Cherry Blossom Festival to kick off with peak bloom expected the first week of April

WASHINGTON (ABC7) — Nothing says spring in DC like watching the Japanese trees transform before our eyes. The National Cherry Blossom festival kicks off Wednesday and will run until April 14.

It’s still in the early stage, but florets are visible on the iconic Yoshino cherry trees.

The National Park Service is currently expecting peak bloom between April 3 and 6.

The festival once again is taking place in and around the National Mall.

A four-week celebration of the friendship between the United States and Japan, and the wonderful gift was created in 1912.

Some of the highlights this year are the pink tie party Friday night. Great food, live music and dancing.

The very popular Kite Festival is back, and will take place on Saturday, March 30, and the star-studded parade presented by Events DC, caps the festival on Saturday, April 13.

If you’re new to the area or just need a refresher, there are three main areas to see the blossoms: near the Washington Monument, slightly south at the Tidal Basin in west Potomac Park and south of that at Hains Point in east Potomac park.

And on a busy day, to walk the entire Tidal Basin will take roughly an hour.