National Cherry Blossom Festival Guide: The Cherry Blossoms

The "peak bloom" is the magical moment visitors want to be on hand for during the cherry blossom season. The peak bloom date is defined as the day when 70 percent of the trees surrounding the Tidal Basin have opened their buds, creating an unforgettable sea of pink and white. The National Park Service is responsible for measuring the growth of the buds of the trees, and each year. the service gives a peak bloom prediction. On average, the peak bloom is on April 4, but that date changes year to year. For instance, 2012’s peak bloom occurred on March 20 due to unseasonably warm weather and then on April 10 in 2014 due to a cold winter.

The blooming period, when 20 percent of the blossoms are open before the petals and leaves fall, can last up to 14 days, depending on weather conditions. "Forecasting peak bloom is almost impossible more than 10 days in advance," according to the National Park Service. Follow along on NPS's Bloom Schedule for the latest bloom predictions.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Guide: The Celebration

Nothing signifies the arrival of spring in the District quite like the blooming of the cherry blossoms, an event that has spawned a three-week festival celebrating the occasion. More than 1.5 million visitors descend upon Washington, DC each year to admire the 3,000-plus trees. The festival, full of events that honor both the American and Japanese cultures, represents a close bond forged between the United States and Japan that began with Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki’s gift of the trees back in 1912.

The 2016 National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place from March 20 through April 17.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Guide: The Festival

The National Cherry Blossom Festival isn't just a celebration of the blossoms—it's a three-week-long cultural festival held all over the city. Get things started on March 18 at the Pink Tie Party—a fundraiser featuring cocktails (with accompanying attire), cuisine, live music and dancing. The Opening Ceremony, a free event held on March 26 at the Warner Theatre, includes traditional and contemporary performances from American and Japanese artists. Other popular events include the Blossom Kite Festival (TBD), Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival (TBD) and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade presented by Events DC (April 16), which is followed by the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival. For a full list of featured events, click here.