Saturday, November 10, 2007 – Sunday, April 13, 2008
Patterned Feathers, Piercing Eyes: Edo Masters From the Price Collection. 10 am - 5:30 pm. Smithsonian Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery - 1050 Independence Ave., SW. A selection of 109 Japanese Edo Period (1615–1868) paintings from the world-renowned California-based collection of Joe and Etsuko Price features screen, hanging scroll and fan formats. Free. (202) 633-1000.

Metro: Smithsonian, Blue/Orange Lines. 52 Bus.
Circulator: Independence Ave. & 10th St. (Smithsonian/National Gallery of Art Loop); Runs weekends only

Wednesday, March 26 – Sunday, April 13
The Washington Savoyards: The Condensed Mikado. Wed. – Sun.: 7:30 - 9:30 pm; Sun. Matinee: 2:30 - 4 pm. Atlas Performing Arts Center - 1333 H St., NE. The Condensed Mikado is a one-hour version of Gilbert & Sullivan’s popular Mikado, performed by a small ensemble of singers and musicians. $20/person; $15/each for family tickets of 4 or more. (202) 399-7993.

Metro: Union Station, Red Line. X2 Bus.

Fridays - Mondays, March 28 - April 14
Washington Walks: The Blossom Secrets Stroll. Mondays & Fridays at 10 am; Saturdays & Sundays at 2 pm. Meet guide outside Smithsonian Metro station's Independence Ave. exit -12th St. & Independence Ave., SW. Hear the stories and secrets behind the delicate blossoms during a two-hour walking tour featuring not only cherry trees, but also noteworthy arboreal cousins. $10/person; under age 3 Free. (202) 484-1565.

Metro: Smithsonian, Blue/Orange Lines. 52 Bus.
Circulator: Independence Ave. & 10th St. (Smithsonian/National Gallery of Art Loop); Runs weekends only

Saturday, March 29 - Sunday, April 13
Target Stage at the Tidal Basin. Begins at Noon daily. Jefferson Memorial - 900 Ohio Dr., SW. Enjoy cultural performances featuring music, dance, and song as over 100 local, national and international performing artists entertain every day of the Festival. Free. (877) 44BLOOM.

Metro: Smithsonian, Blue/Orange Lines. 52 Bus.

Washington Photo Safari: Cherry Blossom Photo Safaris. Tour times and meeting points vary. Photo excursions including Cherry Blossoms at Sunrise, Afternoon Cherry Blossoms at the Tidal Basin and All-Digital Cherry Blossoms at Sunrise around the Tidal Basin. Led by professional architectural photographer, E. David Luria, participants receive hands-on instruction in composition, exposure & lighting and general tips for travel photography. Prices vary. (202) 537-0937.

Metro: Smithsonian, Blue/Orange Lines.

Beyond the Tidal Basin: Introducing Other Great Flowering Cherry Trees. 8 am - 5 pm. U.S. National Arboretum - 3501 New York Ave., NE. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the U.S. National Arboretums’ flowering cherry trees, including several flowering cherries introduced by the USDA Agricultural Research Service at the Arboretum. On Sat., April 5, Dr. Margaret Pooler of the Arboretums’ Floral and Nursery Plants Research Unit will present “Discovering the Diversity of Flowering Cherries” from 10 am to Noon in the Arboretums’ Administration Building Auditorium.  A tour featuring the Arboretums’ flowering cherries will follow the presentation. Free. (202) 245-4523.

Metro: B2 Bus from Stadium-Armory, Blue/Orange Lines. Disembark at Bladensburg Rd. & Rand Pl., NE. Walk one block south to R St.; turn left and walk down R St. 2 blocks to Arboretum entrance.

Guest Services: Tidal Basin Paddle Boat Rides. 10 am - 6 pm. Tidal Basin Paddle Boat House - 1501 Maine Ave., SW. Enjoy the cherry blossoms from the beauty of the Tidal Basin. Reserve your paddle boat ride online before you come at www.tidalbasinpaddleboats.com; online reservations are good for rides between 9 am – 1 pm. $8/hour - two-person boat; $16/hour - four-person boat. (703) 849-9300.

Metro: Smithsonian, Blue/Orange Lines. 52 Bus.
Circulator: 14th and Independence Ave.(Smithsonian/National Gallery of Art Loop); Runs weekends only

Capital Yacht Charters: Tours of the Blossoms on the River. Weekday tours at Noon & 2 pm; Weekend tours at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm & 5 pm. Washington Marina - 1300 Maine Ave., SW. Enjoy a scenic river tour of the cherry blossoms and more! $20/adult; $10/child. (202) 554-0677.

Metro: Smithsonian, Blue/Orange Lines.

Blossoms by Bike. 3 - 5 pm Daily; Add'l Weekend Tours from 9:30 - 11:30 am & 12 - 2 pm. Bike and Roll Kiosk, rear of Old Post Office Pavilion - 12th St. b/n Pennsylvania & Constitution aves., NW. Celebrate the arrival of spring with this two-hour guided bike ride designed specifically for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. $32/adults; $22/children under 12. (202) 842-2453.

Metro: Federal Triangle, Blue/Orange Lines. 13, 32, 34, 35, 66 or 68 Bus.

Monday, March 31 – Friday, April 4
Concerts at Union Station. 4:30 - 6:30 pm. Union Station - 50 Massachusetts Ave., NE; in the West Hall. Enjoy cultural performances and demonstrations. Presented by Amtrak and the 150 merchants of Union Station. Free. (877) 44BLOOM.

Metro: Union Station, Red Line. 96, D6, D8, D4 N 22 Bus.
Circulator: Union Station (Georgetown-Union Station Route)

Mondays - Fridays, March 5 - May 5
The Fifty-Three Stations of the Yokaido Road: A Haunted Journey Down Classic Ukiyo-e, Featuring GeGeGe no Kitaro.  9 am - 5 pm; closed March 20 & 21. Embassy of Japan / Japan Information & Culture Center - 1155 21st St., NW. Employing the techniques of 18th century woodcut print makers, Shigeru Mizuki, creator of the manga GeGeGe no Kitaro, does his own ghostly and comic take on the classic Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido Road ukiyo-e series, incorporating Yokai (monsters) from the Kitaro manga into the classic images. Free. (202) 238-6949.

Metro: Farragut North, Red Line or Farragut West, Blue/Orange Lines. D6 or L2 Bus.

Tuesday, April 1 – Friday, April 11
Bureau of Engraving & Printing: Cherry Blossom Souvenir Card Printing Demonstrations. 9 am - 7 pm / closed weekends and Mondays. BEP - 14th and C sts., SW. See live printing demonstrations of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing's Cherry Blossom Souvenir Card on a 19th Century spider press; souvenir cards available for purchase. Free. (202) 927-3761.
Metro: Smithsonian, Blue/Orange Lines. 52 Bus.

Tuesday, April 1 & Wednesday, April 9
Tour and Cherry Blossom Tea at Washington National Cathedral. 1:30 - 4 pm. Experience the beauty of this national house of prayer for all people with a guided Cathedral tour followed by an afternoon Cherry Blossom tea in the Observation Gallery – the highest point to view the Capital City and surrounding landscape. Participants receive a 15% discount at the Herb Cottage and 10% at the Museum Store and Greenhouse on the day of the tour and tea. $25/person; www.visit.cathedral.org/tea. (202) 537-5581.
Metro: Tenleytown, Red Line. 30-36 Buses.

Thursday, April 10 - Sunday, April 13
Performances at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage. 6 - 7 pm. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts - 2700 F St., NW. On April 10 & 11 see The Tamagawa University Taiko Drumming and Dance Ensembles wow audiences with a stunning display of traditional and contemporary Japanese drumming and dance medleys. On April 13 The Okinawan Taiko Drummers perform a variety of traditional and modern folk dances from Okinawa, Japan. Free. (202) 467-4600.

Metro: Free red Kennedy Center shuttle from Foggy Bottom-GWU, Blue/Orange Line. 80 Bus.

Saturday March 29 - Opening Day
National Cherry Blossom Festival® Family Day presented with the National Building Museum. 10 am - 3:30 pm. National Building Museum - 401 F St., NW. The NCBF and the NBM celebrate the official opening of Washington, DC's 2008 cherry blossom season with a family festival full of hands-on fun exploring Japanese arts & design and springtime; Japanese craft demonstrations and performances by DC youth groups. Presented by Target and funded in part by the D.C. Commission on the Arts & Humanities, an agency supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. Free. (877) 44BLOOM.

Metro: Judiciary Sq, Red Line.

The 42nd Smithsonian Institution Annual Kite Festival. 10 am - 4 pm. Washington Monument Grounds - Constitution Ave. & 17th St., NW. The Smithsonian Institution holds its 42nd annual Kite Festival with competitions in design, performance, and other categories. Displays and activities for all ages. Free. (202) 633-3030.

Metro: Smithsonian or Federal Triangle, Blue/Orange Lines. 52 Bus.
Circulator: Constitution Ave. & 17th St. (Smithsonian/National Gallery of Art Loop)

Capital Yacht Charters: Cherry Blossom River Teas. 11 am & 2 pm. Add'l tours March 30, April 5, 6, 12 & 13. Washington Marina - 1300 Maine Ave., SW. Enjoy a full service seated tea with a two-hour cruise around the cherry blossoms. $60/adult; $30/child. (202) 554-0677.

Metro: Metro: Smithsonian, Blue/Orange Lines.

Corcoran: Drawing from Cherry Blossoms - A One-Day Workshop for Ages 8-16. 2 - 4 pm. Add'l tours on Saturdays, April 5 & 12. Thomas Jefferson Memorial - East Potomac Park. Proclaiming the first sign of spring, the cherry blossoms burst into bloom. Be there to capture them on paper! $35/child; includes materials. (202) 639-1770.

Metro: Smithsonian, Blue/Orange Lines. 52 Bus.
Circulator: 14th & Independence Ave. (Smithsonian/National Gallery of Art Loop)

National Cherry Blossom Festival® Opening Ceremony. 4 - 5:30 pm. National Building Museum - 401 F St., NW. The ceremonial kick-off to the two-week Festival, Washington dignitaries welcome residents and visitors alike; Miss Universe Royo Mori will make an appearance and performers such as taiko drummer Kenny Endo, the Tateshina High School Jazz Club and Howard University Jazz Ensemble entertain. Presented by Target and funded in part by the D.C. Commission on the Arts & Humanities, an agency supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. Free. (877) 44BLOOM.

Metro: Judiciary Sq, Red Line.

Saturday, March 29 – Sunday, March 30
District Sports: Cherry Blossom Soccer Tournament. Sat.: 8 am - 6 pm; Sun.: 8 am - 2 pm. JFK Hockey & Soccer Fields - National Mall. 32 adult, co-ed, 7v7 teams from the Washington, DC metropolitan area compete for the Cherry Blossom Cup. Free for spectators. (202) 725-5339.

Metro: Smithsonian, Blue/Orange Lines. 52 Bus.
Circulator: Constitution Ave. & 17th St. (Smithsonian/National Gallery of Art Loop)

Wednesday, April 2
The Grand Sushi & Sake Tasting w/ Lecture by Trevor Corson. 6 - 9 pm. National Geographic Museum at Explorers Hall - 1145 17th St., NW. Trevor Corson presents an anecdotal lecture on his book Zen of Fish, followed by a tasting of extraordinary sushi and sake examples presented by Grand Master Sushi chefs from Japan and local members of the National Sushi Society. $95/person. (202) 661-7585.

Metro: Farragut North, Red Line or Farragut West, Blue/Orange Lines.
Circulator: 17th & K sts., NW (Georgetown-Union Station Route)

Saturday, April 5
National Japanese American Memorial Foundation: Tenth Annual Cherry Blossom Freedom Walk. 10 am - 1 pm. National Japanese American Memorial - D St. & New Jersey Ave., NW. A short non-competitive walk honors the sacrifices of Japanese-American citizens during World War II; features keynote address by Professor Gary Okihiro, co-editor of Impounded, a recent publication of famed photojournalist Dorothea Lange. $15/adults; $5/ children 12 & under. (703) 548-1566.

Metro: Union Station, Red Line.
Circulator: Union Station (Georgetown - Union Station Route)

Smithsonian Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery: 5th Annual Cherry Blossom Anime Marathon. 11 am - 7 pm. Freer Gallery of Art - 12th St. & Jefferson Dr., SW. Enjoy a day-long marathon of anime films; movie showings to be announced. Free. (202) 633-1000.

Metro: Smithsonian, Blue/Orange lines. 52 Bus.
Circulator: Independence Ave. & 10th St. (Smithsonian / National Gallery or Art Loop)

DC Chamber of Commerce: Cultural Fair in the DC Visitor Information Center. Noon - 2 pm. DC Visitor Information Center - 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW. The DC Visitor Information Center presents a Japanese Cultural Fair featuring Japanese Tea Ceremony, calligraphy and origami demonstrations. Free. (202) 289-8317.

Metro: Federal Triangle, Blue/Orange Lines. 32, 34, 35, or 36 Bus.

Guest Services: Cherry Blossom Regatta. Noon - 5 pm. Washington Sailing Marina - 1 Marina Dr., GW Pkwy, Alexandria, VA 22314. The Cherry Blossom Regatta is an all-class, handicapped regatta. Spectators can view the races from Washington Sailing Marina and around Hains Point (East Potomac Park). Free for spectators. (703) 548-9027.

Washington Waterfront Association: Prelude to the Fireworks. 5 - 8:30 pm.Southwest Waterfront Park - 600 Water St. SW. Enjoy musical entertainment by military and local musical groups, family-friendly activities and food prior to the fireworks. Free. (202) 488-6006.

Metro: Waterfront-SEU, Green Line.
Circulator: 7th St. & Maine Ave., SW (Convention Center-SW Waterfront Route)

Capital Yacht Charters: Fireworks Cruise and Dessert Buffet on the Celebrity! Boarding at 7:30 pm; Sails 8 - 10 pm. Washington Marina- 1300 Maine Ave., SW. If you’ve never seen fireworks in the Nation’s capital from the waster, don’t miss it!  Dessert buffet included. $90/adult; $45/child. (202) 554-0677.

Metro: Smithsonian, Orange / Blue Lines.

Cherry Blossom Fireworks Cruise Aboard the Spirit of Washington. Boarding at 7:30 pm; Sails 8 - 11 pm. Board at Pier 4 - 6th & Water sts, SW. Experience the fireworks from the water aboard the Spirit of Washington. $130/person. (202) 554-8000.

Metro: Waterfront-SEU, Green Line.
Circulator: 6th St. & Maine Ave., SW (Convention Center-SW Waterfront Route)

National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks Show. 8:30 - 9 pm. Southwest Waterfront Park - 7th St. & Maine Ave., SW. Enjoy a spectacular fireworks show from the Washington Channel. Best viewing points are along the Southwest Waterfront Promenade and East Potomac Park. Free. (877) 44BLOOM.

Metro: Waterfront-SEU, Green Line.
Circulator: 7th St. & Maine Ave., SW (Convention Center-SW Waterfront Route)

Saturday, April 5 - Sunday, April 6
Washington Rugby Football Club: The 41st Annual Cherry Blossom Rugby Tournament. 8 am - 5 pm. Rosecroft Raceway - 6336 Rosecroft Dr., Ft. Washington, MD. The premier rugby tournament on the East Coast. Free for spectators. (202) 558-5527.

Sunday, April 6
Cherry Blossom, Inc.: Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run. 7:45 am - Noon. Washington Monument Grounds - 15th St. & Jefferson Dr., NW. World-class runners and 12,000 running enthusiasts take part in the 36th running of the “Runner’s Rite of Spring.” Entry closed; Free for spectators. (301) 320-3350.

Metro: Smithsonian or Federal Triangle, Blue/Orange Lines.
 
National Conference of State Societies: Lantern Lighting Ceremony. 2:30 - 4 pm. Tidal Basin at Independence Ave. & 17th St., SW. Co-presented with the National Park Service, the 355-year-old stone lantern is lit in a formal ceremony featuring traditional Japanese performers and Washington dignitaries. Free.

Metro: Smithsonian, Blue/Orange Lines. 52 Bus.
Circulator: 14th and Independence Ave. (Smithsonian/National Gallery of Art Loop)

Wednesday, April 9
Gala Dinner Cruise Aboard the Odyssey. Boarding at 6 pm; Cruise from 7 - 10 pm. Gangplank Marina - 6th & Water sts., SW. Cruise past the cherry blossoms that line the Potomac while enjoying a four-course dinner, live entertainment and dancing in the glass atrium dining rooms with monumental views of the nation’s capital at night. $125/person. (202) 661-7585.

Metro: Waterfront-SEU, Green Line.
Circulator: 6th St. & Maine Ave., SW (Convention Center-SW Waterfront Route)

Friday, April 11 - Saturday, April 12
20th Annual George Washington Invitational Regatta. Fri. 12 - 5 pm; Sat. 8 am - 5 pm. Thompson Boat Center & Washington Harbor, Potomac River. Watch some of the nation’s top crews compete on the Potomac River in one of the premier regattas on the East Coast. Free. (202) 994-8603.
Metro: Foggy Bottom-GWU, Blue/Orange Lines. 80 Bus.

Friday, April 11
National Conference of State Societies: Grand Ball. 6 - 11 pm. Grand Hyatt at Washington Center - 1000 H Street, NW. Formal black-tie sushi reception and dinner featuring presentation of the Cherry Blossom Princesses and selection of the U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen, followed by entertainment and dancing. $150/person. (240) 349-2927.

Metro: Metro Center, Blue/Orange/Red Lines. 42, 66, 80, S2, S4, or X2 Bus

Saturday, April 12
Southwest Airlines presents the Parade of the National Cherry Blossom Festival®. 10 am - Noon. Constitution Ave. from 7th to 17th sts., NW. Enjoy this long-standing Washington tradition featuring marching bands, floats, balloons, and other family entertainment. 15/Grandstand seat; Ticketmaster: (202) 397-SEAT or www.ticketmaster.com. Standing along route is free. (877) 44BLOOM. Click to read more information about the parade.

Metro: Federal Triangle, Blue/Orange Lines or Archives-Navy Mem'l-Penn Quarter, Green/Yellow Lines. 32, 34, 35 or 36 Bus.

48th Annual Sakura Matsuri - Japanese Street Festival. 11 am - 6 pm. Downtown DC - Pennsylvania Ave. b/n 14th & 10th and 12th Street b/n Pennsylvania & Constitution aves. The Japan-America Society of Washington, D.C. presents the nation’s largest Japanese street festival, stretching for six blocks through downtown DC! Free. (202) 833-2210.

Metro: Federal Triangle, Blue/Orange Lines.

The United States Navy Memorial: Blessing of the Fleets. 1 - 3 pm. The United States Navy Memorial - 701 Pennsylvania Ave., NW. Witness this maritime tradition as sailors from the Ceremonial Guard pour water from the Seven Seas into the surrounding fountains, charging them to life. Free. (202) 737-2300.

Metro: Archives-Navy Mem'l-Penn Quarter, Green/Yellow Lines. 32, 34, 35 or 36 Bus.

Saturday, April 13
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens: Family Fun Sunday - Japanese-style Garden Day. 1 - 5 pm. 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW. Explore Hillwood’s Japanese-style Garden and celebrate the cherry blossom season with traditional Japanese music and art.  Create your own work of art to take home and enjoy tours of the Mansion during this special Sunday opening. $12; $10 senior; $7 student; $5 age 6-18; under 6 free. (202) 686-5807.

Metro: Van Ness-UDC, Red Line. L2 Bus.