Bodacious Blossoms: The List’s List of Teas, Pop-Ups, & Festivities

Spring announces itself every year through the explosion of cherry blossom blooms all around the area. All the most enchanting cherry blossom experiences in the DMV can be found in our meticulously curated list. Whether you're seeking picturesque blooms, immersive events, or delightful teas, this list is your passport to an extraordinary cherry blossom season. Let the blossoms and festivities unfold:
 

Artechouse: Isekai: Blooming Parallel Worlds: Building upon their previous exhibit, the Pixelbloom series, while introducing Isekai, a subgenre of fantasy anime and manga, to create a fresh visual narrative. This exhibit's themed cocktails include the Sakura, Haru's Awakening, and the Hero's Quest. 1238 Maryland Avenue SW; For tickets and more information on the exhibit, click here.

Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea at The Fairmont: Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown is ushering in the spring with afternoon tea in the Loggia overlooking the cherry blossom trees in the Courtyard. Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea, served on Saturdays and Sundays from March 23 through, Sunday, April 14 offers seating between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. Executive sous chef Jason Rowley, senior sous chef Delonte Avery, and executive pastry chef Claus Olsen have collaborated on an enchanting menu of savory and sweet cherry delights, including prosciutto & blueberry goat cheese sandwiches, light pink panna cotta with cherry blossom jelly, and a cherry & cassis beignet, as well as cherry rose and vanilla blossom scones. Tea includes an assortment of Lott 35 loose leaf teas, as well as a glass of G.H. Mumm Champagne for $95 per person. Cherry blossom-inspired cocktails will also be available. Please note that Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea will not be available on Easter Sunday, March 31.  For reservations, please email [email protected]. 

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade: One of DC's largest spectator events, the Cherry Blossom Parade presented by Events DC runs for 10 blocks along Constitution Avenue. Giant colorful helium balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country, celebrity entertainers, and performers travel down the Parade route in a grand spectacle of music and showmanship seen only once a year during the Festival. April 13, 10:00 a.m. For tickets and more information, click here.
 

Bloom at the Heurich House: As the city blooms for the National Cherry Blossom festival from March 20th to April 14th, celebrate “City in Bloom” in the museum’s biergarten. The Castle Garden features dozens of species that bloom all year round. To celebrate the start of spring, enjoy botanical crafts (Wednesday, March 20th, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Free, RSVP required), curated decor, Japanese art, games, and a specially curated bar menu. Saturday, April 6, enjoy history in the garden along with Dupont Historic Main Streets Artisan Market, and more crafts. Every Thursday through Saturday, check out the blooms in the biergarten menu and special seasonal games. heurichhouse.org 
 

Blossom Hour & Blossom Rooftop Pop-Up at Jack Rose: Jack Rose Dining Saloon is debuting a new springtime pop-up and “Blossom Hour” happy hour on its rooftop bar. The bar has transformed its open-air terrace with an overhead canopy of cherry blossoms, plus floral cocktails, Japanese whiskies, and half-priced bar bites, every Thursday-Saturday from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., running through May 4. Beverage director Joe Oddo, has created four innovative cocktails for the season, honoring the flower-powered tradition with Japanese spirits, and floral/botanical flavors such as sencha green tea, cherry blossom, elderflower, melon, ginseng and cardamom. The cocktails are $12 during the happy hour (regularly $15-$20). Reservations are available on Resy for groups of 4+, but walk-ins are also welcomed. jackrosediningsaloon.com

Lego Cherry Blossoms at the Lego Discovery Center: Spring is right around the corner, but the cherry blossoms are already blooming at the Lego Discovery Center. Hundreds of Lego cherry blossoms have been built using 9,800 Lego bricks over 32 hours by the Center’s Master Model Builder, Andrew Litterst, and then ‘planted’ in MINIWORLD just in time for full bloom of the cherry blossoms. Minifigures can be seen strolling down the reflecting pool next to the Washington Monument and soaking up the sun taking in the sites. This area of the MINIWORLD attraction includes replicas of the White House and other Washington, D.C. landmarks built with 1.5 million LEGO bricks. 6563 Springfield Mall;  legodiscoverycenter.com 

Blossom Balcony at Limani: As The Wharf’s only over-the-water restaurant with 360-degree panoramic views throughout the space, Limani is a great spot to view the blossoms growing along Hains Point. To celebrate its first cherry blossom season in the Nation’s Capital, Limani is launching “Blossom Balcony” - a garden terrace with a cherry blossom drink and food specials. They have transformed the 3rd-floor terrace with cherry blossoms and Greek touches. Blossom Balcony provides an unparalleled view of the cherry trees along Hains Point. In addition, you can order The Venus Blossom to sip, or nibble on cherry blossom Loukoumades. 670 Wharf Street SW; limani.com/washington

Hanami Picnic from Love, Makotto: “Hanami” is a Japanese word that describes a favorite springtime activity—the viewing of cherry blossoms, often while having a picnic. This Hanami Picnic is the perfect way to slow down and enjoy the concept of Hanami right here in D.C. (And if you’re planning to propose under the blossoms, this is your move! They’ll provide the sushi and heart-shaped donuts; you pack the picnic blanket and the ring.) Intended to feed two, the Hanami Picnic costs $50 and includes:
16 Pieces of Sushi (4 pieces each of spicy tuna, spicy hamachi, California and yuzu salmon avocado rolls) + accompaniments
1 Seaweed Salad
2 Bottles of Strawberry Ramune
2 Cherry Blossom Donuts (one cherry + one vanilla) 

The Hanami Picnic can be ordered for pick-up in person at Love on the Run or via website; or for delivery through Uber Eats and DoorDash.

National Harbor Cherry Blossoms: National Harbor has become a prime location in the D.C. region to celebrate its early cherry tree display. Enjoy the trees along the 1.2 mile waterfront trail that bloom earlier than those on the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. This year’s festivities take place from March 20 to April 14 with National Harbor also serving as an official participant of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. In addition to National Harbor’s breathtaking waterfront views, this year’s celebration will be filled with entertainment, hotel room packages, food and drink specials, classes and more. The annual Sakura Sunday festival, an official participating event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, will be held on Sunday, March 24 from noon to 6 p.m. and will feature free cultural activities including Japanese inspired art, music, dance, culinary delights, and a Japanese market. Throughout the month, National Harbor will host classes and events including origami, sushi making, Japanese games provided by Katsucon Entertainment, Inc., bonsai, sake, and candle making. Restaurants throughout National Harbor will celebrate with food specials and will join National Harbor hotels and retailers in having a variety of special offers and displays. MGM National Harbor has its beautiful spring conservatory installation. Some of National Harbor’s eight hotels will offer specials and packages. Select hotels will provide special National Harbor welcome swag bags with Cherry Blossom package deals. For more information on National Harbor and cherry blossom activities and offerings, go to nationalharbor.com/cherryblossom

Tableside Service at Park Hyatt’s Tea Cellar: Beginning Saturday, March 16, Park Hyatt Washington D.C. will celebrate the return of spring with the addition of tableside tea service in the Tea Cellar, which will now be available on both Saturday and Sunday, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.  The tea menu offers pastries with accompaniments and seasonally inspired small plates. Weekend afternoon tea service is priced at $75  or $95 per person, excluding tax and gratuity, which includes a freshly brewed pot of tea, and a glass of Taittinger. Children between six and twelve are $30 per person. Park Hyatt Washington’s Tea Cellar is home to one of the most unique and expansive collections of tea in the United States, with over 30 rare and limited-production, single-estate teas. Additional pots of tea can be ordered which range from $8 to $300. Dishes from the inaugural tea menu will be cherry blossom inspired and include eclair with herb fromage blanc, Lapsang Souchong cured salmon; Chawanmushi with crab, radishes, and caviar; Compressed cucumber with apples, preserved citrus cream cheese, dill, and sourdough; Duck rillette tartine with cherry preserves, pickled shallots, and baguette; Japanese matcha roll cake, and grapefruit posset with yogurt panna cotta and Sakura blossom. 202 419 6755; exploretock.com/blueducktavern

(Boozy) Cherry Blossom Tea at The Pendry: Classic afternoon tea takes a unique twist at The Pendry D.C.’s boozy tea service. Located in Bar Pendry on the first floor of the waterfront hotel, tea service is offered weekly for $80 per person. To celebrate the start of cherry blossom season, afternoon tea is getting sweeter with a limited-edition Cherry Blossom Boozy Tea menu running from March 23rd through April 21st, featuring new cocktails and treats inspired by the changing seasons. The new items include seasonally appropriate ingredients such as Sakura tea made with cherry blossom flowers, cherry blossom cremeux, and cherry preserves. One of the standout tea trio options combines Bar Hill gin, sakura tea powder, honey, and lemon which is then topped with whipped honey meringue and bruleed. Munch on sweet and savory snacks like the chicken salad tart with curried chicken salad and dried sour cherries or the sakura profiterole stuffed with cherry blossom cremeux and strawberry chocolate. 655 Water Street SW; Reservations for afternoon tea can be made via OpenTable. 

Pink in the Park: The National Landing Business Improvement District, in partnership with Amazon and the National Cherry Blossom Festival, are presenting the return of Pink in the Park, in celebration of the cherry blossom season. This playful, pink-themed event series offers a trio of neighborhood experiences, welcoming the peak of spring with live art, food and drinks from local vendors, family-friendly activities, music and more. The celebrations take place over two weekends: Art of Pink (April 6), Pink in the Pool (April 6), and Pink Beats (April 16). For more information, click here. nationallanding.org 

Blossoms Bloming at Pop Fizz: Brent Kroll's Pop Fizz Bar, a go-to destination for its extensive selection of carbonated alcoholic beverages, specializes in sparkling wine. Sip your bubbles, chew on Detroit style pizza, and enjoy their recently updated cherry blossom indoor decor (or new patio on warmer days). 2108 Vermont Avenue NW; popfizzdc.com

Blossom Pop-Up at Residents: Experience the magic of cherry blossom season at Residents Café and Bar by dining under an enchanting canopy of pink cherry blossom branches on the heated patio and delighting in spring-themed bites and cocktails. Enjoy seasonal menu picks such as the Sakura Spritz (lime, morello cherry, whey, sakura sochu, maurin quina, Japanese bermutto, sparkling sake, cherry blossom petals) and the burrata (made with snap peas, marinated fennel, Meyer lemon vinaigrette, avocado mousse, and sourdough bread). For more information, visit residentsdc.com

Rosewood Hotel Cherry Blossom Package: Available through April 13, indulge in an unforgettable cherry blossom escape for up to eight guests at the Rosewood’s Royal Suite. From guided tours and professional photoshoots amidst peak bloom to savoring cherry blossom-inspired cocktails and menu items, make the most of this cherry blossom season. In addition to the two night stay at the hotel, receive a bottle of Rosé Champagne up on arrival, parking for up to four cars, cocktails at CUT Above, a three-course dinner at CUT, homemade cherry blossom ice cream, and a professional photo shoot and private tour of DC’s landmarks. $20,000. 1050 31st Street NW; 202.617.2424

Salamander DC’s Cherry Blossom Tea: Enjoy a refined afternoon tea experience at Salamander DC through April 14, with seatings Wednesday through Sunday at 1:00 and 3:30 p.m. Featuring a glass of celebratory bubbles, homemade scones, tea sandwiches, and pastries served with a selection of premium loose-leaf teas and live piano music Fridays through Sundays, for $95 per person. If you are a guest at the hotel, you now have the option to enjoy tea service in your room as well. salamanderdc.com 

Second Annual Spring Sake Festival: DC Sake cō and Hotel Zena are hosting the second-annual Spring Sake Festival from 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. at Hotel Zena on April 5. The event is an official participating event of the 2024 National Cherry Blossom Festival.  
Highlights from the Spring Sake Festival include:
Meeting top sake professionals in the U.S.
Tasting more than 100 imported and craft sakes
Tasting sake that hasn’t been available in D.C. until now
Discovering their favorite sakes and place orders
10% of all the sales of sake with DC Sake cō from the entire month of April will go towards the Adopt the Cherry Tree campaign. Tickets start at $85 per person. To purchase a ticket, click here. 

 
Cherry Blossom Celebrations at the St Regis: Bringing back its signature twist on the renowned afternoon tea ritual, The St. Regis Washington, D.C. is thrilled to offer its much buzzed about Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea this spring. The extraordinary tea presentation features beautifully prepared desserts hanging from the branches of a cherry blossom tree, all surrounded by a selection of savory bites at the tree’s base. Choose from a fine selection of luxurious teas from Dammann Frères, including an exclusive custom blended cherry blossom tea. Afternoon tea is available Wednesdays through Sundays, through June 2, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at $109 per person. The St. Regis Bar will also debut a sweeping cherry blossom takeover inspired by the capital’s infamous cherry blossoms. Immerse yourself in a floral ambiance with a large sweeping installation gracing the fireplace, complemented by elegant cherry blossom centerpieces adorning lounge tables and grand floral arrangements at the bar. While there, savor cherry blossom themed desserts and Champagne. Enjoy an array of intricately decorated desserts displayed on a playful and interactive gold Ferris wheel tower and a glass of Champagne each. Priced at $150 for two guests, the cherry blossom dessert wheel offering is available through June 2, Wednesdays through Saturdays, from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. Extend your stay with the cherry blossom celebration hotel experience: Starting at $529 per night, the package includes:
• Overnight accommodations in a guest room or suite
• Complimentary use of the hotel’s bicycles or e-bicycles for exploring D.C.’s cherry
blossoms in style
• A Cherry Blossom dessert welcome amenity prepared by the hotel’s pastry team
• Breakfast for two in Alhambra or through in-room dining
For reservations and additional information on the Cherry Blossom offerings, please visit
stregiswashingtondc.com. 

Cherry Blossom Tea (& Tree) at Waldorf Astoria: Waldorf Astoria Washington DC’s grand lobby is now decked out for its second annual cherry blossom season. The décor includes a 19 foot cherry blossom tree replica at the center of the lobby as well as oversized blooms, effortlessly setting the property up for the spring season. Peacock Alley will be hosting a special cherry blossom tea through June. High Tea is served on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with seatings at noon and 2:00 p.m. The menu features seasonal favorites such as a smoked salmon pinwheel,cherry orange scone, raspberry French macaron, cherry financier, and other bites. Book a two night stay at the hotel with their Unforgettable Memories package, which includes an exclusive cherry blossom tea experience. Don’t miss local DC artist Claire Sharp’s (@clairesharpart) artwork, displayed throughout the lobby through April 15th. A British immigrant to Washington DC, Sharp studied Fine Art at Chelsea and Westminster College in London. She studied Art History under the highly regarded feminist, Griselda Pollock, at Leeds University. For more information, visit hilton.com/dcawawa