Enjoy Over 50 Events at DC’s Cherry Blossom Festival

The 2010 National Cherry Blossom Festival will be held in Washington DC starting Saturday, March 27th and run until April 11th.  And it’s packed full of great events for the entire family.

The National Parks Service predicts the cherry tree peak blooming to coincide with the festival dates, with the best blooming to be between April 3rd and 8th.

This year’s Cherry Blossum Festival includes over 50 events and activities, from free cultural and musical performances to the annual parade down Constitution Avenue featuring the Cherry Blossom Queen.

Here’s a list of some of the larger or featured events, most of which are free (unless noted):

• Family Day & Festival Opening Ceremony. National Building Museum – Saturday, March 27 – 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• Watch kite flying competitions, demonstrations and more at the Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival on the grounds of the Washington Monument – 17th & Constitution Ave, NW. Saturday, March 27 – 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Cherry Blast: A night of eclectic art, music, dance, film, performance art, and fashion. 1701 Florida Ave, NW, Friday, April 2 – 9:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. (must be 21+)
• Fireworks Show – Southwest Waterfront – Saturday, April 3 – 8:30 p.m.
• The 359-year old stone lantern is lit in the traditional Lantern Lighting Ceremony featuring traditional Japanese performers.  Tidal Basin at Independence Ave & 17th Street, SW – Sunday, April 4 – 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
• Gala Dinner Cruise aboard The Odyssey. Thursday, April 8 – 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. – $125.00.
• GW University Crew Invitational featuring Washington DC’s largest rowing event at the Georgetown Waterfront and Thompson Boat Center – 2900 Virginia Ave, NW.  April 9 & 10, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, the annual highlight of the festival. Constitution Ave. – 7th to 17th Streets, NW – Saturday, April 10 – 10:00 a.m.
• See the crowning of the 2010 Cherry Blossom Queen at the Cherry Blossom Grand Ball and Sushi Reception Grand Hyatt at Washington Center – 1000 H Street, NW. Friday, April 9 – 6:00 – Midnight.
• The 50th annual Japanese Sakura Matsuri Street Festival featuring 5 performing groups coming from Japan, a bus-load of Japanese performers from New York City and lots of local performers.  Pennsylvania Avenue from 10th to 14th Street.  Saturday, April 10 – 11:00 – 6:00.  $150.00.

Also check out the free daily Cultural and muscal performances at the Sylvan Theatre, located next to the Washington Monument, running from  Saturday, March 27 through Sunday, April 11.  The free performances start each day at noon.

So don’t miss all the fun events at this year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival…and don’t forget to check out the beautiful cherry trees exploding with color all over the National Mall.

Images – from personal collection  ©2010, Jon Rochetti