When is Cherry Blossom Festival in 2016?

The 2016 Cherry Blossom Festival begins on Sunday, March 20th and ends on Sunday, April 17th. 

What is Cherry Blossom Festival?

The National Cherry Blossom Festival occurs each year in Washington, DC. It is a mid-spring festival that runs from the latter part of March through the early part of April. During this time of year, the 1700 cherry trees lining DC's Tidal Basin bloom in force. 700,000 visitors travel to the District of Columbia each year to take in the breathtaking sight. The actual "peak bloom" period lasts only a few days, and predicting the right dates is a matter of great interest to festival organizers.

The festival runs for two full weeks, spanning three Saturdays. Cultural performances, art exhibitions, fashion shows, displays of talent, and a ten mile run add interest to the festival. Each Saturday features a different highlighted activity. The Blossom Kite Festival takes place on the first weekend, while the second weekend features performances throughout the day on three separate stages. The festival wraps up with the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade down Constitution Avenue. This parade coincides with the nation's largest Japanese Street Festival-a fitting tribute since the first famous cherry trees planted in the capitol were gifts to the city of Washington, DC, from the Mayor of Tokyo.