Experiencing the National Cherry Blossom Festival and seeing the iconic flowers along the Tidal Basin are far from the only reasons to visit the nation’s capital in the coming months. Six weeks after peak bloom, Washington, DC and its vibrant local LGBTQ+ community will play host to WorldPride 2025, a landmark three-week event celebrating love, diversity, unity and 50 years of Pride celebrations in the city.
Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, offers hotel deals for both events of international interest, expert tips to see the flowers, reasons to travel for major sporting events and a plethora of hot new restaurants to try.
“When the cherry blossoms are blooming, it feels as though the entire city comes alive and there isn’t a more special place to be than Washington, DC,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, DDC. “This year, that sense of seasonal celebration across the city will also be felt during WorldPride DC 2025, a unifying opportunity with a series of meaningful events, cultural festivities, star-studded concerts and more.”
The National Park Service has announced that peak bloom for Washington, DC’s famous cherry blossoms is expected between March 28-31, 2025. While the best viewing period lasts a few days before and after peak bloom, the blossoms can remain for up to two weeks under ideal weather conditions.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 20 to April 13, offering a variety of experiences across the city. Restaurants, hotels, and cultural institutions are also joining the celebrations with cherry blossom-themed activations, including pop-up bars, high teas, and special menus.
Official National Cherry Blossom Festival Events
The National Cherry Blossom Festival will feature a series of signature events, including:
Pink Tie Party – March 14, presented by Union Station Washington D.C. & Design Cuisine
Opening Ceremony – March 22, co-presented with the Japan Foundation
Blossom Kite Festival – March 29, presented by Amazon
Petalpalooza® at Capitol Riverfront – April 5, presented by Chase
Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Run, 5K & Kids Run – April 5-6
National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® – April 12, presented by Events DC
Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival – April 12-13
WorldPride Washington, DC 2025
Taking place from May 17 to June 8, 2025, WorldPride DC 2025 is expected to attract nearly three million attendees, including two million visitors and one million regional participants, according to Destination DC’s data partners (S&P Global, 2023 City Tourism Impact for Washington, DC).
The three-week-long celebration will feature a welcome concert with Shakira, a music festival starring Jennifer Lopez, and major events including:
- The Capital Cup Sports Festival
- DC Black Pride
- The Human Rights Conference
- The International March and Rally
- DC Latinx Pride
- The Capital Pride Parade & Festival (June 7-8) – A highlight of the event, these hallmark Pride celebrations remain free and open to all.
A Culinary Hotspot with Exciting Openings
Washington, DC’s culinary scene continues to sizzle, with new and highly anticipated restaurants opening across the city. This spring, celebrated chefs are bringing exciting new dining experiences, including:
Willowsong – Chef Jeffrey Williams’s DC debut at InterContinental Washington, DC – The Wharf
Marcus DC – Marcus Samuelsson’s new restaurant at The Morrow Hotel
Dōgon – Kwame Onwuachi’s latest venture
Minetta Tavern & Osteria Mozza – A collaboration between Stephen Starr and Nancy Silverton
The Occidental – The legendary restaurant reopens on March 5 under Stephen Starr’s management
Additionally, several new and renovated hotels are opening in 2025, including Canal House of Georgetown (March 1), Mint House (spring), Salamander DC, Arlo, and Le Méridien, The Madison. The iconic Mayflower Hotel will also celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025.
Major Sporting Events in Washington, DC
March is set to be an exciting month for sports fans, with Washington, DC hosting several high-profile events:
Washington Nationals – Home opener at Nationals Park on March 27, marking the team’s 20th season
NBA & NHL – The Wizards and Capitals wrap up their seasons at Capital One Arena, with Alex Ovechkin chasing Wayne Gretzky’s career goals record
MLS & NWSL – DC United’s season is already underway at Audi Field, while the Washington Spirit hosts its home opener on March 22
UFL – The DC Defenders kick off on March 30
CAA Basketball Championships – The 2025 Men’s and Women’s Championships will take place at CareFirst Arena (formerly Entertainment & Sports Arena) from March 7-11 and March 12-16, respectively
