Spring in Full Bloom: The Best Cherry Blossom Activations Across the DMV
Washington, D.C., is about to turn pink! With peak bloom set for March 28-31, the city is already transforming into a floral wonderland filled with breathtaking beauty. From elegant floral displays and immersive pop-up bars to seasonal teas and cherry blossom-inspired menus, restaurants, hotels, and cultural hotspots are rolling out their most creative offerings We’ve rounded up the all the delicious blossom experiences. Check out the full list below and get ready to eat, sip, and stroll your way through the prettiest time of year in the nation’s capital:
Blooming Worlds - A Best of Spring Exhibition at Artechouse: Blooming Worlds: This exhibition at Artechouse begins March 7th and runs through the end of April and culminates past cherry blossom-themed installations, transporting guests into larger-than-life floral landscapes, mesmerizing digital dreamscapes, and interactive environments that capture the fleeting beauty of spring like never before.
Cherry Blossom Doughnuts at Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken: Beginning Tuesday, March 11th, the iconic Cherry Blossom doughnut will be available. Astro will also bring back their Cherry Blossom Mini Boxes for online pre-order only, which includes 12 mini–Cherry Blossom Doughnuts for $38. Cherry Blossom Doughnuts contain a tart red cherry jam filling and are finished with a cream cheese glaze and cherry blossom frosting decoration. To place an order, click here.
2nd Annual “Birdcage in Bloom” Pop-Up at Calico: Calico is resurrecting is spring pop-up “Birdcage in Bloom” from March 20th - April 13th. They will be transforming their antique metal greenhouse with pink and white Sakura blooms, offering a scenic backdrop for sipping floral cocktails and Japanese spirits. For more information, click here.
Cherry Blossom & Early Spring Banquet Dinner at Chang Chang: Chef Peter Chang's Modern Chinese restaurant will welcome Cherry Blossom season with an early Spring banquet dinner on Sunday, March 23rd at 6:00 p.m. Peter has created a special menu featuring chrysanthemums and blossoms of all kinds, plus organic produce and meat from his Amish farm friends in the New York Finger Lakes region. Menu highlights include Early Spring Chrysanthemum and Roast Duck Soup, Steamed Pork Ribs with Lotus Root, Crispy Cherry Blossom Pastry with Peach & Strawberry, and more. Tickets are $78 per person. To purchase a ticket, click here.
Cherry Blossom “Sip & Shop” in Dupont Circle: Come outside and enjoy the springtime season during the Dupont Circle BID's shop local Holiday Sip & Shop event on Thursday, March 27th from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.! At Sip & Shop, they provide free wine and snacks while you shop around the block! A perfect way to treat yourself while you get the perfect gift for your loved ones- shopping is better with free wine! Enjoy complimentary wine, tea, and snacks while you shop at participating SIP + SHOP businesses around Dupont Circle. To register, click here.
The Dome at Hi-Lawn Blossoms into “Bloomroom” this Spring: The Dome at Hi-Lawn will blossom into “Bloomroom” this Spring. Bloomroom will be an immersive floral spring pop-up, transporting guests to iconic flower markets across the globe. Part visual show and part seasonal dining and drinking experience, Bloomroom will run for six weeks starting on April 4th. For more information, click here.
Cherry Blossom Season at Hotel Heron - Booking Package + Food & Bev Specials: Hotel Heron is offering overnight guests a special offer to enjoy the Cherry Blossom season in the destination inclusive of water taxi tickets, inspired food & beverage options at main restaurant Kiln and an exclusive pop-up at cocktail bar Francis Hall. Launching Tuesday, March 11th and available through Wednesday, April 30th, guests can sip on dynamic libations created in honor of the season by the Francis Hall team, indulge in seasonal treats and enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere bursting with blooms; menu highlights include: Sakura Spritz, Awesome Blossom, and Friendly Word. For more information, click here.
Cherry Blossom Sake Tasting at JINYA Ramen Bar (Union Market): JINYA Ramen Bar is hosting a three-course exclusive Cherry Blossom Sake Tasting Event at their Union Market location on Thursday, March 27th from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. For each course there is a meat, seafood, and vegetarian option to choose from. Some notable pairings are the Spicy Creamy Shrimp Tempura, paired with Kikusui Funaguchi, the JINYA Tonkotsu Black Ramen, paired with Nanbu Bijin Tokubetsu Junmai, and Mochi Ice Cream for dessert, paired with Choya Sparkling! Tickets are $65 per person. To purchase a ticket, click here.
Celebrate Cherry Blossom Season with “Flora Garden” at Lulu’s Winegarden: Lulu’s Winegarden debuts Flora Garden from March 18th - May 4th, transforming into a blooming oasis with breathtaking floral installations. Sip on spring cocktails like the First Bloom with Japanese gin and elderflower, the Cactus Blossom prickly pear margarita, and the White Lotus vodka and yuzu sour. Enjoy bubbles and rosé, including RUMOR Rosé and Moet Chandon magnums, alongside seasonal dishes from Chef Cable Smith like Pink Party Cake and spring toasts. With cozy patios, retractable awnings, and heaters, Flora Garden is the perfect spring escape. To make a reservation, click here.
The Annual Sakura Sunday Festival at National Harbor: The annual Sakura Sunday festival, an official participating event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, will be held on Sunday, March 30 from noon - 5:00 p.m. and will feature free cultural activities including Japanese performances, culinary delights, a Sakura Spirits Garden, a Water Lantern Festival, a Japanese artisanal market and more. For more information, click here.
“Pink in the Park” Blossoms for Year Three at National Landing: The National Landing Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with Amazon and the National Cherry Blossom Festival, celebrates cherry blossom season with the return of Pink in the Park in National Landing. This free, pink-themed event series brings the festival experience across the Potomac to Arlington with engaging events offering art, music, family-friendly activities, and food and drinks from local vendors throughout the spring season. For more information, click here.
Cherry Blossom Mezcal Tasting at Paraíso: Paraíso is hosting a three-course Cherry Blossom Mezcal Tasting Dinner on Thursday, March 20th from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m., in collaboration with Xicaru Mezcal! Xicaru is produced in small batches in Oaxaca using the founder, Fernando Santibañez, grandmother's recipe. Guests can choose between Sopes de Birria and a Burrata Tostada for their first course (paired with Xicaru Tobala) and have their choice of Braised Short Ribs or Seared Snapper for the main course (paired with Xicaru Repo). With a Cherry Blossom Panna Cotta dessert (paired with Xicaru Pechuga Mole), and a Cherry Blossom Mezcal Negroni, they can end the evening on a perfect note! Tickets are $72 per person. To purchase a ticket, click here.
Cherry Blossom’s Flowers at The St. Regis DC: The St. Regis DC embraces the Cherry Blossom season in the nation’s capital with a collection of Cherry blossom-inspired experiences. From the Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea to an inventive Cherry Blossom Dessert Wheel and Japanese-inspired Cherry Blossom Cocktail, The St. Regis DC eagerly welcomes the arrival of spring with a range of diverse offerings to surprise and delight guests and visitors in the nation’s capital.
“Blossom Bash” Event at Tysons Corner Center: Tysons Corner Center will celebrate Cherry Blossom season with a vibrant festival on the Plaza on Sunday, March 30th from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., featuring themed activities, live art, entertainment performances, food sampling, sip & stroll “pink drinks”, official NCBF merchandise giveaways, and more. For more information, click here.
A Cherry Blossom Tradition Like No Other - Stumpy’s Petals & Paddles: There is a new tradition coming to the Tidal Basin this year! The National Cherry Blossom Festival and Boating In DC, managed by Guest Services, Inc., with the first-ever Stumpy’s Petals & Paddles Race. The event takes place on the first day of the Festival, March 20th from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., offering teams the chance to compete in a pedal boat race while supporting the care and preservation of DC’s cherry trees. 50% of net proceeds from the event supports the Trust for the National Mall’s Cherry Tree Endowment Fund. For more information, click here.
Bloomaroo Brings Cherry Blossom Magic to The Wharf: Spring has arrived in DC and Bloomaroo at The Wharf is back to kick off cherry blossom season! On Saturday, March 29th, from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m., Bloomaroo, The Wharf’s cherry blossom festival, returns, featuring live music, family-friendly activities, and a breathtaking fireworks finale over the Washington Channel. The event is free to attend. For more information, click here.
Cherry Blossoms In Full Bloom at WREN - Limited Time High Ball Experience: WREN at The Watermark Hotel in Tysons is celebrating cherry blossom season with an exclusive Highball Cart Experience and a specially curated menu by Executive Chef Yo Matsuzaki, available from March 17th - April 6th. Inspired by Japan’s Sakura tradition, the limited-time menu features artfully crafted dishes and cocktails, including: Futomaki, Sakura Milk Pudding, and Yoshino Cocktail. Additionally, guests can enjoy a one-of-a-kind Highball Cart Experience on select dates (March 25th - 26th & April 1st - 2nd), offering classic Japanese whisky highballs and cherry blossom-themed cocktails. For more information, click here.
Cherry Blossom Teas:
Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea at CUT DC: On Saturday, March 15th afternoon tea debuts at Rosewood’s CUT by Wolfgang Puck. To celebrate the arrival of spring, the inaugural menu will be Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea, drawing inspiration from the beauty and renewal of the season. Crafted by executive pastry Chef Ligia Barros, the menu pairs an array of sweet and savory bites with a selection of premium loose-leaf teas and cocktails. To make a reservation, click here.
Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea at Fairmont DC: Fairmont DC is ushering in the spring with Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea in the Loggia overlooking the cherry blossom trees in the Courtyard. Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea, served on Friday, Saturday and Sundays beginning March 21st - April 13th offers seating between 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. The festive décor will be Cherry Blossom themed. Executive Chef Jaime Montes de Oca, Senior Sous Chef Delonte Avery and Executive Pastry Chef Claus Olsen have collaborated on an enchanting menu of savory and sweet cherry delights. The tea is priced at $110 per adult and $65 per child.
Cherry Blossom Boozy Tea at Pendry DC: Bar Pendry will introduce a cherry blossom-themed menu for their popular Boozy Tea service on Saturdays through April 30th, and Moonraker will host two cherry blossom Paint & Sip experiences with local artist Samantha Testa.
Cherry Blossom Themed Afternoon Tea at The Quadrant: In celebration of Cherry Blossom season, Quadrant Bar & Lounge within The Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C. is offering a LTO “Cherry Blossom Tea Time.” In addition to the selection of their 9 regular tea offerings, Quadrant has added the “Fleur de Geisha” tea to their menu which is a green tea infused with the floral essence of cherry blossoms. In addition, Chef Mile Montezuma has curated a selection of French pastries with Sakura-inspired flavors. The restaurant has also decorated for the occasion with soft pink and white decor, transporting guests to Tidal Basin over in West End. For more information, click here.
Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea at Willard InterContiental DC: A longstanding tradition dating back to the 1920s, Willard InterContinental DC’s special Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea will return, bringing the most festive seating in the city back for discerning guests to enjoy. Set against the grandeur of Willard’s Peacock Alley and amongst the poetic melodies of Willard’s in-house harpist, Kristen Jepperson, this year’s indulgent menu features an array of delightful sweet and savory specialties prepared with love by Executive Chef Gyo Santa and Pastry Chef Sabri Uzun. For more information, click here.
New Tea Time at Zinnia: Zinnia has a new tea time for you to enjoy. The 90-minute experience takes place in either the Main Dining Room at Zinnia or the 1850s-era Parlor original to the house that became Mrs. K's Toll House. here are 12 teas available for selection including black teas (Earl Grey, Darjeeling, English Breakfast), green (Japanese Sencha), white teas, and caffeine-free herbal teas (Peppermint, Roiboos). A three-tiered platter is served with tea sandwiches (smoked salmon, cucumber, Coronation Chicken) along with breads and sweets (Pistachio Madeleines, Croissants, Chocolate Mousse, Lemon tarts). For more information, click here.
