Your D.C. Weekend: Bloomaroo, kite festival and blossom pop-ups
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Check out blossom-inspired fireworks at Bloomaroo on Saturday. Photo: Courtesy The Wharf
Cherry blossoms are popping, kites are flying and pink fireworks are set to light up the Wharf — D.C.'s biggest blossom weekend has arrived.
Why it matters: The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs through April 12, but this is peak spring energy — with big events to match.
The big picture: Tons of official festival events are happening — all free unless noted.
🪁 Blossom Kite Festival (Sat): A local favorite for a reason. Expect a full day of high-flying competition by the Washington Monument, plus plenty of space for kids (and adults) to join in.
- While you're on the Mall, swing by the Smithsonian American Art Museum's festival for live music, dancing, a Japanese model train display and kid-friendly crafts.
🎆 Bloomaroo at the Wharf (Sat): All-day festivities on the waterfront, including family-friendly activities, sake-fueled blossom bars for adults, a full musical lineup and blossom-themed fireworks.
🥁 Sakura Taiko Fest (Sat): Thunderous Japanese drumming takes over the Sylvan Theater for this free, family-friendly show.
🧺 Oxon Run Pinknic & Kite Fly (Sun): A standout neighborhood celebration in Southeast D.C. Expect peak blooms, vendors, music and kites among 200+ cherry trees.
🛍️ Sakura Sunday: National Harbor's annual festival features a Japanese market, performances, and plenty of food and shopping.
Blossom pop-ups and events
🍷 Pink & White Party (Thurs): Dress the part at Café Riggs with blush wines and bites. Tickets $85
🐻 Cherry Blossom Street Market (Fri): Bloomingdale's Big Bear hosts an evening market with 25+ vendors and music. Free registration
🐟 Tokyo Nights (Sat): A 150-pound tuna carving kicks off this Japanese festival at Dirty Habit in Penn Quarter, with street food stations by ToriSumi Yakitori, sake tastings and Japanese spy tales from the International Spy Museum. Tickets, free admission or $80 VIP (with tastings)
🍹Festival and Friendship (through April 11): Cocktail destination Silver Lyan in Penn Quarter partners with four beloved bars — Bar Betsie, Barmini, Moon Rabbit and Your Only Friend — for a special blossom menu amid floral decor. Reservations recommended
🍣 Omakase Bar Takeover at Kingbird (Mon): Sushi Taro's Nobu Yamazaki leads a 10-seat omakase at the Watergate Hotel restaurant. Reservations $150
More weekend fun
🥃 Doyle Spirits Festival (Sat): Sip your way through Irish whiskey and gin tastings, plus bites, music and more at this Irish boutique hotel. Tickets $54
🌱 DC Environmental Film Festival (through Sat): Watch films on nature, climate change and environmental justice at venues across the city. Schedule
📚 Capital Art Book Fair (Sat–Sun): Meet local writers and browse indie books and art publications at Eastern Market. Free
⚽ France vs. Colombia (Sun): Northwest Stadium hosts the "Road to 26" match at 3pm. Tickets
🎨 Brookland Arts Walk (Sun): Shop local vendors and catch a kid-friendly puppet show in this neighborhood arts hub. Free