Cherry Blossom Festival
It’s that time of year folks! It’s Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC!
Every year around this time, people from all over come to DC to see the coveted cherry trees blooming around the tidal basin and other areas. This also sparks a festival with various events in the city. The trees were planted beginning in 1912, but new trees have been planted regularly since then.
Peak bloom was Monday, April 1st! This was no April Fool’s joke, because I brought my puppy and walked around the basin on Monday and indeed the trees are blooming! Peak bloom is supposed to be when at least 70% of the trees are in bloom. The benefit of going when it is peak bloom is that of course it is beautiful to see the majority of cherry trees with beautiful blooming buds. The setback is definitely the crowds – the area is jam-packed with people!
It requires patience and good timing to get a good picture despite full crowds. Wednesday, Reda and I attempted to take some engagement photos. We were relatively successful, but it took creative angles and multiple shots to get photos without random people walking through. Here are a couple of failed attempts of tourist-less pictures:
I’d recommend visiting very early morning to avoid crowds during the peak bloom time if you want really nice photos. Otherwise – creativity and patience! Or for technology-savvy individuals, there is always photoshop. A couple of slightly more successful attempts:
The trees are still beautiful both before and after peak bloom – so if you haven’t already visited, you still should! There are also cherry trees in other parts of the city such as Anacostia Park and Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown. The trees in East Potomac Park generally bloom a little later than those at the tidal basin because a majority of them are a different breed of cherry tree.
Each year, the Cherry Blossom Festival includes various events to celebrate! Last weekend was the Kite Festival on the Washington Monument grounds. This weekend there is Petalpalooza at the Wharf in SE DC. I haven’t previously attended many events outside of visiting the trees themselves, but as a new DC resident I am excited to take advantage!
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29 Comments
Jackline A
I love attending cherry blossom festivals. Such a picture perfect place.
trijit28613
I am eagerly waiting to attend this cherry blossom festival, sounds really amazing.
ansh997x
I have never been to a Cherry blossom festival but I would love to visit sometimes. Japan ones are in my bucketlist now.
amayszingblogs
Cherry Blossom Festival sounds wonderful I love the view How I wish I have a chance to go in this festival awesome photos!
girltimewithaliyat
I love cherry blossom season. I wish they had something to display them where I live. Cause there absolutely beautiful.Thanks for sharing!
aisasami
I miss the cherry blossoms festival in DC! I live in Japan where I can see real cherry blossoms all over, but the DC celebration was really fun because there was a lot to do.
Joanna
What a beautiful place to visit! I would love to see the cherry trees blossoms!
Simon Starchevsky
Beautiful photos capturing the essence of Cherry Blossom season! Next time I visit DC, I will try to make sure it coincides with the season.
Shadrack biwot
Really informative for foreigners. Love the cherry blossom
Anita Alig
Beautiful, I’ll have to try and be in Washington DC for it next year! Thanks for the tip and the gorgeous pics!
Anny Bon
This article is informative for foreigners who don’t know about your festivals.