Get Ready for The Bloom
The 2024 National Cherry Blossom Festival will take place from March 20 to April 14 in Washington, D.C., and the surrounding communities. This annual event celebrates the gift of cherry blossom trees from Tokyo to Washington, D.C., in 1912, and marks the friendship between Japan and the United States. It features various events, including the Tidal Basin Welcome Area & Performance Stage, the Opening Ceremony, the Blossom Kite Festival, Petalpalooza®, the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade®, and the Pink Tie Party.
The Tidal Basin Welcome Area & ANA Stage will offer free live performances from 12 PM to 6 PM during Peak Bloom, celebrating cultural diversity with a mix of American, Japanese, and other performing arts. It will be open from 10 AM to 6 PM, featuring a variety of activities and amenities like a giant photo frame, National Park Service activities, a Pet Comfort Station, official festival merchandise, and refreshments.
The Opening Ceremony, co-presented with the Japan Foundation, will be held on March 23, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM at the Warner Theatre and via Livestream. This ceremony is a tribute to the 1912 gift of trees and showcases performances from artists with ties to both Japan and the U.S.