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 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