Ephemeral: Interpretations of the Cherry Blossom

Recurring daily
Address: 9601 Ox Road, Lorton, VA
Times: Opening Reception: March 9, 6-9pm
Contact: Marketing
Phone: (703) 584-2900
Admission: Free
An exhibition on the ephemeral nature of the cherry blossom. Curated by Laurel Lukaszewki and Komelia Hongja Okim, the exhibition will explore fleeting moments captured in art and celebrate the cherry blossom and Asian and American relations. Artists in this exhibition include: Glass artists Michael Janis and Robert Kincheloe, photographer David Douglas, painters Sumita Kim and Jun Chul Kim, and sculptures Akemi Maegawa, Dalya Luttwak and David Loren Gerlach.

Tidal Basin Paddle Boats

Recurring daily
Address: 1501 Maine Ave, SW, Washington, DC
Times: 10am - 5pm
Contact: Guest Services
Phone: (202) 479-2426
Admission: $12 per hour for 2-passenger boats; $19 for 4-passenger boats
The Tidal Basin Boathouse will be offering free online reservations for paddleboats between 10 AM - 12 PM during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Hourly rentals are $12.00 for a two-passenger boat, and $19.00 for a four-passenger boat. At least one passenger must be 16 years old. Life vests are provided for individuals over 18 months of age or 25 lbs., and must be worn by all passengers at all times.

60-Minute Cherry Blossom Cruises

Recurring daily
Address: 1300 Maine Ave, SW, Washington, DC
Times: See site for schedule
Contact: Capital Yacht Charters/Fort Washington Potomac River Tours
Phone: (202) 554-0677
Admission: $40/person

Enjoy a motor yacht tour to see the beautiful cherry blossoms.  Bring cameras and take pictures from the unique perspective of the Potomac River.

Departing from the Washington Marina, this cruise takes you south down the Washington Channel to the tip of East Potomac Park (Hains Point.)  East Potomac Park has approximately 1,681 Cherry trees with the Yoshino Cherry being the predominant variety.  We then turn and head north towards the 14th street bridge complex. Upon reaching the bridges, we will then turn once again and head back to our point of departure.

Along the way you will be able to see such sites as the Southwest Washington waterfront, Titanic Memorial, Fort Leslie J. McNair, General's Row, National War College, all the Cherry trees on both sides of East Potomac Park, Anacostia Naval Air Station, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the Pentagon, the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, U.S. Capitol Building, the Cherry trees on the riverside of the Tidal Basin, the Lincoln Memorial and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts before we head back to port.  In the distance, you'll see the Alexandria Masonic Temple, Old Town Alexandria, as well as the National Cathedral.

90-Minute Cherry Blossom Cruises

Recurring daily
Address: 1300 Maine Ave, SW, Washington, DC
Times: Sat/Sun only: 10:15am, 12:15pm and 2:15pm
Contact: Capital Yacht Charters/Fort Washington Potomac River Tours
Phone: (202) 554-0677
Admission: $50/person

Enjoy a motor yacht tour to see the beautiful cherry blossoms.  Bring cameras and take pictures from the unique perspective of the Potomac River.

Departing from the Washington Marina, this cruise takes you south down the Washington Channel to the tip of East Potomac Park (Hains Point.)  East Potomac Park has approximately 1,681 Cherry trees with the Yoshino Cherry being the predominant variety.  We then turn and head north towards the 14th street bridge complex. Upon reaching the bridges, we will then turn once again and head back to our point of departure.

Along the way you will be able to see such sites as the Southwest Washington waterfront, Titanic Memorial, Fort Leslie J. McNair, General's Row, National War College, all the Cherry trees on both sides of East Potomac Park, Anacostia Naval Air Station, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the Pentagon, the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, U.S. Capitol Building, the Cherry trees on the riverside of the Tidal Basin, the Lincoln Memorial and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts before we head back to port.  In the distance, you'll see the Alexandria Masonic Temple, Old Town Alexandria, as well as the National Cathedral.

Afternoon Cherry Blossoms

Recurring daily
Address: SW Basin Drive & Ohio Drive SW, Washington, DC
Times: 3pm - 5:30pm (check schedule online)
Contact: Washington Photo Safari
Phone: (202) 537-0937
Admission: $69/person

This is a workshop in travel photography and camera use, using the blossoms at FDR Memorial, MLK Jr. Memorial and Jefferson Memorial and the Tidal Basin as our backdrop. A professional architectural photographer accompanies the group, giving an initial orientation on photography and then working with clients individually to improve their picture-taking skills as they make their way counter-clockwise around the Tidal Basin to capture the cherry blossoms with the late afternoon sun behind them. Now in their seventh year of operation, these popular photo safaris fill up quickly, so we recommend early registration at http://www.washingtonphotosafari.com/

Beyond the Tidal Basin: Introducing Other Great Flowering Cherry Trees

Recurring daily
Address: 24th and R Streets, NE, Washington, DC
Times: 8am - 5pm daily
Contact: US National Arboretum
Phone: (202) 245-2726
Admission: Free
This annual self-guided tour exposes visitors to a wide range of flowering cherries and the scientific work done by the National Arboretum to preserve and improve flowering cherries. Over 30 stops, marked by roadside signs and corresponding numbers on a brochure map, identify different species and cultivars of flowering cherries. Through the brochure text, visitors learn about the Arboretum's research on flowering cherries, facts about individual flowering cherry species and cultivars, and horticultural information about growing flowering cherries. There are different cherries in bloom throughout the Festival period, thus educating visitors about the wide range of bloom times for these popular landscape trees. The tour also features mature trees that are clones of the 1912 cherries planted by Helen Taft and Viscountess Chinda.The brochure text explains how Roland Jefferson, an Arboretum botanist, was the first to recognize the need to preserve these two historical trees and how he did so by taking and growing cuttings from them. Should the original trees die, cuttings can be made from the clonal trees at the Arboretum to grow genetically identical replacements.

Boat Tours Along the Blossoms & Monuments

Recurring daily
Address: 3100 K Street, NW, Washington, DC
Times: 11:30am, 12:40pm, 1:45pm, 3:10pm, 4:15pm, 5:40pm
Contact: DC Cruises
Phone: (301) 765-0750
Admission: $24 adult, $12 child (4-12)
ABC News enjoyed our cruises and so will you! The cruises are on a modern cruise boat with panoramic windows and heating on deck 1, and open deck on 2. We'll embark from Georgetown and cruise along the Kennedy Center and Washington's great Monuments and end up at the tidal basin and Jefferson Monument. Along the way we'll have close-up and stunning views of the many varieties of the Cherry trees, with narration that will inform and amuse!

Cherry Blossom Food Tour

Recurring daily
Address: 700 Pennsylvania Ave, SE, Washington, DC
Times: Daily, 11am - 3:30pm
Contact: DC Metro Food Tours
Phone: (202) 683-8847
Admission: $49/person
The Cherry Blossom Food Tour combines DC's culture, history, and architecture with local flavors inspired by cherries and the area's Japanese influence.  A fully-guided walking tour integrates historic and cultural sites with visits to local establishments to enjoy specially created Cherry Blossom inspired dishes.  Meet chefs, owner, and proprietors and learn how their story enhances the story of the area and the history of DC's National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Cherry Blossoms at Sunrise

Recurring daily
Address: 1501 Maine Ave, SW, Washington, DC
Times: 6:15am - 8:30am (check schedule online)
Contact: Washington Photo Safari
Phone: (202) 537-0937
Admission: $74/person
This is a workshop in travel photography and camera use,  using the early morning sun on the cherry blossoms and on the Tidal Basin's  monuments as our backdrop. A professional architectural photographer accompanies the group, giving an initial orientation on photography and then working with clients individually to improve their picture-taking skills as they make their way clockwise around the Tidal Basin from the paddleboat rental station to the Jefferson Memorial and ending up at the FDR Memorial.  Now in their seventh year of operation, these popular photo safaris fill up quickly, so we recommend early registration at http://www.washingtonphotosafari.com/.

Glorious Gardens Self-Guided Tour

Recurring daily
Address: Various, Fairfax County, VA
Times: Call for hours for each location
Contact: Visit Fairfax
Phone: (703) 790-0643
Admission: Free; Meadowlark Gardens charges small entrance fee
Between March 20th and April 14th, Festival visitors are invited to plan a self-guided tour of the area's splendid gardens. In addition to the District's iconic Tidal Basin and the U.S. National Arboretum, plan stops at the following not-to-miss sites in Fairfax County! (Be sure to call for the hours and directions!) 

Pink Tie Party

Address: 999 9th St, NW, Washington, DC
Times: 7pm
Phone: (202) 661-7567
Admission: $200/person

Washington's petal partiers will gather for the National Cherry Blossom Festival's signature Pink Tie Party on Wednesday, March 20 at 7 PM, which will feature top chefs'delicious spring-, cherry- and blossom-inspired cuisine and cocktails. The seventh annual fundraiser and kick-off to the Festival and the "season of the blossoms," will be held at the Renaissance Washington, DC. Guests embrace the Party's theme donning pink ties and springtime styles.

The evening's Auction Spectacular contributes to the Festival's fundraising efforts offering everything from weekend getaways and yacht charters to concert, sporting, dining, and theater experiences and blossom- and Japanese-themed jewelry and apparel.

Proceeds benefit the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc., a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the beauty of nature and international friendship through year-round programs, events, and educational initiatives that enhance our environment, showcase arts and culture, and build community spirit.

Spy Cherry Blossom SCVNGR

Recurring daily
Address: 800 F Street, NW, Washington, DC
Times: All day
Contact: International Spy Museum
Phone: (202) 393-7798
Admission: Free
The SCVNGR challenge is a downloadable, free-of-charge scavenger hunt that ties cherry blossoms and spying together. It's available to all with a smartphone. Complete the challenge and win a special SPY offer.

Mount Vernon Excursion Cruises

Recurring daily
Address: 6th and Water Street, NW, Washington, DC
Times: Boarding, 8am
Contact: Spirit of Mount Vernon
Phone: (866) 404-8439
Admission: $44.95 adult, $38.95 child

You'll love cruising in climate-controlled comfort as our Captain gives you a narrated tour of the Potomac River's famous landmarks that most people never see. Once docked at Mount Vernon, you'll have 3 ½ hours to tour George Washington's grand estate before the return cruise.

Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms along the historic Potomac Riverbank!

Odyssey Cherry Blossom Dinner Cruises

Recurring daily
Address: 600 Water St., SW #B, Washington, DC
Times: See website for schedule
Contact: Odyssey
Phone: (866) 404-8439
Admission: Starting at $97.90
The Odyssey III is a fully glass-enclosed vessel that has been designed to travel beneath the low bridges of Washington DC, offering some of the most breathtaking views of the sites and monuments and Cherry Blossom trees. Our signature elegance, gracious service, creative cusine, and live entertainment offer a unique and unforgettable experience.

Odyssey Cherry Blossom Lunch Cruises

Recurring daily
Address: 600 Water Street, SW #B, Washington, DC
Times: See website for schedule
Contact: Odyssey
Phone: (866) 404-8439
Admission: $51.90/person
The Odyssey III is a fully glass-enclosed vessel that has been designed to travel beneath the low bridges of Washington DC, offering some of the most breathtaking views of the sites and monuments and Cherry Blossom trees. Our signature elegance, gracious service, creative cuisine, and live entertainment offer a unique and unforgettable experience.

Overtures: S&R Foundation Artist Concert Series

Recurring daily
Address: 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC
Times: Varies
Contact: S&R Foundation
Phone: (202) 298-6007
Admission: Varies

Experience award-winning artists at Overtures: S&R Foundation Artist Concert Series. Overtures is a unique series that features world-class performing artists at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Evermay. The performances showcase each artist's perspective of the National Cherry Blossom Festival - be it springtime, friendship, or love of country - through their instrument and music.

The schedule of performances is as follows:
March 21: Ori Kam, Viola, at Terrace Theater, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts ($30)
March 22 : Maki Mori, Soprano, at Terrace Theater, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts ($30)
March 31: Andy Akiho, Steel Drum, at Millennium Stage, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (FREE)
April 1: Yu Kosuge, Piano, at Terrace Theater, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts ($30)
April 4 : Keiko Matsui, Jazz/Trio, at Evermay ($50)
April 7: Urban Tango Trio at Millennium Stage, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (FREE)
May 17 & 24: Soichi and Kaori Muraji, Guitar Duo, at Evermay ($50)
May 31: Ryo Yanagitani, Piano, at Family Theater, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (FREE)

Spirit of Washington Cherry Blossom Dinner Cruises

Recurring daily
Address: 6th and Water Street, SW, Washington, DC
Times: See website for schedule
Contact: Spirit of Washington
Phone: (866) 404-8439
Admission: Starting at $77.90/person

The Spirit of Washington is non-stop energetic fun on the water. Our expansive, freshly-prepared buffets and friendly service, paired with live performances by our talented waitstaff and engaging DJ playing top 40 hits from various genres and decades, provide our guests with a vibrant, totally entertaining celebration.

Join Spirit Cruises in celebrating the history and beauty of our decorated Potomac River bank during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The Spirit of Washington is the perfect way to enjoy this quintessential city celebration.

Spirit of Washington Cherry Blossom Lunch Cruises

Recurring daily
Address: 6th and Water Street, SW, Washington, DC
Times: See website for schedule
Contact: Spirit of Washington
Phone: (866) 404-8439
Admission: Starting at $43.90

The Spirit of Washington is non-stop energetic fun on the water. Our expansive, freshly-prepared buffets and friendly service, paired with live performances by our talented waitstaff and engaging DJ playing top 40 hits from various genres and decades, provide our guests with a vibrant, totally entertaining celebration.

Join Spirit Cruises in celebrating the history and beauty of our decorated Potomac River bank during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The Spirit of Washington is the perfect way to enjoy this quintessential city celebration.

Capital Elite Cherry Blossom Sightseeing Cruises

Recurring weekly on Sunday, Friday, Saturday
Address: Call for docking location, Washington, DC
Times: See website for schedule
Contact: Capital Elite Yacht Charter
Phone: (866) 404-8439
Admission: $23.21/adult and $18.75/child
Enjoy a unique sightseeing adventure on the Capital Elite yacht! Cruising daily at 2 pm and 4 pm March 22 - April 7.  Take a relaxing cruise down the Potomac around Haines Point for fantastic up-close views of the 100 year old Cherry Blossom trees!

Family Days presented with the National Building Museum

Recurring weekly on Sunday, Saturday
Address: 401 F Street, NW, Washington, DC
Times: Saturday, 10am-4pm; Sunday, 11am-4pm
Phone: 877.44.BLOOM
Admission: Free
An annual opening of Washington's cherry blossom season, this two day annual family festival for "kids of all ages" features hands-on activities, interactive art demonstrations, and exciting indoor and outdoor performances that celebrate spring and explore Japanese arts and design.

Fly a Kite! Workshop

Address: 500 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC
Times: 10am - 12pm
Contact: Corcoran Gallery of Art
Phone: (202) 639-1770
Admission: $16 for museum members / $20 for non-members
What's better than participating in the Blossom Kite Festival? Flying a kite that you build and decorate yourself! The Corcoran Gallery of Art will have all the necessary materials for your unique kite-building experience.

Japanese Culture Day

Address: 10 First Street, SE, Washington, DC
Times: 10am - 3pm
Contact: Library of Congress
Phone: (202) 707-1950
Admission: Free
Japanese Culture Day will introduce children and adults to Japanese culture.  There will be origami, book readings (Japanese stories in English), kimono trial, and other activities.  Visitors will also be encouraged to explore the center's library of current and classic books.

Japanese Garden Design

Address: 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA
Times: 9:30am-10:30am
Contact: Green Spring Gardens
Phone: (703) 642-5173
Admission: $20/person

Japanese garden design is an art form thousands of years in the making. Stone, gravel, water, paths and plants all hold significance in the design. Whether you are looking to make your own Japanese style garden or simply want to learn to appreciate the elemental meanings, horticulturalist Sandy Flowers will teach you the essentials in creating a Japanese style garden. Register on-line at http://www.greenspring.org/ (code: 290 285 7201) or call Green Spring Gardens 703-642-5173.

Kites of Asia Family Day

Address: Independence Ave at 6th St, SW, Washington, DC
Times: 10am - 3pm
Phone: (202) 633-1000
Admission: Free
Celebrate the kite tradition of Southeast Asia. Experience the artistry and beauty of Asian kites, see indoor kite flying, make your own kite and enjoy other hands-on activities!

Monuments by Moonlight Cruise

Recurring weekly on Sunday, Saturday
Address: 3100 K St, NW, Washington, DC
Times: 7:15pm, 8:20pm, 9:25pm
Contact: DC Cruises
Phone: (301) 765-0750
Admission: $26 adult, $14 children (4-12)
Join DC Cruises for a mesmerizing cruise along the illuminated monuments and landmarks. A spectacular one hour cruise along the illuminated monuments and Kennedy Center aboard a modern, heated cruise boat, with panoramic windows, indoor/outdoor decks, and lavatories. Beverages available for purchase.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony

Address: 513 13th St, Washington, DC
Times: 5pm - 6:30pm
Phone: 877-44-BLOOM
Admission: Free
Kick-off the 2013 National Cherry Blossom Festival with local and national entertainment as we welcome springtime to Washington, DC. Guests will experience the story of how the gift of trees has developed into the nation's greatest springtime celebration, as told through a series of traditional and contemporary performances.

Blossom Kite Festival

Address: Constitution Avenue & 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC
Times: 10am - 4:30pm
Phone: 877.44.BLOOM
Admission: Free

Spring is in the air - literally!

The third annual Blossom Kite Festival presented by the National Cherry Blossom Festival showcases the creativity of kite makers and skill of kite fliers from across the US and other countries through a variety of competitions and demonstrations including the popular Hot Tricks Showdown and the Rokkaku Battle. Bring your own kites or children can make a kite at an activity station (while supplies last) to fly on the Public Field.

Fairfax County: National Cherry Blossom Festival Central

Address: 1961 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean, VA
Times: 12pm - 3pm
Phone: (703) 752-9500
Admission: Free
The official Fairfax County Capital Region Visitor Center in Tysons Corner Center (on 2nd level outside Nordstrom) is "Festival Central" in Fairfax County. The public is invited to stop in for free gifts, Festival schedules and information on activities throughout the region. The visitor center will also host a special event on March 30th from 12pm to 3pm with craft demonstrations and more!

Asian Art and Culture Day, National Cherry Blossom Festival 2013

Address: 9601 Ox Road, Lorton, VA
Times: 11am-4pm
Contact: Workhouse Arts Center
Phone: (703) 584-2900
Admission: Free
Workhouse Arts Center presents Asian Art and Culture Day at the Workhouse, National Cherry Blossom Festival 2013. This is the Workhouse’s third annual National Cherry Blossom Festival event. From 11am - 4pm the day features demonstrations, performances, participatory workshops, presentations and exhibitions featuring Asian art and culture. Presenters include Japan-America Society of Washington DC, George Mason University, Workhouse Artists and Ikebana International. All activities are FREE.

Ikebana Flower Arranging Workshop

Address: 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA
Times: 9:30am-11am
Contact: Green Spring Gardens
Phone: (703) 642-5173
Admission: $35/person

Ages 15 years and older. Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, is a disciplined practice inspired by nature.  Learn the rich symbolism and fundamentals of this art and take home an arrangement of your own. Floral material and containers provided with the $20 supply fee. Register by March 28 by calling 703-642-5173. (Online - use code 290 286 5801)

Japanese Teas

Address: 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls, VA
Times: 1pm - 3pm
Phone: (703) 759-2771
Admission: $25/person
Pre-paid reservations required. 1-3pm $25 per person Celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival by learning more about Japanese teas. Taste the many styles beyond what is used in the tea ceremony in this educational tasting. Shade grown, roasted, twig style, are some examples. Experience Japanese teas and tea treats beyond the traditional! Presented by Certified Tea Specialist Chef Laurie Bell. Pre-paid reservations required by 3/30. Call the park to register.

Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival

Address: 600-900 Water Street, SW, Washington, DC
Times: 1pm - 9pm
Phone: 877.44.BLOOM
Admission: Free
The Southwest Waterfront community, home of the cherry blossoms, is the perfect place for you to enjoy more than eight celebratory hours of free music, and family friendly water-related activities, cultural experiences, live entertainment and delicious foods at multiple outdoor venues; plus, see the spectacular National Cherry Blossoms Fireworks Show on the Washington Channel after the sun goes down!

Tasting Party: Umami Means 'Delicious'

Recurring weekly on Saturday
Address: 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA
Times: 10am - 12pm
Contact: Green Spring Gardens
Phone: (703) 642-5173
Admission: $27/person

Sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami. Celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival with the fifth taste that's fundamental to Japanese cuisine. Explore the savory taste of umami, its history, health benefits, and the taste research science behind it. Sample umami-rich foods and learn how to use its attributes to enhance your cooking. Register on-line at http://www.greenspring.org/ (April 6, code: 290 285 7901 ; April 13, code: 290 285 7902) or call Green Spring Gardens 703-642-5173

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade

Address: Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th streets, NW, Washington, DC
Times: 10am - 12pm
Phone: 877.44.BLOOM
Admission: $20/person for grandstand seating; FREE along parade route

The 2013 National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade^® is Saturday, April 13 from 10:00am to 12:00 noon, rain or shine. One of DC's largest spectator events, the energy-filled Parade runs along Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th streets, NW, and is televised live.

Vibrant costumes and blossom-inspired décor create the look of nation's premier springtime parade. Giant colorful helium balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country, and performers burst down Constitution Avenue in a grand spectacle of music and showmanship seen only once a year during the Festival.

Sakura Matsuri - Japanese Street Festival

Address: 12th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC
Times: 10:30am - 6pm
Phone: (202) 833-2210
Admission: $5 for 13yrs+

Enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere of the largest Japanese cultural festival in the United States, featuring food, arts and culture, merchandise, and live traditional and J-Pop performances on four stages, including martial arts demonstrations.

Sakura Matsuri stretching for nearly one mile through the streets of downtown Washington DC, from near the White House to FBI headquarters, the Sakura Matsuri is held each spring as the climax of the three-week National Cherry Blossom Festival. On good weather days, it has drawn over 40,000 visitors in 7 hours.