We’ve all heard the saying “April showers bring May flowers,” but for DC, our spring showers bring flowers a little sooner.

Spring is FINALLY getting into swing, and with it comes the blooming of DC’s world-famous cherry blossom trees!

With the National Cherry Blossom Festival taking place from March 20- April 14, locals and tourists will take to the streets to soak in the beauty before it’s too late.

If you’ve ever been, you know how overwhelming the crowds can get (if you haven’t been, take our word for it). We love the cherry blossoms as much as anyone, but it’s not always fun to be caught up in the touristy chaos, so we made a list of the most fun ways to celebrate the cherry blossom trees without the annoying crowds.

Old Town National Cherry Blossom Food Crawl

Set to take place on April 7 from 11 a.m. to  5 p.m., you can take on the town and celebrate the cherry blossoms in the best way…by eating your way around the District! Your ticket purchase gets you access to six tastings on a self-guided tour, as well as the chance to let your tastebuds travel around the globe in one afternoon! Come hungry.

Cherry Blossom PUB

Like all good things in DC, we celebrate with drinks! This seasonal pop-up bar celebrating the National Cherry Blossom Festival will be up and running through April 21, so you have all month long to drink it up, cherry blossom style. View a full drink menu here.

#FrayLife Tip: Cherry Blossom PUB will also be serving Uzu Ramen for when you get the munchies.

Blossom Bash

Join Meaghan Trainor, MAX and Jake Miller on April 5 for the 2nd annual Blossom Bash presented by iHeartRadio at the Anthem. Dance and sing along in celebration of Spring! Tickets range from $55-$95.

#FrayLife Tip: Extend the celebration before or after the concert by exploring all the Wharf has to offer!

Museum Night: In Bloom

Head to the Newseum on April 12 for a night full of surprises. Your ticket purchase gets you access to the museum exhibits, food and beverages, live performances, crafts, silent disco (by yours truly) and more!

SAAM Cherry Blossom Celebration

The Smithsonian American Art Museum is celebrating the blooming with a taiko drum performance, Japanese music and dancing, face painting, themed crafts and more! This event is free and will take place in the Kogod Courtyard beginning at 11:30 a.m. on March 23.

ARTECHOUSE: In Peak Bloom

Immerse yourself in art with interactive digital art at ARTECHOUSE inspired by the cherry blossoms. Artists bring the meaning of the trees to life using many different types of media, and you’ll have a chance to experience it from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on March 19.

Blossoms by Bike

Why not consider viewing the cherry blossoms on bike rather than on foot?  The route starts around East Potomac Park and moves to Jefferson Memorial before ending at the Tidal Basin, which is the ideal location for viewing the wonder. You can sign up for one of three guided tours that will have you seeing all the best blooms while staying fit.

While you’re at it avoiding the crowds, make a whole evening of it and check out these hidden date spots!

There’s literally no bad way to celebrate the beauty and hope the cherry blossoms bring in their annual bloom, so let us in on your experience using #DCFray and #FrayLife.

View More Articles By Haley Dick

GET OUR WEEKLY EMAIL »