The National Cherry Blossom Festival and DC’s Spring Market

Peak bloom at the Tidal Basin, kites on the Mall and cherry blossom menus all over town. Here’s how to enjoy the festival, and why it also marks the start of DC’s busiest real estate season.
Gold line illustration of cherry blossom branches framing the Tidal Basin

Originally published March 15, 2023. For this year’s peak bloom forecast and events, visit the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

As the winter chill fades, Washington, DC welcomes spring with the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The festival commemorates the 1912 gift of Japanese cherry trees to the city and features events and activities for locals and visitors alike.

During peak bloom, thousands of cherry trees burst into flower, turning the Tidal Basin into a scene straight off a postcard. In 2023, peak bloom was forecast for March 22 to 25.

Festival events

Beyond the blossoms themselves, the festival offers a full lineup of events, including the Blossom Kite Festival, the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade and the Petalpalooza fireworks festival. There are cherry blossom-themed painting classes, food tours and even yoga.

It’s also a great time to explore DC’s food and drink scene. Many restaurants and bars offer cherry blossom decor and drinks during the festival; check the festival’s Cherry Picks guide for participating spots.

Local Tip
Cherry blossom season is also the start of DC’s spring real estate market.
If you’re thinking about a spring move, start planning while the trees are blooming.

Spring is also real estate season

The blossoms aren’t the only thing that makes spring in DC special. It’s also the start of the spring real estate market, typically the busiest time of year for buyers and sellers.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling this spring, now is the time to plan. The market moves quickly, and it helps to have an experienced agent guiding you through the process.

At Wardman Residential, we help buyers and sellers navigate the DC market with a deep understanding of local trends. So while you’re enjoying the blossoms, reach out to us if you’re thinking about a move. We’re here to help make your real estate goals a reality.

Keep Reading

Related Posts

Explore more Wardman insights on the Washington, DC real estate market, neighborhoods, and homeownership strategy.

Brass house key on a leather fob resting on a city street map beside a coffee cup and pencil.

Best Neighborhoods in DC: What 32 Areas Cost to Buy

The best DC neighborhood depends on what you're buying. Median prices, condo and house splits, and days on market for 32 DC neighborhoods, from Bright MLS closed sales, October 2025 through September 2026.
Read Article →
Brick DC rowhouses at dusk with lit windows, an iron fence and a white bicycle parked on the sidewalk.

Selling a Rented Home or Condo in DC: What TOPA Requires

Most DC tenants in a single-family home or condo no longer have a right to buy it, but every owner still owes a notice within three days of an offer. Here's the process, and what an occupied sale costs.
Read Article →
Gold line drawing of the Washington, DC skyline, with rowhouses, the Capitol dome and the Washington Monument, beneath a gently rising, leveling market trend line on a navy background.

More Homes, More Room to Negotiate: The DMV Housing Market This Fall

Rates just pushed back above 7% — but with more homes on the market, buyers finally have real room to negotiate. Here's what the latest Northern Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland Suburbs numbers mean for your next move.
Read Article →

A Smarter Approach to DC Real Estate

Work with a team that understands how pricing, preparation, and positioning come together to create exceptional results in today’s market.

Connect with Wardman

Hello There!

Fill out the form below, and we will be in touch shortly.
Contact Information
How Can We Help