D.C. things to do this weekend: Cherry blossom time
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The National Cherry Blossom Festival officially begins today with more than three weeks of events in store.
Why it matters: It's been a long winter, but spring is here.
- Peak bloom is projected for March 28-31. The green buds along the Tidal Basin entered phase three of six Wednesday; next we'll see glimpses of pink!
State of play: Festivities begin with "Cherry Blossom Magic at the Museum of Illusions DC" at CityCenter. The three-day event includes paint and cake workshops, curated wines, and a cherry blossom-inspired exhibit. Tickets are $50.
- Many more events are on the calendar, including an "Art in Bloom DC" annual exhibition showcasing art and floral design. Tickets for the show at Anderson House, the Gilded Age mansion in Dupont, are $28.
The opening ceremony for the festival to celebrate the gift of the cherry blossom trees from Tokyo in 1912 is Saturday.
- All tickets have been claimed for the free event at the Warner Theatre, but a limited number of walk-ups may be accommodated, organizers say. The performances will be live streamed.
Plus: Don't miss Anna's list of the best cherry blossom pop-ups around D.C. right now.
More events this weekend:
- The D.C. Environmental Film Festival opens today with "The White House Effect," a documentary about the climate crisis. Showings will run through the 29th.
- A dinner tonight at L'Avant-Garde in Georgetown honors the 90th birthday of Jacques Pépin. The five-course dinner is $90 per guest.
- You can watch local teams in the NCAA tournament. The Maryland men's and women's basketball teams have first round games tomorrow and Saturday, respectively. George Mason University's women's team is also playing on Saturday.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that tickets to "Art in Bloom DC" are $28 (not $110).