The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual two-week event that celebrates springtime in Washington, DC as well as the 1912 gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Japan.

The predicted peak blooming period of the cherry blossoms – MARCH 29 – APRIL 3!

Here are some of the highlights:

Family Day – Saturday, March 26, 2011
National Building Museum
401 F Street, NW
Metro Judiciary Square, Red Line
10am-3:30 pm

Opening Ceremony – Saturday, March 26, 2011
National Building Museum
401 F Street, NW
Metro Judiciary Square, Red Line
4-5:30 pm

Smithsonian Kite Festival – Sunday, March 27, 2011
Washington Monument Grounds
10 am-4 pm

Fireworks Display – Saturday, April 2, 2011
Waterfront Park – 600 Water Street, SW
Fireworks at 8:30-9 pm

Cherry Blossom Parade – Saturday, April 9, 2011
Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets, NW
10 am- 12 noon

Helpful links:

Cherry Blossom Festival Website
National Park Service Bloom Watch
Metro Website (use the trip planner feature on this website to find the metro options, taking metro is much better than driving for the festival events)