Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom Time Announced

Cherry blossom season starts soon, with several events in Southwest.

The flowering trees around the Tidal Basin are expected to be at their best April 11 through 14, National Park Service officials said this morning.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival will start March 20 and run through April 12. Much of the celebration will occur in or near Southwest. Here’s a sampling of the festivities:

• March 27, 7 p.m. to midnight: Cherry Blast: Art + Music Dance Party, showcasing art and musical performances inspired by the blossoms at Blind Whino (700 Delaware Ave. SW).
• April 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Lantern Making Family Day at Canal Park in the Navy Yard neighborhood.

• April 4, 1 to 9 p.m.: Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival, with food, music and activities for kids near 600 Water St. SW.

• April 12, 12 to 4 p.m.: Anacostia River Festival, celebrating the waterway with free canoeing and kayaking, live music, a “bird of prey demonstration” and a bike parade at Anacostia Park (Anacostia Drive and Good Hope Road SE). The National Park Service and the team behind the soon-to-be-created 11th Street Bridge Park will host the event.

Photos via Facebook/National Cherry Blossom Festival