David KrisoWinter may still be in effect, but Spring isn’t too far away. When it comes to Spring in Washington, DC, there’s one event that says it all-the National Cherry Blossom Festival. It is the Super Bowl of Springtime. From its kickoff on Friday, March 20th to its conclusion on April 12th, the festivities and excitement are not to be missed. When it comes to navigating the crowds, the hustle, and bustle, there is only one convenient way to do so-the Metro subway.
Whether visiting Washington, DC for a day or a few days, the Metro subway is the best way to experience the DC area without having to ask for directions. Stretching 117 cumulative miles across the Washington, DC area, the Metro subway system is arguably the most user-friendly subway system in the United States. When the National Cherry Blossom Festival is in effect, the Metro subway system is at DC visitors’ service. March 20th is the Pink Tie Party, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, on Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Those planning to attend the Pink Tie Party can ride the Metro subway to Federal Triangle. Federal Triangle is served by the blue, orange, and silver lines. A smorgasbord of hotels are located nearest to Federal Triangle.
Saturday, March 21st is the National Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony. The opening ceremony takes place at the Warner Theatre, on 13th Street NW. The Metro Center station is a quick five-minute walk from the Warner Theatre. The featured weekend event is the SAAM Cherry Blossom Celebration, at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The museum is located on F and 8th Streets NW. The museum is located nearest to the Gallery Place-Chinatown station, in close proximity to the Capital One Arena. Gallery Place-Chinatown is served by the Metro’s yellow, green, and red lines.
Saturday March 28th is a fun day for all kite lovers. The Blossom Kite Festival takes place on the Washington Monument lawn. Attendees can easily ride the Metro subway to the Smithsonian station, just east of the Washington Monument. Smithsonian is also served by the blue, orange, and silver lines. On Saturday, April 4th, the highly anticipated National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade is the event not to be passed up. The parade processes from 7th Street to 17th Street NW. The Metro stations closest to the parade route are Mount Vernon Square (yellow and green lines), Metro Center (blue, orange, silver, and red lines), McPherson Square (blue, orange, and silver lines), Farragut North (red line), and Farragut West (blue, orange, and silver lines).
The final weekend of the National Cherry Blossom Festival is April 11th and 12th. Saturday April 11th is Petalpalooza. This all-long, all-ages celebration brings art, music, and play to The Yards, an exciting new location in DC’s fastest-growing neighborhood, the Capital Riverfront. Petalpalooza features live music on multiple outdoor stages, interactive art installations, a beer garden, and family-friendly hands-on activities. The evening is capped by a dazzling fireworks show set to music. This event is best accessible by riding the Metro subway to the Navy Yard/Ballpark station, home to Nationals Park and Audi Field.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is not like any annual festival. It is packed with events and activities for the whole family during a joyful time of the year. From partying in pink at the Pink Tie Party, to dozens of flying kites, to the parade, to fireworks, the National Cherry Blossom Festival has it all. In addition to the events, the Metro subway provides the door-to-door ticket to all the festival action. Whether visiting for the day or for a week, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is a Springtime event with good times and memories to be cherished forever. For Metro subway and festival information, attendees can visit https://www.wmata.com and https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.
