Cherry Blossom Festival March 20- April 13, 2014

Julie BrodieNo CommentsLocal Events, Seasonal

2014 Cherry BlossomsIt comes once a year, and it always comes with much anticipation. Whether you are a DC metro resident or a visitor, these pink little poufs of beauty inspire all of us with awe. Today’s National Cherry Blossom Festival has grown from modest beginnings into the nation’s greatest springtime celebration. A group of American school children reenacted the initial planting and other activities, effectively holding the first “festival” in 1927. Over the years, millions have participated in Festival events and viewed the flowering cherry trees.  In 2012, the Festival expanded to five weeks (from 16 days in recent previous years) to provide a grand tribute to the 100-year anniversary of the gift of trees.  Today, more than 1.5 million people visit Washington, DC each year to admire the blossoming cherry trees and participate in diverse programming that heralds spring in the nation’s capital.  Below are some not to be missed events:

Cherry Blossom Opening Ceremonyopen

Time: 5 – 6:30 PM  March 22, 2014
Location: The Warner Theatre – 513 13th Street, NW
Cost: FREE

Kick-off the 2014 National Cherry Blossom Festival with world-class renowned entertainment as we welcome springtime to Washington, DC and celebrate the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States. Enjoy spirited traditional and contemporary performances in a historic setting.

kitesBlossom Kite Festival

Time: 10 AM – 4:30 PM  March 29, 2014
Location: Washington Monument grounds – Constitution Avenue & 17th Street, NW
Cost: FREE

The fourth 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.

Cherry Blossom Rugby TournamentCherry blossom rugby

Time: 8 AM – 5 PM  April 5-6, 2014
Location: Rosecroft Raceway – 6338 Rosecroft Drive, Fort Washington, MD
Cost: FREE

The Cherry Blossom Rugby Tournament, now in its 48th year, is one of the largest rugby tournaments in the country. The best high school and college teams are invited to compete in the two-day tournament, and typically over 40 teams participate with over 600 players coming to DC to play. The tournament showcases local teams as well as those from across the country and further. A large number of Canadian teams have joined in the past, as well as a Japanese High School from New York, and teams from Vermont and Michigan have also competed.

2013 Cherry Blossom Festival ParadeCherry Blossom Festival Parade

Time: 10 AM – Noon  April 12, 2014
Location: Constitution Avenue – From 7th to 17th Streets, NW
Cost: Starting at $20 for Grandstand Seating.  Standing along the Parade route from Constitution Avenue between 9th and 15th streets, NW is FREE and open to the public. Arrive early for the best views.
Tickets: Purchase Grandstand seas here.

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.