Calendar of Events for the National Cherry Blossom Festival

The National Cherry Blossom Festival includes more than 200 special events and performances each year. Here are the highlights of the most popular events:

Opening Day Festivities presented by the National Cherry Blossom Festival® & National Building Museum. Day-long event with hands-on, family friendly activities, followed by ceremonial program with remarks by Washington dignitaries and special performance.
Date: March 27, 2010
Time: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Location: National Building Museum, 401 F Street, NW

40th Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival
Kite flying competition, special demonstrations and kite making for children.
Date: March 27, 2010
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: National Mall - between 4th & 7th Sts. NW
See Photos of the Smithsonian Kite Festival

Cherry Blossom Freedom Walk
Walk, keynote speakers, Japanese and Palestinian folk dancing.
Date: 2010 Date to Be Announced
Time: 10:00 am
Location: National Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism, Louisiana and New Jersey Aves. and D St. NW.

Tidal Basin Stage Cultural Performances
Music, dance, song and martial arts demonstrations.
Dates: March 27 - April 11, 2010
Time: Beginning at Noon daily
Location: Jefferson Memorial


Free Cherry Blossom Tours
National Park Service Rangers lead Cherry Talks/Walks, Junior Ranger Programs, Lantern Tours and Bike Tours.
Dates: March 27 - April 11, 2010
Times: Vary
Locations: Vary

Gala Dinner Cruise aboard the Odyssey
Date: 2010 Date to Be Announced
Time: Boarding 6:00 pm; Cruise 7:00 - 10:00 pm
Location: Departs from Gangplank Marina (600 Water Street, SW)

Southwest Waterfront's Musical Prelude to the Fireworks
Hands-on activities, musical entertainment, food and drink.
Date: 2010 Date to Be Announced
Time: 5:00 - 8:30 pm
Location: 600 Water Street, SW Southwest Waterfront
See Photos of the Prelude to the Fireworks

National Cherry Blossom Festival® Fireworks Show
Date: 2010 Date to Be Announced
Time: 8:30 pm
Location: 600 Water Street, SW Southwest Waterfront
See a Photo of the Fireworks

2010 Parade of the National Cherry Blossom Festival®
Marching bands, floats, dance troupes, giant helium balloons and special celebrity guests.
Date: April 10, 2010
Time: 10:00 am - Noon
Location: Constitution Avenue, NW from 7th to 17th Streets
See Parade Photos

Sakura Matsuri - Japanese Street Festival
Arts, crafts, demonstrations, live entertainment, food and drink.
Date: April 10, 2010
Time: Following the parade, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Location: 12th Street and Pennsylvania Ave., NW
See Photos of the Japanese Street Festival