DC Events · · Updated · Holly Garner
Washington DC Cherry Blossoms: Instagrammers Guide
Peak bloom usually lands in late March or early April, and the National Park Service announces its prediction each March. The experts over at BloomWatch post daily updates once buds start showing, so follow them on socials. You can also check the Bloom Cam any time of day to see the current state of the trees.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs annually from mid-March through mid-April. Check the festival website for this year’s schedule and events.
Some of our favorite Cherry Blossom events to photograph are below:
Cherry Blossom Festival Events
Kite Festival, March 26, 10am–4:30pm at the Washington Monument.
This event is very popular and gets BUSY but while you’re dodging kite launches you can get some great photos.
Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, April 9, 10am–12pm, Constitution Ave between 7th and 17th Streets.
There is so much to enjoy here, including floats, balloons, performers and marching bands.
@vpickeringPetalpalooza, April 16, 1pm–9pm, Navy Yard
A day of celebrations for all-ages brings art, music, and play to multiple outdoor stages, interactive art installations, a beer garden, crafts and more. The evening is capped by dazzling fireworks you won’t want to miss.
@vpickeringPetal Porches, March 20–April 17, city-wide
In past years the festival ran Petal Porches, where DC residents decorated their homes for spring, and IGDC judged the Prime Petal Porch finalists from every Ward. It isn’t on the 2027 schedule, so check the festival site for neighborhood events.
Here are some of our favorite locations to photograph the blooms:
Tidal Basin
@meaganestepThe clear winner here is the Tidal Basin Cherry Blossoms, which is surrounded by cherry trees gifted from the Mayor of Tokyo to Washington, DC as a gesture of friendship over 100 years ago. The best time to capture the blossoms here is at sunrise; you will beat the crowds and can get beautiful light.
Want to help preserve the Cherry Blossoms? Make a Donation to the National Mall
Kenwood, MD
Over 1,200 cherry trees flank the streets in this neighborhood. It is BUSY and street parking is limited so plan to do a fair amount of walking. If you visit, keep in mind this is a neighborhood and be respectful of people’s yards and property.
Congressional Cemetery
In the middle of the cemetery, surrounding the chapel near the front gate, is a beautiful canopy of cherry trees. While this is an historical and active burial ground, the cemetery is a popular spot for the community and even has a dog walking membership program.In full bloom you can get great photos with the occasional canine model.
Martin Luther King, Jr. & FDR Memorial
Both memorials are found along the Tidal Basin so don’t miss the chance to wander into each memorial as you walk around the Basin. The trees surrounding both memorials offer great framing for the monuments inside.
Thanks for reading our Instagrammers guide to the DC Cherry Blossoms. For more DC photography spots, check out our guides to the best gardens in DC and the most Instagrammable places in DC. If you have any questions about the blossoms, let us know in the comments below!
