Fairfax County, VA – March 4, 2020 – Visitors are encouraged to explore beyond the Tidal Basin during this year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival®, as Fairfax County, Virginia is home to numerous beautiful gardens, cherry trees, and official Festival events. Celebrate Japanese culture and heritage at several exhibits, stroll cherry-tree lined, lakeside gardens, or get hands-on at a multitude of events during the 2020 National Cherry Blossom Festival®, taking place March 20 – April 12. For up-to-date information, visit http://www.fxva.com/cherryblossom.
Key Fairfax County events and exhibits for this year’s Festival include:
March 20 to April 12 - Fairfax County’s Festival Central at the Fairfax County Visitor Center
The official Fairfax County 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 souvenirs, Festival schedules and the latest information on activities throughout the region. On March 28, the Center will host its annual National Cherry Blossom Festival® Day with a special event from 1pm – 3pm with craft demonstrations, free gifts, and more! (http://www.fxva.com/plan-your-trip/visitor-center; 703-752-9500)
March 28 – Spring Fling Tour through the Woods at Frying Pan Farm Park
Take a spring trek on Frying Pan Farm Park’s nature trail to experience the changes of the season. Visit special stations throughout the trail to build a fairy house, keep a tally of all the birds seen at the park, search for critters, and enjoy Japanese teas at the historic Frying Pan Meeting House. Stop by the Indoor Arena first for a map and instructions. Admission is free. (https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/frying-pan-park; 703-437-9101)
March 29 – Cherry Blossom STEM Day at the Lab at Children’s Science Center Lab
Visitors to the Children’s Science Center Lab can learn about cherry blossoms and the Festival through hands-on activities and experiments inspired by the flower throughout the entire lab. The Lab is open from 10am – 6pm. Admission is $13/person. Lab located inside Fair Oaks Mall. (https://childsci.org/; 703-648-3130)
April 4 & 5 – Art Blooms at Mosaic
Spring has sprung at Mosaic District! Stop by Strawberry Park from 11am – 5pm for Art Bloom, where we celebrate the Cherry Blossom season with an art show, live entertainment, a farmers market, kids activities, and a handmade and vintage gift fair with UrbnMarket. Free to attend, additional items available for purchase. (https://mosaicdistrict.com; 703-992-7832)
April 5 – Tour of the Bonsai Pavilion and Bonsai Care Demonstrations at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Visit Meadowlark Botanical Gardens’ new Bonsai Pavilion and learn about this ancient and fascinating art from members of the Northern Virginia Bonsai Society. This special event will occur from 1pm – 4pm. Garden admission is $6. (https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens; 703-255-3631)
April 11 – Second Saturday Art Walk: Cherry Blossom Bonanza! at the Workhouse Arts Center
Enjoy art work inspired by the spring blooms in all of the Workhouse galleries, grab a specialty cocktail at the themed bar, participate in a scavenger hunt, snap photos with the newly-decorated LOVEworks sign, and admire the property’s own cherry trees during the Second Saturday Art Walk. The Workhouse will feature extended hours for the Art Walk (6-9pm), though the building and history museum open at 12pm. Admission is always free. (http://www.workhousearts.org/; 703-584-2900)
In addition to these cultural events and activities, visitors can plan self-guided tours of the region’s most splendid gardens, including these not-to-miss sites (check with the individual gardens for hours of operation):
- River Farm, a historic 25-acre site on the banks of the Potomac River that was once part of George Washington’s original five farms and is now the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society.
- Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, a 90-acre oasis featuring more than 100 cherry trees surrounding a lovely lake, plus an extensive shade garden, native wildflowers, gazebos, birds, butterflies, seasonal blooms and the very unique Korean Bell Garden.
- Green Spring Gardens, an outdoor classroom, national historic site, and museum featuring a wooded stream, a valley with ponds, a native plant garden, over 20 thematic demonstration gardens, and a greenhouse filled with tropical plants.
For more details on National Cherry Blossom Festival® signature events, peak bloom dates, special deals and offers from the hospitality community, and even more, visit http://www.fxva.com/cherryblossom.
Visit Fairfax (www.fxva.com) is the official tourism organization for Fairfax County, Virginia. Charged with destination marketing and tourism promotion, it is directed by many of the County's top tourism and hospitality leaders. Be sure to follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/visitfairfaxva), Twitter (@VisitFairfax), and Instagram (@VisitFairfax) for all Fairfax County events and activities this Spring! Hashtag: #FXVA
The National Cherry Blossom Festival® is the nation's greatest springtime celebration. The 2020 Festival, March 20 - April 12, includes nearly four spectacular weeks of events featuring diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty, and community spirit. Visit nationalcherryblossomfestival.org or call 877.44.BLOOM for more information, or check out Facebook (CherryBlossomFestival), Twitter (@CherryBlossFest) and Instagram (@CherryBlossFest).
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Media Contact: Sue Porter, Visit Fairfax – 703-752-9512, SPorter@fxva.com