Last year, National Harbor expanded its cherry tree collection by more than 100 new trees, bringing the total to over 200—many of them clustered throughout the Waterfront District.
“The trees have been planted in mass around the waterfront so that residents, locals and visitors arriving by car, bus or boat will be dazzled by the site when they reach National Harbor,” said Deborah Topcik, director of marketing, National Harbor. “Cherry blossoms are such a signature part of Washington, D.C., and we love extending that to National Harbor. They are a great sign of spring.”
This year, National Harbor is partnering with the Japan-America Society of Washington, D.C., to present the annual Sakura Sunday event.
Taking place Sunday, April 14, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sakura Sunday is a free festival featuring traditional Japanese picnicking, a sake garden, a Japanese market, and Japanese-inspired music and entertainment. During the festival, the Capital Wheel will be illuminated in pink.
National Harbor’s cherry blossom festivities begin March 30 with an event at MGM National Harbor. Cherry Blast is a relaxed celebration that explores the history and culture of the cherry blossom tradition. In mid-March, MGM National Harbor will also debut a cherry blossom display in its conservatory.
“Not only is National Harbor the perfect place for visitors to stay when coming to D.C. to see the Tidal Basin cherry trees,” Topcik added, “but it’s also an excellent destination for enjoying our cherry blossom display along with the waterfront’s restaurants, hotels and shops.”