Mar 1, 2022 - News

D.C. cherry blossom watch: Peak bloom is 3 weeks away

Paige Hopkins

People relax on the lawn under blooming cherry blossom trees. — Photo: Caroline Brehman/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images

The National Park Service announced its peak cherry blossom bloom prediction: March 22-25. And for the first time since the pandemic began, we'll get to admire the blooms in person, together.

Why it matters: The all in-person return of the National Cherry Blossom Festival is a welcome dose of normal, following two years of postponed, canceled, and virtual celebrations.

The festival marks the beginning of the busy spring tourism season. This year, visits to the District are expected to continue to rebound from steep pandemic decline.
The festival will kick off with an opening ceremony on March 20.

Driving the news: This year's National Cherry Blossom Festival marks the 110th year since Japan gifted the District with the trees as a symbol of friendship.

"Especially now, especially today, we celebrate friendships from peace-loving and freedom-loving people around the world," Mayor Bowser said during the announcement.

What we're watching: Get ready to celebrate with cherry blossom-themed everything for the next couple of months.

La Croix has already announced its new sparkling cherry blossom drink.
Metro will release a commemorative cherry blossom card.

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D.C. cherry blossom watch: Peak bloom is 3 weeks away

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