*National Cherry Blossom Festival (Mar 26-Apr 10)NEW

National Cherry Blossom Festival will be underway in our nation's capital. With 16 days and 3 spectacular weekends of events celebrating cherry blossoms in bloom and natural beauty, arts and culture, and community spirit, the Festival has something for everyone. Since the vast majority of events are free and open to the public, the Festival is a wonderful value for the whole family! Everything you need to plan the perfect vacation is a click away in the Visitor Information section of nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

While you're planning, be sure to get your tickets to the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on Saturday, April 9, when it marches down historic Constitution Avenue from 10:00am to noon. Standing room along the Parade route is free, but the best view is from the grandstand section, where you'll see fabulous floats, giant balloons, booming marching bands, and celebrity performers up close. Tickets, $17.00, can be purchase through Ticketmaster or by calling (800) 551-SEAT. Grandstand tickets will sell out, so reserve today! Find more information about the Parade, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions, here.

Finally, official 2011 merchandise is on the way! Get your National Cherry Blossom Festival gifts and gear here, and check back as new items will be added soon.

Special Event Schedule: Click

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is Washington DC's and the nation's greatest springtime celebration. The 2011 Festival, March 26 - April 10, include three spectacular weekends and daily events featuring diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty, and community spirit. The 2011 Festival commemorates the 99th anniversary of the gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the United States and Japan.