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Everything you need to know about the 2019 DC Cherry Blossom festival

Events range from a pop-up bar to a bike tour of the blossoms

WASHINGTON — In 1927, the District held its first ever National Cherry Blossom festival, and the activities have since been expanding.

This age-old festival celebrates the gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city in 1912. It also also celebrates the bond between the United States and Japan. 

Currently, the festivity lasts four weeks, and welcomes over 1.5 million people. During the Cherry Blossom Festival, participants can expect a myriad of events, ranging from a pop-up bar to a blossom bike tour. 

Here's a day-by-day breakdown of the festival and what it has to offer.

Monday, March 18

Tuesday, March 19

  • ARTECHOUSE: In Peak Bloom
  • Cherry Blossom Galore Tour

Wednesday, March 20

Thursday, March 21

Friday, March 22

Saturday, March 23

Sunday, March 24

  • Gallery Talk: The Tale of Genju in Japanese Art 
  • Blossoms by Bike
  • The 6821 Quintet at Evermay
  • The Tale of Genji: A Musical Narrative with Violinist Ikuko Kawai 
  • "Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon" The Super Live 
  • Cherry Blossom Galore Tour

Monday, March 25

Tuesday, March 26

Wednesday, March 27

Thursday, March 28

Friday, March 29

Saturday, March 30

Sunday, March 31

  • CUENTA-CUENTOS: Story time in Spanish (Llamame Arbol)
  • Sakura Taiko Takover
  • Blossoms by Bike
  • Cherry Blossom Galore Tour

Monday, April 1

Tuesday, April 2

Wednesday, April 3

Thursday, April 4

Friday, April 5

Saturday, April 6

  • Petalpalooza
  • Blossoms by Bike
  • 21st Annual National Cherry Blossom Freedom Walk - "Fractured: The Faces of Family Separation" 
  • Cherry Blossom STEM day at the Lab 
  • Open Studio: Celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival
  • Ikebana Floral Design Workshop
  • Ikebana Floral Design Workshop for Kids
  • Cherry Blossom Galore Tour

Sunday, April 7

Tuesday, April 9

Wednesday, April 10

  • Kimono Fashion Show and Luncheon
  • Cherry Blossom Galore Tour

Thursday, April 11

Friday, April 12

  • 27th National Japan Bowl
  • Newseum Nights: In Bloom
  • Cherry Blossom Grand Ball
  • Fridays@Freer|Sackler: Cherry Blossom Edition 
  • Film and Performance: Dragnet Girl
  • Tagawa University Taiko Drumming and Dance Troupe
  • Cherry Blossom Galore Tour

Saturday, April 13

Sunday, April 14

Monday, April 15

  • Cherry Blossom Galore Tour

Thursday, April 25

Sunday, April 28

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