D.C. Cherry Blossoms at Peak Bloom, 2016 Festival Details

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Everyone spent last week watching a pair of bald eagle eggs hatch. This weekend, the District will enjoy the gorgeous cherry blossom blooms.

The trees known for creating a picturesque sea of pink and white blooms along the Potomac River officially hit peak bloom Friday morning, according to the National Park Service.

Peak bloom is when 70 percent of the Yoshino Cherry blossoms are open, according to the park service. It varies each year, and required several adjustments on this year's calendar as cool temps (and the threat for snow) came and went in the final weeks of winter.

Peak bloom can last, on average, from 4-10 days, according to the park service. A forecast through the middle of next week that shows slightly cooler temperatures, which will slow the bloom process and help to keep the blossoms on the trees, according to the National Mall on Facebook.

But storms can shake up the bloom timeline, and a chance of showers begins Monday, so this weekend might be your best opportunity for a viewing.

Read more at Patch:

• Your PHOTOS: 2016 Cherry Blossoms at Peak
• Tips for Seeing the Blossoms

National Cherry Blossom Festival

Events this weekend will launch the 2016 National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Here's event links, dates and descriptions, provided by the festival:

OPENING CEREMONY, March 26, 2016

• Kick-off the 2016 National Cherry Blossom Festival and watch world-renowned performers as we welcome springtime to Washington, DC and celebrate the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States. Enjoy spirited traditional and contemporary performances in the historic Warner Theatre.

FAMILY DAY PRESENTED WITH THE NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM, March 26, 2016

• Family Days features hands-on activities and exciting youth performances for all ages

JAPANESE CULTURE DAY, March 26, 2016

• Japanese Culture Day presented by the Library of Congress’ Asian Division and the Center for the Book of the Library of Congress, introduces children and adults to Japanese culture through hands-on activities and presentations.

A FAMILY OPERA “HANSEL AND GRETEL”, March 27, 2016

• Opera Pomme Rouge (OPR), which was founded 2 years ago by Anna Etsuko Tsuri, who is an internationally experienced opera stage director, will be presenting their own shorter English version (45mins) of the family opera “Hansel and Gretel” at 6pm on March 27, 2016 at the Millennium Stage, the Kennedy Center.

THE 6821 QUINTET – POP UP CONCERT, March 27, 2016

• Time: 1:30 – 2:30 PM Location: The Plaza at CityCenter – H Street NW between 9th and 10th (Map) Cost: FREE Description: The 6821 Quintet was specifically assembled for the 2016 National Cherry Blossom Festival by the Ryuji Ueno Foundation. Cleverly named to reflect the distance from Tokyo to DC.

See a complete list of events.

Photo: National Cherry Blossom Festival