D.C.-area nightlife, events and dining
Restaurants
Bars & Clubs
Movies
Events
Music
Museums
Theater & Dance
Kid-Friendly
For Visitors
2010 Cherry Blossom Festival March 27 - April 11
Plan your visit: Festival highlights
Smithsonian Kite Festival
One of the opening events of the annual Cherry Blossom madness, the kite festival features colorful kites soaring over the Mall.
Cherry Blossom Bike Tours
Bring your bike and helmet for a three-hour tour of the Tidal Basin led by National Park Service rangers.
Live at the Sylvan Theater
Watch traditional Japanese dancers, local musicians or other entertainers for free every day at noon.
Modern Japanese fashion
The Textile Museum displays more than 40 unconventional, cutting-edge garments from the Mary Baskett collection.
Blossoms after dark
Festival lanterns light the way on these informative nighttime walks, led by park rangers.
Japanese fashion
Dr. Hiroshi Narumi, a professor from Kyoto University of Art and Design, examines fashionable Japanese subcultures since World War II.
Cherry Blast
A late-night showcase of cutting-edge art, videos and dance, with live music and DJs.
Fireworks show
The skies over the Southwest Waterfront light up with pink fireworks in honor of the Cherry Blossom Festival.
Lantern-Lighting Ceremony
The 359-year old stone lantern is lit in a formal ceremony featuring traditional Japanese performers, dignitaries and the Cherry Blossom Princesses.
Blossoms by Bike
Bike the Sites leads a daily two-hour tour -- bike rental included -- around the Tidal Basin.
Live at the Sylvan Theater
Watch traditional Japanese dancers, local musicians or other entertainers for free every day at noon.
Ceramics from Japan
The "Cornucopia" exhibit collects three centuries of work by potters from the southern island of Kyushu.
Gala Dinner Cruise
Drinks, dancing and a four-course dinner on the Odyssey, with a side of Potomac River views of the blossoms.
The Grand Ball
This formal black-tie sushi reception and dinner features the presentation of the Cherry Blossom Princesses, followed by entertainment and dancing.
Cherry Blossom Parade
Floats, giant balloons, marching bands and other entertainers fill Constitution Avenue from Seventh to 17th streets.
Corcoran Family Day
The Corcoran offers free admission for hands-on Japanese music lessons and a cherry blossom photo contest.
Festival dates 
Peak bloom period
Weather forecast
News from the festival
Untold story of the first blossoms
The history of the Japanese couple behind the first planting of cherry blossoms is anything but rosy.
Tips, maps and features
From The Going Out Gurus
-
Where to eat
There aren't many dining options near the cherry blossoms, but these are worth the walk. -
Top sandwich shops
Bringing a picnic to see the blooms? These shops turn bread and toppings into an art form. -
By paddle and pedal
Make reservations now to view the blossoms by paddle boat or take a bike tour.
Maps and Guides
-
Tidal Basin tour
Download our podcast of quirky facts about the blossoms and print a map (PDF) to take with you. -
How to get around
Our larger map has tips on traveling to the Tidal Basin by bike, Metro or car. -
Bloom watch
See how the predicted peak bloom compares to the past eight years.
Photos and Video
-
In living color
View photographs of last year's Cherry Blossom Festival. -
Flowers around the world
See photos of cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin and across the globe.
Visitors Guide
Welcome to Washington
Make the most of your trip with our recommended itineraries, maps and tips on getting around.
