National Cherry Blossom Festival

Washington, DC's annual National Cherry Blossom Festival is a celebration of the coming of spring and commemorates the gift of 3,000 cherry trees given to the U.S. by Tokyo mayor, Yukio Ozaki in 1912.
 
The 16-day extravaganza boasts three grand weekends flanked by daily activities which include many cultural, sporting and culinary events. 
 
The Festival begins on Saturday, March 27 with Family Day at the National Building Museum. The free public event features plenty of hands-on activities for kids. Immediately following, the Opening Ceremony showcases world-class entertainment representative of Japanese and Western cultures.
 
Throughout the Festival, the Target Performance Stage at the Sylvan Theatre on the Washington Monument grounds will be the site of daily performances. Eclectic music, dance and entertainment will keep guests on their feet. 
 
Restaurants get in the Festival spirit, offering special cherry-inspired dishes and drinks with the Cherry Picks program.  For a full list of participating restaurants, visit www.washington.org/cherryblossom.
 
Mid-Festival weekend brings an illuminating Fireworks display along the Southwest Waterfront on Saturday, April 3 at 8:30pm. 
 
The grand finale weekend of the Festival brings the highly anticipated National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® on Saturday, April 10. The Parade features performances by R&B singer Deborah Cox, American Idol finalist Justin Guarini, and 2010 Miss America, Virginia's own Carissa Cameron. Giant colorful balloons, marching bands, and performers burst down Constitution Avenue in an energy-filled spectacle seen only once a year during the Festival. Following the Parade, the Japan-America Society of Washington presents the 50th annual Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival.  The vibrant afternoon features a Japanese beer garden, Japanese pop culture, traditional crafts, cuisine, martial arts and more.
 
To get around to different performances and events happening during the Festival, be sure to catch Metro for easy transportation.