Each spring Washington’s trees turn from bare to pink as the cherry blossoms open. The National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the moment with weeks of events around the Tidal Basin, the National Mall and beyond.
We first wrote this guide for the 2018 festival. The 2018 dates below are kept for the record, and the planning advice is updated for today.
About the National Cherry Blossom Festival
The festival commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki to Washington. First Lady Helen Taft and Viscountess Chinda planted the first two by the Tidal Basin that March.
Today the festival usually runs from late March into mid-April. It includes an opening ceremony, performances, the Blossom Kite Festival near the Washington Monument, Petalpalooza (held at The Wharf in recent years) and the National Cherry Blossom Parade on Constitution Avenue.
The official schedule is posted each year on the National Cherry Blossom Festival website.
How peak bloom works
The National Park Service defines peak bloom as the day when 70 percent of the Yoshino cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin are open. It usually falls between late March and early April but can move by weeks with the weather.
Follow the NPS Bloom Watch updates, which track each bloom stage. Blossoms typically last several days around peak, less if wind or rain arrives.
In 2024 the Park Service began a multi-year rebuild of the Tidal Basin seawall, which required removing some trees, including the much-loved “Stumpy,” with replanting planned. Some paths may be affected during construction.
The 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival schedule (for the record)
In 2018 the festival ran from March 20 to April 15. The main events were:
- Pink Tie Party, March 15: the festival’s fundraising kick-off, with food from local restaurants.
- Opening Ceremony, March 24, at the historic Warner Theatre, celebrating the 1912 gift.
- Tidal Basin performances, March 24 to April 8, with paddle boats on the basin.
- Blossom Kite Festival, March 31, a free event on the Washington Monument grounds.
- Petalpalooza, April 7: music, games and art, ending with fireworks.
- National Cherry Blossom Parade, April 14, the festival’s grand finale.
Visiting tips for the National Cherry Blossom Festival
- Go at sunrise. Early morning at the Tidal Basin is calmer and the light is soft.
- Take Metro. From Kalorama, walk to Dupont Circle, take the Red Line to Metro Center and change for Smithsonian. The Tidal Basin is about 15 minutes’ walk from there.
- Do not drive. Roads and parking near the Tidal Basin are extremely congested at peak.
- Try other spots. East Potomac Park’s later-blooming Kwanzan cherries and the U.S. National Arboretum spread the crowds.
- Book early. Rooms across the city fill for festival weekends, and we have only 11.
National Cherry Blossom Festival: frequently asked questions
When is the National Cherry Blossom Festival?
It usually runs from late March to mid-April. The official schedule is posted each year on the festival website.
What does peak bloom mean?
The National Park Service defines peak bloom as the day 70 percent of the Yoshino blossoms around the Tidal Basin are open.
What’s the best way to reach the Tidal Basin from Kalorama?
Take the Red Line from Dupont Circle to Metro Center, change for Smithsonian, and walk about 15 minutes.
Where to stay: a Kalorama base for National Cherry Blossom Festival
American Guest House is a historic 1893 bed and breakfast at 2005 Columbia Road NW in Kalorama, Washington DC, with 11 ensuite rooms.
We are about a 2-minute walk from the Washington Hilton and 7-10 minutes on foot from the Dupont Circle Metro station (Red Line). Adams Morgan restaurants are a short walk east.
- Breakfast: our homemade breakfast is included on the Standard Rate and the Last Minute Deal only. Other rates do not include it.
- Parking: we do not offer parking, and there is no on-site lot. Nearby street parking is mostly 2-hour residential, so plan on a paid garage or SpotHero. See map, directions, and parking.
- Arrival: check-in is 4pm-10pm, and complimentary luggage storage is available from 10am.
- Booking: we do not take reservations by phone. Book direct online; house policies are in our FAQ.
First published by Shannon Stiles, former innkeeper. Updated and fact-checked by Lucia R, American Guest House, September 2026.
Ready to plan your National Cherry Blossom Festival trip? Browse our 11 ensuite rooms, then book direct.
