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 29, 2008
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 29, 2008
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: National Mall - between 4th & 7th Streets, NW
Tidal Basin Stage Cultural Performances
Music, dance, song and martial arts demonstrations.
Dates: Mar 29, 2008 - Apr 13, 2008
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 29, 2008 - April 13, 2008
Times: Vary
Locations: Vary
Concerts at Union Station
Cultural performances and demonstrations.
Date: Mar 31, 2008 - Apr 04, 2008
Time: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Location: Union Station - 50 Massachusetts Ave., NE
Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado
The Washington Savoyards presents a short version of The Mikado, the most popular opera ever written.
Date: Mar 26, 2008 - Apr 13, 2008
Time: Wednesday Sunday 7:30 - 9:30 pm, Sunday Matinee 2:30 - 4:00 pm
Location: Atlas Performing Arts Center - 1333 H Street, NE
Southwest Waterfront's Musical Prelude to the Fireworks
Date: April 5, 2008
Time: 5:00 - 8:30 pm
Location: 600 Water Street, SW
National Cherry Blossom Festival® Fireworks Show
Date: April 5, 2008
Time: 8:30 pm
Location: Southwest Waterfront
Cherry Blossom Fireworks Cruise aboard the Spirit of Washington
Date: April 5, 2008
Time: Boarding 6:30 pm; Cruise 7-10 pm
Location: Departs from Southwest Waterfront
National Cherry Blossom Festival® Gala Dinner Cruise
Date: April 9, 2008
Time: 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Location: The Odyssey - Departs from Gangplank Marina (600 Water Street, SW)
2008 Parade of the National Cherry Blossom Festival®
Marching bands, floats, dance troupes, giant helium balloons and special celebrity guests.
Date: April 12, 2008
Time: 10:00 am - Noon
Location: Constitution Avenue, NW from 7th to 17th Streets
See 2007 Parade Pictures
Sakura Matsuri - Japanese Street Festival
Date: April 12, 2008
Time: Following the parade, 11 am - 6 pm
Location: 12th Street and Pennsylvania Ave., NW
See photos of the cherry blossoms on the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC.
See a Gallery of Photos of the National Cherry Blossom Festival


