- Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony includes a variety of live entertainment and is located at a new venue this year. Tickets are required and are no longer available. Date: March, 23, 2013
Time: 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW
- Cherry Blossom Family Days
The annual opening of Washington’s cherry blossom season includes hands-on, family friendly activities, interactive art demonstrations and special live performances.
Date: March 23-24, 2013
Times: Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: National Building Museum, 401 F Street, NW
See Photos of the Annual Family Day Event
- Blossom Kite Festival
Kite flying competition, special demonstrations and kite making for children.
Date: March 30, 2013.
Time: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: National Mall - Constitution Avenue & 17th Streets, NW
See Photos of the Kite Festival
- Daily Stage Performances
Music, dance, song and martial arts demonstrations.
Dates: March 20-April 14, 2013
Time: Vary
Locations: Jefferson Memorial and Tidal Basin Paddle Boat Parking Area
- NCBF Sponsored Sporting Events
Soccer, baseball, rugby and running.
Dates: Vary
Locations: Vary
- Free Cherry Blossom Tours
National Park Service Rangers lead Cherry Talks/Walks, Junior Ranger Programs, and Lantern Tours.
Dates: March 23-April 14, 2013
Times: Vary
Locations: Vary
- Cherry Blossom Freedom Walk
Walk, keynote speakers, Japanese and Palestinian folk dancing.
Date: April 6, 2013.
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: National Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism, Louisiana and New Jersey Aves. and D St. NW.
- Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival
Hands-on activities, musical entertainment, food and drink.
Date: April 6, 2013
Time: 1:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Location: 600-900 Water Street, SW Southwest Waterfront
See Photos of the Prelude to the Fireworks
- National Cherry Blossom Festival® Fireworks Show
Date: April 6, 2013
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Location: 600 Water Street, SW Southwest Waterfront
See a Photo of the Fireworks
- Japanese Stone Lantern Lighting Ceremony
Formal ceremonial lighting of the Japanese Stone Lantern
Date: April 7, 2013
Time: 2:30 - 4 p.m.
Location: North side of the Tidal Basin, at the west end of Kutz Bridge at Independence Avenue and 17th Street, SW.
- 2013 Parade of the National Cherry Blossom Festival®
Marching bands, floats, dance troupes, giant helium balloons and special celebrity guests.
Date: April 13, 2013
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12 p.m.
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 13, 2013
Time: Following the parade, 10:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: 12th Street and Pennsylvania Ave., NW
See Photos of the Japanese Street Festival
- Yards Park Lantern Making Family Day
Date: April 13, 2013
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Capitol Riverfront, 300 Water Street, SE, Washington DC.
Lantern making sessions will be held at 10:00 am and 12:00 pm. Each session will be followed by a parade through Yards Park.
Calendar of Events for the 2013 National Cherry Blossom Festival
By Rachel Cooper, About.com Guide
Japanese Performer
© 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:
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