Virtual + IRL Ways to Celebrate the Cherry Blossoms This Year

While the National Park Service, National Cherry Blossom Festival and D.C. government are still deciding if there will be a chance to see the cherry blossoms in person, there are plenty of online and socially distanced events to enjoy as part of this year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Anytime

BloomCam
BloomCam is a 24/7, real-time camera view of the cherry trees lining the Tidal Basin. Click here to watch and be sure to tune in between April 2-5, when the blossoms will be in peak bloom. www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org // @cherryblossfest

Virtual Tidal Basin Tour
Use an online map to click on points of interest, and watch a brief video featuring a National Park Service ranger sharing the history and secrets of the landmarks of the Tidal Basin area. www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org // @cherryblossfest

Through 3.28

Let Your Spirit and Kite Fly High
Continuing the long-standing tradition of kite flying in springtime, you can now participate in the kite fly from your own outside space. All participants who register will receive first access to virtual workshops and demos. Registration is open through March 27, workshops begin on March 15 and you can fly kites in your neighborhood park or backyard from the 27th through the 28th. Free; registration required. www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org // @cherryblossfest

Through 4.9

Mindfulness and Meditation Workshops
Free 30-minute online meditations will take place three times each week, led by D.C.-based meditation teachers. Sessions on Fridays include inspiration from art in the National Museum of Asian Art collection. Free; register here. 12 p.m. www.asia.si.edu // @freersackler

3.20-4.11

Petal Porch Parade
Let your creativity bloom by decorating your porches, windows and yards. The National Cherry Blossom Festival will create a virtual map with the locations of all registered Petal Porches, so you can plan a walk or drive around your neighborhood to share in the celebration of spring. The Petal Porch Parade will take place from March 20 until April 11. On the weekend of April 10-11, a petal procession will drive through select Petal Porch Parade neighborhoods in and around D.C. Register by March 15 for the chance to have the petal procession cruise through your neighborhood. Free; register here. www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org // @cherryblossfest

3.20

Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony will be livestreamed on Saturday, March 20, at 6 p.m. Co-hosted by Olympic Gold Medalist Kristi Yamaguchi and ABC 7’s Michelle Marsh, and co-presented by the Japan Foundation, it will feature special performances from Japanese and American artists including the Taiko Project, a group of taiko drummers; tap dancer Kazunori Kumagai; the Fukushima Youth Sinfonietta; and a calligraphy demonstration featuring The Matsumoto Arigasaki Senior High School Japanese Calligraphy Club and Alexandria, Virginia’s Hayfield Secondary School. Free; registration required. 6-7:45 p.m. www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org // @cherryblossfest

3.26

Pink Tie Party
Pink Tie Party tickets include three-course carryout dinners from your choice of popular D.C., Maryland and Virginia restaurants, a party kit, and a chance to win prizes provided by Kendra Scott. Tommy McFly and Kelly Collis of Real.Fun.DC will host. The event will also feature sake experts and a poetry discussion. Tickets $100+. 7-10 p.m. www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org // @cherryblossfest

4.10

Rock Paper Plant Virtual Crafting Session
Rock Paper Plant is a creative, women-of-color-owned business that specializes in botanical workshops and creations using live plants, cork and fiber. They are teaming up with Shop Made in DC on April 10 for a fun virtual workshop to celebrate D.C.’s favorite flowering tree. Students will learn how to use wool to create three-dimensional cherry blossoms inside a decorative hoop. $20. 1 p.m. www.rockpaperplant.com // @rockpaperplant

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