Cherry Blossom-Themed Activities, Foods In Arlington: See The List

ARLINGTON, VA — A sure sign that spring is the horizon in the DMV are the cherry blossoms blooming around the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. and the thousands of tourists who come to see them.

This year's National Cherry Blossom Festival, which will run from March 20 through April 14, will feature dozens of events around the city.

According to the National Park Service, the peak bloom date is when 70 percent of the cherry blossoms are open. While peak bloom varies annually depending on weather conditions, the most likely time to reach peak bloom is between the last week of March and the first week of April.

Related: DC Cherry Blossoms To Hit Peak Bloom On These Dates

Several Arlington restaurants are getting into the seasonal spirit and offering cherry blossom inspired dishes.

Ambar Clarendon, located at 2901 Wilson Blvd., will be offering a cherry blossom-inspired cocktail to commemorate the 98th anniversary of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

“The Cherried & Spiced is made from a combination of gin, pear rakia, cherry-cardamom syrup, and lime juice and is priced at a discounted $12, according to a restaurant release. “Each of the Ambar locations will also showcase a special dessert, the Hot Chocolate Brownie with red tart cherry compote, vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, and hazelnuts, which is priced at $11.”

Mala Tang is offering their special Sakura Cloud Donut, an indulgent treat featuring a crispy fried Chinese donut filled with a creamy Sakura sweet cream, offering a perfect balance of rich flavors and floral notes. Maia Tang is located at 3434 Washington Blvd., in Virginia Square.

You can also check out some of the cherry blossom activities that are taking place around Arlington during the festival.

The National Landing Business Improvement District (BID) is teaming up with Amazon and the National Cherry Blossom Festival to host Pink in the Park. This free, pink-themed event offers art, music, family-friendly activities, and food and drinks from local vendors throughout the spring season.

• Pink in the Pool: Saturday, March 22, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center, 333 Long Bridge Drive in Arlington. Free with RSVP — currently at capacity; however, an additional limited number of tickets will be released on Friday, March 14 at 10 a.m.
• Pink Beats: Thursday, March 27, Thursday, April 3 and Thursday, April 10 from 5-8 p.m. at Water Park, 1601 Crystal Drive in Arlington. Enjoy a three-part music series on the Water Park stage featuring top local talent programmed by Songbyrd, DC’s premier music house. This event is free and open to the public. RSVPs encouraged.
• Art of Pink: Friday, April 11, 5-10 p.m. at Metropolitan Park, 1321 S. Elm St. in Arlington. Immerse yourself in an after-hours art and music experience celebrating cherry blossom season throughout Metropolitan Park.
• Browse the Blossom Night Market, a curated assortment of local food vendors and makers, featuring artists including Death by Narwhals, Peach and Paperie and Iggi Jewelry, alongside food from Ekiben Baltimore, AJM Kimchii, RollPlay and more. RSVPs encouraged.