC hotels in the area to choose from in booking a room.
Where do you go to see the cherry blossoms? Let us know in the comments below.
Additional reporting by Patch Editor Emily Leayman.
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