National Cherry Blossom Festival Open Ceremony

The official kick-off to the Festival, immediately following Family Day, the Opening Ceremony, presented by Open Skies, features timeless traditions commemorating the gift of trees and a dazzling line-up of classic and contemporary performances. At the National Building Museum, one of the city’s most inspiring venues, Washington dignitaries welcome residents and visitors to the 16-day, citywide celebration that has made the nation’s capital synonymous with spring around the world. The Opening Ceremony is a free and public event with seating on a first-come, first-served basis.