2025 Cherry Blossom Festival: March 20-April 13

Tejal Somvanshi

DC's iconic cherry blossoms expected to hit peak bloom March 28-31, when 70% of Yoshino trees will burst into pink and white flowers.

Photo Source - Nicolas Raymond (CC BY 2.0)

Cherry Blossom Festival runs March 20-April 13, kicking off with the Pink Tie Party and culminating in the grand parade on April 12.

Photo Source - Ryan Somma (CC BY 2.0)

Last year's festival drew 1.6 million visitors and pumped over $200 million into local businesses, breaking pre-pandemic records.

Photo Source - Ted Eytan (CC BY-SA 2.0)

NPS predicts bloom dates using weather forecasts, tree conditions, and historical data—though peak bloom arrived earlier than predicted in six of nine recent years.

Photo Source - Onset Data Loggers (Flickr)

Stumpy's Petals & Paddles Race" debuts in 2025, honoring a beloved tree removed during Tidal Basin flood prevention work.

Photo Source: Egor Kamelev (Pexels)

Cuttings from "Stumpy" have taken root at the National Arboretum, with plans to bring its descendants back to the Tidal Basin.

Photo Source - Ackley Toumass (Flickr)

While the Tidal Basin remains the prime viewing spot, Mayor Bowser notes cherry trees bloom across all eight DC wards, offering citywide viewing options.

Photo Source - MikeYashWorth (Flickr)

The festival honors the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Tokyo to Washington DC, a symbol of friendship between nations.

Photo Source - MEA Photo Gallery (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)