It was a joyful day that came after decades of effort by abolitionists and amid the Civil War.

In 2025, D.C. is celebrating 20 years of officially observing the holiday. A parade, festival, concert and fireworks will mark D.C. Emancipation Day on Sunday, April 13. It’s free to attend.

Grammy winner Anthony Hamilton, NAACP Image Award winner Chanté Moore, The Crank Crusaders featuring D.C.’s own Raheem DeVaughn and DJ Kool will take the stage for the All-Star Concert starting at 4 p.m.

The family-friendly festival has plenty for kids, too, including mini golf, a gaming lounge, crafts and carnival and arcade games.

Go early for the parade stepping off from 10^th and Pennsylvania Avenue NW at 2 p.m., and stay late for the fireworks finale at 8:30 p.m.

The African American History and Culture Museum will also host a celebration on the actual holiday.

What is D.C.’s Emancipation Day?

Emancipation Day honors the day slavery ended in Washington, D.C. after President Lincoln signed the DC Compensated Emancipation Act in 1862.

District residents marked the first anniversary after the Civil War with a parade. For the last 159 years, D.C. has marked the important date with celebrations including concerts, parades and more.

How did D.C.’s Black community react to the news?

African-Americans had been traveling to D.C. to escape war and bondage for years, and the District’s Black community felt deep joy upon learning of the Emancipation Act, historian C.R. Gibbs wrote in an explainer.

He quotes a letter that a Black resident of the District wrote to a friend in Baltimore:

“When I had finished the chambermaid had left the room sobbing for joy. The slave women clapped her hands and shouted, left the house saying, “let me go and tell my husband that Jesus has done all things well.” While the cook who is free retired to another room to offer thanks for the blessing sent. Should I not feel glad to see so much rejoicing around me?”

What did the Emancipation Act do and how is it different from the Emancipation Proclamation?

The DC Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862 was passed by Congress and signed by President Lincoln.  It ended slavery in the District, reimbursed former slave owners up to $300 and provided $100 for freed men and women if they chose to emigrate to another country.

The Emancipation Proclamation was issued months later on Jan. 1, 1863. It freed all enslaved people in “rebellious” states fighting with the Confederacy but allowed slavery to continue within the Union.

Is Emancipation Day different than Juneteenth?

Juneteenth, also called Emancipation Day, is a nationwide celebration on June 19 that marks the day that news of the Emancipation Proclamation spread to Texas in 1865.

Is D.C.’s Emancipation Day an official holiday?

Emancipation Day was made an official public holiday in the District in 2005 after lobbying from community members, including Loretta Carter Hanes.

What’s closed for the official holiday on April 16?

Some city services will be paused. All Department of Motor Vehicles offices will be closed on Wednesday, April 16.

Trash services will slide to Thursday, April 17.

D.C. Public Schools would close for the holiday, but students and teachers will be on spring break next week.

What’s open?

Typically, federal services like the U.S. Postal Service remain open, as do outdoor parks.

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

Washington Capitals fans, the NHL and many across the D.C. area are celebrating Ovechkin’s 895^th career goal to come out on top of the record books.

At 39 years old, Ovechkin is now the greatest goal scorer in NHL history.

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Ovi completed his “Gr8 Chase” on Sunday with former record holder Wayne Gretzky in attendance at the game in New York against the Islanders.

Even though Ovechkin didn’t break the record in D.C., he sure has an entire city stoked.

If any fans want to have a piece of history, the Ovi Shop will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. It’s at Capital One Arena’s entrance on 7^th Street NW. The team is selling exclusive 895 gear including shirts, hats and pucks.

As for a larger Ovechkin celebration? We understand the team is planning something around their home game this Thursday.

The historic goal coincides with Fan Appreciation Week, which is happening through Sunday. The team is holding a sweepstakes and plans to give out Baby Caps kits to newborns and their families at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

Team store discounts, watch parties and specials are also on tap leading up to Fan Appreciation Night on Sunday. Find more details here.

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

Pop-ups where you can fill up your spring garden, egg hunts and some major National Cherry Blossom Festival events – such as the parade and Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival– are on tap around D.C. this week and weekend.

Here’s our list of things to do for the week of April 7-13, 2025.

What to do in Washington, D.C.

Theater – “cullud wattah”: Through April 27, Atlas Performing Arts Center, $61.50+ 

Live! At the Library: Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey and traditional Hawaiian music from The Kohala Mountain Boys: Thurs., 7-8:30 p.m., Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building, free

“The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks” 360-degree film: Through April 20, The Kennedy Center, $29 (limited $10 tickets available at the box office on the day of shows)

The Washington D.C. Pancakes & Booze Art Show: Thurs., Hook Hall in Northwest D.C., $15

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade: Sat., 10 a.m., Constitution Avenue NW between 7th and 17th streets, free or seating available for $25-$40

Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival: Sat. and Sun., Pennsylvania Ave. NW between 3rd and 7th streets, $15 (one-day) or $25 (two-day) in advance

Georgetown Flower Tour: Sat., 1-5 p.m., check in at Georgetown Neighborhood Library, $0-$40

D.C. United Cherry Blossom Night: Sat., 7:30 p.m., Audi Field, $29+

That’s So Vintage Market: Sat. and Sun., Dock5 at Union Market, $5-$25

DC Beer Fest: Sat., Nationals Park, $55-$90

Blossom: A Spring Fashion Pop Up: Sun., metrobar in Northeast D.C., free admission

Spring into Fitness: Sun., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Alethia Tanner Park, free with RSVP

DC Emancipation Day parade, festival, concert and fireworks: Sun., Freedom Plaza, free

DC Design Tours: Various dates and locations, $20 (child)/$35 (adult)

What to do in Maryland

The Butterfly Experience: Opens Thurs., Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, $9 (ages 3-12)/$14 (ages 13+), free for kids under 3

Cinema Hearts and Gabby & Nick Cameron: Fri., 8 p.m., Brentwood Arts Exchange, $20

Garden Supply Pop-Up Shop at Community Forklift: Fri. to Sun., Edmonston, free entry

Holi Color Fun Run/Walk: Sat., 10:30 a.m., Chrysalis, Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods in Columbia, $28.52+

Paint & Sip: A Celebration of Black & Brown Queer Community in the DMV: Sat., 2-5 p.m., Solaire Social in Silver Spring, $39.19

Eggstravaganza: Sat., noon, Granville Gude Park in Laurel, free

Cherry blossom mixology class: Sat., 5-7 p.m., The Westin Washington National Harbor, $76.54

Miho Hazama & m_unit: Sun., 8 p.m., The Music Center at Strathmore, $28 – $68

What to do in Virginia

Spring Egg Hunt at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: Daily through April 30, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, $8 per egg hunter

Spring Egg Hunt at Potomac Overlook: April 12-20, Arlington, $8 per egg hunter

F1 – themed ‘Build the Thrill’: Through April 27, LEGO Discovery Center Washington, D.C., $24.99+

Pink Beats: Thursdays through April 10, 5-8 p.m., Water Park in National Landing, free

American Horticultural Society’s Spring Garden Market: Fri. and Sat., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., River Farm in Alexandria, $20 per car or $5 for walk-ups

Wine & Watercolors: Fri., 5 p.m., Shop Made in VA in Alexandria, $25

Art of Pink: Fri., 5-10 p.m., Metropolitan Park at National Landing, free

Full Moon Hike at Neabsco Regional Park: Sat., 7 p.m., Woodbridge, $12

MoCA on the Move at Met Park: Sundays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Arlington, free

Tulip Ride and Walk on the Mount Vernon Trail: Sun., 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., meet at Compass Coffee (1201 Wilson Blvd, Arlington), $10

International Food and Culture Fest: Sun., The Manassas Museum, free entry

Sip & Shop by Pop Up Gallery: Sun., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Port City Brewing in Alexandria, free entry

90’s Music Bingo: Sun., 2-4 p.m., Lost Boy Cider in Alexandria, $5

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The literary celebration was created in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets to try to highlight the work of American poets and increase the attention given to an ancient art form.

The commemorative month was “inspired by the successful celebrations of Black History Month (February) and Women’s History Month (March),” according to the academy’s website.

Just like those other celebrations, you don’t need permission or anything special to mark National Poetry Month; you can celebrate wherever and however you see fit. But if you want some ideas to get you started, we’ve got them.

Here are some ways and places to enjoy poetry in the D.C. area.

D.C. Public Library

The D.C. Public Library has a series of signature events for poetry lovers throughout April. You can find the full list at this webpage, but here are some highlights:

On Tuesday, April 8, teens are invited to hear spoken word poetry performed by one of the DMV’s Youth Poet Laureates, then write poetry of their own. The event runs from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library. Learn more here.

On Saturday, April 19, the Shaw branch building will host local author Kenard Eugene Johnson as he shares stories of growing up in poverty in D.C. through poetry. That event runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and you can learn more here.

On Tuesday, April 22, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library will host a panel discussion with Elizabeth Acevedo, Dan Vera, Alexandra Lytton Regalado, and Juan J. Morales. The panel will highlight a newly published book that brings together more than 180 Latino poets — “Latino Poetry: The Library of America Anthology.” The event runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and you can learn more here.

Finally, all month long, D.C. residents can craft their own submission to DCPL’s annual haiku contest. Entrants must be at least 6 years old to enter, and there’s a limit of two entries per person. The contest has age categories for children, teens and adults.

“Prize-winners will take home library swag and have their poem posted in the library and on the DC Public Library’s website in May!” the DCPL webpage about the contest reads. Learn more here.

Library of Congress

What better D.C. staple than the Library of Congress — the largest library in the world and organizer of the National Book Festival — to turn to for poems, poets and poetry?

First, there are the library’s April events, which include an ongoing display dedicated to Pulitzer Prize– and National Book Award–winning poet Mary Oliver.

Then there’s the work of U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón.

Her three-year total tenure comes to an end at the end of the month. Like all poet laureate consultants in poetry to the Library of Congress, Limón was appointed to her position by the librarian of Congress, but she made history as the first to be appointed to two terms.

Limón is the 24th U.S. poet laureate, and her signature project launched last April in honor of that National Poetry Month.

The “You Are Here” project is a two-part initiative comprised of a poetry anthology Limón curated and published a year ago, and poetry-based public art installations in seven national parks across the country. The public art installations brought “site-specific poetry installations” to Cape Cod National Seashore, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Everglades National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mount Ranier National Park, Redwood National and State Parks, and Saguaro National Park.

It also came with a writing prompt: What would you write in response to the landscape around you? Anyone who wants to try their hand can post their response on social media with the hashtag #YouAreHerePoetry.

“Above all, this project is about rising to this moment with hope, the kind of hope that will echo outwards for years to come,” Limón said in a statement.

The Library of Congress will host a farewell event for Limón on Thursday, April 17, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. She will give a lecture on the art of poetry, and then host a book signing.

The next poet laureate will be announced later this summer, according to a Library of Congress spokesperson.

If you’d rather listen to works from the talented poets of the past, you can comb through the Archive of Recorded Poetry and Literature on the Library of Congress website. According to the library, the archive dates back to 1943 and contains nearly 2,000 recordings of poets and writers, including poets like Louise Glück, Maya Angelou and Ray Bradbury.

And if there’s a poem that’s right on the tip of your tongue or the edge of your brain but you can’t quite remember the whole thing, the Library of Congress has a guide to finding a poem whose title and author you can’t recall.

Planet Word events

Planet Word, D.C.’s museum for linguists, writers and other word lovers, is recognizing National Poetry Month with workshops and programs all month long.

The highlight of their celebration is Poem in Your Pocket Day on April 10, with an event in Franklin Park starting at noon.

“Find us in our blue shirts with our basket of poems in Franklin Park during lunch to pick up a surprise poem,” the site says. “Then, visit Planet Word where our Short Story Dispenser has been stocked with lots of poems just for the day. Print out a poem before you go!”

If you can’t make it to Planet Word for the celebration, you can always share your favorite poem on social media with the hashtag #PocketPoem. You can also watch past poetry-related program videos with the museum’s YouTube playlist.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Busboys and Poets open mic nights

If you want a more casual approach to poetry immersion — or to jump straight in by sharing your writing — Busboys and Poets has open mic nights every week.

“Busboys and Poets is proud to be a venue that provides space and support for poets and spoken word performers and interested audiences,” its site says.

The day of the week varies by location, but each open mic night lasts for two hours and comes with a $5 cover charge. Here’s the full list:

• 14th & V: Every Tuesday 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Columbia: Every Thursday 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• 450K: Every Wednesday 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Shirlington: Every Monday 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Hyattsville: Every Thursday 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Brookland: Fridays 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

For more information on other poetry slams and open mics hosted at different Busboys and Poets locations, check out its webpage here.

And if you’re more into reading than performing, Busboys and Poets also has a bookstore built in to every location so you can purchase a new book after your meal.

Words, Beats & Life Festival

The 2025 Words, Beats & Life Festival takes place the first week of April this year, and will bring nine events to the District in 4 days.

Check out the festival from April 3 to April 6 for concerts, jazz, DJs, open mics and a series of exhibits featuring everything from art to hip-hop.

Poetry-related highlights include the Combine Poetry All-Stars at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage on Thursday evening, and the Slamtastic Youth Grand Slam Finals open mic and poetry slam at the 14th St. Busboys and Poets location on Saturday.

Learn more about the festival here.

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Other ways to celebrate National Poetry Month

The Academy of American Poets has a list of 30 ways to celebrate National Poetry Month on its website.

Included in that list is the Poem-a-Day series, which you can sign up for as either an email newsletter or a podcast. The poems are curated by a different editor each month, and the emails and podcast come out year-round, not just in April.

If you want your poetry to hit, literally, closer to home, you could take a look at your state poet laureate. Almost all 50 states have one, though sometimes they go by the title state poet or writer-in-residence. The Academy of American Poets has the full list here.

Washington, D.C.’s poet laureate position is vacant and has been since Dolores Kendrick died in 2017, according to a 2021 Washington Post opinion piece calling for a new appointee. You can read more about Kendrick here.

Virginia’s poet laureate is Mattie Quesenberry Smith, who you can read more about here.

Maryland’s poet laureate is Lady Brion, who you can read more about here.

Other ways to appreciate poetry in April include watching movies, lectures or videos featuring a poet; making a poetry playlist; and researching and volunteering with local poetry organizations.

The National Poetry Foundation also has a series of deals and events all month long to celebrate. Learn more here.

And, of course, there’s always NBC Washington’s favorite beat poet.

It includes festivals, dining, shows and only-in-D.C. things that make our region a great place to be. Every Wednesday, News4’s Tommy McFly, Sophia Barnes and the rest of the Scene Team will deliver an exclusive update right to your inbox. You might even find a few freebies.

Sign up for The Weekend Scene newsletter by going here.

Once on our Newsletters page, enter your email address. Then choose The Weekend Scene and any other free NBC4 newsletters you’d like to receive. When you’re done making your selections, hit Save Changes at the bottom of the page.

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We’re here to answer your most-asked questions, such as: When is peak bloom? When is Petalpalooza? When can I fly my kite?

When is peak bloom? The best time to see the cherry blossoms in 2025

Peak bloom is when 70% of the Yoshino cherry trees along the Tidal Basin are flowering. The National Park Service announced the blossoms hit peak bloom March 28.

Since everyone wants to see the cherry blossom trees, D.C. is experiencing plenty of tourism and traffic. Make sure you plan your transportation ahead of time. We suggest you avoid driving and opt for Metrorail, Metrobus, walking or biking.

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Petalpalooza: April 5

From art to live music to fireworks, Petalpalooza brings all the fun to the Capitol Riverfront on Saturday, April 5, from 1 to 9 p.m.

Celebrate spring with interactive art installations, stop by a beverage garden and join family-friendly, hands-on activities.

Soak in the views of the Anacostia River ending the night with a fireworks show with music at 8:30 p.m. This event is free for all and kids are welcome.

Mosaic Art Blooms Festival: April 5-6

This festival in Fairfax’s Mosaic District will feature more than 100 vendors with handmade and vintage wares, plus lots of activities for kids including a petting zoo, arts and crafts, face painting and games.

Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile, 5K and Kids Run: April 5 and 6

These 10-mile and 5K runs gather athletes from all around the world to run through the iconic Tidal Basin and its blooming flowers. The 5K and Kids Run will take place at Freedom Plaza on Saturday, April 5. The 10-miler happens the next day and starts on the grounds of the Washington Monument.

While registration has closed, you still make plans to cheer on the runners.

Here’s more info.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade: April 12

Parade time is approaching fast! Enjoy colorful sights, marching bands, guest entertainers and cultural performances as the parade moves along Constitution Avenue!

Princess Ariel of “The Little Mermaid” is joining us in the District this year, along with pals Mickey and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World.

Tickets are up for grabs here if you want extra special views of performances, but guests who don’t get to secure tickets are able to still enjoy the parade for free.

Sakura Matsuri: Japanese Street Festival: April 12 and 13

Billed as the largest celebration of Japanese culture in the U.S., the 63rd Sakura Matsuri festival is set to feature more than 24 hours of Japanese cultural performances ranging from J-pop, traditional music to martial arts. Highlights include Japanese food and beverages, vendors of traditional and contemporary Japanese goods and showcases of Japanese technology.

Early birds can get a one-day ticket for $10 or two-day tickets for $15 through March 31. Then, ticket prices will increase to $20-$25. Children under 12 can enter for free.

Get there early and be ready for lines, especially for food and drinks.

Spring Into Fitness: April 13

Enjoy a wonderful day full of activities like mini fitness classes, yoga and bike safety checks at Alethia Tanner Park. Here’s more information.

Past Events:

Pink Tie Party: March 14: Welcome spring with style, and support philanthropy along the way. The second Pink Tie Party at Union Station will feature curated food and cocktails from D.C. restaurants including Cordelia Fishbar, China Chilcano by José Andrés, and Kyojin Sushi. Get excited to participate in a benefit auction featuring exclusive fashion and beauty items, luxury hotels, top restaurants and travel experiences. Tickets cost $250 and are on sale now.

Stumpy’s Petals and Paddles: March 20: In honor of Stumpy, the cherry tree that reached viral fame, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is set to inaugurate the first-ever pedal boat race at the Tidal Basin. This boat race promises to take you through the Tidal Basin as peak bloom approaches in timed heats and friendly face-offs. Half of the net proceeds will go towards the Trust for the National Cherry Blossom Tree Endowment Fund. Participation costs $100 for the first two people, then $20 for the third and fourth person. Tickets are on sale now.

Opening Ceremony: March 22: The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s official Opening Ceremony at The Warner Theatre will feature an artistic display to pay tribute to Japan’s gift of cherry trees to the United States, and the countries’ enduring friendship. Tickets are available now. They’re free, but there’s a $5 transaction fee when you purchase them online. Don’t have the chance to attend the event in person? No need to miss out altogether. The Opening Ceremony will be live-streamed on YouTube. 

Blossom Kite Festival and Sakura Taiko Fest: March 29: The fan-favorite kite festival is coming back to fill the skies around the Washington Monument with colorful, soaring kites! Get ready to enjoy youth and adult kite-making competitions, special demonstrators and performances bound to take your breath away. To participate in the kite-making competition, sign up ahead of time online or same-day in the registration tent. Visitors are also welcome to come by and fly their own kite for fun, or simply take in the views. The Blossom Kite Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If there’s rainy weather, the kite festival will be moved to Sunday, March 30.

Before or after the kite festival, stop by the Sylvan Theater to catch a day of drumming performances in the Sakura Taiko Fes celebrating Japanese culture. Taiko, a type of drumming and a variety of drum, is part of Japanese heritage. Several groups from across the United States, including Fairfax’s Nen Daiko, will showcase taiko styles from noon to 5 p.m. on the Sylvan Theater. The outdoor stage is near Independence Avenue and 15th Street SW, next to the Washington Monument. The event runs from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 29. Here’s more info.

Bloomaroo: March 29: While not an official event with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, The Wharf’s celebration will be pretty in pink featuring live music, kids’ activities and a fireworks finale about 8:30 p.m. It’s free and open to anyone.

Sakura Sunday: March 30: The National Cherry Blossom Festival comes to National Harbor for Sakura Sunday featuring free cultural activities including an artisanal Japanese marketplace, cultural performances, culinary delights, a Sakura Spirits Garden and a water lantern festival. It’s free and open to the public.

Love cherry blossom season? Stay up to date with bloom news, fun events and National Cherry Blossom Festival updates with The Weekend Scene, our free weekly newsletter.

The following content is created in partnership with the National Landing Business Improvement District. It does not reflect the work or opinions of the NBC Washington editorial staff. Click here to learn more about the Art of Pink at National Landing.

On Friday, April 11th, from 5pm to 10pm, Metropolitan Park will come alive with Art of Pink, a lively celebration of the cherry blossom season featuring art, food, breakdancing, and more. Below, discover the exciting—and free—activities you can enjoy during this special evening in Arlington.

Immerse Yourself in the BLOOM Art Exhibition

Step into the immersive 1×1 art exhibition, presented in collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington and Usan Usan. Featuring ethereal, cherry blossom-inspired artwork by 90 talented DMV artists, this vibrant array of art pieces will all be available for purchase at the event. 

Eat & Shop Locally at the Blossom Night Market

This market is home to more than a dozen local AAPI food vendors and makers where you can indulge in locally made, flavorful treats and unique finds. If you’re craving crispy savory bites like the Ethiopian Asian fusion from Ekiben Baltimore, or searching for the perfect addition to your (or a loved one’s) jewelry collection from Iggi Jewelry, the Night Market has something for every aspect of your life.

Discover Specials from Met Park Retailers

Local retailers near Metropolitan Park will take part in the seasonal festivities with exclusive offerings inspired by the cherry blossom season. Guests will be able to indulge with seasonal flavors from Toby’s Ice Cream, such as the refreshing Cherry Blossom sorbet. Good Company will feature cherry blossom-inspired drinks at their Amazon Lobby pop-up with extended hours at their Met Park location. Peruvian Brothers will add a pink twist to their classic Pisco Sour with a grenadine swirl, and Taqueria Xochi will serve up the Cielo Rosado, a sakura-infused cocktail. To celebrate the season, HUSTLE cycle and strength studio will offer $10 off drop-in credits with code BLOSSOM10. From special treats to exclusive promotions, these small businesses are ready to enhance your Art of Pink experience.

Celebrate Breakdancing History at LOZ’s 29-Year Anniversary Jam

Witness an electrifying 1 vs 1 breakdance battle at the LOZ 29-Year Anniversary, where the DMV’s top breakdancers compete for a grand prize. DJ Fleg, who performed at the first-ever Olympic breakdancing competition, will be spinning throughout the night. LOZ, the oldest breakdancing crew in the DC region, was founded by AAPI members and is celebrated for its innovation and evolution of the breakdancing art form.

Whether you’re an art lover, music enthusiast, or just eager to celebrate the cherry blossom season, visit Metropolitan Park on April 11th for an unforgettable evening of vibrant art, music, and culture. Click here to learn more about the free Art of Pink event at Metropolitan Park. Located in the heart of National Landing, Metropolitan Park is located conveniently close to the Pentagon City Metro, bus lines and bike trails, as well as multiple parking garages.

“Art of Pink” is part of Virginia’s premiere celebration of The National Cherry Blossom Festival, presented by Amazon and produced by the National Landing BID with additional support from JBG Smith, Consumer Technology Association and Dweck.

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To their delight, the 44th president made a cameo in their family photos early Monday.

“It was perfect,” mom Portia Moore said.

Her daughter and son were standing under a cherry tree as family photographer Briana Inell snapped her shutter. Moore was focused on keeping her kids safe.

“Of course, I’m paying attention to my son, making sure he doesn’t run into the water. He’s 20 months old,” she said.

What her husband said at the same time didn’t quite register.

“My husband’s like, ‘That’s Obama!’ I didn’t know what he was saying. I was like, ‘Yeah, whatever. I’m looking at Preston right now,’” Moore recalled.

As she picked up her son, she asked her husband, “What did you just say?’”

“That’s Obama!” he replied.

“I was like, ‘Well, did we get a picture?!’ We went to the photographer and she scrolled back and were like, ‘We got it!’” Moore said.

The photos show Obama wearing a baseball cap as he took a casual morning stroll along the Tidal Basin – and photobombing little Belle and Preston Thomas along the way.

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Inell, the photographer, said the moment will stick with her.

“Usually, I’m editing all of the tourists out of the backgrounds for all my clients anyways, but this is the one photo that I won’t be editing out this person,” she said.

So, is it safe to say Moore knows which photo will go on her family’s Christmas card?

“Oh, my goodness. One hundred percent. I didn’t even think about that. Yes, it is!” she said.

If she could go back and tell Obama something, she would have this message: “Come for next year’s shoot. Same place, same time, same date. We’ll be here.”

Obama later saw the photo on Instagram and commented saying, “Preston and Belle, I hope you enjoyed peak bloom! My bad for stepping into the shot.”

He also shared his own peak bloom photos from the Tidal Basin.

In an appearance Thursday at Hamilton College, Obama was asked about his accidental photobomb.

“I felt terrible. I’m not used to walking around, so I screwed that one up,” he said.

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What may seem like a simple answer when ordering dinner can be an opportunity to win a buy-one-get-one-free code for a burrito. Chipotle is giving out codes to customers who pick the correct combination each hour.

The popular Mexican fast-food restaurant will be giving over $1 million worth of free burritos ahead of National Burrito Day on Thursday, April 3. 

Burrito Vault can be played on UnlockBurritoDay.com. The game will give away 157,500 buy-one-get-one-free entree codes. 

Each hour, 2,500 codes will be awarded to the first people who can successfully guess a burrito-order combination. The player must pick the correct combination of a Chipotle order, guessing each ingredient.  

The first person each hour who guesses the code to the vault correctly wins free burritos for a year. 

Those who win free burritos for a year will be awarded 52 credits for regular entrees. 

The buy-one-get-one free codes are limited to one per entry. Winners can redeem that prize on Thursday.

On Thursday, Chipotle rewards members can use the code DELIVER to access a $0 delivery fee when ordering. 

The contest runs until 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 2.

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The clock may be ticking on the cherry blossoms’ peak bloom, but we’re still counting down to plenty of exciting events for the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

April is the perfect time to embrace the finer things. Stop and smell some flowers literally (but don’t touch!), or pace yourself at a museum for Slow Art Day on Saturday. It is National Poetry Month and Jazz Appreciation Month, too! D.C.’s Words, Beats & Life festival lets you dabble in poetry and music all week.

Jane Austen fans, take note: “Pride & Prejudice” is returning to theaters in celebration of its 20th anniversary.

Here’s what else to do this week in the Washington, D.C. area.

What to do in Washington, D.C.

Fighting for Freedom: Black Craftspeople and the Pursuit of Independence: Through Dec. 31, Daughters of the American Revolution Museum, free (also see the family crafts on Saturdays)

Mexico in a Bottle: Mon., 6 p.m., Mexican Cultural Institute, $60-$75

Tidal Basin Run: Tues., 6:30-8 p.m., meet at Smithsonian Metro, $5-$25

Yogalates with Kaya: 7 p.m., Eaton DC, $25

Music Bingo at BUDDY’S DC: Weds., 7 p.m., 3234 11th Street NW, free

Phillips after 5: Cherry Blossom Jamboree: Thurs., 5-8:30 p.m., The Phillips Collection, $20; free for members

Words, Beats & Life festival: Thurs. to Sun., various locations, free

Verona Quartet with Wu Man: Thurs., 7:30 p.m., Asian Art Museum, free (or $6 to reserve seats online)

The Garden Open Mic for all ages: Fri., 7-10 p.m., BloomBars, $7

Capital Art Book Fair: Sat. and Sun., Eastern Market’s North Hall, free

Awesome Con: Fri. to Sun., Washington Convention Center, $65+ (adult)/$25+ (kids)

Weaving Family Threads puppet show and demonstration: Sat. and Sun., National Museum of the American Indian, free

Black Out Poetry: From African Prose to Poetry drop-in activity: Sat., 1-4 p.m., African Art Museum, free

Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile, 5K and Kids Run: Sat. and Sun., near the National Mall

Bridge District: Move & Bloom: Sat., 9 a.m. to noon, Southeast D.C., free

April Family Day: Japanese Culture Day: Sat., 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Thomas Jefferson Building, free

Petalpalooza: Sat., 1-9 p.m., Capitol Riverfront (fireworks visible from Anacostia Park), free

DC Defenders Blossom Bowl: Sat., 1:30-7 p.m., Audi Field, $33

City Cruises Live with Joey Fatone of *NSYNC and Wanyá Morris of Boyz II Men: Sat., departs from The Wharf, $410+

Screening – “The Wedding Banquet” with director Andrew Ahn: Sat., 2 p.m., Asian Art Museum, free (advance registration recommended)

Free admission at the National Museum of Women in the Arts: Sun., Northwest D.C., free

Jazz and Blossoms: Sun., noon to 7:30 p.m., Franklin Park, free

Last chance – “The ’70s Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography”: Through Sun., National Gallery of Art, free

Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra Jazz at the Cotton Club: Sun., 7 p.m., Natural History Museum, $30-$40

Underground Comedy at Wonderland Ballroom: Sun., 8 p.m., 1101 Kenyon St NW, free

Taste of Pride 2025: Through July

What to do in Maryland

Bethesda Film Fest: Fri. and Sat., Landmark’s Bethesda Row Cinema, $15

Muddy Waters 112th Birthday featuring The Nighthawks: Fri., 9 p.m., Hank Dietle’s Tavern in Rockville, $23.18

Paranormal Cirque III: Fri. to Sat., Gaithersburg, $20-$65

Comedy show – Grown-Up Comedian Barbies: Sat., 7-10 p.m., Maryland Meadworks in Hyattsville, free

Mount Rainier Community Yard Sale: Sat., 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

What to do in Virginia

Burnside Farms Festival of Spring: April 4-21, Nokesville, $19-$25

Friends to Lovers bookstore Grand (Re)Opening: Thurs. and Fri., Alexandria, $10

Quantico 15th Annual International Wine & Food Festival: Fri., 4-8 p.m., The Clubs at Quantico, $50

ALX Dog Walk emceed by NBC4’s Chuck Bell: Sat. 7-11 a.m., Oronoco Bay Park in Alexandria, free

Celebrate Reston!: Sat., 11:45 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lake Anne Plaza, free

Del Ray Dog Fest: Sun., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., George Washington Middle School Parking Lot in Alexandria, $10-$50

Paint Your Pet N Sip: Sun., 2-4 p.m., Breaux Vineyards in Purcellville, $55

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

The Yoshino cherry trees along the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C., are overflowing with delicate pink and white flowers. More than 70% of the blooms are open, the National Park Service (NPS) announced Friday morning, marking the start of peak bloom.

Peak bloom is the best time to visit the adored cherry blossoms. Thousands flock to the water near the Martin Luther King, Jr. and Thomas Jefferson memorials every spring to see a sweeping panorama of flora.

“PEAK BLOOM! PEAK BLOOM! PEAK BLOOM! Shout it louder. PEAK BLOOOOOOOOOOOM!” the NPS announced on social media. “It took one more sunrise and warming temperatures, but we’re finally here. Glorious clouds of white and pink cherry blossoms now ring the Tidal Basin, creating a splendid spring spectacle. Come enjoy the beauty.”

Both the NPS and our own Storm Team4 got their blossom predictions exactly right this year when it came to Day 1 of peak bloom. Late last month, the NPS predicted peak bloom for March 28 to 31, while Storm Team4 meteorologist Amelia Draper predicted peak bloom between March 28 and April 3.

Of course, the duration of this year’s peak bloom is yet to be seen. The spring display can last for several days or longer under ideal conditions.

“The length of the blooming period depends on weather conditions. Cool, calm weather can extend the length of the bloom, and a rainy, windy day can bring an abrupt end to the ephemeral blossoms,” the NPS has said.

Where to see the cherry blossoms

The Tidal Basin, near D.C.’s National Mall, is where you’ll find D.C.’s iconic Yoshino cherry trees, plus comfort stations, daily live performances and other fun activities including pedal boat rentals.

When you’re there, stroll the Tidal Basin Loop Trail, a 2.1-mile easy walk, or go for the 4.1-mile Hains Point Loop.

Avoid traffic and parking headaches by taking public transit, walking, biking or another form of transportation. However you want to get to the cherry blossoms, our guide has pro tips!

Blooming cherry trees can be found across the DMV all spring long. Here are other great places to see blossoms.

Cherry Blossoms Mar 19

Cherry blossoms hit peak bloom in DC: A guide for bloom lovers and first-time visitors

Cherry Blossoms Mar 24

What's the best way to get to the cherry blossoms?

Saturday will be a great day to see D.C.’s cherry blossoms

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Jessica Faith says blossom viewers will have great weather on Saturday: mild temps and sunny skies. Here’s the forecast.

Be ready for crowds, especially with two major cherry blossom events happening near the Tidal Basin. The National Kite Festival will bring hordes to fly colorful kites near the Washington Monument. At The Wharf, Bloomaroo will celebrate the season with live music and fireworks.

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

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If you’re planning to head out for any Major League Baseball game at Nationals Park, here’s what to know.

What should I know about the Nats’ Opening Day?

The Nats will play the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday, March 27; first pitch is at 4:05 p.m. Tickers are available online here.

The first 20,000 fans to enter will get an Opening Day T-shirt.

Gates will open at 2 p.m., and fans are encouraged to sit down by 3:15 p.m. for pregame ceremonies.

D.C. Washington will perform the national anthem; the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. will sing “America the Beautiful” and Mayor Muriel Bowser will announce, “play ball.”

Hall of Fame sportswriter Thomas Boswell, who retired from the Washington Post in 2021, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. For decades, Bowsell covered pro baseball, including the return of Major League Baseball to D.C. and the Nats’ World Series-winning run in 2019.

The Budweiser Clydesdales will parade around the surrounding neighborhood of Navy Yard at 1:15 p.m., stopping outside the Center Field Gate at Nationals Park to pose for pics with fans.

The Phillies have several former Nats stars on their roster, including Bryce Harper, Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber, so look for some familiar faces wearing the other team’s uniforms.

The address for the stadium is 1500 S. Capitol Street SE.

Where can I find food and drink specials in Navy Yard on Opening Day?

The opening day excitement has spread to nearby restaurants and bars. Atlas Brew Works Navy Yard Brewery & Tap Room will feature their limited-time Opening Day Lager beer.  Atlas Navy Yard also has special Nationals merchandise attendees can buy in-house and will play the opening game on its televisions. The brewery usually closes at midnight on Thursdays.

At Agua 301, sip on $3 Coronas and $7.50 classic margaritas until the restaurant closes at 9 p.m.

Bluejacket has a ballpark-inspired menu and new beer releases to kick off Opening Day. The first 100 guests receive prizes such as free pints, merchandise and a one-year Bluejacket First Class membership.

At Maman, any guests who arrive in Nationals gear or with their ticket will receive a 15% discount on Opening Day. People can get a 10% discount for all succeeding home game days.

Hosting a watch party at home? Budweiser has designed unique cans for 17 teams across the league, including the Nats, with the organization’s logo and wordmark paired with a baseball bat graphic and special inscription dedicated to the Nationals’ unique home run legacy.  Fans can find the limited edition cans anywhere that sells Budweiser.

What’s the Nationals’ schedule for 2025?

You can see the Nats’ 2025 regular-season schedule here, and tickets are available online here.

This is a big year for the team — the Washington Nationals are celebrating 20 years since baseball’s return to the District. A 20th anniversary celebration, dubbed NATS20, will continue all season long, with several in-park giveaways, special alumni appearances and what the team says will be “the biggest sweepstakes in Nationals history.”

And of course, you’ll probably want to check out the Nats’ promotions schedule for fan-favorite special event days and giveaways of bobbleheads, T-shirts, replica jerseys and more. Some of the 2025 season’s first big giveaways include an Opening Day T-shirt (March 27), a NATS20 replica commemorative ring, a NATS20 replica jersey (April 5) and a James Wood oversized bobblehead (April 22).

Things to Do DC Apr 18, 2022

What are your weekend plans in the DMV? Our free newsletter has ideas

Cherry Blossoms Mar 4

Cherry Blossom Festival key dates: 13 top events

Hey, do you have a seating chart for Nationals Park?

Why, yes, we do. (More accurately, the Nats’ website does.)

It is here.

What to know before you go: No bags, cash or printed tickets

• A strict bag policy is in effect. Any bag larger than a 5″ by 7″ by ¾” clutch must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC. No backpacks are allowed, even if they are clear. If you have a diaper bag or medical bag, you may use the ADA/Family lanes.
• If you bring a bag that’s not allowed inside, you can use Binbox lockers for a fee. Here’s what the park says: “Binbox will be positioned outside Right Field Gate and Home Plate Gate; they will be in position two hours prior to first pitch and will remain in position until one hour after last pitch.”
• You can’t pay in cash for tickets, concessions or retail at Nats Park. If necessary, you can exchange cash for Nats Bucks. (There are two spots where you can do that: Advance Ticket Sales behind Sections 103/104 and Guest Services behind Section 131.) Cash is accepted for 50/50 raffle purchases.
• Most fans need to download the MLB Ballpark app to show their mobile tickets before entering the park.

Should I download the MLB Ballpark app?

Yes! Most fans will need to show their tickets on the MLB Ballpark app. It’s where you can manage and display your digital ticket; you can also forward tickets to others. Print-at-home tickets won’t be accepted.

There’s no will-call for the 2025 season. “The Nationals Box Office does not accept will call. Fans can forward their tickets to friends and family directly from the MLB Ballpark app,” the Nats’ website says.

The app also has game schedules and concourse maps, and you can use it to order concessions or merchandise.

If your device runs out of battery, visit the Ticket Services Lobby next to the Center Field Gate for help.

What’s new at Nationals Park in 2025?

A new food hall will showcase a rotating selection of food vendors, with plans to coordinate the offerings to some of the Nats’ theme and promotional nights.

“It’s a rotational-type concept where we will have four different stations. These will change about monthly, like player-selected concessions,” Chief Marketing Officer Kim Bolt told News4’s Paul Wagner.

Eleven new restaurants and local suppliers will sell food, drinks and snacks. Here’s what to look for and where to find it, according to Nationals Park:

• Cotton & Reed – Section 109 – Cocktails, including the ‘Cocomotion,’ strawberry daquiri, dark & stormy and rum old fashioned
• Dog Tag Bakery – Suites and select Marketplace locations – Baked goods, including brownies, blondies, raspberry bars, cookies and more featured in Suites
• Electric Cool-Aid – Sections 102 and 147 – Boozy slushies
• Kam & 46 – Section 105 – Hawaiian and Filipino recipes with a modern twist, including tuna tartare nachos, kalua pork sisig nachos and more
• Lucky Danger – Section 238 – American-Chinese food, including veggie lo mein, orange chicken bites and dumplings
• Maracas Ice Pops – Mobile bicycle; 1 per level – Locally handcrafted Mexican ice pops
• Moore Crunch – Marketplaces at Sections 110, 129, 141, 205, 229, 306 and 314 – Seasoned mini crunchy pretzels
• Mush – Section 137 – Plant-based sandwiches, bowls and sides
• Party Of – Marketplaces at Sections 110, 129, 141, 205, 229, 306 and 314 – Thai chili lime popcorn, pad Thai popcorn
• Phowheels – Section 140 – Vietnamese street food, including egg rolls, Vietnamese tacos and banh mi sandwich
• Taqueria Picoso – Section 117 – Authentic tacos and tortas

Getting to Nationals Park

You have plenty of options, including:

Metrorail: If you’re taking Metro, the closest station is Navy Yard-Ballpark on the Green Line, which is just a block from Nats Park. Another option is the Capitol South station on the Orange, Blue and Silver lines, which is a 1-mile walk from the ballpark, but you may be able to avoid a lot of the crowds that way. Need to drive to a Metro station? Dozens of Metro stations have parking options; see details and availability here.

Metrobus: Several Metrobus routes serve the area. See timetables here and a map of all Metrobus routes here; most wayfinding apps such as Google Maps and Apple Maps also can provide bus directions.

Parking garages: You can buy parking passes ahead of time online here. Drive-up parking is available on a game-by-game basis and is not available for all games. Nats parking facilities are now cashless and will only accept credit cards. All lots will open two hours and 15 minutes before the start of each game and will close an hour after the end of each game. Tailgating is not permitted at Nats parking facilities.

Bicycle: Have your own bike? Nats Park has a free bike valet to the left of Garage C at the corner of N and First streets SE. You’ll find the access point on First Street, to the left of the garage’s vehicle entrance. Want a short-term bike rental? Capital Bikeshare has several docking stations nearby, including: 1st & N streets SE; 1st & K streets SE; 3rd & Tingey streets SE, and M Street & New Jersey Avenue SE.

Rideshare and Taxis: You can rideshare or take a taxi to Nats Park. Getting dropped off a block or two away could save you money and time sitting in traffic. After the game, you can catch a cab at the taxi stand on the north side of M Street SE between South Capitol and Half streets SE.

If you want to Uber or Lyft home, Nationals Park recommends you don’t order a rideshare vehicle to South Capitol Street because it’s very busy. Try walking a few blocks north, or choosing one of these pick-up spots suggested on the Nats Park website:

• N Street SE and New Jersey Avenue SE
• L Street SE between First Street SE and New Jersey Avenue SE
• M Street SE and Half Street SE

Nats Park with kids

Nationals Park hosts Kids’ Opening Day on April 27, plus more special events throughout the season, including:

• five special giveaways (April 27, June 8, July 6, Aug. 3 and Sept. 14)
• story time
• photos with the Racing Presidents
• player autographs
• the family-favorite Kids Run the Bases tradition. Kids ages 4-12 are invited to run around the baseball diamond after every Sunday afternoon home game, weather-permitting. New in 2025, the line for Kids Run the Bases will no longer be outside the ballpark. Instead, kids and families should line up at the GEICO Presidents Photo Station behind Section 131.

A playground structure, called the Nationals Park Kids Zone, is available for kids age 10 and younger. It’s open during all home games until the end of the 7th inning, weather-permitting.

Other special experiences for the Nats’ youngest fans include five special giveaways throughout the season, story time and more.

Strollers are permitted in all concourse areas at Nats Park, but if your strollers can’t fit under a seat while folded, you’ll need to check it at a Guest Services location (Center Field Plaza, or behind Sections 131 or 320).

Diaper and medical bags are exempt from the clear bag policy. Families with these bags must use ADA/Family lanes at the Center Field and Home Plate gates.

Kids under age 2 don’t need their own ticket, but they’ll have to sit on their parent or guardian’s lap. First game certificates are available free — for fans of ALL ages, by the way — at three Guest Services locations (behind Sections 103, 131 and 320).

Big-time fans can also check out the Jr. Nationals Kids Club for kids ages 4-12 for member-only offers and exclusive experiences.

How can I get deals and discounts for Nationals tickets?

Tuesday home games will offer deep discounts on tickets (up to 30% off), parking (Lot W will cost $14, discounted from $25) and concessions. The $5 menu has expanded options this year and includes: 12 oz. Bud Light beers, hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, nachos and fountain sodas, available at Grand Slam Grill locations throughout Nats Park. Discounts will be automatically applied to your order at checkout.

Through the District Tickets program, D.C. residents can buy tickets starting at $5. These discounted tickets are available for all games on a first-come, first-served basis. Seats are in sections 401 and 402. Tickets must be purchased via the link on this page or at the Box Office, and an ID is required to prove residency.

Discount tickets are also available for military members/veterans, first responders, government employees and public school teachers. Here’s more info.

What other special events are at Nationals Park this season? When are Pups in the Park and postgame concerts in 2025?

You’ll find plenty of promos and special events all season long, starting with Opening Day (naturally!), when the first 20,000 fans to arrive will get a free T-shirt.

Every Sunday home game, two Nats players will sign autographs for fans starting one hour before first pitch (“weather permitting and subject to player schedules,” the team notes). You’ll find them at the top of the Nationals’ dugout. To participate, you’ll need to get a free voucher; they’re distributed at Section 103 on a first-come, first-served basis when gates open 80 minutes before first pitch.

The Nats Postgame Summer Concert Series is back by popular demand. Buy a ticket to one of the games, then stick around for an on-field concert.

Here are the dates and artists:

• O.A.R.: May 9
• Natasha Bedingfield: June 6
• Nelly: June 13
• Sam Hunt: Aug. 15
• Ja Rule and Ashanti: Aug. 29
• Riley Green: Sept. 26

Take your dog to a game with Pups in the Park. Nationals Park now sells one ticket covering a pup and their person for $42. All proceeds from dog tickets go to the Humane Rescue Alliance. Buy tickets via the links here.

With the exception of service animals, dogs will only be allowed in select sections, and you must bring a signed waiver to the game. You can download the waiver. Dates for Pups in the Park are April 6, April 25, May 20, June 14, Aug. 20 and Sept. 28.

Baseball fans can also enjoy special events, including college and heritage days. Here’s the schedule.

Can I bring a snack and water bottle? What’s prohibited?

Here’s a list of prohibited items.

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First, decide whether you want to start at the Tidal Basin, Potomac Park or the National Mall — all have plenty of cherry trees. That will also have an impact on, say, which Metro station or bus stop you’d like to use, or whether you’d like to opt for a less-common form of transportation (kayaks, we’re looking at you).

Zoom & click/tap on the interactive map below for details on each of the marked locations.

The National Park Service always encourages blossom fans to take the Metro, warning that driving is … not pleasant.

(We concur. ⬇️)

Which Metrorail stops to use for cherry blossoms

Metro won’t have any major daytime trackwork between March 10 and April 18, although crews will do some late-night track work with single-tracking after 10 p.m. on a few nights on parts of the Red and Blue/Orange/Silver lines. 

Interlude: COMING FROM OUT OF TOWN?

We hope you enjoy your time in D.C.! Here’s a quick primer on Metro (you also might see it referred to as WMATA — for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority).

What to know about Metro fare:

• Metro fare cards (known as SmarTrip cards) are used for both Metrorail and Metrobus. You can use either a plastic SmarTrip card (there’s actually a commemorative cherry blossom special edition!) or use mobile pay on your phone.

• Plan to load enough value on your card to pay for all trips you plan to take; 1-day, 3-day and 7-day passes are available for unlimited travel on rail or bus. 
• Weekend fares on Metro are $2.25-$2.50. Weekday fares are $2.25-$6.75 until 9:30 p.m. when they drop to the same cost as weekends. You can calculate your fare by using Metro’s Trip Planner.
• Each rider age 5 or older needs their own SmarTrip card.
• Riding Metrobus is free with a transfer discount if you’re transferring to or from a Metrorail line.

Parking at Metro stations:

• Parking is free on weekends at all Metro-owned parking garages and lots.
• Only some Metro stations have parking. See the list of stations with parking here.

Metro’s guide:

See Metro’s guide for new riders online here.

Track trains and buses:

You can see real-time info and service alerts on Metropulse for Metrorail and for Metrobus. Also, many wayfinding apps, such as Google Maps and Apple Maps, will show bus directions.

Which Metrobus stops to use for cherry blossoms

Several routes serve the National Mall and Tidal Basin area.

In addition to several other options, you can take the 32 or 36 bus lines to any of these stops:

• Virginia Avenue NW and E Street NW
• Pennsylvania Avenue NW and 14th St NW
• Pennsylvania Avenue NW and 13th St NW
• Pennsylvania Avenue NW and 10th St NW
• Pennsylvania Avenue NW and 7th St NW
• Independence Avenue SW and 6th Street SW

See timetables and other routes here, plus real-time info and service alerts on Metropulse. (And in case you skipped our Metro primer above — we’ll reiterate here that many wayfinding apps, such as Google Maps and Apple Maps, will show bus directions.)

Riding Metrobus is free with a transfer discount if you’re transferring to or from a Metrorail line.

Where to park when seeing cherry blossoms

Be warned that parking will be very hard to find around the National Mall and Tidal Basin during cherry blossom season. The NPS warns: “If you choose to drive, prepare for severe traffic congestion, extremely scarce parking, and altered traffic patterns including road closures and temporary one-way roads. Downtown Washington, DC is serviced by Interstate 395, Interstate 66, and US Highways 1, 29, and 50. Consider parking at a Metro station and using public transportation to reach the National Mall …”

However, if you absolutely must look for parking, the National Park Service says it may be available in these areas:

• Madison Drive NW and Jefferson Drive NW along the National Mall
• Constitution Avenue NW
• Ohio Drive SW (along the Potomac River south of the Lincoln Memorial)
• Lots A, B & C south of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial
• Limited handicapped parking is available near the memorials, but these spaces fill up quickly, according to the NPS

Parking garage info and how to pay for metered spaces:

The NPS also notes that paid parking garages are available north of Constitution Avenue NW. If you’re looking for one of those, consider trying a parking locator app, such as SpotHero.

You also might want to make sure you have the ParkMobile app downloaded to your phone ahead of time, as you can pay for street parking in D.C. (including in Potomac Park) through that app.

Remember that all Metro-owned parking garages and lots have free parking on weekends. See the list of stations with parking here.

Partial Ohio Drive SW closure:

One more important thing to note — a portion of Ohio Drive SW is shut down due to a long-term D.C. Water construction project, and not all GPS apps appear to have picked up on that yet (even as of earlier this month).

A detour is available via the recently constructed West Potomac Drive SW. See more info here.

Cherry Blossoms Mar 4

Cherry Blossom Festival key dates: 13 top events

Cherry Blossoms Mar 19

Cherry blossoms hit peak bloom in DC: A guide for bloom lovers and first-time visitors

Where to ride or park a bike when seeing cherry blossoms

Hains Point Loop Trail:

This 4.1-mile loop offers cyclists the chance to see multiple species of cherry blossoms, as well as views of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers and the Washington Channel.

“Please watch your step as the path may contain some uneven pavement,” the NPS cautions.

You can see the loop on this easy-to-read bike trail map, which also shows points of interest.

Capital Bikeshare cherry blossom parking:

There are plenty of docking stations in the area, including these:

• Henry Bacon Drive and Lincoln Memorial Circle NW — docking station just northeast of the memorial
• Lincoln Memorial — docking station just southeast of the memorial
• 22nd Street and Constitution Avenue NW
• 17th Street and Independence Avenue SW
• 19th Street and Constitution Avenue NW
• Iwo Jima Memorial (N. Meade Street & 14th Street N. in Arlington, Virginia)

You can use Capital Bikeshare’s docking station map to see locations and check bike availability.

If you’re riding your own bike:

Bike parking is available near each of the major memorials and along the National Mall. However, remember that you can’t ride your bike within the memorials themselves, the NPS warns.

How to use Potomac Water Taxi to get to the cherry blossoms

You can board Potomac Water Taxi from Georgetown, National Harbor or Old Town Alexandria and take it to the dock at The Wharf (950 Wharf St. SW).

Then walk northwest along the waterfront and Maine Avenue SW to get to the Tidal Basin; it’s about 0.8 miles away.

Paddle boat and kayak rentals

While paddle boats and kayaks (most likely) won’t get you from your doorstep to the blossoms, it can be an amazing experience to view the blossoms from the water.

Boating in DC rents out kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, rowboats and more, which you can reserve online. There are multiple locations, including at the Wharf (710 Wharf St. SW), which — starting March 29 — will be open on weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Several of the boathouses have not yet announced their spring hours, though, so call before you go.

Paddle boats are also available to rent right at the Tidal Basin daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (The rental pavilion’s address is 1501 Maine Ave. SW.) However, only walk-up rentals are permitted for the next few weeks due to the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Advance bookings will be available starting April 14.

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Washington, D.C.’s, most famous cherry trees along the Tidal Basin hit peak bloom on Friday, and you can see beautiful cherry blossoms throughout D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.

So, it’s time to start planning your perfect bloom-filled day! Maybe you’re eager to see the splendor of the Tidal Basin trees, or maybe you’d rather avoid those crowds by visiting another cherry tree enclave.

Here are spots to see the cherry blossom trees in D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

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Best places to see cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C.

Tidal Basin
South of the National Mall

The epicenter of cherry blossom spring fever is the Tidal Basin. Peak bloom is when 70% of the Yoshino trees in this area have flowers — it’s a spectacular sight to see, but expect busy crowds. Your best bet is to take public transit, bikes or scooters, then walk along the Tidal Basin Loop Trail.

Nearby, the Hains Point Loop Trail is one of the most bike-friendly places to see cherry blossoms. The 4-mile loop offers views of the Anacostia River, Potomac River, Washington Channel and The Wharf. Bike this tree-lined trail and see several different kinds of cherry trees including Okame, Takesimensis and Kwanzan.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival hosts a welcome area and stage with daily performances through April 6 (here’s the schedule). There are also pedal boats! See more below.

From the Water

The pedal boats have returned to the Tidal Basin. Rentals are available 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Each boat can hold up to four people (with a weight limit of 805 pounds). A one-hour rental costs $38 on weekdays and $40 on weekends and holidays. During cherry blossom season, rentals are walk-up only; there are no prepaid reservations.

The Cherry Blossom Water Taxi is a different way to see the blossoms while traveling between D.C., National Harbor in Maryland and Alexandria, Virginia.

Or, add a boozy twist to your floating experience with the Sea Suite Cruises’ line of boat party cruises, Whitlow’s on Water and Party Boat DC.

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Would you rather row your own boat? Cherry blossom kayak tours from The Wharf Boathouse begin March 29.

American University
4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.

The American University campus in Northwest D.C. is a designated arboretum with over 3,000 trees of all types — including collections of cherry trees.

Congressional Cemetery
1801 E St. SE, Washington, D.C.

This dog-friendly cemetery has both Okame (Taiwan) cherry trees, which bloom on the early side, and Kwanzan cherry trees which typically bloom about two weeks after the famed Yoshino ones at the National Mall.

National Arboretum
3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

The Arboretum has its own collection of cherry trees alongside numerous other plants. You can find a self-guided tour here.

Oxon Run Park
1200 Mississippi Ave. SE, Washington, D.C.

This park could give the Tidal Basin a serious challenge: More than 200 cherry blossom trees have been planted there.

The Wharf
760 Maine Ave. SW, Washington, D.C.

Stroll down The Wharf or sit down on a restaurant patio, then look out across the Washington Channel for some cherry blossom views. You could also rent a kayak or canoe or board the Cherry Blossom Water Taxi. Bonus: Visit on March 29 for Bloomaroo, a family-friendly festival with live music, art and fireworks.

Stanton Park
226 4th St NE, Washington, D.C.

This family-friendly park in the Capitol Hill neighborhood is filled with cherry blossom trees. Plus, it has a playground, a statue of Nathanael Greene and is within walking distance of the Supreme Court and the U.S. Capitol.

Your Neighborhood

Casey Trees has a map of cherry trees throughout the District.

Maryland cherry blossoms

Brookside Gardens and other Montgomery County Parks
Various locations

Twenty-five of Montgomery County’s public parks have cherry trees — here’s an interactive map. You can even look for a specific species!

Brookside Gardens is a standout spot because it has 26 Yoshino and weeping cherry trees that are particularly impressive — look in the Gude Garden.

South Germantown Recreational Park and its HeartSmart Trail are another option.

Centennial Park (Howard County)
1000 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, Maryland

Cherry trees have been planted in three spots in Centennial Park in Howard County. View some from your car, or walk the Lake Loop. Here’s a map.

National Harbor
Oxon Hill, Maryland

National Harbor, in Oxon Hill, Maryland, boasts more than 200 cherry trees and sprinkles celebrations throughout the season. Head over on Sakura Sunday (March 30) for performances and more celebrating Japanese culture!

Remember to check out special activities plus classes including a cherry blossom-themed mixology class (April 12) and origami (April 12).

Fort McHenry
2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, Maryland

The grounds of Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland, host cherry blossom trees. It’s free to visit and park at the park!

Kenwood Neighborhood
Bethesda

Stroll through this Montgomery County neighborhood filled with cherry trees. Kennedy Drive, Dorset Avenue and Kenwood Avenue have some of the best views. Visit Montgomery has tips for visitors!

Virginia cherry blossoms

Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, Virginia

More than 400 cherry trees grow throughout the Arlington National Cemetery. Most are Yoshino trees, but weeping Higan cherry trees, Kwanzan trees and more bloom annually.

Arlington National Cemetery requires every visitor over the age of 18 to have a photo ID. Expect a security screening, too!

Founder’s Park
351 N Union St, Alexandria, Virginia

At Founder’s Park in Alexandria, you can take in the fresh air, look out at the water and bask in cherry blossoms galore.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, Virginia

A wide array of plants grow in the 100-acre grounds of Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Fairfax Station, Virginia, but in the springtime, it becomes a haven of cherry blossom joy.

Old Town Alexandria

The 100 block of Wolfe Street, near the waterfront and Roberdeau Park, is a good place for a selfie, according to Visit Alexandria. With cherry blossom-themed food and drink, art exhibits, craft workshops, shopping events and more, Old Town is a cherry blossom destination.

Van Gogh Bridge on Lake Anne
The Green Trail, Reston, Virginia

This spot is for the photographers: The few cherry trees around the bridge make a gorgeous photo backdrop. To get there, follow Reston’s Green Trail over Lake Anne.

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An official from the Japan Meteorological Agency carefully examined the specimen tree of Somei Yoshino variety at Tokyo’s Yasukuni shrine and announced that more than five blossoms — the minimum required for the announcement — were flowering on it.

The opening matched the average year and was five days earlier than last year, according to the JMA.

Cherry blossoms, or “sakura,” are Japan’s favorite flower and usually reach their peak in late March to early April, just as the country celebrates the start of a new school and business year. Many Japanese enjoy walking or picnicking under the trees.

Sakura have deeply influenced Japanese culture for centuries and have regularly been used in poetry and literature, with their fragility seen as a symbol of life, death and rebirth.

The announcement in Tokyo, which is enjoying warmer-than-usual temperatures of around 19 Celsius (66 Fahrenheit), comes just one day after the blooming of the nation’s first cherry blossom was confirmed Sunday in the southwestern city of Kochi on the island of Shikoku.

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The JMA tracks more than 50 “benchmark” cherry trees across the country. The trees normally bloom for about two weeks each year from first bud to all the blossoms falling off. They are expected to reach their peak in about 10 days.

Cherry trees are sensitive to temperature changes and the timing of their blooming can provide valuable data for climate change studies.

In recent years, Japan’s cherry blossom season has tended to come earlier than the average, prompting concerns of a possible impact of climate change.

On March 20, the food delivery platform announced a collab with Klarna, an AI-powered online payments company, to offer a range of flexible payment options to its customers. DoorDash says that customers will soon be able to use Klarna’s range of payment options when purchasing groceries, restaurant food and retail items.

When customers check out, they’ll be able to choose Klarna as a payment option, with three options that include: paying in full using Klarna; “Pay in 4,” where customers will pay for their purchase in four equal interest-free installments; and “Pay Later,” which will let users defer payments to another time.

News of the partnership hit social media like a poké bowl forcefully chucked at a wall. While a lot of the comments joke about DoorDash’s partnership with Trixie Mattel’s favorite Swedish company, others raise concerns about what finance plans for food means for customers — and society at large:

• “‘you financed a $12.78 steak bowl from chipotle?’”
• “THIS is a recesssion indicator.”
• “Y’all about to klarna McDonald’s. Lord get help.”
• “what do you mean you have $11k in ‘doordash debt.’”
• “I finally finished paying off my Starbucks drink from last year so this is perfect.”
• “What happens if you default? They repo via colonoscopy?”
• “In 20 years, people getting their taxes garnished because they didn’t make their 3rd payment on a filet-o-fish in 2025.”
• “Nothing says ‘prosperity’ like financing your fries. Give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day. Let him Klarna it, and he’ll owe you forever.”
• “‘You’re telling me there’s free wings down there?’ My Klarna loan shark that remembers I missed my Popeyes financing payment.”
• “If you need Klarna to order food, you shouldn’t be ordering food.”
• “y’all please for the love of god DO NOT use klarna for a wendy’s biggie bag.”

In response, Klarna posted more context in a blog post titled “Convenience Shouldn’t Cost,” clarifying what customers can and can’t do with its service.

“This partnership gives DoorDash customers an easier way to pay upfront, with Klarna Pay in full, and spread the cost of larger purchases over $35 with Klarna’s interest-free, installment-based credit options — especially important as DoorDash expands its offering into electronics, big-box retail and gifts,” a Klarna spokesperson tells TODAY.com.

To reiterate: That $35 minimum means you cannot use this tool to finance a single burrito to your home.

"You're telling me there's free wings down there?"

My Klarna loan shark that remembers I missed my Popeyes financing payment: https://t.co/enFfOx6y3j pic.twitter.com/1gg6QPjE6p

— Isaac (@GalaxyPeaBrain) March 20, 2025

DoorDash also points out that you can purchase things other than food using its service.

“With over 25% of customers now shopping beyond restaurants in categories like retail and grocery—whether it’s the gaming console or laptop for your kids, the new barbecue ahead of summer grilling season, or the running shoes you need for tomorrow’s 5k—this partnership provides even more flexibility, control and options,” a DoorDash spokesperson tells TODAY.com.

But this partnership has made a lot of finance-focused folks wonder about its implications out loud.

On March 20, influencer and entrepreneur Humphrey Yang devoted a video to the subject, captioning his clip, “Are we cooked chat?”

“What is going on with the world? You’re telling me you’re gonna put your pizza on buy now, pay later?” Yang says. “I’m not sure what to think about this. Is our economy doing that bad where we need interest-free installments on food? I mean, that actually presents a very slippery slope. Like, what’s next? Laundry machines? Vending machines?”

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:

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Fast-food chains are going all in on fun beverages to attract younger consumers.

Chick-fil-A, known for its straightforward menu of fried chicken and waffle fries, is selling seasonal Pineapple Dragonfruit drinks. Yum Brands’ Taco Bell installed a beverage concept called Live Mas Café inside one of its California locations. McDonald’s is in its second year of testing its drinks-focused spinoff, CosMc’s.

Restaurant operators are betting that drinks with exotic flavors, bright colors and high caffeine and sugar counts will mean higher sales — and better margins.

Fast-food chains are increasingly adding beverage options and widening the number of items within that segment. Refreshers and agua frescas are increasingly showing up on menus, while fast-food chains expand their specialty iced coffee, hot chocolate and energy drink options, according to market research firm Datassential.

Fast-food chains’ recent focus on drinks mirrors the broader restaurant industry as the number of beverage-focused concepts climbs. More regional coffee shops are coming for Starbucks’ crown. Plus, consumers have embraced buying drinks beyond coffee, such as bubble tea and “dirty soda,” the Utah trend of adding syrups, creamers and juice to soda that has spread nationwide.

More and more full-scale establishments are basing their entire businesses on the growing segment. Beverage chains Swig, 7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee and Gong Cha are among the 10 fastest-growing quick-service restaurant chains by sales, according to restaurant market research firm Technomic.

The trend also follows the decades-long decline in soda consumption since its peak in 2000.

“As the consumer moves away from the traditional soda, there’s an opportunity for operators and different brands to bring something signature to the table that is more in line with their brand in certain instances, but also an opportunity to potentially charge a little more,” said Michael Parlapiano, managing director of the Culinary Edge, a consulting firm that has helped Noodles & Company, McDonald’s and First Watch on menu offerings.

Attracting Gen Z

Restaurants are hoping hot chocolate and flavored lemonades can help build loyalty with Gen Z consumers.

Compared to previous generations, Gen Z is the most open to new flavors and comes from the most diverse backgrounds. Gen Z’s openness gives fast-food chains more latitude to explore more unusual offerings, such as butterfly pea or ube, according to Parlapiano. Monin, a French company best known for its flavored syrups, tapped yuzu, an East Asian citrus fruit, as its flavor of the year for 2025.

Traditionally, large fast-food chains are less likely to experiment with such audacious flavors, but even they have stepped outside of their comfort zones. For example, Wendy’s current lemonade lineup includes blueberry pomegranate and pineapple mango — two choices that have paid off for the burger giant.

“Our premium craft lemonades are also incredibly loved by our customers, and this product over-indexes with Hispanic consumers and Gen Z,” Wendy’s U.S. Chief Marketing Officer Lindsay Radkoski said at a recent investor event.

Restaurants have also been inspired to mix different drink trends favored by Gen Z, hoping that the unique mashups will attract adventurous consumers.

For example, the soaring popularity of bubble tea, with its chewy tapioca balls, has inspired restaurant chains to add their own boba-inspired touches to drinks beyond tea. CosMc’s, the McDonald’s spinoff, offers dried blueberries and fruity popping boba as customizations for some of its drinks. Shake Shack’s tropical kiwi lemonade includes tiny pieces of kiwi inside the drink, adding a new texture and evoking the chewiness of boba pearls, Parlapiano said.

While different than a traditional soda, restaurants’ foray into drink innovation often means just as much sugar, if not more, depending on the syrups and add-ons. But that doesn’t change Gen Z’s appetite for them.

“We think of it as ‘little treat’ culture. What I can spend is in the grand scheme of things, not a huge sum of money, and yes, I can splurge on this big sugary drink,” said Claire Conaghan, trendologist and associate director for Datassential. “I think the younger consumer is pretty aware that they’re full of sugar, but they’re OK with that as their preference for where they get their sweet treat.”

Beyond the soda fountain

For some chains, beverages have taken center stage as an area for improvement — and future sales growth.

“We recognize that it’s not just about carbonated sodas anymore,” El Pollo Loco CEO Liz Williams told CNBC. “So we did a deep dive in beverage innovation this year.”

El Pollo Loco’s expanded drink offerings now include more flavors of its Aguas Frescas, which are fruit-infused waters. Future drink innovation could mean following the mashup trend, such as selling horchata coffee, Williams said.

Wendy’s also wants more of its customers to order drinks. Roughly 30% of Wendy’s customers do not add a beverage to their order, according to a recent investor presentation.

“This is an opportunity for growth when these are highly profitable,” Wendy’s U.S. President Abigail Pringle told analysts.

In many cases, beverages generate higher profits and are easier to add to menus than a new food item. While a customer sees a new flavor, for the workers making the drinks, it’s just swapping out a syrup flavor or adding a new drizzle on top. With just a little more labor, restaurants can charge a lot more. Plus, syrups also usually have longer expiration dates than food items and are easier to store, according to Datassential’s Conaghan.

Wendy’s new focus on beverages dovetails with its strategy to keep growing its breakfast sales. When the chain launched its breakfast menu nationwide for the first time in early 2020, the early morning menu featured only a few coffee options, such as its Frosty-ccino, which has since been replaced by the Frosty Cream Cold Brew.   

“Our next horizon of growth at breakfast is in beverages,” Radkoski said.

Likewise, Taco Bell focused on the future opportunity presented by beverages during its investor presentation earlier this month.

“We believe that beverages can be a new core craving for Taco Bell, and we see a line of sight to building a $5 billion beverage business by 2030,” Taylor Montgomery, Taco Bell’s North American chief marketing officer, said in an investor presentation earlier this month ahead of the brand’s Live Mas Live event.

Taco Bell is looking to its new Live Mas Café concept to inform future drink innovation. In December, the chain opened the first location inside an existing store in Chula Vista, California. So far, it has helped the restaurant achieve double-digit transaction and sales growth, according to Taco Bell executives.

The Live Mas menu features more than 30 drinks, spanning different day parts. Highlights include refrescas that are caffeinated with green tea or Rockstar energy drinks; Churro Chillers; and a “Dirty Baja,” made by adding cream to its signature Baja Blast Mountain Dew.

“Things that we’re learning within the Live Mas Café concept, we’re pulling out and trying to scale across all of our units in the U.S.,” Montgomery said, adding that the company wants to aggressively expand the Live Mas Café this year.

Later this year, Taco Bell plans to bring its Dragonfruit Refresca to all U.S. restaurants.

Women’s History Month started in 1981 as a weeklong celebration in March and shifted to cover the entire month six years after that. Since then, presidents have annually issued proclamations designating March as Women’s History Month. The month is intended to celebrate women’s contributions throughout U.S. history.

Of the nearly 33.3 million small businesses nationwide, women own approximately 40% of them. In 2023, women owned 47.4% of businesses in the District, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Running a business is not easy, and women say they face unique challenges. Business owners shared with News4 some of the challenges they face as women in their industries – and what keeps them going.

Petal’s Edge Floral Design

Gerry Rogers, the owner of Petal’s Edge Floral Design, said she previously worked in art museums before entering a doctoral program to leverage a future job. While writing her dissertation, Rogers said she worked with a florist on the side which led to her creating her own establishment.

“I started a business, and then it took off,” she said.

Rogers said one of the things that made her store strong at the start was having a business partner. She said the two were fully committed to Petal’s Edge, making yearly financial goals and hiring an attorney and accountant.

“We definitely set out that we were going to do this as a job from the start,” Rogers said. “I love to say that you never know what you’re capable of until you’re hungry.”

Women face challenges because of their gender identity despite encompassing most of the wedding industry. Rogers says the spelling of her name has stealthily helped her.

“I don’t spell my name in an overly feminine way, and so a lot of people will assume I’m a man,” Rogers said. “I’ll have so many situations where people will finally get me either on the phone or in person, and they’re like, ‘Oh, my God, you’re a woman,’ and I always think to myself, ‘Has anything changed?’”

Rogers said she deals with the bride for most of the wedding, but there’s a running joke that when something goes wrong or someone’s unhappy with something, you start dealing with the groom and or a father.

Weddings can be an emotional time for guests and families as they mark a lifelong union of two people.

“It’s an activity that’s a first time activity for most people, and even if it is someone’s second wedding, they’re probably dealing with a whole different cast of characters,” Rogers said.

Lee’s Flower and Card Shop

After the 1968 riots following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., only three Black-owned businesses remained on U Street NW: Lee’s Flower and Card Shop, Ben’s Chili Bowl and Industrial Bank.

Lee’s Flower and Card Shop was founded in 1945 by William and Winnifred Lee. The couple passed ownership of the businesses to their only son, Richard, according to the store’s website. After Richard Lee retired more than a decade ago, his daughters, Stacie Lee Banks and Kristie Lee Jones bought the store.

“It’s kind of surreal,” said Jones, the co-owner of Lee’s.

Jones said she thinks the fact that the store is Black- and woman-owned shows how much women can accomplish.

“It’s really exciting that women are now called on and are able to step up to the plate and run businesses as well as take care of home, family and things like that,” Jones said.

Jones said the store commemorated Women’s History Month with an Instagram post of her sister and the younger generations of Lee’s. Every March she’s noticed people buy more green, purple and white flowers, which are the colors of Women’s History Month, she said.

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Halaqah Tingz

Asha Kabirou, the founder of Halaqah Tingz, said she hosted an iftar — an evening meal that breaks fast during Ramadan — in 2022 with other Muslim women. As they talked, one of the things that resonated with everyone was the necessity of a space for Muslim women, she said.

“That conversation is really what birth Halaqah Tingz,” Kabirou said.

Halaqah Tingz is a nonprofit organization that hosts monthly events such as community workshops, educational programming and halaqahs — a religious gathering to study Islam and the Quran. Kabirou said the nonprofit organization aims to nurture intellectual, spiritual and personal growth. She said while Halaqah Tingz does cater to Muslim women, the organization is open to any woman interested in growing themselves.

Kabirou said she noticed how tight-knit Muslim communities in other cities such as Philadelphia were and wanted the same here.

Members primarily communicate via WhatsApp and host events throughout the year. She said it’s important for women to have a space, especially Muslim women who may face discrimination from both outside and within their community.

“What’s important for a Muslim woman to have this space is to be able to remember that you have a uniqueness that’s important. That’s vital,” Kabirou said. “You can express yourself freely, without judgment.”

El Tamarindo

El Tamarindo, located in Adams Morgan, is the longest-running Salvadoran-owned restaurant in the District. The restaurant was started by José Reyes, who immigrated to the U.S. in search of a better life, and serves Mexican and Salvadoran Food.

Ana Reyes, the current owner of El Tamarindo, said she suffered from imposter syndrome when she inherited the business in her early 20s. Reyes said she surrounded herself with empowering women and positive messages to overcome those feelings of self-doubt.

“I was very grateful that we did at the time, and still do have a very strong Latino business community that offers a lot of support,” Reyes said. “It’s a welcoming space and also a space to learn, grow and also gives you a little more confidence when you step into a non-Latino world.”

Although running a business has its challenges, Reyes said what keeps her going is the memories created at El Tamarindo for more than 43 years.

“On a daily basis, somebody will come in and tell me this magical story, whether they met their spouse here at El Tamarindo, or that they come back with their grandchildren, or that El Tamarindo got them through law school,” Reyes said.

Reyes said seeing the amount of work her parents put in to start the restaurant keeps her going. As immigrants from El Salvador fleeing civil war, Reyes’ parents started El Tamarindo with little restaurant experience, she said.

“Growing up, I saw the effort my parents put into it, the effort that a lot of other people put into the business to make sure that it succeeded,” Reyes said. “Whether it be employees or people in the community, customers, there’s been so many people that have put love and effort into the success of the build of the business, and it’s still very much alive in people’s hearts.”

Reyes said El Tamarindo’s history exemplifies the Salvadoran immigrant story and hopes its presence can inspire younger Latinas to pursue their dreams.

“Whether they’re aspiring to be business owners or chefs or whatever, if I can motivate them, that’s always a plus,” Reyes said.

Reyes said Women’s History Month is celebrated daily at El Tamarindo because the majority of the restaurant is owned and managed by women.

“I really appreciate that a lot of our staff, the women come from spaces where women are not necessarily in spaces of power or leadership, and that’s something that we encourage in them here on a daily basis,” she said.

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Tiny sphere-shaped foods seem to be everywhere, entertaining mouths with their pop-ability and the sometimes unusual transformation of familiar foods.

Call it part of a bubble moment: The bubble hem is hot in fashion, and decor is loving soft, round corners and playfulness.

Here are some examples of pearl-shaped foods, old and new.

Straight from nature

Some pearl-shaped bubble foods have been with us for a long time — not fads at all. Perhaps the classic is caviar, and fish eggs in general. Different fish eggs have different types of “pop” and different flavor profiles.

Fish roe is great on blinis, toast point and potato pancakes, but also eggs, shellfish and pasta.

Not all caviar is pricy, either. California-based Tsar Nicoulai, for example, offers gold pearl trout roe for about $14 an ounce; it’s bright orange with a firm shell and a silky, distinctive pop. Their Estate Malossol Caviar retails for about $100 an ounce; it has a softer texture, a brownish black color and a buttery, earthy flavor.

Could it be time for the finger lime?

Another natural, pearl-shaped product — one not so well-known — is the finger lime. It looks like a skinny, pinky-shaped lime, but inside are wonderful little crunchy caviar-like pearls of lime juice. It’s definitely a novelty, but not a gimmick: The flavor and texture is a terrific addition to anything from oysters to scallop ceviche.

The skin of finger limes can be green, burgundy or dull orange. The pulpy pearls can be green, pale peach or red.

To harvest a finger lime’s caviar, just slice the lime down the middle and then squeeze each half. If your finger lime is fresh, the caviar should spill out easily. Look for them at specialty stores or online.

Boba and boba tea

Boba and boba tea (also known as bubble tea) have been around since the 1980s, introduced from Taiwan and now taking the world by storm.

Boba pearls are usually made from tapioca starch (from the cassava plant), water, and sometimes a sweetener, like brown sugar, using a process known as gelatinization. The little boba balls are chewy and bouncy, and while they are most often served in a sweet cold tea, they can also be used in different preparations. There is also popping boba, designed to burst when you bite into it.

Boba tea is usually sweet and creamy, shaken before serving to create a frothy texture. A fat straw is used to slurp up the balls, which are chewed as you drink.

You can buy boba tea at coffee shops and specialty stores, and get packaged boba pearls to make drinks and other confections at home. Twrl Milk Tea, for example, makes boba offerings like Lychee Popping Boba and Brown Sugar Boba. You can also buy ready-to-drink boba tea in a can, or bubble tea kits.

Spherification: Making foods pop-able

A trend that’s been percolating for years is spherified foods — liquids that become squishy little orbs when a gelled membrane is created around them.

One of my favorites is balsamic and other vinegar pearls. De Nigris, for instance, makes a line of Italian balsamic vinegar pearls, including some flavored with truffle and orange. Messino makes balsamic pearls and also lemon pearls, filled with real lemon juice, and pomegranate pearls. Tartuflanghe turns truffle juice into truffle pearls, and also makes anchovy and pesto pearls.

Prova’s vanilla, coffee and cocoa pearls are made for pastry chefs to serve on desserts.

You might sprinkle balsamic pearls on crostini or bruschetta, salads, and burrata or other cheeses. Try lemon pearls on top of oysters or grilled fish.

Pomegranate pearls can be served on yogurt, tarts and cocktails — as can the pomegranate’s natural pearls, the jelly-like arils that cover some seeds.

Spherification, or reverse spherification as it is officially called, uses sodium alginate and calcium to create the little orbs. The technique was invented in the 1940s and popularized by chef Ferran Adraia in the 2000s at his famed, now-closed restaurant El Bulli, in Spain. Chefs like Wylie Dufresne at WD-50 in New York have helped bring it to the fore.

Spherification beyond liquids

Some restaurants spherify their own foods, from ravioli to melons. Olive lovers might be dazzled by the spherified olives at Jose Andres’ Mercado Little Spain in NYC.

BelGiosioso makes teeny little mozzarella pearls, weighing in at 2.5 grams each. They look adorable in pasta salads and antipasti platters. They also melt into perfect little cheesy pockets in baked pastas, like baked ziti.

Easter candy, too

On the sweet side, there are translucent hard-candy rabbits stuffed with candy pearls from Pure Sugar. You’ll have to steel yourself to smash them open, or just shake the pearls out from the bottom if you can’t bear to break the bunny.

Spring is synonymous with cherry blossom season in D.C. Cherry trees across the region are overflowing with thousands of small pink and white blooms.

The collection of Yoshino cherry trees on the Tidal Basin are hit peak bloom, treating visitors to a sweeping panorama of florals around the Jefferson Memorial. These are D.C.’s famous cherry blossoms – and anyone who sees this spectacular spring display will understand why they’re world-renowned.

Given to the U.S. by Japan more than 100 years ago, the cherry trees also symbolize the countries’ friendship and cultural connections. Thousands not only participate in hanami – the Japanese word for flower viewing – but attend the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival, one of the most popular cherry blossom events.

Peak bloom 2025 arrived on Friday, March 28, exactly as Storm Team4 Meteorologist Amelia Draper and the National Park Service predicted.

While the trees are treasured – and draw upwards of 1.5 million visitors every year – they face threats including climate change and the degradation of the sea wall around the Tidal Basin that allows flooding to inundate trees.

Visitors to the cherry blossoms this year will likely notice the rehabilitation project to save the Tidal Basin. Over 150 trees – including perhaps the most famous cherry tree, Stumpy – were removed for the work.

Still, as dozens of cherry trees bloom following the D.C. area’s coldest winter in years, they remain a symbol of resilience, the beauty of renewal and the promises of spring.

Here’s your guide to enjoying D.C.’s springtime tradition, starting with four essential pro tips.

The best place to see cherry blossoms in D.C.

The Tidal Basin, near D.C.’s National Mall, is where you’ll find D.C.’s iconic Yoshino cherry trees, plus comfort stations, live performances and other fun activities including pedal boat rentals.

When you’re there, stroll the Tidal Basin Loop Trail, a 2.1-mile easy walk, or go for the 4.1-mile Hains Point Loop.

Before you visit, here are four pro tips:

• The best time to visit: Peak bloom is THE time to go. It can last several days or a week under ideal conditions, but the upcoming warm spell won’t help the flowers hang on.
• Expect crowds: Beat the crowds (somewhat) by going very early in the morning, after sunset or even on a rainy day.
• Don’t drive: Trust us. Skip parking and traffic headaches if at all possible. You have many other options, including Metro, buses, bike rentals, walking and more. Here’s our full guide.
• Be kind to the trees: The National Park Service asks people to be gentle with branches, which means no climbing or shaking. Avoid walking near the trees’ roots.

Blooming cherry trees can be found across the DMV all spring long. Popular alternative spots include the National Arboretum, Congressional Cemetery and Oxon Run Park in D.C.; Brookside Gardens, National Harbor and the Kenwood neighborhood in Maryland; and Arlington National Cemetery and Founder’s Park in Virginia.

• Check out tons of places to view the trees here.

When is peak bloom for DC’s cherry blossoms?

Peak bloom is the best time to visit D.C.’s world-renowned cherry blossoms, and it’s here! It means that 70% of the flowers on the Yoshino cherry trees are out.

Weather, especially temperatures, is the biggest factor determining how quickly cherry blossoms reach peak bloom – and how long the blossoms stay on the trees.

If the weather is cool and calm, flowers will stay on the branches for longer. If the weather is hot, windy or rainy, the flowers will fall off the trees.

Peak bloom arrived exactly on time this year.

• The NPS predicted that peak bloom will occur March 28 to March 31
• Storm Team4 Meteorologist Amelia Draper predicted March 28 to April 3 would be the best time to see the blossoms

Cherry blossoms bloom in six stages: green buds, florets visible, extension of florets, peduncle elongation, puffy white and peak bloom.

Our changing climate is making D.C.’s cherry blossoms reach peak bloom earlier. From 1931 to 1960, the average peak bloom was around April 6. From 1981 to 2010, the average peak bloom was five days sooner around April 1. Climate Central projects that by 2070 peak bloom could be as early as the first week of March.

Fun events for the National Cherry Blossom Festival

The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicked off on March 20, 2025, the first day of spring.

The festival’s Welcome Area and ANA Stage are a great first stop on your tour of the cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin. Expect daily live performances and the opportunity to learn about the trees. It’s scheduled to be open until Sunday, April 6.

Other great events to check out include:

• Blossom Kite Festival and Sakura Taiko Fest at the Washington Monument – March 29
• Bloomaroo at The Wharf – March 29
• Sakura Sunday at National Harbor – March 30
• Petalpalooza at the Capitol Riverfront – April 5
• National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on Constitution Avenue – April 12
• Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival in downtown D.C. – April 12 and 13

See more key dates here. For even more cherry blossom fun every weekend, subscribe to our free newsletter, The Weekend Scene.

Getting to and from the cherry blossoms

Train, bus, bike, foot, scooter, boat: You have options for getting to the Tidal Basin to see the cherry blossoms.

The best Metro stations

🔵🟠⚪ Metrorail’s Smithsonian station lets you out right at the National Mall, and it’s also the closest stop to the Tidal Basin — but because of this, it can get crowded.

🔵🟠⚪🟢🟡 L’Enfant Plaza is another great option and serves five of Metro’s six lines. However, the station’s multiple exits can sometimes be confusing. The exit at 7th and Maryland will be the easiest to navigate for most people on their way to the blossoms, a Metro spokesperson told us.

🔴 While it’s definitely not the closest station to the blossoms, this would be your best bet if you’re a Red Line rider aiming to avoid a transfer and don’t mind a lengthy walk (almost 30 minutes). But you’ll also pass by some D.C. institutions including the Old Ebbitt Grill, the White House Visitor Center, the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Washington Monument.

Bus

Many bus lines serve the Tidal Basin area. We recommend using your favorite wayfinding app – Google Maps and Apple Maps both will show you options on all of the region’s bus lines.

Bike rentals

You can use Capital Bikeshare’s docking station map to see locations and check bike availability. Once you’re near the Tidal Basin crowds, you’ll probably want to dock your bike and stroll.

Blossoms by boat

The Cherry Blossom Water Taxi is a different way to see the blossoms while traveling between D.C., National Harbor in Maryland and Alexandria, Virginia. You can also check out shared cruises like Whitlow’s on Water and Potomac Tiki Club and the Party Boat DC, which has a BYOB option, for views of the cherry trees along the Potomac River.

Coming from out of town?

We hope you enjoy your time in D.C.! Here’s a quick primer on Metro (you also might see it referred to as WMATA — for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority).

Metro fare cards (known as SmarTrip cards) are used for both Metrorail and Metrobus. You can either buy a plastic SmarTrip card at any station, online in advance and select retailers (there’s a commemorative cherry blossom special edition!) or set up mobile pay on your phone.

Have more transportation questions? See our extensive guide here, which also has a handy interactive map.

Subscribe to our free newsletter, The Weekend Scene, for cherry blossom updates and spring fun all season long!

Things to Do DC Apr 18, 2022

What are your weekend plans in the DMV? Our free newsletter has ideas

Correction (Monday, March 24 at 8:50 a.m.): An earlier version of this article misstated the location of the replica Oval Office. It’s inside The People’s House: A White House Experience.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

The 2025 NCAA men’s college basketball tournament bracket is officially out and the competition kicks off on March 18.

With games running into early April, there’s plenty of time to get your basketball fix. To help sports lovers celebrate this annual tradition, many restaurants are running March Madness specials, freebies and more.

Whether you’re a sports fan or not, everyone wins with these sweet discounts!

Applebee’s

Between March 18 — 21, Applebee’s customers can score 50-cent boneless wings while placing a to-go order on the chain’s app or website. The offer is valid in increments of five wings with a maximum of 10 orders. It’s not valid on third-party delivery sites.

Auntie Anne’s

Auntie Anne’s rewards members can get free delivery between March 18 — 24 on orders of $12+ while ordering in the chain’s app or website. The offer can be redeemed at participating locations and isn’t valid with other deals or third-party delivery.

Bar Louie

Bar Louie will have happy hour deals between 3 — 6 p.m. during the week throughout the month, including $8 Signature Martinis and select cocktails, bar bites and flatbreads for $8 — 10.

Buffalo Wild Wings

On March 20, Buffalo Wild Wings is running a buy-one, get-one-free deal on boneless wings. It’s valid for dine-in, takeout and delivery.

City BBQ

City BBQ is offering customers free delivery between March 27 — April 7 on online orders with the code SWISH.

Dog Haus

Throughout March, Dog Haus customers can enjoy all day happy hour on game days in honor of March Madness. 

Dunkin’

Dunkin’ rewards members can get 100 bonus points while ordering ahead on Mobile Mondays during the month of March.

Gopuff

Gopuff FAM members can save 40% off select chips and dips in honor of March Madness.

Grubhub

Grubhub is offering the following March Madness deals for customers between March 18 — April 7:

• Grubhub+/Amazon Prime: $5 off two orders or $20 or more with the code HOOP5 (can be used twice per subscriber).
• Free Wendy’s Baconator on orders of $20 or more during the First Four to Second Round and Championships.
• Free Popeyes Chicken Sandwich on orders of $15 or more during the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight rounds.
• Buy one, get one free Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Wings on orders of $25 or more during the Elite Eight round.
• Buy-one, get-one-free offer on Regular Favorite items on the Jimmy John’s menu on orders of $20 and more during the Final Four and Championships.

Hot Chicken Takeover

Throughout March, Hot Chicken Takeover is offering customers 20% off orders of $35 or more in-store and online using the code MADNESS.

Houston TX Hot Chicken 

For the duration of the college basketball championship season, Houston TX Hot Chicken customers can save $5 when they spend $25.

Hurricane Grill & Wings

Participating locations of Hurricane Grill & Wings can get 99-cent boneless wings (limit of 10) at participating locations between April 5 — 7.

Insomnia Cookies

Insomnia Cookies rewards members can get a $1 deluxe cookie the day after a game goes into overtime through April 7.

Additionally, customers can enjoy the following deals:

• Sweet 16 pack: 16 classic cookies for the price of 12.
• Free classic cookie with any in-store purchase for customers who sport school/fan apparel.

Krystal

Between March 27 — 30 and April 5 — 7, Krystal customers can take advantage of a deal for 12 Original Krystals ($12) or Cheese Krystals ($15).

Moe’s Southwest Grill

Moe’s Southwest Grill rewards members can save $5 on an order of $20 or more between March 20 — 23 while ordering in the Moe’s app or website. The deal is valid for delivery for pickup at participating locations and can’t be combined with other offers.

Newk’s Eatery

Between March 18 — 29, Newk’s Eatery is offering a two for $20 deal on pizzas at select locations.

Omaha Steaks

Omaha Steaks is running the following deals in honor of March Madness:

• Ultimate Game Day Feast (discounted to $159.99)
• Game Day Go-To’s (discounted to $169.97)
• Big Game Party Pack (discounted to $169.99)
• Game Day Burgers and Brats (discounted to $179.97)

Outback Steakhouse

Outback Steakhouse customers can get a free Bloomin’ Onion between March 28 — 30 when they buy an adult entrée while dining in or ordering online with the code BLOOM.

Potbelly

Potbelly customers can get free delivery on catering orders over $100 between March 17 — 30 with the code SAVE10 in the chain’s app or website.

Qdoba 

As part of Qdoba‘s Burrito Bracket Challenge, rewards members who order three times by March 31 can unlock a special championship reward. Each visit in March also unlocks different surprise rewards.

Red Baron

Red Baron is running a “Take A Flyer” sweepstakes through March 20 at noon ET to celebrate March Madness. To enter, customers can comment on the brand’s Instagram post with the name of their favorite team that’s seeded 9-16. Per the brand, any fan who predicts a Cinderella squad to advance to San Antonio will score $15,000.

Raising Cane’s

Between March 20 — April 7, Raising Cane’s is giving away 4,440 Box Combos each time a lower seed wins. Customers can register for the opportunity to win at RaisingCanes.com/UnderdogChallenge.

Schlotzsky’s 

Through April 30, Schlotzsky’s customers can save $20 off any catering order of $200 or more with the code BREAKFAST20. The single-use offer is valid on orders placed on the chain’s website, via text or direct order. It’s not valid with other offers or third-party delivery and can only be used at participating locations.

Scooter’s Coffee

Scooter’s Coffee is running a Coffee Bracket Blitz on Instagram through March 20 where customers can vote for their favorite Scooter’s Coffee drinks. In the end, customers will get a promo code for $2 off the drink that wins. It will be available on Instagram on March 21 and valid through March 28. The code can be redeemed in the chain’s app while supplies last.

Shake Shack

Through April 7, Shake Shack customers can get a free Avocado Bacon Burger by placing an order of $10+ at a Shake Shack kiosk in-restaurant or in the chain’s app/website for delivery/pickup. Simply use the code SHOWDOWN to cash in on the offer.

Smashburger

Smashburger has the following March Madness deals valid exclusively on food delivery services:

• DoorDash: DashPass users can save $9 off a purchase of $30 and non-users can save $7.50 off $30 while ordering through DoorDash.
• Uber Eats, Grubhub & Smashburger.com: Customers can save $8 on orders of $30.

The deals are valid on the following dates:

• Week 1: March 19 – 24
• Week 2: March 28 – 31
• Week 3: April 4 and April 8

Smoothie King

Between March 18 — 19, Smoothie King Health Rewards members who take a one-question poll about the tournament winner can save $2 off a purchase of $10+. Customers who guess the winner correctly will have the chance to win free Smoothie King for a year.

The Budlong Southern Chicken

Throughout March, The Budlong Southern Chicken is offering customers 20% off orders of $35 or more in-store and online using the code MADNESS.

The Greene Turtle

Through April 7, The Greene Turtle will serve discounted beer buckets, tall Coors Light and Turtle IPA, seltzers and house margaritas. Additionally, customers can receive $5 Turtle Bucks for their next visit during this time.

Toppers Pizza

Toppers Pizza customers can get a $1 Triple Original Topperstix with the purchase of any large House Pizza each day of the women’s and men’s tournaments.

Wing It On!

Throughout March, Wing It On! customers can save 20% off orders of $35+ in-store and online using the code MADNESS.

Yard House

As part of Yard House’s “IPA Madness” event, customers can buy a flight of four IPAs and choose a full pint of their favorite for a total of $15. The IPA that gets ordered the most will be added to the core Yard House menu for a year. The offer is valid through April 7 at participating locations.

Customers who take part in the event will also score a $5 pint pass entitling them to free beer refills once per day when they make a food purchase.

Wendy’s

At participating Wendy’s locations, customers can get a $1 Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger or a $1 Double Stack with a purchase in the chain’s app in honor of March Madness.

White Castle

White Castle customers can save $5 off a Crave Case of any 30 sliders between March 18 — April 7 using the code HOOPSCRAVE.

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:

• How do you ‘split the G’? All about the Guinness drinking challenge
• Starbucks ordered to pay $50 million to delivery driver burned by hot tea
• This $39 yogurt has a cult-like following. Is it worth the hype — and price?

GM Randy Clarke believes the transit agency will have a 1 million trip day on the rails and buses soon.

“We’re feeling confident that we get back to a million,” he said. “On Wednesday, we did over 950,000. There’s a little bet in the office what day we hit a million. We think it’s definitely within the next couple of weeks, hopefully.”

“The system has really roared back to health, and we just want people to go out and enjoy it,” Clarke said.

While the cherry blossom crowds and return-to-office orders for federal workers are good news for Metro, ideas like opening the system an hour earlier and closing an hour later on the weekends may be a challenge given the current financial climate in the DMV.

“I think we’ve got to be honest,” Clarke said. “The staff put together a proposal for the board to consider. Since that proposal, there are serious economic challenges, I think, involving in this region – especially related to federal workforce, rising unemployment.”

Clarke it isn’t Metro’s place to get into politics – rather simply to move everyone around safely.

For those worried about crowds in the coming weeks, Metro advises traveling outside of traditional rush hour periods. 

Get the D.C. area’s top news and weather delivered to your inbox every morning. Sign up for First & 4Most, our free newsletter.

The Caps captain is just eight goals shy of overtaking “The Great One” Wayne Gretzky to become the league’s top scorer of all time. Gretzky scored 894 goals during his 20-year career.

NHL Feb 23

The ‘GR8 Chase': How many goals does Alex Ovechkin need to pass Wayne Gretzky?

Cherry Blossoms Mar 4

Cherry blossom challenge: Tell us YOUR peak bloom prediction!

Ovechkin, sometimes called The Great 8 because of his jersey number, scored his 887^th career goal Saturday against the San Jose Sharks. That means Ovi needs eight goals to secure his spot at the top of the record books.

The Washington Capitals announced a bunch of fan activations across D.C. and Northern Virginia to hype up “The Gr8 Chase.”

Goal counters have been placed at Capital One Arena and D.C. institutions so fans can take a picture as the number ticks closer to zero.

Inside Capital One Arena, fans can also sit on a Gr8 Chase Throne and stop by a locker room display showing off memorabilia worn by Ovechkin.

The Capitals have commissioned local artists to paint murals in two D.C. neighborhoods. Brandon Hill’s “G.O.A.T” – Gr8est of All Time in Adams Morgan and David Barr’s GR8NESS Mural near Union Market are set to be unveiled in late March.

Where to find The Gr8 Chase goal counters in the D.C. area

According to the Capitals, goal counters ticking down to the record-breaking number have been placed at:

• Ben’s Chili Bowl at 1213 U St. NW in Washington, D.C.
• The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History on the National Mall
• The Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery museum store, which is near Capital One Arena
• District E, a gathering spot for sports fans next to Capital One Arena. It’s open to the general public.
• MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Virginia, where the Caps host practices that are open to the public
• Bugsy’s Pizza Restaurant & Sports Bar in Alexandria, Virginia
• The Alexandria Visitor Center

Fans are encouraged to take pictures and share them on social media.

Free lawn signs, chances to win a signed jersey and pizza discounts for the Gr8 Chase

The Washington Capitals have a lot of ways for fans to get in on the fun. Fan activations include:

• Fans are invited to share photos, videos, drawings, good luck messages and more for the team to highlight, and one participant will win a jersey signed by Ovechkin. For more info, visit Washcaps.com/GR8FANWALL
• Papa Johns pizza is taking bets for when Ovechkin will break the record. Everyone who votes can get 25% off their next pizza, and anyone who picks the historic game correctly could win a meet-and-greet with Ovechkin himself.
• The Caps previously announced fans can pick up free “Watching Gr8 Chase” lawn signs at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex and Capital One Arena Team Stores.
• TikTok users can test out the Gr8 Face Yourself filter.

Ovechkin and the Capitals are also using the pursuit of the record to raise money for pediatric cancer research. The Capitals say they’ll match donations Ovechkin plans to make for each goal. Fans are also invited to donate to THE GR8 CHASE for Victory Over Cancer.

We're all watching the #Gr8!

Show your support of the #Gr8Chase with a lawn sign, just like #OviJr, available at the Capitals Team Stores starting at 11 AM.#ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/5GJ31ChahU

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 11, 2025

How many games do the Capitals have left this season?

The Capitals have 14 games remaining this season. Here are their next home games:

• Thursday, March 20, vs. Philadelphia Flyers, 7 p.m.
• Saturday, March 22, vs. Florida Panthers, 5 p.m.
• Sunday, March 30, vs. Buffalo Sabres, 3 p.m.
• Friday, April 4, vs. Chicago Blackhawks, 7 p.m.

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

The following content is created in partnership with the District Wharf Community Association. It does not reflect the work or opinions of the NBC Washington editorial staff. Click here to learn more about Bloomaroo at The Wharf.

­­­­­­Just blocks from the Washington Monument and National Mall, The Wharf has the best seat in the house to witness the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms in full bloom in East Potomac Park. And just in time for peak bloom, Bloomaroo®, a free spring festival is coming to the waterfront neighborhood. From live music on multiple stages to cherry-blossom inspired cocktails, here’s how you can celebrate Bloomaroo at The Home of the Cherry Blossoms® on Saturday, March 29^th.

Listen to Vibrant Music Performances

Bloomaroo at The Wharf is a feast for the senses. As you wander down Wharf Street, you’ll encounter live music performances by 3AM Tokyo on the District Pier Stage, as well as performances by Jimi Smooth & HitTime, Pebble to Pearl, Perfekt Blend, Starlight Anthem, Pink PaLish, Umani House Band and DJ Les Talusan, throughout multiple outdoor stages.

Cultural Experiences for the Whole Family to Enjoy

Do you know the significance of cherry blossom trees in D.C.? In 1912, 3,000 cherry trees were gifted to the city by Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki to commemorate the growing friendship between the two nations. That’s why many spring celebrations often include Japanese traditions and Japanese-inspired activities like those found at Bloomaroo; unleash your creativity at the Haiku station and decorate a koi kite. Don’t miss the Japanese drumming performance by Nen Daiko, the taiko ensemble, in Market Square.

Sip on Blossom-Inspired Cocktails and Watch the Fireworks Finale

Indulge in a variety of cherry blossom-inspired handcrafted cocktails from participating Wharf restaurants and at the festival’s Blossom Bars. Sip on a cocktail while you listen to live music and enjoy the dazzling blossom-themed fireworks finale around 8pm.

Whether you’re a foodie, a music enthusiast, or just looking to embrace the festive spirit, visit The Wharf in Washington D.C. on Saturday, March ^29th for Bloomaroo, a joyous celebration of spring and cherry blossoms with activities for the whole family. Click here to learn more about Bloomaroo at The Wharf.

But this year, visitors looking to gawk at the delicate flowers might feel like something is missing near the Jefferson Memorial — and not just the part of the sidewalk made inaccessible during construction.

D.C.’s favorite little cherry tree is no longer with us. Rest in peace, Stumpy.

If the name “Stumpy” doesn’t ring a bell, let us have the delight of introducing you to D.C.’s favorite — and most iconic — cherry tree of legend.

Who is Stumpy?

The saga of Stumpy began way back in 2020, right before the COVID-19 pandemic. A Reddit user found a visibly different little tree along the Tidal Basin between the Ohio Drive Bridge and the Jefferson Memorial. That user posted a photo of the tree to the r/washingtondc subreddit alongside a joke about the tree being “as dead as my love life.”

Affection for the crooked, dead-looking tree poured in right away, but really took off after the pandemic began and we all began to feel … well, like Stumpy. 

When Stumpy bloomed during 2020’s cherry blossom season, the tree went from a funny meme to a symbol of hope for many people in and around the District.

The symbolism only increased when Stumpy’s stubborn blooms appeared again the next spring, and the next, right as Americans crawled out of quarantine and back into something resembling normal life.

Okay, so where is Stumpy now?

Last year, disaster struck. The very thing that gave Stumpy his notorious half-dead form and rocketed him to fame also caused his downfall: the ever-increasing floods along the sinking Tidal Basin.

High tides have regularly caused water to overflow the seawall for decades, inundating the trees and their root systems with brackish water — which is really bad for the plants.

It’s the reason Stumpy was one of the very few trees left in that area when the National Park Service made a fateful announcement.

In 2024, the NPS announced that 159 cherry trees on the Tidal Basin and West Potomac Park would be cut down to make way for seawall repairs — including Stumpy.

Cherry Blossoms Aug 16, 2024

Return of the king: Clippings from DC icon Stumpy are sprouting into new cherry trees

Cherry Blossoms May 24, 2024

Long live Stumpy: Iconic cherry tree removed from DC's Tidal Basin

Cherry Blossoms Mar 23, 2024

Why Stumpy, the ‘Little Cherry Tree That Could,' can't be transplanted — and how he'll live on anyway

D.C. did not take the news well.

The District mourned. Stumpy received cards and bottles of liquor. Literal diplomats paid their respects.

But death is inevitable, no matter how beloved you are. And so, Stumpy was quietly removed from the Tidal Basin last May.

That’s it? Stumpy is gone forever?

Not quite!

The original Stumpy tree has been removed — “debloomed,” as the NPS very diplomatically put it during this year’s cherry blossom season press conference.

But the symbol of hope brings hope to all of us still.

Some of that is in the metaphorical sense. Stumpy got a shoutout from the NPS during that press conference and became a traffic-stopping mascot for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile and 5K.

However, Stumpy also literally lives on, in a sense, through his clones.

The U.S. National Arboretum took clippings from the original Stumpy tree before it was removed, and propagated them into new trees. 

Four of those baby trees are alive and well, the NPS told News4.

Stumpy’s descendants/clones are expected to be planted in the ground near the Tidal Basin by next spring, at which point the District will be able to revel in multiple Sons (and Daughters) of Stumpy once again.

Until then, we can rejoice in Stumpy’s memory with Stumpy’s Petals and Paddles on March 20, the District’s first-ever pedal boat race at the Tidal Basin.

And there’s always that 10 Mile mascot to hold us over.

Keep up with all things cherry blossom season here and in our free newsletter, The Weekend Scene, covering all the great things to do in the D.C. area.

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“Our show simply cannot, in good conscience, participate and be a part of this new culture that is being imposed on the Kennedy Center,” producer Jeffrey Seller said in a statement Wednesday.

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hip-hop-flavored biography about the first U.S. treasury secretary, Alexander Hamilton, won the best new musical Tony Award, the Pulitzer Prize for drama, a Grammy and the Edward M. Kennedy Prize for Drama Inspired by American History. It also earned Miranda a MacArthur Foundation “genius” grant.

The show played the Kennedy Center in 2018 during Trump’s first administration and again in 2022 when Joe Biden was president. It was scheduled again March 3-April 26, 2026. Those plans are now off. Tickets had yet to go on sale.

“We are not acting against his administration, but against the partisan policies of the Kennedy Center as a result of his recent takeover,” said Seller. “These actions bring a new spirit of partisanship to the national treasure that is the Kennedy Center.”

The Kennedy Center has been in upheaval since Trump forced out the center’s leadership and took over as chair of the board of trustees. His decision to do so is part of his broad campaign against “woke” culture.

Music & Musicians Feb 25

Singer-musician Rhiannon Giddens calls off Kennedy Center show, citing Trump takeover

Kennedy Center Feb 20

Shen Yun will have extra security at Kennedy Center after bomb threat

Trump administration Feb 19

Kennedy Center cancels Gay Men's Chorus performance planned for WorldPride

Actor Issa Rae, singer-musician Rhiannon Giddens, author Louise Penny and the rock band Low Cut Connie also have canceled scheduled Kennedy Center events. Singer-songwriter Victoria Clark went ahead with her Feb. 15 show, but on stage wore a T-shirt reading “ANTI TRUMP AF.”

This is not the first time the musical has taken a political stance. In 2016, the “Hamilton” cast delivered a curtain call appeal to Vice President-elect Mike Pence, who was in the Broadway audience, asking that the Trump administration “uphold our American values” and “work on behalf of all of us.”

The Kennedy Center, supported by government money and private donations, attracts millions of visitors each year to a complex that features a concert hall, opera house and theater, along with a lecture hall, meeting spaces and a “Millennium Stage” that has been the site for free shows.

News4 sends breaking news stories by email. Go here to sign up to get breaking news alerts in your inbox.

The “Wicked” star is set to headline the free WorldPride DC Festival on Pennsylvania Avenue. Hold space in your schedule for Saturday, June 7.

Erivo is sure to draw gravity-defying crowds to the festival hours after the District’s LGBTQIA+ pride parade.

Erivo came out as queer in 2022 on the cover of “British Vogue.” She was honored last year at the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s annual Center Gala.

“Claiming my queerness in public — and particularly, in the public eye — has meant taking a risk in order to claim my freedom,” she said, according to the center’s website. “It seems that, all over, we are keen on seeing the world in black-and-white, rather than embracing the difficult (but beautiful) complexities of our humanity.”

The WorldPride Festival & Concert will be held on that Saturday, plus Sunday, June 8.

More performers will be revealed soon, WorldPride says.

D.C. is hosting the global celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community for the first time in June. It’s expected to draw thousands of visitors for events including the parade and festival, plus the separate WorldPride Music Festival at the RFK Stadium Grounds.

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

Send us your guess for when the trees will bloom. Submit the date and time that you think the National Park Service will announce the blossoms have reached peak bloom by filling out the fields at the bottom of this page.

The person who gets the closest without going over will receive a cherry blossom-themed NBC4 & Telemundo 44 prize pack.

Peak bloom is defined as when 70% of the Yoshino cherry trees around the Tidal Basin are in bloom, which is the final stage of the six blooming phases.

Here are some things to consider when making your prediction (then submit your guess below!):

The temperatures in March:

This is the factor that usually has the biggest effect on when the trees bloom, according to Storm Team4 — and keep in mind that it’s been colder than usual lately. Very warm or cool temperatures have led to peak bloom as early as March 15 (in 1990) and as late as April 18 (back in 1958), according to the National Park Service (NPS).

Typical peak bloom times:

“The most likely time to reach peak bloom is between the last week of March and the first week of April,” the NPS says.

Current official cherry blossom predictions:

The NPS has predicted peak bloom will be March 28 to 31 this year, while Storm Team4 predicts peak bloom between March 28 and April 3.

Previous peak bloom dates:

You may also want to consider previous years. Last year, the trees hit peak bloom on March 17. And here are the peak bloom dates over the last 10 years before that: March 23 (2023), March 21(2022), March 28 (2021), March 20 (2020), April 1 (2019), April 5 (2018), March 25 (both 2017 and 2016); April 10 (both 2015 and 2014).

Cherry Blossoms Mar 4

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Cherry Blossoms Feb 25

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They told News4 the festival has been a crucial venue for new actors and artists.

Capital Fringe, which aims to serve aspiring and established artists, first hosted the downtown D.C. festival in 2006. Self-produced artists, usually based in the D.C. area, put on live performances.

Securing reliable venues for the festival grew more difficult in the face of rising costs, Capital Fringe said in statement, saying, “to continue to fight this battle annually is not sustainable.”

“Community” is the first word that came to mind for performer David Kessler when he thinks of Capital Fringe.

“It is a true community of respect and appreciation, and I don’t think there’s many other theatrical festivals or areas where someone who at the age of 60 could say, ‘I want to do my first show and amass a team of highly talented, professional people willing to work with him.’ And that’s what I got at Fringe,” he said.

When the festival began, it was easier for theater companies to use vacant office space and buildings in a more informal way than would be allowed now, he said.

Though the festival is ending, its energy lives on, Kessler said.

“It is full of wonderful, creative, talented, generous people who not only want to put on great shows for the audience, but want to help each other, and that’s really important, and that will continue,” he said.

What the Capital Fringe Festival meant to performers

Shari L. Lewis, who has been involved in Fringe as an actor and director, said producing a performance usually started with someone having an idea and developing a proposal. The outlines had to be complete enough that Capital Fringe thought it could work, and the person who filed the proposal would be responsible for details such as gathering actors, props, costumes and rehearsal times, she said.

“It is just a big juggle, and it’s fun that way – can be a little frustrating, but the whole thing about Fringe is that it is off-kilter. It’s meant to shake things up,” Lewis said.

The festival served as an essential platform for aspiring artists.

Reginald Richard was fresh out of school at the National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts when he attended his first Fringe festival in summer 2015.

“Capital Fringe gave me that opportunity to showcase my versatility as an actor,” he said.

Richard said Fringe paved the way for him as an actor, first starring in Stephen Spotswood’s “The Last Burlesque,” with Pinky Swear Productions, and most recently directing J.J. Johnson’s “Wannabe,” which received the festival’s 2024 audience award.

“Fringe had a sense of introducing new work by local actors, and I’m a fan of new work because you just never know what might become of it,” Richard said. “It allowed me to be seen in a community that was rich and people that were doing other aspects of theater.”

How the pandemic affected DC’s art scene

The cancellation of the Fringe Festival sent shockwaves and disappointment throughout the District’s artistic community. Some pointed to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Luigi Laraia was the playwright behind the 2024 Best Comedy “This Is My Sister.” Laraia said he learned about the festival’s struggles finding venues in a conversation with Julianne Brienza, the founding director of Capital Fringe, but was still surprised when its ending was announced.

“There is a lot of demand for arts. Maybe audiences don’t flock to theaters like they used to in the past, and I think this requires a little more analysis, more studies, in terms of, why is this happening?” Laraia said. “It’s not like a black and white issue. It’s not a simple issue.”

Many venues in D.C. temporarily closed their spaces during the pandemic because of stay-at-home orders. Total revenue in 2021 represented about 71% of pre-pandemic levels, according to a 2022 report by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. The same report said attendance at performance venues was 60 to 90% of what it was prior to the pandemic.

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Martin Thompson, one of the artistic directors for Otherwise Theatre Company, said D.C. must acknowledge that pipeline for emerging artists to break into the industry in order to earn a reputation as a top city for theater.

“In order for there to be successful, well-known plays and artists, there have to be new plays and artists, and I think that the lifeblood of the American theater is new work,” Thompson said. “It’s crucial that we provide spaces and opportunities for artists who are finding their voice, who don’t have a permanent home, and we support those artists so that they can find new audiences to bring into the American theater.”

On the horizon: a ‘micro-festival’ called District Fringe

Capital Fringe remains in the District. The organization plans to launch an annual cash artist award in the fall to celebrate and support the local arts community.

Some of the festival’s biggest supporters are planning a “micro-festival” called District Fringe to fill the void.

Karen Lange, a founder of Pinky Swear Productions, said the mini-festival will be small, with about 10 shows. The group reached out to people who previously worked on the festival, including its founder, Brienza.

“We are reaching out to Julianne to say ‘Look, this is to honor what you created. This is not to replace it. We can’t replace it. There’s no replacing Capital Fringe Festival, but you created something that we’re all very thankful for,’” Lange said.

Lange said she’s working with the theater companies Nu Sass and Theatre Prometheus to develop a volunteer leadership to get things going and figure out logistics such as fundraising and technical details.

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Diane Sharp-Nachsin, the artistic director of SHARP Dance Company in Philadelphia, said presenters are under more pressure to make money after the pandemic. She urged people to find ways to support the arts in their own community, such as by attending performances and advocating for government funding.

“So many grants and funding trickle down through different systems, that we just need to make sure that people are really positive about supporting the arts in general, from the government-level all the way down,” she said.

The projected peak bloom dates are March 28 to 31, the National Park Service announced.

Peak bloom is the best time to visit D.C.’s world-renowned cherry blossoms. It means that 70% of the Yoshino cherry trees’ flowers are out.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Amelia Draper predicts peak bloom will fall between March 28 and April 3.

The National Park Service’s Kevin Griess said urban forestry experts watch trees and review historical data to determine when the most likely time for blossoms to pop. Predicting peak bloom helps hoards of tourists and locals plan their trips to the Tidal Basin for a view of a petal-filled panorama.

“We take an honor to sustain this gift from the Japanese, the country of Japan. We partner with the National Cherry Blossom Festival to honor and celebrate the gift every year,” said Griess, the superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks.

“Jeopardy!” host Ken Jennings, who is set to serve as a grand marshal of the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, appeared in a video to help with the announcement.

In true “Jeopardy!” style, Jennings read an answer: “The iconic cherry trees around the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. will display a spectacular canopy of white blossoms when they reach peak bloom on these predicted dates in 2025.”

Then, Griess announced the forecasted dates phrased as a question –following the rules of the popular game show: “When is March 28^th to the 31^st, 2025?”

The ‘hometown celebration’ with numerous festivals and events is a massive draw for tourists

The National Chery Blossom Festival draws huge crowds to D.C.

“Every year, the festival transforms our city,” D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said. “Obviously we love the festival because it’s beautiful, but we also love it because it brings so many people to Washington, D.C.”

Last year, the number of people who visited D.C. for cherry blossoms surpassed pre-pandemic numbers, filling hotels and generating more than $200 million in revenue for local businesses and the hospitality industry, Bowser said.

“Yes, we welcome people from around the world, but this is also a hometown celebration,” Bowser said.

Cherry Blossoms Feb 27

When will D.C.'s cherry blossoms reach peak bloom? Storm Team4 reveals prediction

Cherry Blossoms Feb 25

Tidal Basin reconstruction continues as cherry blossoms approach

The cherry trees at the Tidal Basin are the main attraction, but all eight wards of the city have cherry trees that bloom in the spring, Bowser said.

The festival runs from March 20 to April 13 and will include events such as the Blossom Kite Festival, the parade and Petalpalooza. Restaurants around the city are set to offer food and drink specials.

More than 100 performances are set to occur on the ANA Stage at the Tidal Basin Welcome Area, which is scheduled to open on March 22.

Several new activations and events are planned. The welcome area is set to display murals from students across the District. The first Stumpy’s Petals & Paddles Race will honor a resilient cherry tree removed from the Tidal Basin due to persistent flooding.

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The cherry trees surrounding D.C.’s Tidal Basin may not look like much now. But within a few weeks, they’ll be bursting with delicate pink and white flowers in a spectacular spring display drawing thousands of visitors.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Amelia Draper predicts peak bloom will fall between March 28 and April 3.

Peak bloom is the best time to visit D.C.’s famous cherry blossom trees. It’s when 70% of the blossoms on the Tidal Basin’s Yoshino cherry trees are out.

The cherry trees have to complete a long journey before peak bloom. Cherry blossoms bloom in stages: green bud, florets visible, extension of florets, peduncle elongation and puffy white all come before the full bloom.

Weather plays a huge role in how quickly the flowers emerge.

Last year, D.C.’s famed trees had green beds as of March 2, and peak bloom was called on March 17, hurried along by warm temperatures. It was one of the earliest peak blooms recorded.

We don’t have those green buds yet for 2025.

How does Storm Team4 decide its cherry blossom forecast?

Draper looked at forecast factors, including how cold winter has been and temperature predictions, to inform her peak bloom prediction.

But it’s a tricky forecast because cherry blossoms are fickle, Draper said.

“They really depend on the day-by-day temperature, high and low throughout the night,” she said.

Temperatures in March are expected to be average, according to the Climate Prediction Center.

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She also looked at the “indicator tree,” a tree designated by the National Park Service to gauge the blooming cycle. The indicator tree is about two weeks ahead of the Tidal Basin cherry blossoms.

As of Monday, the indicator tree wasn’t even close to the first stage of the blooming cycle.

So, it’s looking like the cherry blossoms will reach bloom at a normal time. Overall, April 3 is the average first day of peak bloom. But if temperatures move higher or lower than average, that could shift peak bloom expectations.

When is the best time to visit the cherry blossoms in D.C.?

When the cherry blossoms are in peak bloom, visitors are treated to a sweeping view of white, puffy trees surrounding the Tidal Basin water and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

If weather conditions are good, peak bloom can last as long as 10 days.

Visiting during peak bloom is a bucket list item for anyone living in the D.C. area, but cherry trees start to look stunning earlier in their blooming cycle. It’s often worthwhile to visit by the time the National Park Service declares the collection of trees is in the puffy white stage.

If you’re jotting down a date to visit, Draper has some pro tips.

“I would probably go right now on the first week in April, maybe the second week in April, because if the blossoms start to fall off the trees, it’s still so pretty,” she said. “All the petals are dancing around. Just, what a wonderful time.”

“We’ve lived here for so long and it never gets old,” she added.

Again, that’s assuming average temperatures. We promise to share any significant updates along the way!

It’s important to note that every tree blooms on its own timeline. For several weeks in March and April, you’ll likely be able to find a stunning backdrop for a cherry blossom selfie.

Events for the National Chery Blossom Festival run from March 20 to April 13.

We love cherry blossom season! For updates, watch News4 on air, follow us on social media, download our mobile app and subscribe to our newsletters.

The 8,000-foot museum celebrates the District’s signature sound in style, with interactive exhibits including holograms of artists Anwan Big G Glover and Sugar Bear from EU explaining the genre’s history.

The Go-Go Museum and Café on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue Southeast is the first go-go museum in the world, founder and CEO Ron Moten said.

• New to go-go, or need a soundtrack for this story? Check out our Spotify playlist with Moten’s four essential go-go songs.

“We know visitors from all over the globe will come to Anacostia to learn about our music,” D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said.

Walking in the door, visitors are greeted with bold design and a big dose of Washington pride. A wall is painted in the style of a D.C. flag, and the next one is covered with the names of music icons.

A digital timeline lays out the history of not just the music, but how the city has evolved, even hundreds of years before Chuck Brown became known as the grandfather of go-go.

Downstairs, visitors can peruse exhibits that explain Afromodernity and the Don’t Mute D.C. movement.

The space also features a café where head chef Angela Rose – who was a finalist on “Chopped: Spin it to Win It”— shares street foods from diasporas of Africa, Mexico, Brazil and Cuba, plus an outdoor music venue.

Natalie Hopkinson, the museum’s chief curator and a professor at American University, said building the museum took lots of hard work, but the opening feels amazing.

“Right now, we’re in some really difficult times in Washington, D.C., and we need that energy. We need the music, we need the community. We need to be dancing and moving our bodies together and feeling good, feeling good together,” Hopkinson said.

‘Tears of joy’: Founder says Go-Go Museum is about the past, present and future

D.C. has long been a go-go town and a museum town, so The Go-Go Museum has been a long time coming. Moten said he first shared the idea in 2009 at an awards show.

Go-go was declared D.C.’s official music five years ago this month. Construction on the museum started the next year, and school groups have already been coming through.

The museum is also a place to celebrate history and introduce new generations to go-go. It houses a theater space for live performances and a sound stage to teach youth. There’s a recording studio, too.

Moten says introducing D.C. students and his own 5-year-old son to the museum have been powerful experiences.

“We are a living museum. To watch youth walk in and not want to leave has made the challenge of my life all worth it,” Moten wrote for NBC Washington’s culture newsletter, The Weekend Scene.

Moten knew the museum made the right move with interactive exhibits when a group of Anacostia High School students visited.

“They was like, ‘Can we bring our friends back?” he said. “I knew we did it right… it’s hard to get young people’s attention these days.”

“Gave me tears of joy,” he said.

Now, Moten hopes the museum helps the neighborhood flourish.

“This is one of the anchor businesses here to show us that we can basically fix the community up without pushing everybody out. That’s the goal over here, to bring great culture, great music. We have great restaurants,” Moten said. “Now we come together and say let’s do it right.”

How to visit the Go-Go Museum and Café in D.C.

The Go-Go Museum is open to the general public on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Group tours are available on other days. To get in touch, email info@gogomuseumcafe.com.

Admission is free for D.C. residents (but donations are welcome) and $15 for everyone else.

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The two-day festival featuring three stages of music will celebrate the DMV and global LGBTQIA+ communities at the Festival Grounds at RFK Campus on June 6 and 7.

Other artists scheduled to perform include Galantis, Grimes, Kim Petras, Paris Hilton, SOFI TUKKER, Rita Ora, Raye and Coco & Breezy. Zedd will perform a special closing set.

Tickets to the weekend music festival cost $209. You can sign up for the waitlist on the festival’s website to get access to ticket sales on Thursday. The general sale is set to begin Friday (Presale tickets for the festival are sold out). The festival is only for people 18 or older.

This music festival celebrates the first time WorldPride comes to the nation’s capital, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of Capital Pride.

Capital Pride is still set to bring back its free festival and concert that draws big crowds to Pennsylvania Avenue and downtown D.C. every year. The WorldPride Street Festival is scheduled for June 7-8, and we’ll share info on the lineup when we hear details.

The WorldPride LGBTQIA+ pride parade is scheduled for June 7, the same weekend as the festivals.

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Oceans Calling music festival released its lineup of performers for the music festival returning to the Maryland shore Sept. 26-28, 2025.

Check out the full Oceans Calling 2025 lineup here:

The three-day music festival is planned in partnership with Rockville-born O.A.R., among one of the top-billed acts on Friday night. Oceans Calling is set to feature three stages of music, plus special programming for foodies featuring Robert Irvine, the Voltaggio brothers and Anne Burrell.

After getting their fill of music and food, festivalgoers can visit the Jolly Roger Amusement Park within the grounds.

Tickets go on presale on Friday, Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. General admission starts at $350.

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According to data shared by the Chamber of Commerce, the nation’s capital ranks No.1 for the loneliest city in the United States of America as of 2024.

Most young professionals are looking to achieve stability. For some, that means there are financial milestones to reach before moving on to the next step in life, according to research by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP).

Living in such a professionally driven city can definitely raise feelings of loneliness and isolation. That’s why research suggests that shifting the way one thinks about solo time can bring positive emotions and feelings. 

Getting to know yourself and your interests as an adult can be tricky. New skills can be a way to keep your mind active, and get used to spending time on your own without being lonely.

Here are just a few ways to try something new.

Pickleball

Pickleball has recently been on the rise. Why? It’s easy to learn, and you don’t need to bring a friend to find a partner to play against. The game is played in a badminton-size court, with a paddle and a bright plastic ball with holes in it to allow short air time. It’s kind of like a cross between tennis and wiffle ball.

There are many courts scattered around the District. The D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has been working to paint the lines of the pickleball courts in all present tennis courts. All of the public courts are available to use on a first-come, first-served basis, so grab a paddle and head on down to your closest local court. For a full list of courts click here.

If you haven’t touched a pickleball paddle or even a tennis racket, the DPR offers classes to start your pickleball journey. Prices on classes range from $0 to $40. 

Dancing

If you love to feel the vibrations of music or want to learn how to move with the rhythm, a dance class can be a great activity to embrace your time alone. Though it’s often deemed a doubles activity, you don’t need two to tango! 💃

By opening up to the idea of learning a new skill like dance, you give yourself the chance to boost your self esteem and confidence. Dancing can be a way for you to learn how to connect with your body through music. 

D.C. has many options from modern, ballet, hip-hop and even salsa, so take a chance and learn how to shimmy!

Dance Place in D.C. offers classes from beginner to advanced levels. The sessions are $17 each, but they also have class packages to purchase. Look at their full class schedule here. 

Mixology Class

Going to a bar or a restaurant to enjoy the perfect old fashioned or Manhattan doesn’t have to be the only option. Want to enjoy bar style cocktails at home (and at half the price)? Taking up bartending or mixology courses can be a great way to explore creativity and really hone your taste in cocktails. 🍹

The Professional Bartending School offers classes that go in-depth. They bartending skills and give hands-on training. Find out more here. 

Book Clubs

Being part of a book club can embrace the idea of solo time while also balancing some time with acquaintances. By sharing ideas, reading new genres and opening to creative critical thinking you can exercise your intellectual engagement and find a community. 

D.C. has a variety of book clubs to look into, from fantasy, to romance, to fiction and even memoirs. Here you can find a club that matches your favorite genres and interests.

Organizers on Wednesday announced the “Legacy on Ice” benefit event scheduled for March 2 at Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, home of the NBA’s Washington Wizards and NHL’s Washington Capitals. Twenty-eight members of the figure skating community were among the 67 people killed when an Army helicopter collided with an American Airlines flight and crashed into the Potomac River on Jan. 29.

“This is a platform to be able to let people emote,” Monumental Sports & Entertainment chairman and CEO Ted Leonsis said on a video call with reporters. “This has struck so many different people around Washington, D.C., in a very, very emotional way. We really want to make a platform for the entire extended community to come together.”

Figure skating was so prominently connected to the tragedy because many aboard had just been to a development camp after the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas. Monumental, U.S. Figure Skating, DC Fire & EMS Foundation and the Greater Washington Community Foundation are putting on the tribute.

“We’re just very grateful to (executive producer Michael Burg) and Ted and everyone at Monumental to get this off the ground,” U.S. Figure Skating interim CEO Samuel Auxier said. “It certainly focuses our entire skating community on the recovery process, and this will be a real highlight of getting this moving forward.”

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The event is set to be co-hosted by 1988 Olympic gold medalist Brian Boitano and involve performances by 2024 world champion Ilia Malinin, two-time U.S. champion Amber Glenn and some of the most recognizable members of the sport, including Tara Lipinski, Johnny Weir, Kristi Yamaguchi and Scott Hamilton. Members of the Skating Club of Boston and from those in Northern Virginia and Washington, organizations who were affected, will also take part.

Burg, who has been connected to figure skating in the past along with benefits for victims of the Southern California fires, said, “It just triggered within me, my gosh, what happened in a different way in LA is now happening in the skating world and overall everybody impacted by this plane crash, and we needed to do something.”

Proceeds from the two-hour show will go to the U.S. Figure Skating Family Support Fund, Greater Washington Community Foundation’s DCA Together Relief Fund and DC Fire & EMS Foundation.

“I feel like it will be cathartic for the first responders to be there to see more about the lives about the people they tried to save and just to interact with their families,” said Amy Mauro, DC Fire and EMS Foundation’s executive director.

The event is being paid for by in-kind donations, and much is being done at cost with the aim of making it a fundraiser, as well as a community gathering.

“We all need a lot of support right now,” Leonsis said. “I hope we can raise a lot of money. At the end of the day, we not only want to be able to collectively bring all of the voices of all of the people affected, but we need to be able to raise a lot of dollars to help ease some of the pain.”

Tickets for the event will go on sale beginning Monday, Feb. 10, here.

The “Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin’ Circuit Tour” was announced in an Instagram post just before the record won Best Album of the Year at the Grammys.

Beyoncé will play two nights at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland: Friday, July 4, and Monday, July 7. She’s set to perform in Los Angeles, Chicago, New Jersey, London, Paris and Houston before wrapping up this leg of the tour in D.C., then Atlanta.

She postponed the tour announcement for nearly three weeks as wildfires devastated the Los Angeles area.

Anyone who wants tickets can sign up for presale access on Beyoncé’s website.

Beyoncé is hardly a stranger to the D.C. area’s NFL stadium. Tens of thousands of fans came to see her Renaissance World Tour there. On the second night, Beyoncé danced in the rain and declared D.C. the “eerbody on mute war winner.”

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The amusement park outside Richmond, Virginia, is kicking off a golden year filled with a new rollercoaster, and an extensive lineup of new shows and new and returning events as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

While the park will be open for the 2025 season on Sat., March 29, season pass holders will have a chance to get ahead of the fun on March 28 for the park’s preview night. If you are a silver, gold or prestige season pass holder, you can enjoy being one of the first riders on the park’s brand-new wing roller coaster Rapterra.

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Here is the park’s full schedule to add to your calendar:

• March 29: Opening Day
• March 29 – April 6: Spring Break Days
• May 24 – Sept. 1: Soak City Water Park Open
• July 4-5: Star Spangled Nights
• May 31 – Aug. 3: A Golden Summerbration: The park’s 50th anniversary celebration filled with exclusive, limited-time experiences you can read about here.
• Sept. 19 – Nov. 2: Halloween Haunt
• Sept. 20 – Nov. 2: Tricks & Treats family-friendly fall festival
• Sept. 20 – Nov. 2: Ocktoberfest

“Kings Dominion is dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for guests of all ages, and we are living up to that commitment this year with the launch of our world record-breaking rollercoaster Rapterra and the expanded offerings we have in store for our 50th anniversary,” Vice President and General Manager Bridgette Bywater said in a statement. “We’re delivering more entertainment, unique experiences and ways to make lasting memories all season long.”

The park’s annual WinterFest event is notably missing from the 2025 events lineup.

A Kings Dominion spokesperson confirmed WinterFest will not return in 2025. The holiday event debuted in 2018.

For more information and ticket information, visit the park’s website.

Securing new, reliable venues for the annual festival has become more difficult in the face of rising costs, Capital Fringe said.

“Unfortunately, there is no apparent long-term solution to this trend, and to continue to fight this battle annually is not sustainable,” the nonprofit said in a press release.

The nonprofit organization, which aims to serve aspiring and established artists, first hosted the downtown D.C. festival in 2006 with DowntownDC Business Improvement District and has moved through various venues, recently setting up in empty retail spaces in Georgetown and across D.C.

“It is with a heavy heart that Capital Fringe announces it will no longer produce the annual Fringe Festival,” the statement reads. “We are immensely proud of the impact twenty years of an open-access Fringe Festival has had on DC’s arts scene and are deeply grateful to the artists, audience members, volunteers, community members, festival and program staff, and partners who have supported and created with us over the decades.”

Capital Fringe has been a cornerstone of the District’s arts community, fostering creativity and collaboration through its annual, open-access Fringe Festival and year-round programming. Over the years, Capital Fringe has engaged 87,000 artists, attracted 497,000 audience members and generated $3,294,714 in artists revenue,” the release says.

Capital Fringe said the years of mounting obstacles were only addressed with short-term solutions. The statement added that operating a small to mid-sized arts organization in the District requires constantly overcoming challenges to secure space. Coupled with rising costs and difficulty finding reliable vendors annually to support their unique open-access programming, Capital Fringe said to “continue to fight this battle annually is not sustainable.”

To continue its mission, Capital Fringe will launch an annual cash artist award this fall to celebrate and support the creative uniqueness of the D.C. arts community. Full details will be revealed in July.

The highly-awaited summer camps can help children and teens delve deeper into their passions from STEM to acquatics, sports, dance and journalism.

DPR has a variety of exciting camp offerings for children and teens to choose from. On Feb. 3, DPR is set to release full information on what camps will be available and where they’ll be located. Check this page for updates.

Families who make less than $100,000 a year may be eligible for discounts on summer camp enrollment. Here’s who qualifies. Families must apply by Feb. 10, 2025, to have the reduced rate applied to summer camp registration.

Create an account by accessing the DPR website or simply log in to get started. Complete a quick form required by D.C. You will receive an email confirmation with the rest of the details. 

Note that the application must be submitted and approved by the DPR before you can begin enrollment at a reduced rate.

“Super Bowl next season,” one fan told News4’s Tommy McFly outside Whitlow’s bar in D.C., where fans gathered to watch the game. “The Eagles got lucky. That’s all it is.”

“I have nothing but love and faith for this team. Look,” one fan said while pulling up his sleeve to reveal a Commanders tattoo. “I’m not going nowhere. This is me.”

“The future is bright,” he continued.

“And real friends don’t jump ship!” Another chimed in.

“Things are looking up no matter what. This is the season that we needed and we got it,” another fan said.

A year ago, it seemed unfathomable that the Commanders would make it to the NFC title game. The last time that happened was 1991. That’s the year that Prince Charles and Princess Diana split up; “Roseanne” ruled the airwaves and the first text message was sent.

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“Listen, there’s a lot of disappointed fans tonight, but this is legit the best season we’ve had since before I was born. We’re only going to get better from this,” another said.

“I think Jayden Daniels, he’s amazing, and I’m so happy for what the future of the Washington football team looks like,” one woman said.

Indeed, Daniels will remain on his rookie contract for years to come, and the Commanders can build around their franchise quarterback.

“We have $100 million in cap. We’re gonna trade up. We’re gonna draft well. We have the youngest quarterback in the league. He’s fantastic. New coach, new owner, new GM,” another fan outside Whitlow’s said.

A group of diehard fans greeted the players – Washington’s best football team in decades – as they returned to Dulles International Airport late Sunday. Even after the loss, many fans carried balloons and cheered while beaming with pride.

“I’m just so excited that they could even get to the playoffs, and I’m just so happy,” one young fan said.

Another fan hopes one day, he can tell his kids this season was just the beginning of something great.

“It’s what made me fall in love with the sport again,” another fan said. “I’ve gotten to spend more time with my family, my neighbors… it’s been a magical ride.”

News4’s Tony Perkins, who returned to anchor News4 Today following cancer treatment the morning after the Commanders’ loss, said more building can be done.

“Let me just say this. What a remarkable season. Obviously, would like to have won yesterday. My son is 21 years old. He has been a fan since birth, and his excitement level this year to finally see winning, good play, fantastic,” Perkins said.

“Tough way to go out, but they surpassed all expectations this season. The future is bright,” NBC Washington sports anchor Gio Del Fa said on social media.

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The Smithsonian National Zoo welcomed the pair of 3-year-old giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, in October, almost a year since the zoo’s last three pandas went to China.

The pandas make their official public debut this Friday (Jan. 24, 2025) when the zoo opens at 8 a.m. After that, the zoo plans to relaunch the Giant Panda Cam.

National Zoo Jan 13

Pandas debut at DC's National Zoo. Here's how to visit, plus pro tips

Pandas Jan 10

Meet the National Zoo's new pandas: News4's Eun Yang gets up close with Bao Li and Qing Bao

“For over 50 years, giant pandas have been an integral part of the fabric and culture of Washington, D.C., thanks in large part to the support of the communities that live and work in the District,” Brandie Smith, the National Zoo’s director, said in a statement to News4. “Bao Li and Qing Bao have already won the hearts of our staff and volunteers, and we are excited to welcome panda fans back to the Zoo.”

Hotels and businesses across the District are embracing the pandas’ return with special food and offers to celebrate the milestone.

District of Panda Party

Jan. 24 through Feb. 9

Family-friendly festivities will occur at the zoo throughout late January and early February including themed weekend activities from a “Kung Fu Panda” film festival to a Lunar New Year event. More details to come.

Eats and drinks

Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken

Snag a limited-edition panda donuts from this Friday through Jan. 31.

Baked by Yael

Panda visitors can stop at Baked by Yael, across from the street from the zoo, for panda-themed cake pops, duffins, cookies, earrings, hats and more. The bakery is nut-free and kosher.

Duke’s Grocery Bamboo Bar

Bamboo mule, panda-rita, Bao-zy hot chocolate: The Duke’s location right across from the National Zoo is already serving panda-inspired drinks for adults and kids to take a little time to relax after the thrill of seeing the pandas.

Panda SmarTrip card

All aboard the panda express train!

Although there are many ways to get to the Zoo, experts know the best way is transit. Now, visitors taking the Metro can leave with a new souvenir to remember their trip by.

Metro is teaming up with the National Zoo to release a new limited-edition SmarTrip card available at select Metro stations starting Wednesday, Jan. 22.

The panda SmarTrip cards will be available at the following stations: Woodley Park/Zoo, Cleveland Park, Dupont Circle, Metro Center and L’Enfant Plaza.

Panda-themed hotel stays

Watergate Hotel panda package

From now through March 16, enjoy panda-themed sweets, a kids’ pajama set from Bellabu Bear and a stuffed panda from the zoo when you book the “Welcome Home, Pandas” offer at least seven days before arrival. The package also includes round-trip transportation to the Smithsonian zoo. Details here.

Omni Shoreham Hotel

Book a “Zoocation in D.C.” at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Woodley Park to acquire deluxe accommodations, a $25 daily breakfast credit and a zoo-themed welcome amenity. The promo code is “pkgzoo,” and admission to the zoo is complimentary. Details here.

Churchill Hotel

Two panda bear welcome cocktails and panda bucket hats with a reusable bag are included in the hotel’s package. A $10 donation will be made to the Smithsonian Giant Panda Conservation Program with each reservation booked. Details here.

Melrose Georgetown Hotel

The Melrose Georgetown Hotel package offers the same benefits as the Churchill Hotel right off of Washington Circle. Like Churchill, the Melrose hotel will also donate $10 of reservations to the Smithsonian Giant Panda Conservation Program. Details here.

Lyle Hotel

Enjoy panda-inspired cocktails, a black and white cookie in room and Uber credit to visit the zoo. Overnight accommodations and a late checkout of 1 p.m. are also included. Details here.

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Take a trip in style to the National Zoo to visit D.C.’s newest furry residents with Metro’s new commemorative giant panda SmarTrip cards.

Bao Li and Qing Bao are set to make their official public debut this Friday when the zoo opens at 8 a.m.

Although there are many ways to get to the zoo, experts know the best way is transit. Now, visitors taking the Metro can leave with a new souvenir to remember their trip by.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is teaming up with the National Zoo to release the new limited-edition SmarTrip card. It’ll be available at select Metro stations starting Wednesday.

The panda SmarTrip cards will be available at the following stations:

• Woodley Park/Zoo
• Cleveland Park
• Dupont Circle
• Metro Center
• L’Enfant Plaza

For the best travel tips (and pro tips in general), visit our guide to visiting the new pandas on Friday.

National Zoo Jan 13

Pandas debut at DC's National Zoo. Here's how to visit, plus pro tips

Pandas Jan 10

Meet the National Zoo's new pandas: News4's Eun Yang gets up close with Bao Li and Qing Bao

In addition to the world-famous, Disney royalty mice, Disney princess Ariel will be floating down Constitution Avenue during the 2025 parade.

That’s right — the Little Mermaid herself is coming to the District.

“We are delighted to welcome back Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse to the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade and to roll out the pink carpet for Princess Ariel,” Diana Mayhew, president and CEO of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, said in a release about the parade.

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“There’s blossom magic in being with loved ones and creating memories along the Parade route,” Mayhew continued. “Having our friends from Walt Disney World Resort join in the fun helps to make these moments truly unforgettable.”

2025 marks the third year that Mickey and Minnie Mouse will serve as Cherry Blossom Parade grand marshals, and the first time that Ariel will appear.

The parade will take place on Saturday, April 12, at 10 a.m. The floats will travel down Constitution Avenue, from between 7th and 17th Streets, and last until about noon that day.

Traditionally, the parade “features a procession of pink and petals, giant helium balloons, stunning floats, electrifying performances, and more than 3,000 participants from across the country,” according to the release.

The parade is free to attend for anyone who wants to stand along the route. If you’d rather have a reserved seat in a designated grandstand, tickets and more information are available here.

Bao Li and Qing Bao, the giant pandas who moved from China to the National Zoo in October, are finally ready to meet their fans.

The Giant Panda Habitat, Bird House and Asia Trail are reopening to the public Friday, ending panda fans’ long wait to get a chance to see the bears in person.

The pandas arrived in D.C. in the fall, but the the National Zoo took time to let the pandas get used to their new home, including inviting some groups to come visit so the bears can get used to crowds. News4’s Eun Yang was among the first to meet Qing Bao and Bao Li (and learned Bao Li is “quite the ham”).

When do the National Zoo pandas go on display?

The pandas will make their official public debut on Friday, Jan. 24. The zoo will open at 8 a.m.

After that, the zoo plans to relaunch the Giant Panda Cam.

“For over 50 years, giant pandas have been an integral part of the fabric and culture of Washington, D.C., thanks in large part to the support of the communities that live and work in the District,” Brandie Smith, the National Zoo’s director, said in a statement. “Bao Li and Qing Bao have already won the hearts of our staff and volunteers, and we are excited to welcome panda fans back to the Zoo.”

The National Zoo is the only place in the U.S. where you can see pandas for free, Smith said.

Do I need a pass to see the National Zoo pandas?

All zoo visitors need a free entry pass to visit the zoo (yes, even babies). However, you can reserve your free entry passes in advance now. The zoo will give out a small number of passes at the gate, but better safe than sorry.

Once you’re in the zoo, simply follow signs to the giant panda habitat – it’s near the main entrance on Connecticut Avenue NW.

Once you’re in the zoo, you don’t need another pass or anything special to visit the pandas, but prepare to wait in line – especially on weekends!

The zoo is open every day (except Christmas Day). During the winter, the grounds are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Buildings open at 9 a.m. The last visitors can enter the zoo at 3 p.m.

Pandas Jan 10

Meet the National Zoo's new pandas: News4's Eun Yang gets up close with Bao Li and Qing Bao

National Zoo Jan 6

DC pandas play in the snow at the National Zoo

District of Panda Party

The National Zoo announced it will host special family-friendly events starting Saturday and continuing through Feb. 9 in celebration of the pandas’ debut. You can look forward to a Lunar New Year Party and “Kung Fu Panda” screening, the zoo said.

The full schedule includes a “Kung-Fu Panda” film festival and live music in the great meadow.

Limited-edition District of Panda merch will go on sale as the pandas debut.

Pro tips for visiting pandas at the National Zoo

Pandas tend to be more active in the morning, so consider going right when the zoo opens. Early birds will also beat some of the crowds!

Cold weather is just about guaranteed if you’re visiting the pandas in winter. That’s good news because pandas love playing in the cold! But humans need to wear plenty of layers, good socks and comfortable, water-resistant shoes.

Trying to tell the pandas apart? Qing Bao, the female panda, is smaller and has a birthmark on her left hip in the form of little brown circles. Bao Li, the male panda, is known for being more outgoing with humans.

You’re welcome to pop in just to see the pandas. But the Bird House is also reopening Friday, and it’s worth a visit, especially if you haven’t been inside since the renovation was completed two years ago.

You may bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages to the zoo (and in winter, bringing a warm drink might be a good idea). Several restaurants and food kiosks are dotted throughout the zoo, and most have seating areas open to those with outside food.

Getting to the National Zoo

Transit is the best way to get to the National Zoo. You can use Metro’s Trip Planner or your favorite maps app to plan your route.

Several bus lines serve the zoo, or you can take Metrorail’s Red Line.

Most visitors will want to enter and exit through the zoo’s main gates on Connecticut Avenue NW.

To avoid walking uphill to and from Metro, we recommend starting your zoo trip by getting off at the Cleveland Park Metro station. Then, walk downhill to the zoo’s main entrance on Connecticut Avenue. When you’re done, continue walking downhill on Connecticut Avenue and leave via the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan Metro station.

If you’re coming from an area without transit access, you can drive to a Metro station with parking, then take transit into D.C. It’s free to park in Metro-owned lots on weekends and federal holidays.

If you want to drive to the National Zoo, buy your parking pass in advance. Parking at the zoo costs $30.

The pedestrian entrance on Harvard Street NW has access to a Capital Bikeshare station and an H2 bus stop. It’s also within walking distance of the restaurants in Mount Pleasant (10-15 minutes). However, it’s pretty far from the Red Line Metro stations.

Where to eat and drink near the National Zoo

Duke’s Counter in Woodley Park is going all-out with a panda-themed pop-up called “The Bamboo Bar.” Sip adult and non-alcoholic drinks out of special panda drinkware in a space that transports you to the pandas’ natural habitat. The pop-up is open now. The restaurant is on the cozy side, so we recommend a reservation.

For a sweet treat, you can stop by Baked by Yael for their famous panda cake pops and other fun creations from the panda-monium menu (non-food goodies include socks and snap wristbands). The bakery is nut-free and kosher. On Saturday, Jan. 25, you can even take a class and learn to design panda cake pops.

Woodley Park and Cleveland Park each have many restaurants ranging from fast casual to fine dining.

What took so long for the pandas to go on display?

Bao Li and Qing Bao arrived in Washington, D.C., in the fall – about a year after the zoo’s previous, longtime resident pandas left for their new home in China.

The new panda pair first underwent a quarantine period, then spent time acclimating to their new home.

“You have new yards, new indoor closures, new sounds. And they’re living across from elephants now. Just all the things. New bamboo,” Laurie Thompson, the zoo’s main panda keeper, said. “Everything that they’ve had to get used to, and they’ve done a great job.”

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“This is the first time I’ve gone into the panda yard,” she said. “I’ve been behind the scenes, but this is really a thrill.”

She pulled double duty as a reporter and a panda keeper, feeding and playing with Qing Bao and Bao Li, the two 3-year-old bears who arrived in October.

Laurie Thompson, the zoo’s main panda keeper, has handled pandas for decades. She’s helping Qing Bao and Bao Li get settled into their new home before their debut to the public this month.

National Zoo Jan 13

Pandas debut at DC's National Zoo. Here's how to visit, plus pro tips

National Zoo Jan 6

DC pandas play in the snow at the National Zoo

Bao Li has D.C. roots: He’s the offspring of D.C.-born panda Bao Bao and the grandchild of Tian Tian and Mei Xiang, who lived at the National Zoo for more than two decades. Still, it was a long process to get Bao Li and Qing Bao acclimated to their new home, Thompson said.

“You have new yards, new indoor closures, new sounds. And they’re living across from elephants now. Just all the things. New bamboo,” Thompson said. “Everything that they’ve had to get used to, and they’ve done a great job.”

Feeding the pandas

Qing Bao and Bao Li can easily spend half their day eating. Zookeepers weigh the bamboo first to keep track of the bears’ nutrition.

But placing the bamboo in the pandas’ enclosure might be more art than science. Thompson says zookeepers consider two main factors.

“One is, obviously, we want the people to be able to see them eat,” Thompson said. “So we try to put it down in a place where they will be seen, but we also kind of know where they like to eat, so we try to balance those two.”

The pandas also eat a mix of apples, carrots and panda bread, but they have to work for these treats.

Toys were one of the many novel things awaiting Qing Bao and Bao Li in the United States. The pandas get enrichment toys with snacks hidden inside, giving them a puzzle to solve.

“It’s more common here to give them toys like this, so we had to introduce each toy separately so that they could try and figure out how to work them,” Thompson said. “At first they just didn’t know what to do, so we had to make them really easy.”

Bao Li is a ham, while Qing Bao is more reserved

After mealtime, Yang got her chance to get up close and personal with Bao Li, the male panda.

Bao Li, whose name means precious treasure in Mandarin Chinese, came right up to the grate, sitting on his behind and pawing upward while eagerly sniffing for snacks. He likes carrots, and eagerly stood up to grab one through the metal door, shoving it in his mouth with his paw.

Among his other likes? Interacting with humans.

“I think he’s probably going to be quite the ham,” Thompson said.

Up close with Bao Li, Yang could see his playful personality and hear him live up to his chatty reputation as he bleated.

This time, Yang couldn’t get up close to Qing Bao, the female panda whose name translates to green treasure. She was sitting in the snow, resting on a drinker with warm water.

She’s more reserved than her companion, and a more cautious, introverted panda.

“She actually does warm up to you eventually and is very interested in interacting with us,” Thompson said. “It’s just it takes a little more time with her.”

You can tell them apart because Qing Bao is smaller and has a birthmark on her left hip in the form of little brown circles.

“They’re impossibly adorable and so much fun,” Yang said later.

Zoo hopes to welcome new panda cubs

Bao Li’s grandparents Tian Tian and Mei Xiang thrived in D.C. after they arrived in 2000. They had four cubs at the National Zoo before going back to China in 2023 along with their final cub, Xiao Qi Ji.

The hope is someday Bao Li and Qing Bao will carry on the giant panda legacy.

“When you work with pandas, you really get a feel for the conservation that you’re helping with, and four pandas is amazing in the scheme of things, so that makes us really proud, and we’re really happy to have these guys too, so we’ll see what the future holds with them,” Thompson said.

How to see the pandas at the National Zoo

Many people in D.C. cannot wait to meet the pandas – and they’re finally accepting visitors!

National Zoo members can get a first look at the pandas through Jan. 19 before their public debut on Jan. 24. Zoo visitors must reserve free passes to get in.

Winter is actually a good time to see these beloved zoo residents: Furry pandas love cold air. Often, the best time to see them active outside is in the morning, when the zoo first opens.

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It was a joyful day that came after decades of effort by abolitionists and amid the Civil War.

In 2025, D.C. is celebrating 20 years of officially observing the holiday. A parade, festival, concert and fireworks will mark D.C. Emancipation Day on Sunday, April 13. It’s free to attend.

Grammy winner Anthony Hamilton, NAACP Image Award winner Chanté Moore, The Crank Crusaders featuring D.C.’s own Raheem DeVaughn and DJ Kool will take the stage for the All-Star Concert starting at 4 p.m.

The family-friendly festival has plenty for kids, too, including mini golf, a gaming lounge, crafts and carnival and arcade games.

Go early for the parade stepping off from 10^th and Pennsylvania Avenue NW at 2 p.m., and stay late for the fireworks finale at 8:30 p.m.

The African American History and Culture Museum will also host a celebration on the actual holiday.

What is D.C.’s Emancipation Day?

Emancipation Day honors the day slavery ended in Washington, D.C. after President Lincoln signed the DC Compensated Emancipation Act in 1862.

District residents marked the first anniversary after the Civil War with a parade. For the last 159 years, D.C. has marked the important date with celebrations including concerts, parades and more.

How did D.C.’s Black community react to the news?

African-Americans had been traveling to D.C. to escape war and bondage for years, and the District’s Black community felt deep joy upon learning of the Emancipation Act, historian C.R. Gibbs wrote in an explainer.

He quotes a letter that a Black resident of the District wrote to a friend in Baltimore:

“When I had finished the chambermaid had left the room sobbing for joy. The slave women clapped her hands and shouted, left the house saying, “let me go and tell my husband that Jesus has done all things well.” While the cook who is free retired to another room to offer thanks for the blessing sent. Should I not feel glad to see so much rejoicing around me?”

What did the Emancipation Act do and how is it different from the Emancipation Proclamation?

The DC Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862 was passed by Congress and signed by President Lincoln.  It ended slavery in the District, reimbursed former slave owners up to $300 and provided $100 for freed men and women if they chose to emigrate to another country.

The Emancipation Proclamation was issued months later on Jan. 1, 1863. It freed all enslaved people in “rebellious” states fighting with the Confederacy but allowed slavery to continue within the Union.

Is Emancipation Day different than Juneteenth?

Juneteenth, also called Emancipation Day, is a nationwide celebration on June 19 that marks the day that news of the Emancipation Proclamation spread to Texas in 1865.

Is D.C.’s Emancipation Day an official holiday?

Emancipation Day was made an official public holiday in the District in 2005 after lobbying from community members, including Loretta Carter Hanes.

What’s closed for the official holiday on April 16?

Some city services will be paused. All Department of Motor Vehicles offices will be closed on Wednesday, April 16.

Trash services will slide to Thursday, April 17.

D.C. Public Schools would close for the holiday, but students and teachers will be on spring break next week.

What’s open?

Typically, federal services like the U.S. Postal Service remain open, as do outdoor parks.

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For those who look forward to the D.C. Snowball Fight Association (DCSFA)’s eponymous event, the first heavy snowstorm is a sign to check social media for a time and place — and start prepping coats and gloves for the big battle.

The first weekend of 2025 will create the perfect conditions, when snowflakes begin to fall late Sunday night and continue into Monday morning.

And then the battle commences.

“This is our season kickoff call to battle for Meridian Hill / Malcolm X Park this Monday at 11am!” the group announced on social media.

The association began in February 2010, when more than 2,000 people showed up to Dupont Circle for a fight. (Last year, DCSFA co-founder Michael Lipin was in the midst of relaying the origin story to News4 when a stranger hit him squarely above the left eye with a snowball.)

For the last 15 years, residents of the District have returned to keep up the tradition — not just in spite of, but because of — the less than ideal weather conditions.

“We live in a very divided city, sometimes polarized,” said Max Bluestein, another member of the group. “What I love about this is, once in a blue moon, when it snows, we can all act like absolute children for hours and just chuck snowballs.”

It’s mostly a free-for-all, and the fight is open to anyone who wants to participate. However, there are a few guidelines, which the Association shared in 2024 “for everyone’s safety and fun:”

• Anyone who participates in this event does so at his/her own risk
• Please follow any instructions given by the National Park Police or Metropolitan Police Department. DCSFA will do so
• Anyone who behaves recklessly is individually responsible for the consequences
• DO NOT THROW ICE OR PELT VEHICLES! The nearby streets are very busy
• Play safe, and by all means, HAVE FUN!
• Don’t bring guns or other non-snow weapons to a snowball fight
• Don’t attack small children/animals/reporters/police
• Do protect your eyes
• Do bring friends and good vibes
• Do stay at home if you’re afraid, injured, or are recovering from a medical condition
• Do dress appropriately for the weather and the activity

You can find updates from the D.C. Snowball Association on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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