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 Inspired Specials at Chang Chang & NiHao: Both Chang Chang and NiHao are celebrating the return of the cherry blossoms with a la carte specials that will be available  March 20th - April 20th. To celebrate, Chang Chang and NiHao will offer a Sakura Blossom Sochu-based cocktail with Sloe Gin, Tutti Frutti, Plum Cordial, Peychaud & Lemon, Sakura Walnut Prawns, as well as a special rosé brut and Hojicha tea. Chang Chang and NiHao will also feature their own cherry blossom-inspired desserts: NiHao's Sakura Cherry Swiss Roll and Chang Chang's Sakura Cherry Pavlova. 

Cherry Blossom Menu at Cheestique: Cheesetique in Del Ray is celebrating DC’s most iconic season with a limited-time Cherry Blossom menu, available from March 20th - April 13th. Inspired by the beauty of the blooms and flavors of Japan, this seasonal menu features: Umami Cheeseboard, Bloomy Bliss Grilled Cheese, Maraschino Circus, and Cherry Cloud & Matcha Delight Cheesecakes. To make a reservation, click here.

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. 

A Sweet Tribute to Cherry Blossom Season from Fish & Fire Group: Nothing says spring in DC like the arrival of the cherry blossoms, and Tony & Joe’s Seafood Place, The Point DC, and Nick’s Riverside Grill are embracing the season with a limited Lemon Pound Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream, Cherry Sauce, and White Chocolate Shavings. This limited-time dessert is the perfect way to indulge in the flavors of spring while soaking in some of the city’s most scenic waterfront views.

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.

Cherry Blossom Offerings at Pendry DC: Bar Pendry will introduce a cherry blossom-themed menu for their popular Boozy Tea service on Saturdays March 1st - 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’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.

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.