Since the early 1900s, cherry trees have marked the arrival of spring in the United States. Brought over from Japan, these trees—bred for their vibrant flowers rather than fruit—bloom for about two weeks each year. Varieties like Yoshino, Kwanzan, and Akebono create stunning displays of pink and white blossoms, signaling a shift from winter’s chill to the warmth of longer days.
The tradition of cherry blossom festivals in the U.S. began in 1935 with Washington, D.C.’s National Cherry Blossom Festival, which celebrated Japan’s 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees. These festivals not only symbolize international peace and friendship but also reflect the Japanese tradition of hanami, outdoor celebrations under cherry blossoms that have existed since the eighth century. For the Japanese, the fleeting beauty of the flowers serves as a reminder to live in the present.
Predicting the Bloom
The cherry blossoms typically last just one week on individual trees, and entire stands bloom for about two weeks. Accurately predicting peak bloom—when 70% of the flowers are open—is important for planning visits or festivals. In Washington, D.C., peak bloom generally falls between the last week of March and the first week of April. In southern states like Georgia and Texas, blossoms appear a couple of weeks earlier, while in New England, they bloom about 20 days later. Weather factors such as temperature, rain, and snow play a significant role in timing the blooms.
While predicting the exact date remains challenging—especially with the effects of climate change—some experts, like Bart Connors Szczarba, a “Chief Bloomologist,” say that cold winters are good for blossoms, but warm spells followed by snow or freezing temperatures can harm them. For a more educated guess, check historical bloom dates or watch the cherry blossom cam in Washington, D.C.
Cherry Blossom Festivals Across the U.S.
Washington, D.C. – National Cherry Blossom Festival
March 20-April 13
Held at the Tidal Basin, this four-week festival attracts over 1.5 million visitors. Events include a kite festival, parade, fireworks, and art installations, with schools and neighborhoods planting new trees. Buildings and buses around the city are often decorated in pastel pink.
Macon, Georgia – International Cherry Blossom Festival
March 21-30
Macon boasts the largest concentration of cherry trees in the U.S., even surpassing Washington, D.C. in numbers. The festival features plant sales, parades, concerts, outdoor movies, and markets, with hot air balloon rides and fireworks capping off the celebrations.
New Haven, Connecticut – Wooster Square Cherry Blossom Festival
April 6
The festival in New Haven celebrates its 70 cherry trees with a single-day event, including artist presentations, food vendors, and live music. Although it doesn’t always coincide with peak bloom, it marks the city’s founding anniversary.
Nashville, Tennessee – Cherry Blossom Festival
April 12
Nashville’s festival celebrates both spring and Japanese culture. With over 1,000 cherry trees planted across the city, the festival features trapeze performances, martial arts demonstrations, anime vendors, and a cosplay contest.
Brooklyn, New York – Hanami Nights at Brooklyn Botanic Gardens
April 22-25
This event showcases blooming cherry trees at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, where visitors can experience the Cherry Walk, planted with trees since 1921. The blossoms are on display from late March through early May.
Marshfield, Missouri – Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival
April 24-26
Marshfield’s small-town festival highlights Missouri heritage with local Americana events beneath the cherry blossoms. The town’s population of 7,300 swells with visitors during the celebration.
Dallas, Texas – Dallas Blooms at the Dallas Arboretum
February 22-April 13
Dallas Arboretum’s six-week celebration of spring features 150 cherry trees along with daffodils, tulips, and irises. The highlight is the progression of blooming flowers, with peak cherry blossoms expected in mid-March.
Athens, Ohio – Ohio University’s Cherry Blossom Trees
March 31 (Expected Bloom Date)
Ohio University’s 217 cherry trees, gifted by its sister school in Japan, bloom from late March to mid-April. The Japanese Student Association holds a Sakura Festival in conjunction with the blossoms, offering cultural presentations and events.
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