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.

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.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Apr 1

List: Road closures for Petalpalooza, Cherry Blossom 10-Miler this weekend

Cherry Blossoms Mar 24

Where to see cherry blossoms in DC, Maryland and Virginia

Cherry Blossoms Mar 24

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

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.

Sign up for our free deep-dive newsletter, The 4Front, to get standout News4 stories sent right to your inbox. Subscribe here.

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

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.

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

Is this the maddest of March weekends? Peak bloom is upon us, and everything is popping with cherry blossom pink. Or Crab 5 tees.

We’re in the midst of March Madness (here’s the schedules for the men’s and women’s Sweet 16). Plus, it’s opening weekend for the Nats! Here’s our guide to special events, discounted tickets and more.

Just so you know

• Weekend weather: It’ll be great for a visit to the cherry blossoms. Saturday could be our first 80-degree day of the year. Sunday could have some scattered showers, but just pack an umbrella. Here’s the forecast.
• Cherry blossoms are blooming throughout our area. Here’s where to see them beyond the Tidal Basin.
• A rare “double sunrise” will appear along the U.S. eastern seaboard on Saturday and may be partially visible in D.C.
• In honor of Women’s History Month, we asked local entrepreneurs about how they started their businesses and conquered challenges.

Peak bloom and cherry blossom festivals

Free pick
Peak bloom at the Tidal Basin

If you do one thing this weekend, go see the cherry blossoms in peak bloom.

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 like 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 (bikes welcome).

• Make a day of it: The Tidal Basin is tucked away from restaurants and other attractions like museums. We like to bring a picnic (DIY or pick one up from a restaurant like Le Diplomat) or pre-plan an extra stop. The Wharf is just over a half-mile away.

Free pick
Pink in the Park: Pink Beats
Thursdays through April 10, 5-8 p.m., Water Park in National Landing
🔗 Details

Drop by Water Park in National Landing this week to hear Flowers for the Dead and other local acts and enjoy strolling magician David Meneses. 

Make it a full happy hour with food and drinks from kiosks, lawn games and fun décor.

Free pick
Blossom Kite Festival
Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Washington Monument
🔗 Details

The fan-favorite 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.

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.

Free pick
Bloomaroo at The Wharf
Sat., 4-8 p.m., Southwest D.C.
🔗 Details

The Wharf’s celebration will be pretty in pink featuring live music on five stages, kids’ activities and a fireworks finale about 8:30 p.m. 

Free pick
Sakura Sunday
Sun., noon to 5 p.m., National Harbor
🔗 Details

National Harbor’s signature cherry blossom event puts Japanese culture front and center with drumming and sword demonstrations, plus live music. Don’t forget to swing by the Capital Canopy for a vendor with Japanese-influenced food, clothing and gift vendors!

Nationals Opening weekend

The Nats will play the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday for their “Opening Week” series. Tickets for Sunday’s game start at $17. (Any D.C. resident can get discounted tickets starting at $5 on this page.)

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.”

Weekend highlights

World’s biggest launched-wing coaster takes flight at Kings Dominion

The world’s tallest and longest launched wing roller coaster accelerates from zero to 65 mph in four seconds and flips riders upside down three times. 

Tommy was one of the first people to catch a ride, and then he tried out the very cool job of coaster operator at Virginia’s Kings Dominion.

Rapterra takes off for the general public when the park opens on Saturday. Kings Dominion is open daily through April 6 for spring break.

Ringling Bros. circus
🔗 Details

For even more clowning around, “the greatest show on earth” is coming to Fairfax, Virginia. 

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey has reimagined their circus without animals.

Look for huge stunts and humans doing all sorts of dazzling feats in this fully immersive experience. 

It’s at EagleBank Arena from March 28 to April 6 before moving up to Baltimore from April 11-13.

Concerts this weekend

Ida and Tsunami, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Black Cat, $30 (advance)/$35 (day of)

A couple of bands from post-rock’s 1990s heyday share a bill this week. Ida played slowcore-leaning indie folk rock — hushed and introspective. Arlington’s Tsunami embraced the DIY ethic championed by D.C.’s alt rock scene for decades. Starting things off is Mark Robinson, frontman for D.C. indie rock heroes Unrest. Details.

Northeast Groovers, 9 p.m. Friday, Howard Theatre, $40

Classic D.C. go-go band celebrates its 40th anniversary. Details.

Deep Dive Live, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, The Atlantis, $10

Deep Dive Live showcases some of the best musical artists in the D.C. area. Maryland’s guitar-godly, post-hardcore band Spring Silver headlines. Breezy Supreme and Massie share the bill. Details.

Beth Gibbons, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, The Anthem, $55-$75

More than 30 years after making waves with iconic electronic band Portishead, the singer released her critically acclaimed first solo album last year, and it’s nothing like the trip-hop-leaning alternative rock of her past. “Lives Outgrown” leans toward folk music, alternating between arrangements orchestral and sparse. Details.

Things to do in D.C.

New York City Ballet: Coppélia: Through Sun., The Kennedy Center, $57.50+

DC Sketchfest: Weds. to Sat., The DC Arts Center (DCAC), priced by show

Cherry Blossom Sip & Shop: Thurs., 5-7 p.m., Dupont Circle, free

The New Golden Age of Astronomy: Hubble’s Universe Today: Thurs., Carnegie Science’s Broad Branch Road Campus, $0-$10

Theater – “Jason’s Lyric Live!”: March 27 to May 4, The National Theatre

New exhibit – “The Two Georges: Parallel Lives in an Age of Revolution”: Opens Fri., Library of Congress, free

Washington Spirit vs. Bay FC: Fri., 8 p.m., Audi Field

EARTH to SPACE: Arts Breaking the Sky: March 28 to April 20, The Kennedy Center, prices vary by event

Indigo & Shibori 101 workshop: Sat., 6950 Maple St NW, $15-25

Blossom Kite Festival: Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Washington Monument, free

Bloomaroo at The Wharf: Sat., 4-8 p.m., Southwest D.C., free

Nationals Opening weekend vs. Philadelphia Phillies: Sat. and Sun.

Washington DC Travel & Adventure Show: Sat. and Sun., Washington Convention Center, $18 (in advance), free for kids 16 and under

The Big Cake Exchange: Sun., 3-5 p.m., Dauphine’s restaurant, $15

DC Defenders vs. Birmingham Stallions: Sun., 3 p.m., Audi Field

Things to do in Maryland

New African Film Festival: Through Thurs., AFI Silver Theatre om Silver Spring, $13 tickets

”Imagination Takes Flight” Artists’ Reception: Thurs., Bowie City Hall, free

Illusions by Vick: Fri., 8 p.m., Gaithersburg Arts Barn, $22

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark in Concert: Fri., Sat. and Sun., Music Center at Strathmore, $28+

Paranormal Cirque III: Fri. to Sun., Frederick, $20+

Water Lantern Festival: Sat. and Sun., Spirit Park at National Harbor, $35.99 (before March 27) to $55.99 (day-of)

Sakura Sunday: Sun., noon to 5 p.m., National Harbor, free

“The Sound of (Black) Music”: Sun., Music Center at Strathmore, $20+

Things to do in Virginia

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

Memorial Arboretum Walking Tour: Fri., 9-11 a.m., Arlington Memorial Cemetery, free

Spring Wildflower Hike: Sat., 9 a.m., Ben Lomond Park in Manassas, $10

Cherry blossom crafts – paper quilling and embroidery: Sat., Made in ALX in Alexandria, $50-$55

WMPA Community Concerts presents Drums Around the World: Sat., 2 p.m., Patrick Henry Recreation Center in Alexandria, free

Talkin’ Bout Turtles: Sat., 11 a.m., Potomac Overlook Regional Park in Arlington, $7 per person

Goat & Bunny Bottle Feed & Snuggle & Farm Animal Social: Sun., Little Goat Farm at the Lake in Nokesville, $39.99

Bluebell Festival: Sun., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Merrimac Farm WMA – Stonehouse in Nokesville, free

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

• Sign up for The Weekend Scene newsletter — we’ll deliver things to do, free picks and cherry blossom joy every Wednesday.

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.

Cherry Blossoms Mar 19

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

Cherry Blossoms Mar 4

Cherry Blossom Festival key dates: 13 top events

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.

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.

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

D.C.’s iconic cherry blossoms have reached stage five as they inch one step closer to peak bloom, the National Park Service (NPS) posted Sunday on its Bloom Watch page.

Stage five is known as the puffy white stage where the blossoms are fully formed but the petals are still closed. Last year, the blossoms reached stage five on March 15.

Peak bloom, the final stage, is when 70% of the Yoshino cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin have opened.

Cherry Blossoms Mar 19

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

Metro (WMATA) Mar 17

Metro expects cherry blossom ridership boom but faces budget constraints

Daily temperatures generally play a role in how fast the blossoms progress through the stages to reach peak bloom. In previous years, extremely 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).

This year, the NPS has predicted peak bloom for March 28 to March 31, and Storm Team4 Meteorologist Amelia Draper says March 28 to April 3 likely will be the best time to see the blossoms.

You can send us YOUR peak bloom prediction; the person who gets the closest without going over will receive a cherry blossom-themed NBC4 & Telemundo 44 prize pack.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Cherry Blossom Festival key dates: 13 top events

Cherry Blossoms Feb 25

Tidal Basin reconstruction continues as cherry blossoms approach

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.

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.

Cherry Blossoms Mar 24

Where to see cherry blossoms in DC, Maryland and Virginia

Cherry Blossoms Mar 24

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

Cherry Blossoms Aug 16, 2024

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

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 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.

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 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.

Cherry Blossoms Mar 9, 2023

Diplomats, Nematodes and a Travel Writer: How DC Got Its Famous Cherry Trees

Cherry Blossoms Aug 16, 2024

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

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.

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.

The Scene Aug 21, 2024

‘Being a mer is in your heart, not in your tail': Mermaid culture in the DMV

News4 Rundown May 24, 2024

Stumpy, the little cherry tree that could, can no more: The News4 Rundown

Things to Do DC Mar 18, 2024

Visiting cherry blossoms at DC's Tidal Basin: 5 things to know for peak bloom

“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.

The U.S. National Arboretum announced Tuesday that clippings from the original cherry tree on the Tidal Basin rooted into self-sustaining plants — meaning the saga of Stumpy continues after D.C.’s favorite little cherry tree got the chop back in May.

That’s right: Stumpy clones are now growing, courtesy of the horticulturists at the National Arboretum and the National Park Service.

There’s a long way to go before these Stumpy 2.0s will make their way to the Tidal Basin. Somewhere between two and three years of growth are required before the baby Stumplings can be planted in the ground, and up to five years could pass before those trees bloom during Cherry Blossom season.

As National Arboretum horticulturist Piper Zettel told News4 in March, “The process takes a long time… Trees grow very slow. So we need to be patient.”

But the clippings have grown roots, and that’s a start.

How does the process work?

Before Stumpy was removed from the Tidal Basin in May, the NPS asked the National Arboretum to take clippings from the tree.

We got a preview of the propagation process from Zettel in March, who used plant material from a different Yoshino cherry tree to demonstrate the process eventually used for Stumpy.

First, material is clipped from whatever tree the horticulturist is trying to clone. The National Arboretum collected new spring growth from Stumpy three separate times between April and May 2024, the Arboretum said in a press release.

In most cases, only a few leaves would be taken. But because Stumpy was already on the chopping block and had so few branches left, the National Arboretum wanted to give itself the best chances of propagation.

The clipped material is prepared by trimming down the size of the leaves to reduce the surface area that water can evaporate off of. Those prepared clippings are placed into a flat full of dirt, plant nutrients and rooting hormone, specially mixed by the Arboretum to start plant propagation.

The flats are then placed into a propagation greenhouse, and left in ideal rooting conditions until the roots form. The greenhouse lets Arboretum staff control the temperature, humidity, light and water levels, giving all samples their best chance.

According to the National Arboretum, eight weeks after they were prepared and processed, the Stumpy cuttings had established root systems, and were placed into individual pots.

The new “self-sustaining plants” are still very vulnerable, the National Arboretum cautioned in a press release.

“The new trees have a long way to go, but we are doing all we can to ensure NPS receives strong, healthy and vigorous trees,” Zettel said in the release.

If those efforts are successful, in two to three years, those strong baby trees will go back into the ground near the Tidal Basin.

Will the new trees look like the original Stumpy?

Even when Stumpy 2.0s do grow, although they’ll be genetic clones of the original, you might not recognize them.

Stumpy was small, crooked and hollowed-out because of his daily inundation of brackish water. It gave him the shape we all know and love, but it wasn’t good for him.

The goal of the NPS’ seawall reconstruction and the National Arboretum propagation project is to create “ideal environmental conditions for the new trees that are planted,” Zettel said in March.

So, because the new trees will be healthy and happy, without “the same life experiences that have shaped Stumpy,” they won’t have Stumpy’s “unique form,” Zettel said.

Did you meet Stumpy?

Stumpy, if you missed his moment of glory, was a beloved cherry tree found along the Tidal Basin between the Ohio Drive Bridge and the Jefferson Memorial.

He was visibly different from many of his brethren in one of the most popular blossom-viewing spots in the District. But he was doing his best, and the District loved him for it.

The tree got the nickname “Stumpy” in 2020, from a Reddit user who posted a photo to the r/washingtondc subreddit alongside a joke about the tree being “as dead as my love life.”

Yet, despite his mostly dead appearance, Stumpy bloomed that cherry blossom season — and every spring after.

Affection for the crooked, struggling little tree was already pouring into the comments section before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. But Stumpy’s resilience struck a unique chord as COVID cases climbed and the country entered lockdown.

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.

From there, Stumpy’s fame only grew.

Cherry Blossoms Mar 13, 2024

Goodbye, Stumpy: DC's favorite little cherry tree to be removed from 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

Cherry Blossoms May 24, 2024

Stumpy, iconic cherry tree, removed from Tidal Basin

What happened to Stumpy?

The very factors that made Stumpy so unique and beloved also lead to his demise earlier this year.

Stumpy was stumpy because of persistent flooding around the Tidal Basin. The protective seawall in that area of the National Mall was slowly sinking into the water, and climate change has led to a rise in sea levels.

That unfortunate combination meant that high tides regularly caused water to overflow the seawall, inundating the trees and their root systems — which is really bad for the plants.

“Too much water on a tree’s roots can be just as damaging as too little,” Mike Litterst, spokesperson for the National Park Service, said in an email in 2023. “Excess soil moisture can reduce oxygen in the soil, damage fine root hairs, and render the root system unable to absorb water.”

Many of the other trees around Stumpy’s home had already died when he rose to fame. Visitors to the Tidal Basin in 2024 saw dozens of stumps and a whole lot of empty space near the Jefferson Memorial. Sometimes that empty space was filled with muddy, brackish water, flooding the walkways and rendering them dangerous to unusable.

Which is why, last spring, 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.

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 many traffic-stopping mascots a life inspires.

And so, Stumpy was quietly removed from the Tidal Basin on May 24.

Why couldn’t the NPS just move the original Stumpy?

Stumpy would probably not have survived being transplanted. He was already clinging to life in his spot near the Tidal Basin.

In fact, he had barely been hanging on since the beginning. According to Litterst, Stumpy was already in what arborists call the “mortality spiral.”

By the time we found and started to love him in 2020, in part because of how scraggly he looks, there was nothing that could really be done.

“There is so little of that tree left to transplant,” Litterst said in March. “There is no interior trunk. People ask us, ‘You know how old that tree is?’ There literally aren’t any rings for us left to count on the interior of the tree.”

Stumpy was running on the fumes of a bark framework, barely transmitting nutrients to the few branches that bloomed every spring, “and not much else,” Litterst said.

The tree was doomed by the narrative.

If he’d stayed where he is, the floods would have killed him and the few remaining other trees still being flooded by the deteriorating seawall.

If the NPS tried to transplant Stumpy, he could have died of “transplant shock,” Litterst said. It’s a bit like the transplant shock some people experience after an organ donation, he explained. Even if the soil, the nutrients and the sun are compatible with what the tree is used to, the new experience of a different location can be hard on any tree’s root system.

And Stumpy was in no condition to be transplanted.

So, to save the other trees from the flooding, and to spare Stumpy an undignified transplant death, the NPS and National Arboretum created a third option: the clones currently growing in an Arboretum greenhouse.

That cleared the way for the seawall reconstruction project currently underway near the Tidal Basin, which will rehabilitate the area and keep the cherry blossoms beautiful for many more decades to come.

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

Stumpy is dead.

We knew this day was coming: that Stumpy’s time with us was coming to a close. The National Park Service gave us plenty of warning during peak bloom, when they told us rehabilitation of the Tidal Basin seawall would require the removal of more than 100 trees, Stumpy included, sometime this spring.

We even knew it made scientific sense. Stumpy’s home in the gentle but relentless flooding between the Ohio Drive Bridge and the Jefferson Memorial wasn’t a good place for any tree.

“If you look to the left around the bend of the Tidal Basin that goes towards the Jefferson Memorial, there are no trees left there,” Mike Litterst, National Park Service spokesperson, told us in March. “Because all of those trees that suffered the same inundation of water died, and were removed several years ago.”

Still, Stumpy survived. Until Friday morning, when he became just a stump.

D.C. residents visiting the Tidal Basin mid-morning on Friday were met with an empty space where Stumpy once stood.

That Stumpy survived for so long under hostile conditions is a testament to just how miraculous he was. And we knew he was miraculous going back to 2020, when a Reddit user posted Stumpy’s portrait to r/WashingtonDC and said the tree was as dead as his love life.

“Mostly dead, it’s slightly alive,” responded one commenter, seemingly referencing the famous scene with Miracle Max from the 1987 film “The Princess Bride.”

It’s a fitting message, and one that summarizes Stumpy well: It’s not over until it’s over.

That post was made on Feb. 26, 2020 — little more than two weeks before COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic and institutions around the world closed indefinitely.

At a time when we all needed a little hope, it’s no surprise that users latched onto Stumpy, posting updates as his few threadbare branches bloomed that spring. If Stumpy could make it through a brutal March 2020, maybe we could, too.

Then he did it again in 2021. And again. And again. And again, despite being essentially just a bark framework, barely transmitting nutrients to the few branches that bloom every spring, “and not much else,” according to Litterst.

“There is no interior trunk,” Litterst told us in March. “People ask us, ‘You know how old that tree is?’ There literally aren’t any rings for us left to count on the interior of the tree.”

A tree, blooming as it should, standing tall and beautiful — that’s lovely, but unremarkable.

But a friendly little shard of bark, struggling to live in conditions outside its control, and doing it anyway? That’s relatable.

With each successive bloom, Stumpy’s fame grew.

By this March, when the NPS announced he would have to go, he was loved enough to inspire marathon mascot costumes, calendars, T-shirts, cards, whiskey tributes and visits from diplomats.

The Japanese embassy posted a photo of their visit during peak bloom: three diplomats, all bowing to show respect to a half-dead tree holding court on the Tidal Basin, with the Washington Monument in the distance.

It’s because Stumpy was so ragged that we loved him so much.

A tall tree, blooming as it should, standing beautiful and high above it all — well, that’s lovely, but unremarkable. But a friendly little shard of bark, struggling to live in conditions outside its control and hostile to its existence, and doing it anyway? That’s relatable.

We are all Stumpy: proof that life can not only continue, but thrive, in a way, when and where it doesn’t feel like it should.

But then came the news: The Tidal Basin seawall has to be repaired. That can’t happen while the cherry trees in the area remain. And if it’s not repaired, the slow sinking of the seawall will kill the trees anyway, and prevent the NPS from planting any more.

But Stumpy could leave behind a legacy of new trees

Before Stumpy was removed, horticulturists from the U.S. National Arboretum were tapped by the NPS to collect clippings from the tree.

The tree experts at the Arboretum’s headquarters in D.C. and their satellite location in McMinnville, Tennessee will prep those clippings for propagation.

With the care of determined scientists and the luck of Mother Nature, those clippings will continue growing into baby trees, which — two or three years from now — will be planted back along the Tidal Basin.

“The process takes a long time,” Piper Zettel, one of those arboretum horticulturists, told us. “Trees grow very slow. So we need to be patient.”

And, a couple more years after that, maybe with the same stubborn spirit that kept Stumpy himself alive, those Stumpy clones will also bloom with beautiful cherry blossoms we can all enjoy.

Cherry Blossoms Mar 23, 2024

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

Cherry Blossoms Mar 13, 2024

Goodbye, Stumpy: DC's favorite little cherry tree to be removed from Tidal Basin

National Cherry Blossom Festival Mar 13, 2023

Meet Stumpy, the Little Cherry Tree That Could

Stumpy as Stumpy 2.0 won’t look the way we knew him in 2024. Those trees will be healthy and will live in along a Tidal Basin free of flooding. The original Stumpy will become mulch, which will decompose and nourish the roots of those children in their new home. (It’s possible “The Circle of Life” will play softly in the background during the process … at least in our minds.)

We were lucky enough to know and love Stumpy the first time around, however brief that was. We all witnessed the unique confluence of circumstances that created his rise to fame and necessitated his end. In the end, even if we can’t recognize him, even if he’s in a different form entirely, Stumpy will be still there.

What do you do when a symbol of hope and resilience has to go?

The answer, it seems, is more hope, and more resilience. You mourn. You remember, and share stories. You laugh. And then you rebuild.

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

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.

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.

A lavish state dinner is a tool of U.S. diplomacy, a high honor that is doled out sparingly and only to America’s closest allies. In the case of Japan, President Joe Biden has chosen to celebrate an ally that he sees as a cornerstone of his policy toward the Indo-Pacific region.

Biden and his wife, Jill, are hosting Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife, Yuko, during the couple’s official visit to the United States this week. The first lady on Tuesday described a “flourishing” relationship between the U.S. and its Pacific partner as she hosted a media preview of the dinner, including the menu, decor and entertainment.

“As technology dissolves the distances between us and we face challenges that cross borders and oceans, our nations are partners in building a world where we choose creation over destruction, peace over bloodshed and democracy over autocracy,” she said.

Kishida will be the fifth world leader Biden has honored with a state dinner after counterparts from France, South Korea, India and Australia.

More than 200 guests with ties to both nations will dine on a first course of house-cured salmon and an entree of dry-aged rib eye steak with pepper butter, fava beans, mushrooms and onions. Dessert is salted caramel pistachio cake with a matcha ganache and cherry ice cream.

Some of Jill Biden’s favorite flowers, including roses and peonies, are being used alongside imported cherry blossoms to decorate a mix of round and rectangular tables in shades of pink, with a few of the floral centerpieces topping out at 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall.

Tables will be set with a mix of place settings representing the administrations of Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and George W. Bush. Glass and silk butterflies will dance over the tables and the hallway on the State Floor will be outfitted to give guests the feel of walking atop a koi pond.

White House Mar 28, 2024

The White House expects about 40,000 participants at its ‘egg-ucation'-themed annual Easter egg roll

White House Oct 25, 2023

Australia state visit to feature talk of submarines, tech — and a lavish dinner

After dinner, Simon, who the White House said is one of the first lady’s favorite musicians, will perform a selection of his iconic songs. She chose the singer-songwriter as a special tribute for Kishida because the prime minister is also an admirer of Simon’s work, the White House said.

Simon’s career spans six decades, including performing as part of a duo with his childhood friend Art Garfunkel. The 82-year-old New Jersey native has earned numerous accolades, including multiple Grammys and a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Also lined up to entertain guests after dinner are “The President’s Own” Marine Band Chamber Orchestra, the Army Rolling Strings and the Air Force Strings.

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

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.

But stubborn, Stumpy is. It’s the only reason he’s lasted this long, given the hostile conditions of his spot on D.C.’s Tidal Basin, according to National Park Service spokesman Mike Litterst. Sometime in May, Stumpy’s long fight will finally come to an end. There’s nothing the NPS can do at this point to save him.

“If you look to the left around the bend of the Tidal Basin that goes towards the Jefferson Memorial, there are no trees left there,” Litterst said. “Because all of those trees that suffered the same inundation of water died, and were removed several years ago.”

“Miraculous” is another word that could apply to Stumpy. The gnarled, nearly hollow tree is missing most of its branches, but still has managed to bloom each spring. Litterst says those who call the tree a miracle are “completely correct.”

The whole Tidal Basin has seen increased flooding over the years. The sea level is rising due to climate change, and the seawall, which dates back in the 1800s, has been sinking.

Those are bad conditions all around, but they’re worst on that southeast bend, where Stumpy makes his home. During high tides, heavy wind and a full moon, the water between the Jefferson Memorial and the Ohio Drive Bridge has come up over the seawall, covered the sidewalk right next to the water, continued past the grass and covered the sidewalk about 15 feet further inland, Litterst said.

That much water is really bad for plants. Other trees can, and have, died under such conditions.

But not Stumpy.

“Stumpy, despite all of that water, despite his appearance, almost inexplicably still puts out blossoms and blooms every year,” Litterst said.

It’s why the tree has gotten so much love. The tree has been a poignant symbol for the COVID era: Life goes on, even where and when it doesn’t feel like it should. And if Stumpy can survive, maybe we can, too.

So the news that Stumpy would be removed, and eventually mulched, in addition to more than 100 other cherry trees, hit hard. People were upset.

“Damn they can’t move him or nothing? Going straight to murder?!” asked one commenter on our Instagram post announcing Stumpy’s impending demise.

To save future trees, and possibly pedestrians in the area who would otherwise be walking in slippery, flooded, unsafe conditions, the seawall must be rehabilitated. And for the seawall to be rehabilitated, the trees must go.

But that logic doesn’t make it any easier for the passionate “Save Stumpy” movement.

“Why can’t they be relocated/replanted?!” asked another commenter.

The answer? Stumpy likely wouldn’t survive being transplanted. He’s barely hanging on.

He’s been barely hanging on since the beginning. According to Litterst, Stumpy is already in what arborists call the “mortality spiral.” By the time we found and started to love him in 2020, in part because of how scraggly he looks, there was nothing that could really be done.

“There is so little of that tree left to transplant,” Litterst said. “There is no interior trunk. People ask us, ‘You know how old that tree is?’ There literally aren’t any rings for us left to count on the interior of the tree.”

Stumpy is running on the fumes of a bark framework, barely transmitting nutrients to the few branches that bloom every spring, “and not much else,” Litterst said.

No matter how the story continues, Stumpy as we know him has to die. The tree is doomed by the narrative.

If he stays where he is, the floods will take him out, along with other trees that aren’t at risk now, but could be without repairs to the seawall.

If the NPS tries to transplant Stumpy, he could die of “transplant shock,” Litterst said. It’s a bit like the transplant shock some people experience after an organ donation, he explained. Even if the soil, the nutrients and the sun are compatible with what the tree is used to, the new experience of a different location can be hard on any tree’s root system.

And Stumpy is in no condition to be transplanted.

“It is in such a weakened condition that it almost certainly would not be able to be removed from the ground without breaking,” Litterst said. “Much less the transplant shock that would be sure to follow.”

So, to save the other trees from the flooding, and to spare Stumpy an undignified transplant death, Stumpy must and will be removed, with his brethren, later this spring.

But that’s not quite the end of the story.

How Stumpy will be propagated into more cherry trees

Stumpy, like the rest of us, may be mortal. But, also like the rest of us, he will live on in the hearts of those who loved him after he dies. Even better, because he is a tree, the NPS can take other steps to give Stumpy a more concrete kind of life after death.

The NPS is working with the U.S. National Arboretum to turn clippings of Stumpy into more cherry trees that are “genetic matches” — essentially clones — of the original. Those Stumpy 2.0s will eventually be planted near the Tidal Basin and in West Potomac Park, helping to replace the trees that must be removed during the seawall rehabilitation project.

“This is a National Mall icon, a Washington D.C. celebrity, social media sensation, you know, but also a symbol of hope and perseverance,” Piper Zettel, horticulturist with the Arboretum, told News4. “So, we are really thrilled to be a part of this project.”

The National Arboretum, located in Northeast D.C., serves as a kind of combination public garden, plant gene bank, and research station. The 451-acre facility is home to a wide variety of plant and seed specimens, which the employees work to care for, preserve and breed.

Some of their research is into D.C.’s beloved cherry trees. The arboretum field-tests new hybridized species of cherry trees by literally planting them in fields and curated gardens to see how they fare in real-world conditions. Other cherry trees are clones, grown from clippings taken from the Tidal Basin.

The trees make for another lovely pocket of beautiful blossoms in D.C., far from the National Mall — good if you want a taste of spring without getting swept away in a sea of tourists. But some of the trees carry a more historic status.

“The National Arboretum is a gene bank, and part of our mission is to conserve plant material because of its conservation status or genetic importance, for posterity,” Zettel explained. “So, part of that preservation process involves us maintaining replicas of the Tidal Basin cherry trees that were donated to the United States as a gift of friendship from Japan in 1912.”

For those who, every peak bloom, idly wonder whether D.C. still has any of the trees that first arrived more than 100 years ago, the answer is yes — they just live at the National Arboretum.

“We also house them here as genetic backups for the National Park Service and future generations,” Zettel said.

Their experience with cherry trees makes the arboretum the perfect partners for the NPS when it comes to Stumpy.

The propagation process starts with clippings that arboretum horticulturists will take from the tree after peak bloom ends.

Zettel demonstrated the cutting-and-rooting process for us, using a baby cherry tree in an arboretum propagation greenhouse.

“What we’re looking for is new vegetative growth,” Zettel said. “So this is new growth that appears on the tips of the branches in the spring, typically after the tree has concluded its flowering.”

The clippings were taken by using garden shears to snip a small cluster of around four leaves from the top of the baby tree. Zettel then clipped the bottom three leaves off of the cluster, leaving a long stem and one leaf. She snipped that leaf in half — to reduce the leaf’s surface area and prevent water loss, she explained later in an email — and placed it vertically in a flat full of a special mixture of soilless media and perlite.

When Zettel and her colleagues collect clippings from Stumpy later this spring (which they’ll probably do about two or three times, she said), they’ll place multiple cuttings in each flat, until they run out of material. Then they’ll label each specimen and wait for the clippings to form roots.

“If we were collecting material like this from our grounds or from another location, we would be very careful in how we collect the material because we don’t want to harm the tree. We want to make proper pruning cuts, follow proper horticultural practice,” she said.

There’s not much material to take from Stumpy, but the fact that he’s set to get mulched comes with a silver lining for the arboretum scientists trying to propagate him.

“Because Stumpy is slated for removal, and because as you’ve seen, Stumpy is pretty … stumpy, and does not have a lot of growth of branches on it …. we’ll probably collect as much material as we can,” Zettel said.

More material means more chances for Stumpy 2.0s to grow roots and take hold in those flats.

Nature is unpredictable. There’s no guarantee the Stumpy clippings will take root at all, in part because he’s already struggling. But the arboretum has a few tricks up its sleeves to give each Stumpy 2.0 the best chance.

The first is the propagation greenhouse, which allows horticulturists to control moisture levels, temperature and light to create ideal growing conditions.

Some of the clippings will also be shared with a satellite research station the arboretum has in McMinnville, Tennessee. The D.C. location will prepare each clipping before shipping them out of the DMV, and horticulturists in both locations will try to coax the clippings into new trees.

Different locations, and different clippings, mean many opportunities for success.

The cuttings should take between two and four weeks to root, but they’ll stay in the flats for around a year, Zettel said.

“Next spring we’ll pot them into individual pots and care for them in our production facility,” Zettel said. “As they grow, we’ll move them into bigger pots.”

It will take a few years for the baby Stumpies to grow big enough to be planted in the ground. And the arboretum wants to take extra care with the trees, to give them the best chance of survival.

“They’ll go back to the park service when we feel that they’re ready, when they’ve put on enough growth,” Zettel said. “When we feel that they’re strong enough. We also want to work with the park service, and to make sure that this all checks out with the time frame for the construction project. Because we don’t want to give them plants that they’re not ready to put in the ground.”

That means two to three years before you could visit a Stumpy 2.0 on the National Mall, and two to five years before it might start producing flowers.

“The process takes a long time,” Zettel said. “Trees grow very slow. So we need to be patient.”

Cherry Blossoms Mar 20, 2024

Flowers, whiskey, and a mascot that stops traffic: Tributes left to Stumpy during tree's final peak bloom in DC

Cherry Blossoms Mar 13, 2024

Goodbye, Stumpy: DC's favorite little cherry tree to be removed from Tidal Basin

Cherry Blossoms Mar 13, 2024

159 cherry trees in DC will be removed due to Tidal Basin seawall damage from age and rising sea levels

And even when Stumpy 2.0s do grow, although they’ll be genetic clones of the original, you might not recognize them.

Stumpy is, well, stumpy because of his daily inundation of brackish water. It gave him the shape we all know and love, but it’s not good for him. And the goal of the NPS’ seawall reconstruction and the National Arboretum propagation project is to create “ideal environmental conditions for the new trees that are planted,” Zettel said.

So, because the new trees will be healthy and happy, without “the same life experiences that have shaped Stumpy,” they won’t have Stumpy’s “unique form,” Zettel said.

Stumpy, as we know him, is a fleeting phenomenon. He was a warning, which the NPS heeded when they decided to rehabilitate the seawall. When he comes back, he’ll come back different and in many forms.

But Stumpy is special because he is impermanent — like the blossoms he produces, as the National Arboretum notes in the booklet for its self-guided flowering cherry tree tour.

“Sakura (cherry blossoms) appear in Japanese myth, poetry, and other art, and their brief blooming has long symbolized a short life lived well,” the booklet reads.

Litterst has seen a number of D.C. oddities come and go. But Stumpy, and the love he’s inspired?

“I’ve never seen anything like it.”

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

The little cherry tree that could, can’t, after this spring. Stumpy’s home on the Tidal Basin has been flooding too much, for too long, and the seawall in that area has to be repaired to save other trees nearby. That means Stumpy, and over a hundred other cherry trees near the Tidal Basin, will be removed starting in May.

The District has been mourning the symbol of resilience through tough times all week long.

On Monday, someone left a bouquet of flowers in the hollow of Stumpy’s trunk, according to a post on social media.

On Tuesday, that bouquet was joined by… a full bottle of Maker’s Mark whiskey, according to another social media post.

On Wednesday, the D.C. Public Library left a large card thanking Stumpy for all the memories.

There are t-shirts for sale on Etsy. There are endless social media tributes. And on Tuesday morning, there was a traffic-stopping homage to Stumpy.

Behold, the mascot for this year’s Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-Miler:

When we say this version of Stumpy is traffic-stopping, we mean it literally. While filming this video about Tidal Basin traffic, News4 Digital Producer Maggie More hit the brakes (safely!) so that Digital Managing Editor Carissa DiMargo could get out of the car and chase down the mascot.

According to race organizers, the artist behind the mascot costume started the design last year, when Stumpy reached new levels of viral fame.

“In true Stumpy fashion, his resiliency will be showcased once again as he will live on as the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile mascot,” the race website says.

Organizers had the costume made in New York, and brought it down to D.C. just a few days before his debut on the Tidal Basin this week.

At the Tidal Basin, Stumpy the mascot could be seen bowing to, and then posing with, Stumpy the tree. The mascot also posed for a few media photographs and selfies.

On Friday, other D.C. mascots stopped by to see Stumpy. The Washington Nationals’ famous Racing President mascots paid their respects, and shared a photo of George Washington and Teddy Roosevelt to social media.

“just a few ICONS,” the post read.

A few hours later, the Washington Capitals shared a post to social media promoting their cherry-blossom-themed merch collection for the year.

“Had to pay our respects to Stumpy,” the post read, alongside a photo of someone holding a cherry-blossom-adorned Capitals jersey in front of their face next to the tree.

Also on Friday, members of the Japanese Embassy in D.C. went to visit Stumpy.

The embassy thanked the NPS for caring for the cherry trees for the last 112 years in a post to social media, and honored Stumpy as “one of our most beloved symbols of Japanese-American friendship,” using country flags in place of names.

Online, on Friday afternoon, the Library of Congress dedicated a poem by U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón to Stumpy.

The poem, titled “Instructions on Not Giving Up,” was published in 2018.

Most of these tributes have been spontaneous, so it’s not yet clear whether there are more to come. We’ll keep an eye out and update this story periodically with any new Stumpy memorials that pop up.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Mar 13, 2023

Meet Stumpy, the Little Cherry Tree That Could

Washington DC Mar 23, 2023

See It: Stumpy the Cherry Tree Is in Full Bloom

Cherry Blossoms Mar 13, 2024

Goodbye, Stumpy: DC's favorite little cherry tree to be removed from Tidal Basin

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

Maybe it’s because we’re already dressed up to get a petal-filled picture, or we want to warm up after a cool spring day of hanami (the Japanese word for cherry blossom viewing). The delicate flowers certainly remind us of the adorable finger-food treats you find at a high tea. Also, they’re both the perfect excuse to pull out your fanciest fascinator.

Cherry blossom joy is coming into hotels and tea rooms around D.C. Here are some of the prettiest cherry blossom teas to enjoy this spring.

• Sign up for The Weekend Scene newsletter for cherry blossom joy all season long.

The St. Regis Washington, D.C.
923 Black Lives Matter Plaza NW, Washington, D.C..

Plucking desserts from an artistic cherry tree statue is the centerpiece of the five-star hotel’s cherry blossom tea. Savory bites sit at the base of the tree, and you can complete the experience with a custom seasonal blend from Dammann Frères. The tea is available from 1-5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and costs $109 per person. Reservations are open into June.

Lady Camellia
229 Strand St., Alexandria, Virginia

With a view of the Old Town Waterfront, Lady Camellia is a pretty place for tea any time of day throughout the year. But the pink decor and floral dishes fit right in with cherry blossom season.

You can choose from a range of menus and seatings, including weekday afternoons and weekend evenings. Teas cost $30 to $65 per person, plus you have the option to add mimosas or wine. Make your reservations on OpenTable.

Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown
2401 M Street, NW

Cherry blossom afternoon tea at Fairmont includes a three-tiered display with scones, savory bites and cherry-filled desserts, plus a selection of Lott 35 loose-leaf teas. It costs $95 per person (before tax and tip) and comes with a glass of G.H. Mumm Champagne. It will be available on Saturdays and Sundays through April 14, excluding Easter Sunday. Make a reservation by emailing wdc.holidaysorders.dl@fairmont.com. 

Pendry Hotel Washington, DC – The Wharf
655 Water Street SW, Washington, D.C.

Bar Pendry’s boozy tea menu includes a tea sampler featuring dirty chai with vodka and two cold options, plus savory and sweet eats. It’s $65 per person before tax and tip. Located inside Bar Pendry on The Wharf, this tea is just a 1-mile walk from the blooms on the Tidal Basin.

Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens
4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 

Within the estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post, once one of the richest women in the U.S., Merriweather Cafe offers a seasonal tea menu of classic tea savory treats and sweets with cherry blossom twists, including a white chocolate raspberry scone and a sakura cherry profiterole.

It’s $40 per person, including tax and tip, but four people are required. Cherry blossom afternoon tea is available Thursdays through Sundays through April 14. You can book on Resy.

Hillwood is also currently running an exhibit of the heiress’ luxury fashion and jewelry brought from France.

Peacock Alley at the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Cherry blossom decor is blooming across the Waldorf Astoria’s grand atrium, and you can sit for a perfectly petaled tea through June 30. The menu features sandwiches, including vegan options, scones, sweets and a cherry blossom blend on its list of eight teas.

Seatings are Thursday through Sunday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Reservations are recommended!

Things to Do DC Mar 14, 2024

13 key dates and can't-miss events for the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC

Cherry Blossoms Mar 15, 2024

Where to see cherry blossoms in DC, Maryland and Virginia

Things to Do DC Mar 18, 2024

Visiting cherry blossoms at DC's Tidal Basin: 5 things to know for peak bloom

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.

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

And peak bloom is here! The National Park Service made the big announcement on St. Patrick’s Day. Peak bloom — when 70% of the Yoshino cherry trees along the Tidal Basin are flowering — lasts for several days, but it’s highly weather dependent, according to NPS.

Huge crowds turn out every year for the blooms and the National Cherry Blossom Festival — so you’ll want a plan.

From transportation to timing your trip, here are some essential things to know.

Peak bloom came early this year

If you feel like peak bloom came quickly this year, you’re right! This year’s peak bloom is tied for the second-earliest on record. March 17 marked the start of peak bloom in 2000, as well. That’s just a few days behind the record of March 15, 1990.

The beginning of March was so warm that it pushed the blossoms along their blooming cycle quickly. The early bloom also highlights the impact of our changing climate on D.C. landmarks.

What to do at the Tidal Basin

Peak bloom is underway, and the National Park Service has invited anyone to come see a "splendid spring spectacle."

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell says Monday, March 18, and Tuesday, March 19, will be your best days to see peak bloom in full force.

Most people opt to walk along the 2.1-mile Tidal Basin Loop Trail. Permanent restrooms are available at the Jefferson and Roosevelt memorials along the trail.

Stop along the way and take plenty of pictures. And prepare to wait for others who are doing the same! If there's ever a time to stop and patiently smell the flowers, this is it!

Starting on March 23, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is set to open its welcome area with shopping, refreshments, kids' activities, a pet comfort station and all the information you need to enjoy the trees. Live performances will be featured on the ANA Stage from 12 to 6 p.m. between March 23 and April 7.

You can also rent a pedal boat — boats are rented on a first-come, first-served basis during cherry blossom season.

Finally, there are a few things you should NOT do at the Tidal Basin: Don't climb the trees, shake branches or pick the flowers.

Where is Stumpy, the celebrity cherry tree?

This year is also your last chance to visit one of D.C.'s favorite cherry trees. “Stumpy” is blooming one last time.

The scraggly-looking tree on the southeast part of the Tidal Basin, near the Jefferson Memorial, captured the hearts of D.C. residents in 2020. But after this year's cherry blossom festival, that tree and more than 150 others are slated for removal so the National Park Service can make critical repairs to the sea wall. Don't worry: Even more trees will be replanted once the project is done.

Our reporter Maggie More explained on TikTok how to find Stumpy.

"Go between the Ohio Street Bridge... and the Jefferson Memorial," she said. "It's on the southeast side. And if you get really lost, you can just look for the crowds of well-wishers."

Cherry Blossoms Mar 19, 2023

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in DC, Maryland and Virginia

Cherry Blossoms Mar 13, 2024

Goodbye, Stumpy: DC's favorite little cherry tree to be removed from Tidal Basin

How long will peak bloom last?

In ideal conditions, peak bloom can last as long as 10 days. A cool spell in March is helping the flowers stick around. So, go enjoy those blooms!

How to get to the Tidal Basin

Parking near the cherry blossoms

As our D.C. parking guide says, expect to battle gridlocked traffic and spend a long time looking for parking if you drive into D.C. for the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Yes, there are 400 free parking spaces in Hains Point and metered parking near the Tidal Basin — but you would be extremely lucky to find a spot.

If driving is still your best option, here’s how to find a spot:

• Use an app like SpotHero to find a garage or lot close enough to walk, bike share or scooter to the Tidal Basin. Several lots can be found between 14th Street, Independence Avenue, Maine Avenue and 7th Street NW.
• Park at the Union Station garage and take the Circulator’s National Mall route.
• Drop your car at one of Metro’s parking garages or lots — they’re available at 51 stations and free on weekends.

Accessible parking is available at the Tidal Basin, plus at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt, World War II, Thomas Jefferson, Lincoln, Korean War Veterans and Vietnam Veterans memorials, plus the Washington Monument, NPS says.

Metro stations near the Tidal Basin and cherry blossoms

Public transit is the best way to get to the Tidal Basin. You can purchase SmarTrip cards at Metro stations, but many people may find it easier to set up mobile pay.

Here are the Metro stations closest to the Tidal Basin:

• 🟠🔵⚪ The Smithsonian/National Mall station on the Orange, Blue and Silver lines is the closest Metro station to the Tidal Basin.
• 🟠🔵⚪🟡🟢 L’Enfant Plaza, served by the Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow and Green lines, is about 1 mile away from the Tidal Basin
• 🔴 The closest Red Line stations are Farragut North and Metro Center, about 1.2 miles away.

Metrobus is also an option — use Metro’s Trip Planner or Google Maps to plan your route.

Don’t sleep on The Circulator, either. It costs $1, and the National Mall route stops at all the tourist hot spots.

Check out all our cherry blossom coverage here, including:

• Where to see cherry blossoms in DC, Maryland and Virginia
• 13 key dates and can't-miss events for the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC
• Goodbye, Stumpy: DC's favorite little cherry tree to be removed from Tidal Basin
• Diplomats, Nematodes and a Travel Writer: How DC Got Its Famous Cherry Trees

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.

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

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.

Washington, D.C.’s, most famous cherry trees along the Tidal Basin are approaching peak bloom, 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. Remember to tag @nbcwashington on social media or email isee@nbcwashington.com for a chance to be featured!

• Sign up for The Weekend Scene newsletter — we’ll deliver things to do, free picks and cherry blossom joy every Wednesday.

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 thick crowds. Your best bet is to take public transit, bikes or scooters, then walk along the Tidal Basin Loop Trail.

Here’s our guide to visiting the Tidal Basin.

From the Water

The pedal boats returned to the Tidal Basin on March 15. 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. During cherry blossom season, rentals are walk-up only; there are no prepaid reservations.

Or, add a boozy twist to your paddling experience with the Sea Suite Cruises’ line of boat tours.

New this year, you can even climb aboard a popular D.C. bar’s outpost on the Potomac. Whitlow’s on Water is decked out in tiki bar style and ready to set sail for private sightseeing charters or public guided tours, which start at $24 per person. The boat cruises past trees lining the Potomac and provides a glimpse of the Tidal Basin while you sip drinks from the bar.

Things to Do DC Mar 6, 2024

7 cherry blossom activities to try while we wait for flowers to pop

Things to Do DC Mar 14, 2024

13 key dates and can't-miss events for the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC

Potomac Paddle Club’s pontoon pedal boat – described as a “cycle boat tour meets booze cruise” – has BYOB options.

Would you rather row your own boat? Cherry blossom tours from Thompson Boat Center in Georgetown and The Wharf Boathouse begin March 29.

The Cherry Blossom Water Taxi offers audio tours on its Georgetown-Alexandria Sightseeing Route and Georgetown-Wharf Sightseeing Route if you download the app. Of course, you can also sit back and simply savor the views!

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.

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 23 for Bloomaroo, a family-friendly festival with live music, art and fireworks.

Hains Point (East Potomac Park)
1100 Ohio Dr. SW, Washington, D.C.

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.

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.

U.S. 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.

Your Neighborhood

Check out this map to find cherry blossom trees throughout the District.

All the Neighborhood Cherry Blossom Trees in the District

Cherry trees on non-federal land in D.C., color-coded by type of tree and sized according to the tree’s diameter. Click on the magnifying glass at the bottom of the map to search for your address.

Source: D.C. Department of Transportation (DDOT) Street Spatial Database (SSD)
Credit: Anisa Holmes / NBC Washington

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 how to use their interactive map to find one. 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 200 cherry trees of their own. Try a kayak or paddleboard rental for some extra adventure.

Fort McHenry
2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, Maryland

The grounds of Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland, host cherry blossom trees.

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. The Kenwood trees often bloom three to four days after the Tidal Basin trees, according to Bethesda Magazine.

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.

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 installations, special tours, 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.

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.

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

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.

This year’s May-like temps in March are quickly pushing the Tidal Basin trees towards peak bloom. The trees reached the first phase of their blooming cycle on the first weekend of March.

The cherry blossoms go through six phases on the way to peak bloom or when 70% of the Yoshino blossoms are flowering. Storm Team4’s predicts the trees will reach peak bloom between March 21 and 26. Last year, peak bloom was March 23. 

The National Park Service is already working to address rising water and flooding. They recently announced that 159 cherry trees on the Tidal Basin and West Potomac Park will be cut down for seawall repairs.  

Here’s more on how climate change will impact peak bloom in the future:

Is the changing climate impacting peak bloom?

Yes, the changing climate is making D.C.’s cherry blossoms reach peak bloom earlier.

When did the cherry blossoms used to reach peak bloom?

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. 

How does the changing climate impact peak bloom?

Storm Team4 looked at peak bloom dates over the last twenty years to reveal recent trends. According to historical data, peak bloom favors the last week of March. It fell on this date eight of the 20 years. 

Peak bloom has occurred even earlier in the third week of March in four of the last twenty years. 

How often has peak bloom been in April?

In the last 20 years, several peak blooms have occurred in April. The cherry blossoms reached peak bloom in the first week of April four times and the second week of April four times.

With the area warming, when will peak bloom occur in the future? 

Climate Central projects that by 2070 peak bloom could be as early as the first week of March. 

Things to Do DC Mar 14, 2024

13 key dates and can't-miss events for the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC

Cherry Blossoms Mar 12, 2024

Cherry blossom watch: DC's cherry trees reach blooming phase 4 of 6

Even though peak bloom lasted just a short time in March, the festival will bring floral fun throughout March and April.

Check out these key dates and can’t-miss events for the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

• Sign up for The Weekend Scene newsletter — we’ll deliver cherry blossom joy and fun plans for your weekend every Wednesday.

Best days to visit the cherry blossoms: peak bloom

Peak bloom is when 70% of the Yoshino cherry trees along the Tidal Basin are flowering. The National Park Service announced peak bloom on Sunday, March 17, and the blooms were starting to fade more than a week later, the National Park Service said.

Is the Tidal Basin worth visiting outside of peak bloom? Absolutely!

The National Cherry Blossom Festival has debuted the Tidal Basin Welcome Area & ANA Stage. You’ll find live performances, merchandise shopping, refreshments, kids’ activities, a pet comfort station and more.

The welcome area will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Saturday, March 23 to Sunday, April 7, the National Cherry Blossom Festival said. Performances are scheduled from noon to 6 p.m. daily. Here’s the schedule.

Cherry Blossoms Mar 13, 2024

Goodbye, Stumpy: DC's favorite little cherry tree to be removed from Tidal Basin

Things to Do DC Mar 24, 2024

Cherry blossom cocktails and bites to try this spring

Cherry Night — March 29

Put your pink on and party the night away at venues throwing cherry blossom-themed parties across D.C. Venues and party details are TBA, but most events are typically free to attend.

Bloomaroo — rescheduled to March 30

While it’s not an official Cherry Blossom Festival event, Bloomaroo is still worth checking out. The spring festival at the Wharf will feature live music and an abundance of activities including matcha tea sampling, koi kite decorating, haiku creation, flower trucks, karaoke and a balloon artist. Attendees can also look forward to cherry blossom-themed cocktails.

There are activities suited for all ages, and most of the family-friendly events will be concentrated towards the Southeastern side of the Wharf.

The festival will take place from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. — with fireworks at 8:30 p.m. — and is free to attend.

Bloomaroo was originally scheduled for March 23, but was postponed due to rain.

Blossom Kite Festival — March 30

One of the festival’s most eye-catching and fun events brings hundreds of kite flyers to the Washington Monument grounds. All are welcome, no matter the experience level or age.

The day will feature performances, activities and even kitemaking competitions for both adults and youth.

There will also be demonstrations from nationally and internationally recognized kite fliers, including Mikio Toki, a master of the traditional Edo-style kite who will be coming from Japan to showcase his work.

Attendance at the Kite Festival is free. It’s scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The rain date is March 31.

Pink in the Park — postponed

This festival in Arlington will feature music, food, art vendors and live art activations.

Artists will be creating a temporary cherry blossom and pink-themed mural park by painting sculptural walls in Met Park. The murals will stay up until April 14.

The festival was postponed and will no longer happen on March 23 due to rain. Organizers say they’re looking for a new date. Here are more details.

Petalpalooza — April 6

Enjoy a full day of live music, art and activities for free along the banks of the Anacostia River. At the Capitol Riverfront around The Yards and Navy Yard Metro, roam interactive art installations, grab a drink from a cashless beverage garden and participate in hands-on family-friendly activities. Finish off the evening at 8:30 with the Official National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks Show, which will be visible from the festival and Anacostia Park.

Credit Union Cherry Blossom 5K & 10 Mile — April 6 and 7

This event features four races: a 5K, a 10 miler, a kids run and a virtual run. Proceeds from this event will go to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. While registration is now closed for the 5K and 10 mile runs, you can still register for the kids run and the virtual run.

On Friday and Saturday, you can also stop by the Race Expo Presented by Wegmans at the National Building Museum.

Mosaic District Art Blooms — April 6 and 7

In partnership with URBNmarket and FRESHFARM, this two-day outdoor festival in Mosaic District will have fun for all ages, including 90+ vintage and handmade vendors, cherry blossom-themed arts and crafts, a farmers market and live entertainment and performances.

The festival will take place each day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade — April 13

This parade showcases floats, helium balloons, marching bands and, of course, D.C.’s cherry blossoms. Individual tickets to enter the grandstands start at $25 and East End seating starts at $40. It’s free to watch along Constitution Avenue between 9th and 15th streets.

Sakura Matsuri, Japanese Street Festival – April 13 and 14

Billed as the largest celebration of Japanese culture in the U.S., Sakura Matsuri 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.

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

Anacostia River Festival — May 4

Celebrate the tenth annual Anacostia River Festival. The event is family-friendly and will have plenty of food, local performances and outdoor activities, including a free fishing workshop.

Past Events

Opening Ceremony — March 23

To commemorate the mayor of Tokyo giving D.C. 3,000 cherry trees in 1912, The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s signature opening ceremony will feature acclaimed artists with Japanese-American ties including singer and songwriter Naotaro Moriyama, composer and instrumentalist Kaoru Wantanabe and dancer and choreographer Jo Kanamori.

Kanamori is directing and choreographing a piece that will debut at the ceremony and be performed by the Washington Ballet.

While tickets are already sold out, the event will be livestreamed.

Sakura Sunday – March 24

Celebrate all things Japanese culture at National Harbor’s festival. Sword training, dance, storytelling and live music are just some of the performances scheduled for the main stage.

Visitors can also shop for Japanese crafts, goods and treats at the marketplace.

The festival will go from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Here are more details.

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 tree is a social media sensation. A testament to the reality of climate change. A symbol of hope and perseverance in hard times, needed more than ever when he was first “discovered” in 2020.

But four years after his initial rise to fame, Stumpy’s time with us is coming to an end.

The National Park Service announced Wednesday that 159 cherry trees on the Tidal Basin and West Potomac Park will be cut down later this year to make way for seawall repairs — and Stumpy, in his floodwater-ridden home, must go.

Logic dictates that Stumpy’s death is necessary. The $113 million, multi-year repair of the seawall is a critical investment, the NPS says. The seawall, which was first constructed in the 1800s, has sunk more than five feet over the years. The waters have also risen, and that means the Tidal Basin floods twice a day, every day, and has for years.

It’s why Stumpy is, well, stumpy.

“Too much water on a tree’s roots can be just as damaging as too little,” NPS spokesman Mike Litterst told us in an email last spring. “Excess soil moisture can reduce oxygen in the soil, damage fine root hairs, and render the root system unable to absorb water.”

Without fixing the seawall, the floods will continue. Other trees would be constantly overwatered. Many of the cherry trees would eventually die outright. Replacing those trees would be impossible. Peak bloom would not look the same.

Logic dictates that to save future trees, and nearby American monuments, and possibly pedestrians in the area who would otherwise be walking in slippery, flooded, unsafe conditions, the seawall must be rehabilitated. And for the seawall to be rehabilitated, the trees must go.

Go, the trees will. The NPS says that “site preparation” near the Tidal Basin will start in May 2024.

“Tree locations and topography were considered in the construction planning, and every effort was made to minimize the number of trees that must be removed,” the NPS says. The decision was made carefully. It also impacts non-cherry trees, around 300 trees in total.

Stumpy was never going to make it forever. He’s just a tree, and trees can be replanted. It all makes logical sense.

Emotion, on the other hand, may tell a different story. What is there to say when a symbol of hope and perseverance has to be chopped down?

National Cherry Blossom Festival Mar 13, 2023

Meet Stumpy, the Little Cherry Tree That Could

Cherry Blossoms Mar 24, 2022

Saving Our Blossoms: How Climate Change Is Threatening DC's Cherry Trees

It helps, a bit, to know that Stumpy is clearing the way for his descendants. Though he and 158 other cherry trees will be removed from the Tidal Basin and West Potomac Park, their spots will become a home for 274 new, replacement cherry trees. Including the non-cherry trees, 455 new trees will fill the same area.

Most of the trees removed from the area will be turned into mulch to protect the roots of the replacements. Clippings will be taken from Stumpy, and will be used to create genetic offspring. The offspring will, one day, be planted in the same area, and live where Stumpy lived, News4’s Megan McGrath reports.

Those cherry trees will have a more secure future, thanks to the rehabilitated seawalls the NPS is working on. Stumpy’s slow-moving sacrifice to the floods was a warning, and the NPS heeded that warning. Stumpy paved the way.

And he’s not gone yet. Visitors to this year’s cherry blossom festivities won’t be affected by the rehabilitation project, the NPS says, assuring the public that “the trail around the Tidal Basin will remain open through the duration of the work, although temporary pedestrian detours will be constructed in some areas.”

In other words, we can all still enjoy Stumpy while he’s still here, and pay our respects this peak bloom.

It doesn’t make Stumpy’s impending demise any less sad. But, as Shel Silverstein, master poet of sad tree stories, put it: “There are no happy endings. Endings are the saddest part. So just give me a happy middle, and a very happy start.”

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

As the National Park Service said: “It’s the #BloomWatch community’s favorite announcement: we have Peduncle Elongation – the 4th of 6 stages on the path to peak bloom.”

This means the blossoms are now two-thirds of the way toward peak bloom, just 10 days after they entered phase 1 on Saturday, March 2.

The next — and decidedly non-scientific-sounding — phase is called puffy white.

When will the cherry blossoms reach peak bloom?

Weather patterns give us clues about when the cherry blossoms will burst forth.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Doug Kammerer projected peak bloom will begin on March 24.

The National Park Service estimated projected peak bloom dates are March 23 to 26.

However, we can’t help but notice that things are going VERY fast this year.

“Determining the dates for peak bloom is one of the great puzzles in the nation’s capital,” said Jeff Reinbold, the NPS’ superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. “Emerging from the warmest January on record, this has been a particularly puzzling year to read the trees and establish a projected date for peak bloom.”

Due to the warmer-than-average temperatures, the trees never went fully dormant, which is what the NPS uses to calculate peak bloom. In addition, the NPS’ designated “indicator tree” has been showing several different bloom phases, reflecting the wide range of temperatures we’ve been getting.

Cherry Blossoms Mar 8, 2024

Warm weather pushes cherry blossoms to stage 3

Things to Do DC Mar 6, 2024

7 cherry blossom activities to try while we wait for flowers to pop

“We’re seeing the effects of both warmer and highly variable temperatures on the trees,” Reinbold said.

Peak bloom is declared when 70% of the blossoms on the Tidal Basin’s cherry trees are out. If weather conditions are good, peak bloom can last as long as 10 days.

The cherry trees that Japan gave to the United States more than 100 years ago draw visitors from around the world.

How does Storm Team4 predict peak bloom?

The cherry trees have to complete a long journey before peak bloom, and weather plays a huge role in how quickly the flowers grow.

Cherry blossoms bloom in stages: green bud, florets visible, extension of florets, peduncle elongation and puffy white all come before the full bloom.

Last year, D.C.’s famed trees had green buds as of Feb. 23, and peak bloom was declared on March 23.

While we were running a little behind schedule, Kammerer said, overall, expect a similar trend to last year.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by NBC4 Washington (@nbcwashington)

“We’re going to be very warm in early March,” Kammerer said at the end of February. “So, we’ll get to the bud stage, and then we’ll get to the next stage fairly quickly.”

But a cooldown in mid-March could slow down peak bloom – just like it did last year. Keep an eye out for warm weather, too, which could rapidly push the blossoms into the next stage.

Last year, we reached peak bloom on March 23, which is still on the early side.

The most common time for peak bloom is between the last week of March and the first week of April, according to the NPS.

Sign up for The Weekend Scene newsletter for cherry blossom joy, fun things to do and D.C.-area culture every week.

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

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.

Yes, we’re still waiting for the main event – the National Cherry Blossom Festival begins on March 20 and peak bloom isn’t expected until days later – there are some ways you can begin celebrating early. 

Check on early bloomers

Okame cherry trees often produce bright pink flowers early in the season. National Harbor showed off some early buds in late February! Here’s more on their plans for cherry blossom season.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Brad Herson (@bcherson)

Cherry Tree Varieties, by Bloom

Source: Getty Images, Flicker
Credit: Anisa Holmes / NBC Washington

Congressional Cemetery in Southeast is known for its impressive collection of okame trees.

Another hot spot for these trees is Long Bridge Park in Alexandria, Virginia.

Casey Trees also has a map showing many of D.C.’s cherry trees — it’s color-coded by the type of tree!

LEGO Discovery Center Washington, D.C.

Hundreds of LEGO cherry trees have sprouted up around the D.C. monuments depicted in brick form at the LEGO attraction in Springfield, Virginia.

Master Model Builder Andrew Litterst used more than 9,800 LEGO bricks to build and plant the “trees” over 32 hours.

Library of Congress’ book display

For the bookworms hoping to learn more about the blossom traditions, a Library of Congress display will feature a collection of books about the cherry blossoms. The “Sakura: Icon of Spring” display will be located on the second floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, SE, Washington, D.C. The display will open on March 1 and more information can be found here.

ARTECHOUSE

The immersive art museum specializes in larger-than-life projections and interactives. On Saturday, March 9, the Southwest D.C. space debuted “ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds,” a cherry blossom-themed experience inspired by manga and anime. Timed tickets are available now; they start at $27 for adults.

Cherry blossom promenade

CityCenterDC’s Palmer Alley is decked out for cherry blossom season. Head over to snap a pic under a canopy of pink lanterns and cherry blossom decals. 

Decorate your space

The National Cherry Blossom Festival invites everyone to decorate their porch, yard, window or something else to bloom joy throughout the D.C. area. Register your decor to put your home on the Petal Porches map.

A chance to win a flight to Tokyo

The National Cherry Blossom Festival and Nippon Airways have opened sweepstakes for a chance to win a pair of round-trip tickets to Tokyo. The sweepstakes are open until March 29. For every 100 entries, the airline will plant a new cherry blossom in D.C. For more information, visit NationalCherryBlossomFestival.org.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

But one tree, on the southeast portion of the Tidal Basin near the Jefferson Memorial, is a little different from the others.

The tree, affectionately nicknamed “Stumpy” by Washington, D.C. residents, went viral in 2020 after a visitor to the area posted a photo of him to the r/washingtondc subreddit.

“This tree a little aways from Jefferson memorial is as dead as my love life, but I love it!” reads the post.

The account that originally made the post has since been deleted, but the post itself, and a multitude of supportive comments responding to it, remain online.

“You know what that old tree is doing?” said one user. “It’s best.”

“Mostly dead, it’s slightly alive,” said another user, seemingly referencing a famous scene from the 1987 cult classic film “The Princess Bride.”

The post was made on Feb. 26, 2020 — just over two weeks before COVID-19 was officially declared a global pandemic and institutions around the world closed indefinitely.

While most of the comments were left before the pandemic hit the U.S., the tone of a follow-up thread by a different user shows how Stumpy’s resilience hit home in the District as the uncertainty grew.

“Faith in humanity +1,” said one commenter on March 15, 2020. “I needed this after all the chaos this week.”

Reddit users — not just the original poster, but also other avid Stumpy fans — posted progress photos as the tree bloomed that spring, and eventually gave him his famous moniker.

Some users also wondered how Stumpy ended up as threadbare as he is.

We went to the National Park Service to find out why.

Here’s what we learned: The tides regularly cause water to overflow the protective seawall in the southeast part of the Tidal Basin, and that inundates the the trees … and their root systems, spokesperson Mike Litterst told us.

“Too much water on a tree’s roots can be just as damaging as too little,” Litterst told us in an email last spring. “Excess soil moisture can reduce oxygen in the soil, damage fine root hairs, and render the root system unable to absorb water.”

Cherry Blossoms Mar 24, 2022

Saving Our Blossoms: How Climate Change Is Threatening DC's Cherry Trees

Climate change Mar 10, 2023

Cherry Blossom Season Arriving Earlier Than Ever as the Planet Warms

Cherry Blossoms Mar 9, 2023

Diplomats, Nematodes and a Travel Writer: How DC Got Its Famous Cherry Trees

The flooding can cause trees to wilt, cause “leaf scorch” (when the leaves of a tree turn brown and eventually die), “dieback” (when the branches or roots of a tree wither and then die), or the death of the entire tree.

Overflow in Stumpy’s neighborhood along the Tidal Basin means his days are, unfortunately, numbered.

“While we don’t have any projections about how long this tree will be able to survive … eventually the constant water will take its toll and the tree will die (or we will remove it, as was done with a dozen or so other trees in that area a few years ago),” Litterst said.

Stumpy’s adoring fans on social media sometimes call for him to be replanted somewhere that doesn’t flood. But according to Litterst, it’s too late for that.

“We would probably do far more damage to it if we tried to move it than if we just allow it to remain in place,” Litterst said.

Efforts to repair the seawall in that area are underway, and when it’s finished, dead trees in that area will be replaced.

In the meantime, there’s good news for those who appreciate the symbolism of a scraggly, worn-down tree tirelessly creating beauty in the face of adversity: Three years after the pandemic began, Stumpy was still going strong — and we’ll be watching again this cherry blossom season.

As of Leap Day, News4’s Tommy McFly reports, Stumpy seems to be on the path to peak bloom once again, with small buds already forming on his branches.

“As the blossoms show, Stumpy is not just surviving. Stumpy is thriving,” Litterst said in 2023.

Just like the other cherry trees around D.C., Stumpy was sporting pink buds on March 7, 2023, creeping toward peak bloom, like all his friends.

By March 23, his flowers were out in full force.

And Stumpy still gets crowds of fans online and in person. One couple even drove down to the Tidal Basin on March 23, 2023 specifically to see him — on the very same day that the Tidal Basin’s cherry trees officially reached peak bloom.

For this year, Storm Team4 Chief Meteorologist Doug Kammerer has predicted that peak bloom will happen around March 24. Stick with News4 for all the cherry blossom updates you could possibly want, and to keep an eye on Stumpy’s progress toward peak bloom.

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

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.

The cherry blossoms entered the first phase of their blooming cycle on the first weekend of March. Weather patterns give us clues about when flowers will burst forth.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Doug Kammerer projects peak bloom will begin on March 24.

The National Park Service says the projected peak bloom dates are March 23 to 26.

“Determining the dates for peak bloom is one of the great puzzles in the nation’s capital,” said Jeff Reinbold, the NPS’ superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. “Emerging from the warmest January on record, this has been a particularly puzzling year to read the trees and establish a projected date for peak bloom.”

Due to the warmer-than-average temperatures, the trees never went fully dormant, which is what the NPS uses to calculate peak bloom. In addition, the NPS’ designated “indicator tree” has been showing several different bloom phases, reflecting the wide range of temperatures we’ve been getting.

“We’re seeing the effects of both warmer and highly variable temperatures on the trees,” Reinbold said.

Peak bloom is declared when 70% of the blossoms on the Tidal Basin’s cherry trees are out. If weather conditions are good, peak bloom can last as long as 10 days.

The cherry trees that Japan gave to the United States more than 100 years ago draw visitors from around the world.

How does Storm Team4 predict peak bloom?

The cherry trees have to complete a long journey before peak bloom, and weather plays a huge role in how quickly the flowers grow.

Cherry blossoms bloom in stages: green bud, florets visible, extension of florets, peduncle elongation and puffy white all come before the full bloom.

Last year, D.C.’s famed trees had green beds as of Feb. 23, and peak bloom was called on March 23. But we don’t have those green buds yet for 2024.

While we’re running a little behind schedule, Kammerer says, overall, expect a similar trend to last year.

“We’re going to be very warm in early March,” Kammerer said. “So, we’ll get to the bud stage, and then we’ll get to the next stage fairly quickly.”

But a cool-down in mid-March could slow down peak bloom – just like it did last year. Keep an eye out for warm weather, too, which could rapidly push the blossoms into the next stage.

Last year, we reached peak bloom on March 23, which is still on the early side.

The most common time for peak bloom is between the last week of March and the first week of April, according to the NPS.

Sign up for The Weekend Scene newsletter for cherry blossom joy, fun things to do and D.C.-area culture every week.