SPRING From blossoms to baseball to beautiful parks and beyond, DC is the ultimate springtime destination. Blossom Kit e Festival NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL The citywide celebration commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry blossom trees to DC by the mayor of Tokyo. MAJOR EVENTS Opening Ceremony: March 23 Day of multicultural performances at Warner Theatre (free ticket required) Blossom Kite Festival: March 30 Free kite-fl ying extravaganza on the National Mall Petalpalooza: April 6 Free family-friendly event with art installations, live music and fi reworks on the Anacostia River Parade: April 13 Elaborate fl oats and ebullient marching bands traverse Constitution Avenue (ticketed) Sakura Matsuri: April 13-14 Japanese street festival with cultural groups, art vendors, food booths, contests and live programming (free) WASHINGTON.ORG Presented to DC 70 years ago this spring, the two-ton Japanese Stone Lantern located north of the Tidal Basin is the city’s oldest free-standing, man-made stone structure outdoors. Peak bloom: Typically takes place between the last week of March and the fi rst week of April. Visit washington.org/spring for the latest info. Insider Tips MORE SEASONAL ADVENTURES There are so many ways to fi ll a spring day in the nation’s capital. • See blossoms beyond the Tidal Basin at Dumbarton Oaks, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and the U.S. National Arboretum • Hike or bike along the 11-mile Capital Crescent Trail or the 18-mile Mount Vernon Trail • Take a tranquil stroll through formal gardens at Hillwood Estate or Tudor Place • Catch MLB’s Washington Nationals in action (home games begin April 1) • Groove to a free show at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage 23
Source Visitor Guide DNU - Washington DC Official Visitor Guide Spring/Summer 2024: Page 23
