2017 National Cherry Blossom Festival Dates in DC Released

We haven't even settled into the winter months yet, but if you're looking forward to the spring already, here's some good news: the dates for the 2017 National Cherry Blossom Festival have been officially set.

The festival will run from March 20 through April 16, according to a statement from the festival. That's not a confirmation that the cherry blossoms will reach their peak bloom in the D.C. area then, but there should be at least some overlap.

Local officials, sponsors and stakeholders met Thursday evening at the Smithsonian American Art Museum to provide a preview of the festival, which will reach its 90th anniversary this upcoming spring. They also unveiled the 2017 official artwork, created by D.C.-based artist Naturel. The artwork will be featured on the 2017 poster and official merchandise.

Officials will kick off the 2017 National Cherry Blossom Festival March 16 with a Pink Tie Party fundraiser, followed by an opening ceremony at the Warner Theater on March 25. A Blossom Kite Festival on the Washington Monument grounds is set for April 1, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade is scheduled for April 8.

The festival will be capped off by an April 15 Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival.

Image via National Cherry Blossom Festival