Photo by Buz Nachlas
The Jefferson Memorial, framed by cherry blossoms.
When snow is in the forecast for Alexandria...again...our thoughts turn to spring. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the world’s great celebrations of spring and it will arrive on the official first day of spring, March. 20.
The 2026 Festival takes place March 20 – April 12, and includes four weekends of events featuring diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty and community spirit.
Mark your calendars! Save the dates for the 2026 Festival signature events, including:
- Pink Tie Party (March 13, 2026): A kickoff fundraiser at Union Station with food, cocktails, and music.
- Opening Ceremony (March 21, 2026): Held at the DAR Constitution Hall, featuring traditional performances and the Futago Onikenbai sword dance.
- Blossom Kite Festival (March 28, 2026): Located at the Washington Monument grounds.
- Petalpalooza (April 4, 2026): A day-long waterfront festival at Capitol Riverfront with live music and fireworks.
- National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade (April 11, 2026): Features, floats, and performers along Constitution Avenue.
- Petal Porches: A city-wide decoration initiative for homes and businesses.
- Cherry Picks: A program featuring special spring-themed menus at area restaurants.
The most famous cherry trees can be found at the Tidal Basin in DC. In 1912, First Lady Helen Taft planted the first Japanese cherry trees, a gift aimed at fostering friendship, a project advocated for by writer Eliza Sidmore for over two decades.
When will we see "peak bloom" in 2026? The National Park Service will begin their predictions in early March. Here's a look at the peak bloom dates from the past 10 years:
- 2025: March 28
- 2024: March 17
- 2023: March 23
- 2022: March 21
- 2021: March 28
- 2020: March 20
- 2019: April 1
- 2018: April 5
- 2017: March 25
- 2016: March 25
