Weekender: Cherry Blossom Festival opening ceremony and more

State of play: Ceremony tickets are sold out (sorry), but limited standby tickets are available before the 5pm event, plus it'll be streamed on YouTube.

• The ceremony includes sword dances from Japanese folk arts group Futago Onikenbai, modern dance by choreographer Takehiro Ueyama and pop music by the singer Ayaka Hirahara.

🌸 Meanwhile, for those keeping track, the National Park Service predicts peak bloom will happen March 29–April 1.

More fun events this weekend:

🎞️ The D.C. Environmental Film Festival is back today through March 28, screening movies throughout the DMV. Opening night is sold out, but you can grab tickets online for movies about wildlife, conservation, indigenous voices and more. Schedule

🎭 Shakespeare Theatre Company is hosting the U.S. premiere of the Royal Shakespeare Company's adaptation of novelist Maggie O'Farrell's "Hamnet." Tickets available through April 12

🌙 To celebrate Ramadan, the Museum of Illusions downtown is inviting families on Sunday for an evening of DJ sounds, Arabic calligraphy, food and drinks, and a chance to stroll through its immersive exhibits. Tickets $41 for adults

🖼️ The Phillips Collection has a special exhibit, "Miró and the United States," debuting Saturday — it'll showcase the paintings of Catalan artist Joan Miró and works by more than 30 artists. Plan your visit

🎤 After the weekend: Lady Gaga is performing at Cap One on Monday and Tuesday, part of her North America "MAYHEM Ball" tour. Tickets