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The National Cherry Blossom Festival, international adventures and gorgeous parks and gardens await in springtime. NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL SEE THE BLOSSOMS Cherry blossom fever hits during peak bloom of the Yoshino cherry trees around the Tidal Basin. You can see other blossoms at the U.S. National Arboretum and The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. MAJOR EVENTS DC’s signature springtime celebration runs from March 20 to April 12. Mark the calendar for the Opening Ceremony (March 21), the Blossom Kite Festival (March 28), the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade presented by Events DC (April 4) and Petalpalooza (April 11). SPECIAL PROGRAMS DC restaurants feature spring-inspired dishes and deals as part of Cherry Picks. Hop on the Blossom Bus from DC Circulator, which takes visitors to blossom-centric destinations. For riverside views, the Potomac Riverboat Company operates cherry blossom sightseeing cruises. INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURES PASSPORT DC This celebration of international culture (May 1-31) offers two free chances to step inside an embassy: the Around the World Embassy Tour on May 2 and the European Union Open House on May 9. WORLDWIDE ART Gaze at Asian art and artifacts at the Freer and Sackler Galleries. Catch classic Shakespearean plays by the Folger Theatre at venues around town. Pay homage to Van Gogh, Renoir and international brilliance at The Phillips Collection. GLOBE-TROTTING DINING Savor José Andrés’ Peruvian-Asian mix at China Chilcano. Over at The Wharf, indulge in masterful Italian cuisine from Officina. Find out why U Street was once known as “Little Ethiopia” with a visit to Dukem Ethiopian. PARKS & GARDENS TUDOR PLACE Tour gorgeous gardens in the heart of Georgetown at this National Historic Landmark that was once home to descendants of Martha Washington. U.S. BOTANIC GARDEN Check out lavish garden “rooms” filled with plants both tropical and medicinal, admire orchids and watch the kids water plant life in the Children’s Garden. ROCK CREEK PARK This free-to-enter, 1,750-acre urban oasis offers trails, horse stables, picnic areas, a golf course and even a planetarium. DISCOVER THE REAL DC To learn more about the Ethiopian community in the nation’s capital, check out The Real DC video series on washington.org/realdc.
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