Seattle's Inaugural Cherry Blossom Festival Begins Friday

SEATTLE — As cherry blossoms hit full bloom across the region, revelers will have a new way to take in the sights and celebrate the changing of the seasons at the inaugural U District Cherry Blossom Festival in Seattle.

The 29 cherry trees on the University of Washington's quad typically draw thousands of visitors each year, and in 2022 the university formally welcomed crowds back to see them for the first time since the pandemic began. The new festival will run through April 10 and features several neighboring bars and restaurants that have created special menu offerings inspired by the blossoms.

Other activities include the Seattle Cherry Blossom run, a 5K and half marathon scheduled for Saturday, and the U District Farmers Market.

Those looking to avoid traffic and parking headaches can take the Link to the Husky Stadium stop, or the newly opened U District Station, which is located just a few steps away from the heart of the festival.

Learn more about the Cherry Blossom Festival and check out an interactive map of all the activities and participants online.