Overview
- The National Park Service defines peak bloom as the point when 70% of the Yoshino cherry blossoms are open.
- As of Thursday, the Tidal Basin trees had not yet reached the first bud stage, indicating a later progression this year.
- The National Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled for March 20–April 12, with key events including the Opening Ceremony on March 21, the Blossom Kite Festival on March 28, Petalpalooza on April 4, and the Parade on April 11.
- Park officials report about 400 new cherry trees being added around the Tidal Basin this season, including 250 from Japan and others funded by the Great American Outdoors Act.
- Sections of the Tidal Basin walkways between the Jefferson and FDR memorials will stay closed during bloom to protect newly restored areas and landscaping.