Fairfax County, VA – March 1, 2021 – The 2021 National Cherry Blossom Festival® kicks off on March 20 through April 11, with an innovative new format that prioritizes the health and safety of blossom enthusiasts. In coordination with the Festival, Fairfax County – located in the heart of Northern Virginia and just west of Washington, DC – will be highlighting the stunning garden and outdoor spaces that visitors and residents can enjoy in a socially-distanced way, as well as showcasing cultural events and activities that celebrate Japanese heritage and the spirit of spring.
For up-to-date information on events, special offers, and peak bloom dates, visit http://www.fxva.com/cherryblossom. Current peak bloom projections are estimating April 2 - 5, 2021.
Key Fairfax County events and exhibits for this year’s Festival include:
March 20 to April 11 - 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 27, 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 20 to April 11 – The Science Behind Flowers with the Children’s Science Center
Join the Children’s Science Center virtually to explore the chemistry at work behind the petal and witness how capillary action can help flowers become acid-base indicators. Hear from a celebrity scientist to learn more about invasive and native plants, and the science of ecological restoration. Then, join in on the fun at home by trying out an experiment of your own! Program will be streamed online from March 20 – April 11. (https://childsci.org/; 703-648-3130)
March 27 – 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. 1pm – 3pm; admission is free. (https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/frying-pan-park; 703-437-9101)
March 28 – Wabi-Sabi: Embracing Imperfection at Green Spring Gardens
Discover your sense of wabi-sabi, the Japanese art of finding beauty in the naturally imperfect world. Explore this philosophy of “making do” that resonates in austere times, and its origins in the world of tea. Japanese tea sample and traditional sweets included with optional tea box. Program runs from 2pm – 3pm; $12 - $24. Register online. (https://fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes Code: H52.5PGD; 703-941-7987)
April 3 & 4 – Double-Feature Drive-In Movies at Mosaic
Welcome spring at the Drive-In at Mosaic! Watch great spring-themed films from the convenience of your car – on the grounds of a former drive-in movie theater! Located on the top level of Market Garage, enjoy a double-feature set of films and pair with food and beverage options from the local businesses at Mosaic. Movie titles and times to be announced soon. (https://mosaicdistrict.com; 703-992-7832)
April 10 - Cherry Blossom Community Market & Workshops at the Workhouse Arts Center
Spend the day browsing the cherry blossom-themed Workhouse Arts Center Community Market and participate in several workshops, including origami making, haiku contests, and Japanese drumming. Enjoy art work inspired by the spring blooms in all of the Workhouse galleries, snap photos with the beautiful LOVEworks sign, and admire the property’s own cherry trees. Starting at 11am. Admission is always free. (http://www.workhousearts.org; 703-584-2900)
April 10 – Plants & Design: Japanese Garden Virtual Program with Green Spring Gardens
Japanese garden design is an art thousands of years in the making. Stone, gravel, water, bridges, moon gates, paths and plants all hold significance. Whether you are looking to make your own Japanese style garden or simply want to learn to appreciate its elemental meanings, this virtual program with horticulturalist Bevan Shimizu teaches you the essentials for creating a Japanese-style garden. 11am – 12pm; $18. Register online. (https://fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes Code: 9HA.S8WN; 703-941-7987)
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):
- 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.
- George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the home to America’s first president, features four bountiful gardens to explore and enjoy. In addition, experience wide-open spaces, wooded landscapes, and a quarter-mile-long forest trail – not to mention the vast educational resources available on site.
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. Follow on Facebook (www.facebook.com/visitfairfaxva), Twitter (@VisitFairfax), and Instagram (@VisitFairfax) for Fairfax County events and travel inspiration this Spring! #FXVA
The National Cherry Blossom Festival® is one of the world’s great celebrations of spring. The 2021 Festival, March 20-April 11, will include three 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, and check out Facebook (CherryBlossomFestival), Twitter (@CherryBlossFest) and Instagram (@CherryBlossFest).
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