Organizers of the 2026 National Cherry Blossom Festival just made a few announcements regarding key event dates and the official artwork representing next year’s celebration.
The events that have been confirmed and given dates so far are largely the same key events that have taken place during previous National Cherry Blossom Festivals: the Pink Tie Party, the Blossom Kite Festival, Petalpalooza, and, of course, the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade.
When is the 2026 National Cherry Blossom Festival?
The 2026 National Cherry Blossom Festival will take place next spring, from March 20th to April 12th!
Here are each of the confirmed events that have already been announced:
- Pink Tie Party – Friday, March 13th
- Opening Ceremony – Saturday, March 21st
- Blossom Kite Festival – Saturday, March 28th
- Oxon Run Pinknic – Sunday, March 29th
- Petalpalooza – Saturday, April 4th
- National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade – Saturday, April 11th
What is the official artwork for next year’s festival?
The 2026 National Cherry Blossom Festival’s official artwork, created by artist Tim Yanke, is entitled ‘America in Bloom’.
According to the artist, it took over eight months to plan and execute a design that truly encapsulated his vision.
The ‘America in Bloom’ design features D.C.’s iconic cherry blossoms, the Washington Monument in the background, 13 butterflies that represent the original colonies, and hidden lyrics from songs like “God Bless America”.
Why is next year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival going to be the biggest ever?
According to Diana Mayhew, the festival’s president and CEO, this upcoming year’s festival will have “nearly double the number of attendees that we’ll be able to accommodate,” which she attributed to next year also being America’s 250th anniversary.
While last year’s festival concluded with bittersweet news, that 158 cherry blossom trees (including our beloved Stumpy) would be removed to repair the Tidal Basin’s crumbling seawall, Japan has since announced that they will be gifting the District with 250 new cherry blossoms in honor of America’s 250th anniversary!
The 2026 festival will be the 114th anniversary of Japan’s original gift of 3,000 Japanese cherry trees that were given to Washington, D.C. in 1912!