2019-03-04 10:26:23
The National Cherry Blossom Festival, international adventures and gorgeous parks and gardens await in springtime. NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL SEE THE BLOSSOMS Cherry blossom cheer is most extraordinary during the peak bloom of the Yoshino cherry trees that surround the Tidal Basin. You can also catch blossoms at Hains Point, Dumbarton Oaks and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. MAJOR EVENTS DC’s signature springtime celebration runs from March 20 to April 13. Can’t-miss happenings include the Opening Ceremony (March 23), the Blossom Kite Festival (March 30), Petalpalooza at The Wharf (April 6) and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade presented by Events DC (April 13). SPECIAL PROGRAMS The city celebrates the season in style. Restaurants participate in Cherry Picks, featuring spring- or cherry-inspired dishes and deals. Also, look for blossom-themed adornments on iconic city buildings as part of City in Bloom. INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURES WORLDWIDE ART Experience Empresses of China’s Forbidden City, 1644-1912 at Freer|Sackler (March 30–June 23), explore The Life of Animals in Japanese Art at the National Gallery of Art (May 5– July 28) and pay homage to Van Gogh and Renoir at The Phillips Collection. PASSPORT DC A month-long celebration of culture (May 1-31) includes two free events during which embassies welcome the public: the Around the World Embassy Tour on May 4 and the European Union Embassies’ Open House on May 11. GLOBE-TROTTING DINING Savor the Peruvian-Asian mix at José Andrés’ China Chilcano, sample sushi at O-Ku and Sei, discover Georgian cuisine at Supra and enjoy Mexican flavors at Mi Vida. PARKS & GARDENS ROCK CREEK PARK An urban oasis of more than 1,750 acres, Rock Creek has miles of trails, horse stables, picnic areas, a golf course and a planetarium for star-gazers. KENILWORTH AQUATIC GARDENS Plant lovers, rejoice. This Anacostia reserve features thousands of lotuses, water lilies and hyacinths, in addition to a whopping 45 ponds. U.S. NATIONAL ARBORETUM The 446-acre Arboretum is home to the famous Capitol Columns and the Bonsai and Penjing Museum, a big showcase for little trees in honor of a classic Asian art form. For more seasonal activities, visit WASHINGTON.ORG
©Washington-DC. View All Articles.