National Cherry Blossom Festival: April Schedule Of Events

BETHESDA, MD — The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicked off Saturday, March 25, and runs through April 15. The National Park Service says that 70 percent of the Yoshino cherry blossoms that survived the cold snap reached the puffy white stage on March 22.

"The bloom period starts several days before the peak bloom date and can last as long as 14 days, however, deep frost or high temperatures combined with wind or rain can shorten this period."

The showers soaking Maryland on Friday will take a break for the weekend, so head over to the beautiful Tidal Basin to check out the cherry blossoms. The National Weather Service is forecasting a dry Saturday and Sunday, with rain possibly returning Monday and Tuesday.

Skies will be overcast Saturday. Daytime temps are projected to be in the 50s, dipping to the low 40s at night. The sunshine will return Sunday with mostly sunny skies are in the forecast and temperatures in the low 60s. Evening temps will be in the mid 40s.

BLOSSOM KITE FESTIVAL

April 01, 2017
Join us on Saturday, April 1 for the Blossom Kite Festival featuring all day free family fun. Time: 10 AM – 4:30 PM Location: Grounds of the Washington Monument near 17th Street NW and Constitution Avenue.

The Blossom Kite Festival showcases the creativity of kite makers and skill of fliers from across the US and other countries through a variety of competitions and demonstrations, Rokkaku Battles and the Hot Tricks Showdown. Bring your own kites or children can make a kite at an activity station (while supplies last) to fly on the Public Field. The rain date is Sunday, April 2, 2017.

NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL PARADE PRESENTED BY EVENTS DC

April 08, 2017
Enjoy this long-standing Washington tradition featuring lavish floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, and family entertainment. Time: 10 AM – Noon Location: Constitution Avenue – From 7th to 17th streets, NW. Cost: Starting at $20 for Grandstand Seating. Standing along the Parade route from Constitution Avenue between 9th and 15th streets, NW is FREE and open to the public. Arrive early for the best views.

SOUTHWEST WATERFRONT FIREWORKS FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY HARRIS TEETER

April 15, 2017
Enjoy live music and entertainment for all ages preceding the Fireworks Show at 8:30 PM. Time: 2-9:30 PM; Fireworks display 8:30 PM (weather permitting) Location: 2 – 9:30 PM District Wharf – 600-650 Water Street, SW 6 – 9 PM Titanic Memorial, Southwest Waterfront Park Cost: FREE

Additional reporting by Patch Editors Deb Belt and Elizabeth Janney

»Photo from the National Park Service