Celebrate An Annual DC Tradition: The Cherry Blossom Festival

The opening day of this year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival on March 20th officially marked the start of spring in the nation’s capital. Continuing through April 14th, DC unites for four spectacular weekends and daily events featuring traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty of the blooming trees, and programs to celebrate community spirit.

Some of the exciting events planned include a Japanese arts exhibit, boat, bike and paddleboat tours along the tidal basin to see the blossoms and the monuments, and an interactive children’s cherry blossom-themed scavenger hunt, among hundreds more.

This year’s festival commemorates the 101st anniversary of the gift of the cherry blossom trees from Japan to Washington, D.C. and kicked off with the Pink Tie Party – an annual charity affair benefitting the festival’s events and programs that are largely free and open to the public. Guests of the Pink Tie Party were invited to embrace the pink and springtime attire theme while enjoying delicious cherry/spring inspired cocktail and menu items offered from some of DC’s most popular restaurants, including Founding Farmers and Farmers Fishers Bakers.

Infusing the sweetness of Bing, Lambert or Maraschino cherries or the tartness of Early Richmond, Montmorency or Morello cherries into your seasonal spring menu is a great way to celebrate the cherry blossom festival and bring this annual DC tradition to your guests. Brighten up your offerings by experimenting with these cherry varieties in dishes like cherry buckle or cherry tart, a classic cherry pie, cherry infused ice cream or add some sweet cherry flavor to enhance cocktails and beverages.

Visit National Cherry Blossom Festival for more information on events and participating restaurants for this year’s celebration.