DC Cherry Blossom Festival 2016: Tips for Seeing the Blossoms

PHOTO: Cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin, Jefferson Memorial photo by award-winning photographer Darren Barnes. The photo was a winner in the 2012 National Cherry Blossom photography contest.

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The 2016 National Cherry Blossom Festival, which began Sunday and continues through April 17, will celebrate the 104th anniversary of Tokyo’s gift of cherry blossom trees.

The beginning of peak bloom of the famed cherry blossom trees is Wednesday and Thursday, according to the National Park Service. Check on the blooms live online, at "Cherry Blossom Cam." High temperatures Wednesday and Thursday should be in the 70s, according to the National Weather Service.

The History of the Cherry Blossoms

Here's a look at how you and your family can enjoy the festival, as well as tips on seeing the famed cherry blossoms that ring the Tidal Basin at the Jefferson Memorial in downtown Washington, D.C.

Events and tours

Opening ceremony: The opening ceremony is set for Saturday, March 26 at the Warner Theatre, and features world-class talent from the United States and Japan to welcome spring and celebrate the anniversary of the gift of trees. The event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required online. There is a $5 processing fee per ticket.

Parade: The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, presented by Events DC, takes place Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to noon, and a delayed telecast will air from noon - 2 p.m. on ABC7/WJLA. Participants in the parade will march down Constitution Avenue with performances, celebrity entertainment, lavish floats, giant helium balloons, dance troupes, and more.

Kite festival: Additional signature events that help comprise the 2016 calendar include the Blossom Kite Festival on Saturday, April 2.

Fireworks festival: The Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival, presented by Harris Teeter, takes place on Saturday, April 9.

Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival: Produced by The Japan-America Society of Washington DC, this festival will take place on Saturday, April 16.

Cherry Blast! Events DC presents Cherry Blast! on Saturday, April 16.

Official closing and second annual Anacostia River Festival: Sunday, April 17.

During the fifth annual City in Bloom campaign look for iconic buildings and transportation hubs lit up in pink to celebrate the Festival. Area businesses, organizations and individuals spread the spirit of the Festival by using bright pink blossom decals on cars, storefronts, windows, and more.

Through the Festival’s Cherry Picks Restaurant Program with Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, more than 35 restaurants offer spring-inspired menus.

Where to find more information: Visit Festival headquarters at Union Station, open through April 19, for free information about events and programs and official merchandise. The Tidal Basin Welcome Center and ANA Performance Stage, in conjunction with the National Park Service, is located near the paddle boats at the Tidal Basin and offers free performances daily from April 2 – April 17.

Transportation

Getting there: Bike, Walk, or Metro is best, organizers say. Visitors and residents are encouraged to bike, walk, or use public transportation whenever possible. Visit goDCgo.com to explore an interactive map and learn about your transportation options.

View Metrobus and Metrorail station maps, point-to-point directions, and trip planners on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority website.

This year, Metro trains will run at regular weekend intervals over the following weekends:

• March 26-27
• April 2-3
• April 9-10
• April 16-17
  

For a more enjoyable trip, take Metrorail during non-rush hours to the Smithsonian Station (Blue/Orange lines). The L’Enfant Plaza Station (Blue/Yellow/Green lines) 7th Street & Maryland Avenue exit is only an extra 10-minute walk to the Tidal Basin.

Bicycles

The National Park Service provides free bike racks near the Jefferson Memorial. Capital Bikeshare, a bike rental program, has multiple stations close to the Tidal Basin and Festival events.

Parking

Visitors can pay for parking through the Parkmobile app, and Lyft users can use a special code to donate to the Festival.

Parking Panda has set up a special Cherry Blossom parking page to help travelers pick and choose the parking location that best fit their needs. Check it out here.

Tidal Basin Paddle Boats

Want to see the blossoms from the water? Parking Panda is also the official parking partner of the Tidal Basin Paddle Boats. Click here for reservations.

Need more information about the Cherry Blossom Festival? Call 877.44.BLOOM for more information and find the festival on Facebook, Twitter: @CherryBlossFest and Instagram: @CherryBlossFest.