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: 2010 Date to Be Announced
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


