NBC’s live coverage of the Kentucky Derby begins at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, but you can watch live Derby Day coverage on USA Network and Peacock from 12-2:20 p.m. ET. You can also stream Derby Day coverage on Peacock, NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app. Get the full viewing guide here.

However, if you want an excuse to dress to the nines, break out an ostentatious hat, and sip some bourbon here in the District, here are some parties, rooftop events and more you can check out.

Where to Watch the Kentucky Derby in DC

Derby de Mayo
Sat., 12-3 p.m., 901 U Street NW, D.C.
Details

D.C. landmark bar Whitlow’s is hosting a 2-in-1 celebration for what just might be this year’s biggest drinking holiday. The bar is hosting a bottomless brunch from noon to three, featuring Dragon Fruit margaritas, Jalapeno and Cucumber margaritas, and tequila Jell-O shots.

There will be a prize for the best Derby hat or sombrero, so no matter what direction you choose, commit to the ‘fit!

Run for the Rosés
Sat., 3-7 p.m., 1940 11th Street NW, D.C.
Details

If you’re still riding the high of last summer’s Barbie-pink shenanigans, Lulu’s Winegarden has the perfect Derby party for you. Their annual “Run for the Rosés” comes with eight different rosé bottle options for just $40, rosé magnums and frozen mint juleps to enjoy during the indoor-and-outdoor viewing party.

There are also, of course, bourbon specials. The party itself is free, but you’ll have to pay for food and drinks.

Kentucky Derby party
Sat., 3 p.m., 2007 18th St. NW, D.C.
Details

This is the 12th annual Kentucky Derby event hosted by Jack Rose Dining Saloon in Adams Morgan. If you couldn’t tell from how long the event has been running, it’s a popular one — and unfortunately, the reserved indoor seating is already sold out.

But never fear! The first-come, first-served rooftop terrace party is open to anyone, and that’s free. The bar opens early at 3 p.m. to serve mint juleps with whiskey from what WTOP calls one of the best lists on the East Coast. Sip away and watch the races on their many TVs.

Derby Day at Wren
Sat., 4-7 p.m., 1825 Capital One Dr., Tysons, VA
Details

Wren, a Japanese-American fusion restaurant on the 11th floor of the Watermark Hotel in Tyson’s Corner, is hosting its very own Derby Day watch party on May 4.

The ticketed party will feature live music, specialty cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and of course the race itself. There will be prizes for the best hat and the best dressed.

Kentucky Derby Experience
Sat., 3-8 p.m., Maryland 5 in Waldorf, MD
Details

The Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill is an equestrian event space — so it’s no wonder they’re ready to party in honor of the Kentucky Derby. They promise an event filled with “excitement, elegance, and of course, horse racing,” for everyone from the most season horse racing fan to those just looking for a fun day out.

150th Kentucky Derby Party
Sat., 12:30-6:30 p.m., Laurel Racetrack, MD
Details

This ticketed event hosted by the Maryland Jockey Club features a “mouthwatering buffet spread,” and a photo booth to capture your fancy outfits and hats.

The organization is sure to give the Derby gravitas, since they’re the same organizers that sell tickets to the second race in the Triple Crown: The Preakness Stakes.

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Other Derby-adjacent events

Happy to celebrate without the horses as long as you’ve got a mint julep in hand? Interested in Derby vibes but not necessarily attached to the one in Kentucky? We’ve got you covered.

Virginia Gold Cup & Jack Russell Terrier races
Sat., 10 a.m., 5089 Old Tavern Rd., The Plains, VA
Details

The Virginia Gold Cup, which organizers call “Virginia’s answer to the Kentucky Derby,” has been running for more than 100 years. It comes with a tailgate contest and a horse race of its own.

A fan-favorite part of the ticketed event are the Jack Russell Terrier races, where dogs jump over obstacles to be the first to reach a lure at the end of the course.

Derby Day Pig Roast
Sat., 2-6 p.m., 917 V St. NW, D.C.
Details

If you want a taste of the south, American Ice Company is hosting their annual Kentucky Derby Cookout, complete with roast pork, macaroni salad, baked beans and cornbread. There are two all-you-can-eat tiers — one that includes all-you-can-drink beers, one with just the food — and extra juleps and alcoholic lemonade for purchase.

There will also be live music on the patio, and dogs are encouraged.

The bank building at 14th and G streets now has new life – and it’s delicious.

The new French restaurant La Grande Boucherie opened in the long-vacant bank building. The Scene got a First on 4 grand tour and a history lesson.

“La Grande Boucherie, for us, is a concept that ages well. When we opened our doors, we always feel like we’ve been around for a while,” Mehdi Limani of La Grande Boucherie said. “If you see any of our locations in New York and Chicago and here, they are all unique and beautiful and gorgeous.”

The restaurant’s tables are filled with French favorites and steakhouse showstoppers. Limani showed off seared salmon with braised leeks and potatoes, seared scallops, tuna tartare and a niçoise salad.

The building had been vacant for more than 30 years. Built in 1925, it was the home of Federal Bank and several other banks over the decades until, in 1990, National Bank emptied its vault for good.

In the early 2000s, the building was the intended home of an Armenian museum. Then Lincoln Property Company acquired it a few years back.

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The millwork, lighting and flooring in the building are all historic, said Brandon Ernst of Lincoln Property Company.

“During the construction of this, we had scaffolding all the way to the ceiling, and we had people laying on their backs, hand-painting the ceiling,” Ernst said. “There were weeks and months that went into this, and this is what it looked like back in the ‘20s and the ‘30s.”

La Grande Boucherie is just the first offering at the building, Limani said. An Italian concept is planned for late spring or early summer, to be joined by a Japanese concept, he said. A speakeasy will open in the bank’s original vault, he said.

La Grande Boucherie seeks to provide something for everybody, Limani said.

“From lunch to late-lunch menu – if you want to leave the office and come here, have a nice glass of wine, dinners, brunches also,” he said. “We will focus on la joie de vivre – the joy of living.”

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Maybe you want to cruise by some iconic sights with out-of-town guests, or you’re looking for a quick but nature-filled escape. You can find both at the various kayak rental outposts along the Potomac River.

Boating in DC is the main company renting out kayaking and canoeing gear in D.C. proper. Four Boating in DC locations are open now, renting out all your gear for an hour or two of scenic paddling.

Prices may vary by location but generally start at $21 for a one-hour rental of a single-person kayak. Double kayak or canoe rentals, which are a good option for families with children, are available at many locations. Those start at about $31.

Rental prices include life jackets, paddles and cushions. Staff members will help guide you into and out of the water and can give you a few pointers before you take off.

Kids aged 7 and younger can float with an adult “as long as they can safely sit independently and fit securely” in a personal flotation device, while kids ages 8 to 15 can have their own boat but must be accompanied by a guardian, Boating in DC says.

If you’re looking for an option in Maryland, check out Bladensburg Waterfront Park Boat Rentals offered by the Prince George’s County parks department.

What’s open now:

Fletchers Boathouse is the most nature-filled location, letting you explore the C&O Canal and Potomac River. When rowing up the waterway, look to your left to try and find a hidden waterfall cove. You’ll find the boathouse off Canal Road, south of the Chain Bridge.

• Pro tip: We advise driving (there is parking!) or taking a rideshare. Google Maps will tell you that there’s technically a route for pedestrians. But at Canal Road, you’ll be walking alongside fast-moving traffic for a bit, then going down an often-busy driveway.

Key Bridge Boathouse and Thompson Boat Center in Georgetown are both great launching points to see the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Memorial. You can walk to both locations from the nearest transit stops in fewer than 15 minutes. Thompson Boat Center, which is near all the restaurants of Washington Harbor, will put you closer to the monuments.

• Pro tip: Row to Teddy Roosevelt Island, park your kayak for a few minutes and stretch your legs.

The Wharf Boathouse is open Fridays to Sundays. It is one of two locations to offer hydrobikes.

Coming soon:

Ballpark Boathouse near Nats Park will be open on weekends starting Friday, May 3. It will also rent out hydrobikes.

The Washington Sailing Marina in Alexandria will open when the time is right in May.

Paddleboards: Rentals of stand-up paddleboards are expected to begin at all locations in May, once temperatures warm up.

Bonus: Paddle around submerged WWI-era ships

If you want an extra adventurous paddling experience, you must check out Mallows Bay in Charles County, Maryland.

The largest graveyard of abandoned naval ships in Western Hemisphere waters is now a vibrant nature preserve that can be experienced up close.

The ships are best seen during low tide. Tours are offered by Atlantic Kayak ($65-$85), REI ($120+) and occasionally the Potomac Riverkeepers.

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

The average lifespan for a cherry tree is about 40 years, but many trees in the District and surrounding areas are living far beyond that — in part because of the round the clock care they receive — even as they face threats from their own environments. Some of the cherry trees that line the Tidal Basin are estimated to be over 100 years old. They have survived rising sea levels and the soil around their roots being trampled by millions of people.

“It’s kind of remarkable, but you know, 112 years later, a lot of these trees have sort of adapted to that environment,” said National Park Service spokesman Mike Litterst.

At the American University (AU) Arboretum, four cherry trees were initially planted in 1943 by Syngman Rhee – who would eventually become the first president of South Korea – as a gift from the Korean Women’s Relief Society of Honolulu. More than 80 years later, the AU Arboretum cares for more than 200 cherry trees, and three of the four original trees are still standing and reliably blooming each year.

“Trees are surprisingly resilient to their surroundings…” said Mike Mastrota, the AU Arboretum manager. “But the cherries in particular, I think, tend to be pretty hardy in this area.”

Here’s a look at how D.C.’s famous cherry trees thrive in the face of natural and manmade threats.

The hazards of climate change, heat and too much salty water

Cherry blossoms in the District have lived through a multitude of climate change-related challenges over the years.

Heat can take a toll on a cherry tree as higher temperatures bring out more pests. In the future, hotter weather could mean more pests and fungal diseases specifically for the cherry trees, which could result in fewer flowers or blooms on afflicted trees, according to Litterst.

However, none of the pests common for D.C. cherry trees specifically are currently posing a major threat, according to NPS’ cherry tree care guide. If the population of a pest reaches a certain threshold, the trees will be sprayed with a horticultural oil. The most common pest, a category of insects called scales, is controlled through pruning and treating wounds on the tree’s bark.

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Mastrota said that the AU Arboretum hasn’t had to cut down any of its trees due to disease or other hazards, and they continue to thrive on the university’s bustling campus.

Heat can also affect trees in the same way it affects humans – when the temperature is too high and there is not enough water available, it can cause physical consequences, sometimes even death.

“There’s [been] differences in rain, so we’re having longer periods of drought, and water stress can obviously kill a plant,” said Meghan Avolio, an ecologist at Johns Hopkins University.

To prevent water stress, trees at the Tidal Basin that are one to three years old are watered as needed using water trucks, and older trees get irrigated during droughts, according to NPS.

On the opposite end, trees can also suffer from getting too much water. The water surrounding the Tidal Basin now sits 6 feet above the existing sea wall. Just the sheer amount of water – and its brackish nature – flooding the trees’ roots can contribute to tree death.

“Cherry trees simply aren’t adapted for not only the salty water, but as much water as they’re seeing coming in,” Litterst said. “People think ‘Oh, well, you know, trees need water.’ Well, like most things, there’s too much of a good thing.”

When a tree’s roots and the soil around them become overwhelmed with water, especially if that water is salty, it can prevent oxygen from circulating in the soil and result in tree death, according to Avolio.

To combat the flooding, NPS is undertaking a massive seawall repair project. The $112 million repair will start in May with the hope of expanding the seawall’s lifespan by 100 years.

Stumpy, the tiny cherry tree of internet fame, has outlived his neighbors along the waterline, though he will be removed this year as the seawall repair begins.

“There’s a line of about 100 yards where there are no cherry trees because the trees that were there when they were inundated with water, for whatever reason, didn’t have Stumpy’s resilience, died and have long since been removed,” Litterst said. “And we can’t replace those trees until we fix the underlying cause of their demise, which is the sea walls.”

‘Trying to make it in the city’

Cherry blossoms in the District also may encounter threats posed by everyday city life. A major issue is what can happen when the trees’ roots are constantly being walked on, especially during peak bloom.

“That can pack the soil, and that creates some fewer spaces for water and air to flush in the soil, so it all can make more difficult conditions for trees to grow,” Avolio said

Mastrota said that if the soil gets compacted, it’s “almost like concrete.”

“So if your soil gets compacted — whether people are laying on and walking on it, sometimes you’ll see cars driving, parking under a tree because of the shade — not good for the tree, ” Mastrota said.

Yet, many trees are still standing, partly thanks to how they are actively managed and tended to.

The Arboretum staff puts holes into the soil to make sure air can circulate, and Tidal Basin staff will do air spading, which loosens the soil using pressurized air.

Wood chip therapy can also help improve soil health, according to NPS. This is where wood chips are placed on top of the soil in order to shade it from the sun, create space to hold water and air and help foster communities of good insects.

There are also simple things that people can do to help ensure the cherry trees’ longevity, even if you’re not an arborist.

Litterst and Mastrota said to refrain from climbing the trees or breaking off branches and to try to stay off their roots as much as possible. Avolio also mentioned that for trees along streets and roads, it’s important to avoid hitting them with your car door.

One big, basic rule: Trees are living things, and it’s crucial to treat them with respect and care.

“I think sometimes we take them for granted,” Avolio said. “They’re part of the street, they’re part of the landscape, and it’s easy to forget that they’re trying to make it in the city just like we are.”

D.C., Maryland and Virginia have plenty of ways to get out and celebrate. There’s something to fit every mood from weekend ragers to family-friendly gatherings.

While we count down to summer (the solstice is June 20), mark your calendars for these festivals! And if you want reminders and updates on stuff to do every weekend, subscribe to The Weekend Scene newsletter.

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May festivals

Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival
April 26 to May 5, Winchester, Virginia
Details

Cherry trees aren’t the only blossom game in the DMV! Centered in Winchester, Virginia, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival includes parades, a carnival, a wine fest, sports tournaments, beauty pageants and more over 10 days.

National Cathedral Flower Mart
May 3-4, National Cathedral in Northwest D.C., free entry
Details

In addition to the showstopping International Floral Display and the huge plant sale, Flower Mart visitors can ride an antique carousel, watch free performances and climb the cathedral’s skyscraping towers. Activities for kids and food vendors will be on-site.

The festival’s hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

International City Food Festival
May 3, 4-9 p.m. and May 4, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., The Square (1875 I St NW, Washington, D.C.), free admission
Details

With a focus on how food brings people together, this festival is set to present performances, crafts and vendors from around the world inside the downtown food hall.

Running of the Chihuahuas
May 4, 2-5 p.m., The Wharf in Southwest D.C., free entry
Details

Look at those little legs go! Go for the delightfully cute chihuahua races, then stay for a pet photo booth, a dog costume contest featuring adoptable pups and all The Wharf has to offer. It’s free and kid-friendly. Dogs who aren’t participating in the races are welcome to cheer on their furry friends.

Big crowds show up for the main event, but you can watch the races on a jumbo screen.

Proceeds benefit Rural Dog Rescue, and News4’s own Tommy McFLY will emcee.

Around the World Embassy Tour
May 4, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., free
Details

Journey around the world without your passport. More than 50 embassies are set to open their doors so you can learn about different cultures — and get some international snacks if you’re lucky. It’s part of the month-long Passport DC program.

By the way: European Union embassies have their own open house day scheduled for Saturday, May 11.

Sligo Creek Fest
May 4, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Silver Spring, Maryland, free
Details

A stretch of Sligo Creek Parkway is going to the walkers, bikers, boarders (and dogs! as long as they’re leashed).

Along the road from Dennis Avenue to University Boulevard, you’ll find a stage with live music, kids’ performances, food trucks, a beer tent featuring local breweries and hands-on activities.

Anacostia River Festival
May 4, Anacostia Park at Good Hope Road and Anacostia Drive SE in Washington, D.C., free
Details

Celebrate the tenth annual Anacostia River Festival. The event is family-friendly and will have plenty of food, local performers and outdoor activities, including a free fishing workshop.

M3 Rock Festival
May 4-5, Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, $90 – $275 (two-day pass)
Details

The hard rock and heavy metal festival is celebrating its 15th year at the venue sharing an ‘80s arena rock experience with new and old audiences. It features performances from Queensrÿche, Bret Michaels and Bret Michaels of Poison fame. 

NVA Thai Street Food & Culture Festival
April 21, May 5 and May 26, The Manassas Museum, free entry
Details

Take in the tastes, sounds and culture of Thailand right in Manassas, Virginia. You’ll find performances, live music and games, plus tons of street eats and sweets. Pro tip: You’ll want to get there early to avoid long lines for food.

Arts and Culture Festival at the National Museum of Asian Art
May 10-12, 1100 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, D.C., free
Details

More details and an exact schedule will be released soon, but the museum gave us a look at what we could expect.

“Activities like mindfulness practices will be integrated alongside arts and cultures resources that support mental health. Programming also includes panel discussions, interactive experiences, culinary pop-ups and art-making projects,” according to a press release.

EU Open House
May 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free entry
Details

Rub elbows at the embassies of many European countries while getting acquainted with their culture, tourism, art and more. Details on each embassy’s offering usually come out in the weeks before the event.

Maryland Craft Beer Festival
May 11, noon to 5 p.m., Carroll Creek Linear Park in Frederick, Maryland, $15-$85
Details

Dozens of Maryland breweries will be pouring all the samples you care to drink. Live music and local food vendors will be on tap, too.

Greenbelt Green Man Festival
May 11-12, begins at 10 a.m., Roosevelt Center, free
Details

Music, fairy gardens and an environmental focus: Could this festival be more spring?

Kids will love body paint and fairy gardens while the whole family enjoys live music.

Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
May 11-12, Woodmont Triangle in Bethesda, Maryland, free admission
Details

More than 120 artists are expected to show and sell their fine art wares along Norfolk, Auburn & Del Ray avenues. Come to refresh your home décor, stay for live music, entertainment and restaurants.

Fiesta Asia Street Fair
May 18, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., downtown Washington, D.C., free
Details

Taking in a lively parade with dragons, live performances, kids’ activities, a talent competition, shopping and pan-Asian cuisine will keep you busy during this celebration for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
May 17, 18 and 19, Mount Vernon in Alexandria, Virginia, $54-$60 for nonmembers
Details

Sip unlimited samples of wine while enjoying George Washington’s estate during the golden hour.

Lucketts Spring Vintage Market
May 17 to 19, Clarke County Ruritan Fairgrounds in Berryville, Virginia, $15
Details

This market turns Berryville, Virginia, into a destination for finding “vintage garden gems, architectural salvage, crusty antiques, and all kinds of crazy-good finds.” It’s been around for more than two decades.

Asian Festival on Main
May 19, noon to 6 p.m., Main Street in Historic Old Town Fairfax City, free entry
Details

Celebrate Asian heritage with food, arts and crafts and performances. The rain date is June 2, 2024.

Old Town Festival of Speed & Style
May 19, Old Town Alexandria, free
Details

Dozens of rare of exotic cars, a fashion show and live music will take over several blocks of Old Town, including parts of King Street.

Art in Nature Festival
May 25-27, Chantilly, Virginia, $35+ (one-day pass)
Details

The National Botanic Garden in Chantilly, Virginia, is a privately owned estate that only opens its gates a few times a year.

During the Memorial Day weekend festival, you can take in the lake, water-conserving garden, a hobbit village while viewing art and sampling wine and chocolate. Three tastings cost $10.

Jazz in the Garden at the National Gallery of Art
Fridays from May 31 to Aug. 9 (excluding July 5), National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., free if you win the ticket lottery
Details

An indigenous fusion quartet, funk and Soul, Caribbean Steelpan, and more—this concert series transcends jazz genres.

If you would like to enter the ticket lottery, it opens the week before the first concert. Winners will be notified the Monday before the show. Here are more details.

June festivals

Riverfest & Craft Show
June 1-2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Occoquan, Virginia, free
Details

Browse more than 250 artisan’s work, enjoy live concerts in River Mill Park and walk down the environmentally-conscious Conservation Alley.

Head down on Saturday for the Whatever Floats Your Boat Parade or Sunday f or the Duck Splash, where hoards of rubber ducks “race” down the river to benefit a good cause.

Fort Hunt concerts
Sundays in June, July and August, 7 p.m., Fort Hunt Park in McLean, Virginia, free
Details

The National Park Service at George Washington Memorial Parkway kicks off its free concert series on June 2 with a performance from the National Concert Band of America (NCBA). The group includes veterans and legendary players from military service bands.

Come back on late spring and summer Sundays for cover bands, a jazz orchestra and a blues and swing band — all native to the DMV. 

Capital Pride Parade and Festival
June 8-9, Washington, D.C., free
Details

Capital Pride’s big weekend is taking over the District with a massive parade and joyful block party in Dupont on Saturday, followed by a packed festival with a big concert downtown on Sunday. Bonus: it’s all free to attend!

Capital Jazz Festival
June 7-8, Merriweather Post Pavilion, $89+ (one-day pass)
Details

Grammy winners Anthony Hamilton and Chrisette Michele kick off “one of the longest-running festivals in the DMV and one of the premier black music events in the country” during Black Music Month, the Capital Jazz Festival says.

The Capital Jazz Festival features 30 acts over three days. Despite its name, artists span multiple genres, including soul, R&B and jazz.

Out & About Festival at Wolf Trap
Sat., June 22, Filene Center in Vienna, Virginia, $52+

In its second year, this festival continues to highlight LGBTQ+ artists and allies, integrating nature, pride and great music at the striking outdoor amphitheater.

Grammy winner Brittany Howard will headline a superstar lineup that also features Jenny Lewis, Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth and more.

Past events

April festivals

Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival
April 20-21, opens at 10 a.m., free entry
Details

Flowers and plants are taking over historic downtown Leesburg, Virginia, for a weekend of all things gardening.

A landscape display contest, three stages of entertainment, the rooftop wine and beer garden and a children’s area will give the whole family a spring in their step.

National Cannabis Festival
April 19-20, RFK Festival Grounds, $55-$130
Details

THUNDERCAT and Wu-Tang Clan + Redman are exciting headliners for the D.C. festival that’s grown massively since its 2016 debut. The music festival is the big draw for most, but you’ll also find an exhibitor’s fair, the National Cannabis Championship and – never fear – a whole zone dedicated to munchies. Do remember that D.C. cannabis laws still apply.

Savor Bowie
April 20 and April 21, Bowie Town Center, free entry
Details

Complimentary wine tastings, two stages of live music, vendors and artisans: Savor Bowie has all the ingredients for a lovely spring day out. The event is free and proceeds benefit Concerts for Causes.

And if you’re up for more, check out the Funk After Fest concert at the Bowie Performing Arts Center ($29-39).

Project GLOW
April 27-28, RFK Festival Grounds, $215.90 (two-day pass)
Details

Get your neon raver gear ready! ILLENIUM, Zedd, Lane 8, REZZ and dozens of other electronic acts are descending on the RFK Festival Grounds for this two-day music festival.

Purcellville Music and Arts Festival
April 27, noon to 7 p.m., Dillon’s Woods and the Bush Tabernacle, free
Details

Pack a lawn chair and head to the park for a day of live music, an art show and kid-friendly crafts.

The event is family-friendly – even dogs are welcome!

Parking is available at Emerick Elementary School, and some vendors only accept cash.

Celtic Festival of Southern Maryland
April 27, Jefferson Patterson Park in St. Leonard, Maryland, $25 (presale)/$30 (at gate)
Details

Head to Leonard, Maryland, to celebrate the heritage of the Celtic nations: Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, Brittany, Cornwall and Galicia/Asturias.

Filmfest DC
April 18-28, most general admission tickets cost $14
Details

The District’s longest-running and largest film festival returns with international films, locally-made movies, shorts and more.

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

Shakira announced Tuesday the 12 U.S. cities and two Canadian cities being visited on the first leg of her world tour, which begins in North America on Nov. 2 in California and ends Dec. 15 in Detroit.

The tour will make just one stop in the city, on Nov. 25 when she comes to Capital One Arena. Here’s a full list of stops on the tour.

Shakira 2024 tour dates

• Nov. 2 – Palm Desert, California — Acrisure Arena
• Nov. 7 – Phoenix, Arizona — Footprint Center
• Nov. 9 – Los Angeles, California — KIA Forum
• Nov. 16 – San Antonio, Texas — Frost Bank Center
• Nov. 17 – Dallas, Texas — American Airlines Center
• Nov. 20 – Miami, Florida — Kaseya Center
• Nov. 23 – Charlotte, North Carolina — Spectrum Center
• Nov. 25 – Washington, D.C. — Capital One Arena
• Nov. 30 – Toronto, Ontario — Scotiabank Arena
• Dec. 5 – Brooklyn, NY, Barclays Center
• Dec. 8 – Boston, Massachusetts — TD Garden
• Dec. 10 – Montreal, Quebec — Bell Centre
• Dec. 14 – Chicago, Illinois — United Center
• Dec. 15 – Detroit, Michigan — Little Caesars Arena

The tour is built around the March 22 release of Shakira’s 12th album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran (Women No Longer Cry). The 17-track album is the singer-songwriter’s first studio album in seven years.

International tour dates are expected to be announced soon.

Tickets go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. on April 22. Shakira’s Wolfpack members who join before Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. can access a pre-sale beginning at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 19.

On April 12, Shakira performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California with DJ Bizarrap.

American University students can soon take a course on Taylor Swift.

The new economics course, dubbed “Swiftonomics,” will focus on the financial impact Taylor Swift had on the economy last year. The class will explore the pop star’s business footprint, earnings from the billion-dollar Eras Tour and her impact on the Ticketmaster monopoly debate.

The American course was designed by two economics students. They hope it will get more people interested in economics while making it more understandable.

The Swiftie lessons follow in the footsteps of Harvard University’s English class “Taylor Swift and Her World.” In the class, Professor Stephanie Burt teaches students about the themes and writing mechanisms in Swift’s songs.

Swift’s next album, “Tortured Poets Department,” is set to be released at midnight on Friday, April 19.

In case you missed these two easter eggs: the DC-area is celebrating National Poetry Month and News4 spoke to the Library of Congress about Clara Bow, who inspired a song on Swift’s new album.

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Janelle Monáe, Bleachers and Laufey will headline Saturday, sharing the day with Remi Wolf, Ethel Cain, Julien Baker and a dozen other artists spanning rock, rap, pop and jazz.

Hozier, Reneé Rapp and Conan Gray top the Sunday lineup along with Chappell Roan and Maren Morris.

In a sea of festivals, All Things Go always stands out for booking some of the most talented women touring in any year, and 2024 will be no different.

For one, Chappell Roan is having a huge moment. She’s toured with Olivia Rodrigo, captured a million views for her Tiny Desk concert and performed at Coachella for the first time (leading Rolling Stone reporter Tomás Mier to ask, “Is this what it felt like to watch Lady Gaga before she blew up?”).

And if you missed Ethel Cain last year – or wanted more Southern Gothic indie vibes – she’ll be back, and this time she’s getting promoted to a tier-two headliner.

The festival is also flexing its ability to bring together a very D.C. collab. Laufey, a GRAMMY-winning musician bringing jazz and classical music to Gen Z, is set to perform with the Kennedy Center Orchestra.

All Things Go is set for Sept. 28-29 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. Tickets go on sale this week, starting with a presale on Thursday before general admission goes live on Friday. Weekend passes start at $119 before fees.

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Cast ballots for your favorite spots in five categories: best bar, favorite gathering place, favorite fast bites, best brunch and hottest sandwich spot. You can vote (once per category) through Wednesday, May 31, 2024, at 5 p.m.

The winners will be announced Sunday, July 21, at The RAMMY Awards Gala.

Washington DC Apr 9

Jazz in the Garden 2024 to include zydeco, a Juneteenth celebration and horn-heavy funk: Here's how to get tickets

Things to Do DC Apr 18, 2022

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It includes festivals, dining, shows and only-in-D.C. things that make our region a great place to be. Every Wednesday, News4’s Tommy McFly, Sophia Barnes and the Scene Team will deliver an exclusive update right to your inbox. You might even find a few freebies.

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Cue thoughts of clocking off work, dressing in linen, packing snacks and taking the Metro to the Sculpture Garden for an evening of dancing and sangria. Plus, lounging on lush green grass and admiring the garden’s modern art.

This summer, the concert series features 10 genre-spanning acts starting with zydeco then a Juneteenth jazz celebration and ending with a D.C.-based saxophonist. The series kicks off the weekend after Memorial Day and wraps up the second Friday in August.

It’s not known as “D.C.’s favorite summer concert series” for nothing.” You’ll need to enter a ticket lottery to get in. Each concert is on a Friday night from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Here’s how to plan to start each weekend on the National Mall:

How to get Jazz in the Garden tickets

Anyone who wants to attend Jazz in the Garden can join the lottery the week prior to the event. Lottery winners will be notified the Monday morning before the concert.

“Those who are selected are welcome to register for up to four passes. Registration is required for all ages 2 and above,” the gallery said on its website.

Jazz in the Garden schedule

May 31: Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas
Genre: Zydeco

• Lottery opens: Monday, May 20, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, May 24, noon
• Results announced: Monday, May 15, 10 a.m.

June 7: Anderson Quartet
Genre: Indigenous fusion

• Lottery opens: Monday, May 27, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, May 31, noon
• Results announced: Monday, June 3, 10 a.m.

June 14: 8 Ohms Band
Genre: Horn-heavy funk and Soul

• Lottery opens: Monday, June 3, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, June 7, noon
• Results announced: Monday, June 10, 10 a.m.

June 21: Muneer Nasser Quintet
Genre: A Juneteenth jazz celebration

• Lottery opens: Monday, June 10, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, June 14, noon
• Results announced: Monday, June 17, 10 a.m.

June 28: Josanne Francis
Genre: Caribbean steelpan

• Lottery opens: Monday, June 17, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, June 21, noon
• Results announced: Monday, June 24, 10 a.m.

The Scene Apr 9

2024 RAMMY Awards: Vote for your favorite bar, brunch, sandwich and more

Things to Do DC Mar 29

Dozens of embassies in DC to open doors to the public this May

July 12: US Air Force Band’s Airmen of Note
Genre: Big band jazz

• Lottery opens: Monday, July 1, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, July 5, noon
• Results announced: Monday, July 8, 10 a.m.

July 19: Jake Blount
Genre: Afrofuturist roots

• Lottery opens: Monday, July 8, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, July 12, noon
• Results announced: Monday, July 15, 10 a.m.

July 26: Brent Birckhead
Genre: Contemporary jazz

• Lottery opens: Monday, July 15, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, July 19, noon
• Results announced: Monday, July 22, 10 a.m.

Aug. 2: Plena Libre
Genre: Afro-Latin fusion

• Lottery opens: Monday, July 22, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, July 26, noon
• Results announced: Monday, July 29, 10 a.m.

Aug. 9: Leigh Pilzer’s Seven Pointed Star
Genre: Jazz septet

• Lottery opens: Monday, July 29, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, August 2, noon
• Results announced: Monday, August 5, 10 a.m.

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Events DC announced the mega-popular embassy open houses are returning this spring.

First up is the Around the World Embassy Tour on Saturday, May 4, when the embassies of countries from Angola to Zambia host performances, share food and put on exhibits highlighting culture and tourism opportunities. The event is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The EU Open House on Saturday, May 11, is when you can check in on your favorite European Union countries. In past years, the embassies of Germany, France, Hungary, Italy and Norway have celebrated with everything from folk music to free food to dance lessons.

More information on what each embassy will offer is usually released shortly before the open houses.

Both events are free, and you don’t need any tickets or a passport!

They’re two of the most popular events during Passport DC. The festival, in its 17^th year,  highlights the District’s diplomatic ties and international flavors.

Fiesta Asia! on Saturday, May 18, and the Flower Mart at the National Cathedral on May 3-4 are two other big events in Passport DC.

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News4’s Tommy McFly got a history lesson from the Mexican ambassador to the United States Esteban Moctezuma (yes, he said he’s related to the Aztec ruler!).

“It’s not just a Mexican celebration, but also an American celebration,” Moctezuma said.

Why? Because Cinco de Mayo celebrates a military victory that benefitted the United States, as well, according to Moctezuma.

Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. According to Moctezuma, President Abraham Lincoln was relieved that Mexico halted the advancement of the French toward the southern border in the midst of the Civil War. Then, the leaders of the two countries began writing letters to each other.

How should people who aren’t Mexican celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

“Enjoy family and really remember that Mexico is a very important partner of the U.S.,” Moctezuma said. “We became the first partner in trade.”

So, with that, consider yourself invited to fiesta on May 5 with music, tacos, tequila (enjoy responsibly!) and anything you appreciate from Mexican culture.

Cinco de Mayo in the D.C. area: What’s happening Friday and Saturday

Running of the Chihuahuas
Sat., 2-5 p.m., The Wharf in Southwest D.C., free entry
Details

Look at those little legs go! The Wharf’s adorable tradition returns this weekend.

Go for the delightfully cute chihuahua races, then stay for a pet photo booth, a dog costume contest featuring adoptable pups and all The Wharf has to offer. It’s free and kid-friendly. Dogs who aren’t participating in the races are welcome to cheer on their furry friends.

Big crowds show up for the main event, but you can watch the races on a jumbo screen.

Proceeds benefit Rural Dog Rescue, and Tommy will serve as emcee!

Bryant Street NE and Bryant Street Market
Fri. to Sun.
Details

The Northeast D.C. neighborhood is celebrating Cinco de Mayo all weekend long. On Friday, try free salsa dancing outside (weather permitting). On Saturday, stop by the Dreamer’s Collective Market and enjoy a block party from 3-10 p.m.

On the big day, swing by metrobar for the margaritas, beers, mezcal and tequila cocktails and food from Taqueria Habanero. Admission is free with an RSVP. Sol y Rumba, a mariachi band and DJ Kristy La rAt will provide the beats. For a more crafty option, return to Bryant Street Market for a piñata-making workshop.

Whitlow’s Derby de Mayo
Sat., 901 U St NW, Washington, D.C., free admission

Can’t decide between a Kentucky Derby party and a Cinco celebration? Don’t! Whitlow’s is adding dragonfruit margaritas to its bottomless brunch menu from noon to 3 p.m. All day, you can find frozen Jose Cuervo painkillers, tequila filled Jell-O shots and spicy jalapeno and cucumber margs. DJ Killa Beats will turn up the volume on the second floor starting at 10 p.m.

Wear your best sombrero or derby hat for a chance to win a prize!

Eavesdrop Brewery
Fri., Sat. and Sun., 7223 Centreville Rd Suite 115, Manassas, Virginia
Details

The brewery’s party lasts all weekend long with DJs and live music plus Mexican food trucks on Friday and Saturday.

Punch Bowl Social
Fri., Sat. and Sun., 4238 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1180, Arlington, Virginia, free admission with RSVP

Punch Bowl Social is always a fiesta with bowling, karaoke and games, but for Cinco de Mayo you can also find $9 margaritas made with Patrόn Silver and free chips and salsa for each table from 5-9 p.m.

Urbano
Sat. and Sun., Old Town Alexandria, Mosaic District and Chevy Chase, free admission

The colorful restaurant will put a slightly different spin on Cinco de Mayo at each of its three locations in Virginia and Maryland.

All locations are set to be open from 11 a.m. to midnight with special activities. The Chevy Chase and Mosaic parties lean more kid-friendly while Old Town will have DJ parties in the late afternoon. Here’s a rundown of what to expect.

C1NCO Fiesta
Sat., 3-8 p.m., 609 H Street Northeast, Washington, D.C., $65-$425
Details

The Skyline 609 Rooftop is turning up with live soca, salsa and international music and specialty cocktails.

Cinco de Mayo in the D.C. area: What’s happening Sunday

Anafre
Sun., 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., 3704 14th Street NW, free admission

The Petworth restaurant is mixing Mexico City street food into Cinco de Mayo. The menu includes $7 classic and strawberry margaritas, $3.50 draft beers, $7 ceviche cups and $3 street tacos. Seating indoors and outdoors will first come, first served with no reservations, and there will be a mariachi band from 7-8 p.m.

Casta’s Rum Bar
Sun., noon to 4 p.m., 1121 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, D.C., free admission
Details

A margarita bike that lets you pedal to power your own margarita blender is the big draw to this West End restaurant on Cinco de Mayo, but music by DJ Xavi, fun props and specials including $8 tequila shots, $35 margarita pitchers and every beer for $5 will sweeten the deal.

Diablo’s Cantina
Sun., National Harbor, $75-$95
Reservations

All-you-want Mexican eats, a live DJ, tequila tastings, a cigar rolling station and yard games are on tap at this Mexican restaurant at National Harbor. General admission tickets come with a cocktail; spring for VIP to get another cocktail, early admission and other perks.

dLeña
Sun., 476 K Street NW, Suite D, Washington, D.C., free admission

Grab a reservation for brunch or dinner at Chef Richard Sandoval’s popular cocina. A special Cinco de Mayo menu will feature Código 1530 and Mijenta tequilas, special cocktails and flights in the main restaurant and downstairs in the dLeña ROJA lounge. 

From 5-9 p.m., enjoy live music from the Trio Candela by Eli Staples.

Mariscos 1133
Sun., 1133 11th Street NW, free admission

Make a reservation for brunch with $7 cocktails and dishes including birria hash and pancita soup, or walk up to the outdoor patio to order $8 hibiscus and classic margaritas, $3.50 draft beers, and $3.50 tacos.

Mezcalero 14th Street and Mezcalero La Cosecha
Sun., 3714 14th Street NW or 1280 4th Street NE, free admission

The Mexican restaurant’s Petworth outpost will offer $3.50 street tacos, $8 classic margaritas, and $3.50 draft beer all day (no reservations, just walk in). The location in the La Cosecha market in Northeast will have happy hour from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Moe’s Southwest Grill
Sun., various locations

Moe’s Rewards Members can snag $5.55 burritos and bowls at participating locations. Remember to download the app first!

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As part of The Most Wanted Tour that promotes his album “Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va A Pasar Mañana”, Bad Bunny filled with euphoria the venue located in the heart of the country’s capital.

“It was like a game of emotions,” Erick Rojas said.

According to the fan, the concert was a mix between new songs and “old” ones. The artist performed about 10 songs from his new album and then sang others like “Diles,” “Tu No Vive Así” and “Me Porto Bonito.”

News4 captured the lines that formed from the early hours of the morning. Some fans told us they traveled overnight from surrounding areas to D.C. so they wouldn’t miss this event.

However, the Bad Bunny’s followers were not the only ones who had fun. Bad Bunny’s dance group had dinner at the Puerto Rican restaurant Qui Qui in northwest DC.

“So grateful to have had the Bad Bunny choreography team and dancers dining at Qui Qui last night!” the restaurant wrote on Instagram.

The urban music performer’s next shows will be on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Peso Pluma, Feid and JLo are some of the next artists to perform at the Capital One Arena in the coming months.

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Long lines of people waited at Smithsonian museum tents to pick up eclipse glasses.

Not long after 2 p.m., the moon had started to block out a sliver of the sun. Then, the light on the National Mall turned slightly sepia-toned.

At 3:20 p.m., when the eclipse reached its maximum point, crowds began to cheer on the National Mall and at viewing parties around the D.C. area. More than 80% of the sun was blocked in D.C., and sunlight filtering through the trees cast crescent-shaped shadows.

Monday’s total solar eclipse was the last one that will be visible over the continental U.S. for another 20 years. D.C., Maryland and Virginia weren’t in the path of totality, but other major cities from Dallas, Texas, to Burlington, Vermont, saw a corona of light as the moon completely obscured the sun.

Storm Team4 Chief Meteorologist Doug Kammerer watched the eclipse from Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which plunged into darkness in moments. The corona of light around the sun was pure white.

“Here we go,” Kammerer said. “Oh my God!”

“We are in nighttime!” he said. “I can actually see solar flares going on right now.”

During the eclipse, the moon cast its shadow on parts of North America as it traveled between Earth and the sun, said Gina DiBraccio, the deputy director of heliophysics at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

The moon is relatively close to Earth right now, meaning areas in the path of totality saw a longer period of complete coverage than those viewing the 2017 eclipse did, the National Air and Space Museum’s Dr. Teasel Muir-Harmony said.

“Solar eclipses in general are quite special,” Muir-Harmony said. “This particular one, the sun is at its solar maximum. So, it’s very, very active right now. The one in 2017, it was actually at its solar minimum. So, there could be interesting things to see.”

Solar maximum means eclipse viewers may be more likely to see special streams of light and prominences, “which appear as bright, pink curls or loops coming off the Sun,” according to NASA.

When’s the next solar eclipse?

Total solar eclipses are rarely visible throughout a huge swath of the United States.

The next total solar eclipse to sweep across the continental United States is set to occur on August 12, 2045, following a path from northern California to Florida, according to NASA (although Alaska will see one in 2033, and a total eclipse will pop over Montana and North Dakota in 2044, Forbes reports).

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“We got married within 10 days,” she said.

Together, they open the first Indian-owned winery in the U.S., making her the U.S.’s first female Indian winemaker. They named the winery for her mother-in-law, Narmada. It’s also the name of a famous river in India.

“Because she sacrificed a lot for us to come to this country for our education,” she said.

She and her husband opened Narmada Winery in Amissville, Virginia, in 2009, but their journey started in 1968. The two met when her husband, Pandit, was on break studying in the U.S.

“He said, ‘as soon as I finish my Ph.D. I will send you to college also,’” Sudha said. “So, I told him if he was willing then it’ll be a go, kind’ve.”

When they moved from India to the U.S., the Patils lived with a host family who taught Sudah to speak English.

“She was always behind me and my mom from India was always behind me,” she said.

The couple had two children. Once they were in middle and high school, Sudha decided it was time to go back to class.

She earned a chemistry degree from George Mason, attended dental school at Georgetown and got a master’s in endodontics at the University of Maryland.

She ran a practice in McLean for 20 years and opened another in Culpeper.

Then, the wine bug hit.

She took classes, studied, tasted, tested and eventually opened a vineyard.

“We started our vineyard at two acres, and we were tending to it on the weekends,” she said.

As their passion grew, so did their vision and Pandit’s encouragement.

“He said, ‘Its’ okay, you want to try it, go ahead, try it,’” she said.

They turned the 2 acres into 20. She turned herself into an award-winning winemaker. They’ve won over 900 awards and more than 150 gold medals.

Pandit passed away in 2018. But the couple’s dream lives on.

“He was always so proud of me. He always talked about me, ‘I’m not the winemaker. It’s my wife who does that part, she’s the chemistry person,’” she said.

Sudha grows over 50 tons of grapes and produces about 36,000 bottles of wine a year.

Her next goal? Sudah said she wants to produce 60,000 bottles a year and win the coveted Virginia Governor’s Cup.

“I wasn’t even thinking of being first at anything really. This was a passion we had for wine,” she said.

Northern Virginia Oct 13, 2023

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Things to Do DC Mar 27

‘Holland in Virginia': Tulip and daffodil festival springs forth

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A teacher for more than 30 years, Jill Biden is transforming an annual tradition first held in 1878 into an “EGG-ucational” experience. Various stations on the South Lawn and Ellipse will help children learn about farming, healthier eating, exercise and more, the White House announced Thursday.

They’ll still get to coax hard-boiled eggs across the lawn to a finish line.

Guests include thousands of military and veteran families, their caregivers and survivors. Members of the general public claimed tickets through an online lottery. They will be admitted in nine waves, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Easter Mar 26

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Monday’s “egg-stravaganza” will be the third Easter egg roll hosted by President Joe Biden and the first lady. They did not host the event in 2021, Biden’s first year in office, because of COVID-19.

The White House Easter Egg Roll dates to 1878, when President Rutherford B. Hayes opened the White House lawn to children after they were kicked off the grounds of the U.S. Capitol.

After playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers, Chef Tobias Dorzon went to culinary school and worked as a private chef.

He now owns Huncho House, a fusion restaurant in Hyattsville, Maryland.

“When I’m in the kitchen … I’m just creating things. It gives me the opportunity just to see people smile [and] see people happy from what food can do for them,” Dorzon said. He called the kitchen his “happy place.”

Dorzon says it was “important” for him to open his restaurant in 2022 because his immediate community “really didn’t have fine dining and places [where] you could … have an elevated meal.”

If Dorzon wins the competition, he will take home $150,000.

“Being able to be a representation of [Prince George’s] County has been a great blessing, and I just continue to do better,” Dorzon said.

In the meantime, Dorzon is working to open his second restaurant in Hyattsville, Maryland.

D.C.’s cherry blossom season is in full swing, but just across the state lines, Burnside Farms’ Festival of Spring is blooming in Nokesville, Virginia.

The festival opened Sunday, March 24, and runs through April 14, but could extend longer depending on flower conditions, according to Burnside Farms’ Instagram page.

“We’re still early in our season and we estimate about 25% of our tulips are in bloom. Full bloom is expected to begin later in the first week of April and usually lasts about 10 days,” Burnside Farms said on Tuesday.

Burnside Farms said they’ve planted more than 150 kinds of tulips and 30 varieties of daffodils.

“It’s like Holland in Virginia,” Burnside Farms said.

Day-of-tickets for the festival are on sale for $25 to $31 before fees. The festival is closed March 27 and 28 due to forecasted rain.

Advanced purchase tickets range from $19 to $25 per person and include five flowers per visitor. Here’s more information.

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Things to Do DC Mar 27

Finding Friendship: How to make friends as an adult in the DC area

Things to Do DC Mar 24

Cherry blossom cocktails and bites to try this spring

How do you make friends as an adult?

It’s not an easy task, but know this: you are not alone. When we asked our viewers about finding new friends since the pandemic, nearly 40% said they’re looking but struggling.

We asked experts and neighbors who’ve built meaningful connections to share their best advice for finding friendship.

Build yourself up

Marisa G. Franco, author of “Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make and Keep Friends,” shared some of her best advice for making new friends. Taking care of yourself is an important step.

It’s okay if you feel scared or afraid, Franco said.

To combat nerves, remind yourself of your strengths. People will probably like you more than you think, she said.

“That’s all part of the process of connection,” she said.

It’s normal to feel some worry when branching out. Before you send that text message or head to an event, give yourself a pep talk to calm your nerves and boost your confidence.

“Take a moment before you’re about to go into an interaction,” Franco said.

Jessica Lewis, who founded PlayPlay DC, a community of LGBTQIA+ people who come together to find friends through play, says you can take inspiration from kids, who often seem to have an easier time making friends.

“What are they doing right? They are not in their head. They are being themselves,” Lewis said.

You can treat making friends like dating

We often feel that strong attraction to new friends (we like to call it a friend crush!).

“Romantic attraction can crop up without sexual attraction,” Franco said. “Romantic attraction as in, I’m thrilled by you, I’m excited by you. I’m passionate about you. I want to spend all my time with you!”

Many people compartmentalize friendships and relationships – but that could stop you from flexing social skills that are useful in both kinds of interactions.

So, why not think of making new friends like dating? You can get to know people and see who you click with.

Dr. Imani Cheers, an associate professor at George Washington University, shared a pro tip for a friendly pick-up line.

“Go in with a compliment,” Cheers said. “Just make sure it’s genuine. Be open to the person either saying thank you and walking away, or pause and have a conversation.”

And just like with dating, you can look for new friends online! Online friendships can be very meaningful, and there are a lot of active communities in D.C. Local Dischord servers, Reddit channels and Facebook groups like Welcome2DC can yield in-person meetups (take the same safety precations you would with an online date).

Rekindle relationships

Rekindling old friendships could be a good way to boost your social life.

“The first thing that I say is reconnect with people. Because those are people you already have trust with. The relationship will move a lot more quickly.”

Her “low-stakes baby step”?

Pick up your phone, go through your messages and see who you haven’t spoken to since this time last year.

“Say, ‘Oh, I was just thinking about you, just remembered this memory we had together and I wanted to check in,’” Franco said.

If they seem responsive, ask if they’re open to reconnecting sometime.

Worried you’ll come off as clingy or weird? According to Franco, the research suggests you won’t – in fact, if things just fizzled out without a good reason, showing your interest will likely spark good feelings.

“The research finds there’s this theory called the theory of inferred attraction,” Franco said. “People like people that they think like them. The secret to being likable is to like people.”

Finding your tribe

Franco’s next piece of advice is to join a group that has repeated meetings. Regular encounters make finding your tribe easier.

“You capitalize on something called the mere exposure effect, our unconscious tendency to like people when they are familiar,” Franco said.

City Girls Who Walk DC is the kind of group that offers a step-by-step path to friendship. They host weekly walks, happy hours and events, and even have subgroups including book clubs and a grief group.

Do you like sports, gaming, music or animals? Here are some specific ideas:

• Club sports are a super popular option. District Fray, Team DC and your local department of parks and recreation all offer programs.
• Play Play DC “is committed to curating refreshing, creative, fun, healing, and playful experiences for grown and queer adults.” Events range from concerts to basketball tournaments.
• Sober or sober-curious? BoozeFreeinDC is a great resource. (By the way, we spoke to the group’s founder Laura Silverman for Dry January).
• Volunteer at a local animal shelter or other nonprofit. The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is just one example.
• Hit up your local game store. Fantom Comics in Dupont hosts beginner-friendly events regularly. Labyrinth DC hosts general board game nights and events for more advanced players. Curio Cavern is another option.
• Try a book club! The D.C. Public Library has tons of options. Many bookstores offer them, as well.
• Meetup is THE website for finding activities with others who are open to friendships, whether you want to craft, find other couples, learn a language, drink coffee, talk a walk in the park…

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In the VIP balcony of the Kennedy Center opera house, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle sat side by side, watching Hart accept the Mark Twain Prize for lifetime achievement in comedy Sunday night.

“I didn’t start doing what I was doing to get awards,” Hart said. “I just fell in love with the idea of comedy.”

Hart rose from the open mics and comedy clubs of his native Philadelphia to become one of his country’s most recognizable performers — honing a signature style that combines his diminutive height, expressive face and motor-mouth delivery into an arena-packing stand-up act. He became the latest recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in a raucous ceremony at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Celebrities and prominent comedians joined in the tribute to Hart, with several specifically citing the comic’s work ethic, positivity and relentless dedication to his art.

“He’s just inspirational,” said comic Nikki Glazer on the red carpet. ”He’s one of the most naturally talented people I’ve met. But he also loves himself, which is not something you can say about every successful comic.”

Comedic actor J.B. Smoove (Leon on “Curb Your Enthusiasm”) recalled a young up-and-coming Hart as almost problematically eager.

“Honestly, when he was first starting out, he was a pest,” Smoove said. “But he was always picking up pieces from here or there, always learning from people and never afraid to learn.”

The show kicked off with a high energy duet by Robin Thicke and Nelly. What followed was closer to a celebrity roast than an award presentation, as a parade of comedians took easy swipes at Hart’s height while others poked at the sometimes uneven quality of his prolific output. According to IMDB, Hart has appeared in 93 movies and television shows with nine in development.

“Kevin really cares about the quality … of the check,” said his frequent co-star Regina Hall. “Not the product — honestly some of that stuff is pretty bad — but the man knows how to get PAID!”

Rock referred to the very public breakup of Hart’s first marriage by complimenting his appearance and saying Hart “has got that second wife happiness!”

Chappelle, who received his own Mark Twain Prize in 2019, kept his remarks serious — calling Hart “a very powerful dreamer.”

He spoke of Hart selling out a 53,000-seat football stadium — Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field in 2015 — as a level of ambition and achievement was inspirational to himself and Rock.

“You made me dream bigger, and you’re younger than me,” he told Hart.

In addition to his stand-up career, Hart made his movie debut in the 2002 film “Paper Soldiers” and came to mainstream fame through a string of scene-stealing cameos in hits such as 2005’s “The 40-Year-Old-Virgin.” His films have grossed more than $4.23 billion globally.

Now in its 25th year, the Mark Twain Prize annually honors performers who have made a lasting impact on humor and culture. Honorees receive a bronze bust of Twain, the iconic American writer and satirist whose real name was Samuel Clemens.

Mark Twain recipients are honored with a night of testimonials and video tributes, often featuring previous award winners. Other comedians who have received the lifetime achievement award include inaugural recipient Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Newhart, Carol Burnett and Dave Chapelle. Bill Cosby, the 2009 recipient, had his Mark Twain Prize rescinded in 2019 after allegations of sexual assault.

Sunday’s ceremony will be broadcast on Netflix beginning May 11.

The little cherry tree that could, can’t, after this spring. Stumpy’s home on the Tidal Basin has been flooding too much, for too long, and the seawall in that area has to be repaired to save other trees nearby. That means Stumpy, and over a hundred other cherry trees near the Tidal Basin, will be removed starting in May.

The District has been mourning the symbol of resilience through tough times all week long.

On Monday, someone left a bouquet of flowers in the hollow of Stumpy’s trunk, according to a post on social media.

On Tuesday, that bouquet was joined by… a full bottle of Maker’s Mark whiskey, according to another social media post.

On Wednesday, the D.C. Public Library left a large card thanking Stumpy for all the memories.

There are t-shirts for sale on Etsy. There are endless social media tributes. And on Tuesday morning, there was a traffic-stopping homage to Stumpy.

Behold, the mascot for this year’s Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-Miler:

When we say this version of Stumpy is traffic-stopping, we mean it literally. While filming this video about Tidal Basin traffic, News4 Digital Producer Maggie More hit the brakes (safely!) so that Digital Managing Editor Carissa DiMargo could get out of the car and chase down the mascot.

According to race organizers, the artist behind the mascot costume started the design last year, when Stumpy reached new levels of viral fame.

“In true Stumpy fashion, his resiliency will be showcased once again as he will live on as the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile mascot,” the race website says.

Organizers had the costume made in New York, and brought it down to D.C. just a few days before his debut on the Tidal Basin this week.

At the Tidal Basin, Stumpy the mascot could be seen bowing to, and then posing with, Stumpy the tree. The mascot also posed for a few media photographs and selfies.

On Friday, other D.C. mascots stopped by to see Stumpy. The Washington Nationals’ famous Racing President mascots paid their respects, and shared a photo of George Washington and Teddy Roosevelt to social media.

“just a few ICONS,” the post read.

A few hours later, the Washington Capitals shared a post to social media promoting their cherry-blossom-themed merch collection for the year.

“Had to pay our respects to Stumpy,” the post read, alongside a photo of someone holding a cherry-blossom-adorned Capitals jersey in front of their face next to the tree.

Also on Friday, members of the Japanese Embassy in D.C. went to visit Stumpy.

The embassy thanked the NPS for caring for the cherry trees for the last 112 years in a post to social media, and honored Stumpy as “one of our most beloved symbols of Japanese-American friendship,” using country flags in place of names.

Online, on Friday afternoon, the Library of Congress dedicated a poem by U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón to Stumpy.

The poem, titled “Instructions on Not Giving Up,” was published in 2018.

Most of these tributes have been spontaneous, so it’s not yet clear whether there are more to come. We’ll keep an eye out and update this story periodically with any new Stumpy memorials that pop up.

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Kings Dominion in Doswell, Virginia and Six Flags America in Bowie, Maryland open for their respective seasons on Saturday, March 23.

What’s new at Six Flags America

Six Flags America is celebrating 25 years of thrills in the DMV in 2024. The park is touting the season as the “largest investment in more than two decades.” 

“The season will feature new attractions in both the theme and water park, a completely reimagined realm with three remodeled rides and a season-long list of new and returning special events,” the park said in a news release. 

SteamTown: Where the Past Meets the Future takes guests into the world of steampunk. Some of your favorite rides, including Mind Eraser, Renegade Rapids, and Coyote Creek Crazy Cars, have been re-themed with new features and surprises. The reimagined area will also feature the return of a popular stunt show and a new quick-service dining location with a large, air-conditioned eatery.

In the Hurricane Harbor waterpark, the RipQurl Blaster will debut on May 25. The water coaster shoots riders through 550 feet of twists and turns, the park says.

“The ride features three breathtaking drops, three Reverse AquaLucent hairpin turns, and a pitch-black wall-hugging helix finale before the final splashdown,” a press release said.

2024 season passes are on sale now and start at $50 each. 

What’s new at Kings Dominion

Park guests will be able to enjoy the return of fan-favorite special events, including Grand Carnivale, Halloween Haunt, and WinterFest. SoakCity water park splashes into the season Memorial Day weekend.

New at Kings Dominion in 2024, Prestige Season Passholders will be able to enjoy Old Dominion Inn, a newly-designed VIP lounge.

“The exclusive lounge has air conditioning, a private shaded patio with a bucolic view of the park, cable television, cushioned seating, device charging stations and complimentary light snacks and bottled water,” the park said in a news release. 

A full calendar of events can be found here. Guests can experience the fun and thrills all season with a 2024 Gold Pass.

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Eric Church, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Tyler Childers, Martina McBride, Brothers Osborne and others will perform at the Country Calling Festival, set for Friday, Oct. 4 and Saturday, Oct. 5. The festival will feature a total of 25 artists across three stages on the boardwalk at the Ocean City Inlet Beach. 

Check out the full County Calling 2024 lineup here.

If the name and feel of the festival feels familiar, that’s because it’s produced by the team behind Oceans Calling, a popular music festival offering beachside vibes for reggae-rock fans. This year’s Oceans Calling fest will be held Sept. 27-29, the weekend before its country counterpart.

Like at Oceans Calling, attendees of Country Calling will be able to enjoy epic sunsets from the Ferris wheel or have an adrenaline rush on the classic rides of the Jolly Roger at the pier amusement park.

After one too many hoedowns, music fans will find food available at curated vendors and restaurants along the boardwalk. Think mid-Atlantic beach fare such as fries, soft-serve ice cream, Orange Crush cocktails, pizza and more. 

How to get County Calling tickets

Presale tickets become available Friday, March 22 at 10 a.m. Tickets for the general public will go on sale an hour later.

The festival offers both one-day and two-day tickets for general admission (GA), GA+, VIP and platinum. Two-day general admission tickets start at $199, and one-day general admission tickets start at $155.

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A “Burning of the Socks” event was held at The Wharf in Southwest D.C. on Tuesday evening. It’s an unusual, decades-old maritime tradition. The idea is that you burn your winter socks in celebration of the warmer days ahead.

Members of the Port of Washington Yacht Club, Capital Yacht Club and others gathered around a firepit and tossed socks into the flames.

One participant recited: “These are the same socks we put on last fall, and we never took ‘em off to wash ‘em, not at all. So we burn our socks on the equinox, in a little old fire, burning nice and hot.”

Sock-burners roasted marshmallows in the same fire pit. But don’t worry: They did so before they threw in the socks.

Organizers asked participants to bring new socks to donate to people experiencing homelessness.

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How sock burning to celebrate spring began in Maryland

After the snowy winter of 1978, Annapolis sailing enthusiast Bob Turner burned his socks, Baltimore magazine reported in 2015.

“I’m not putting them on again until next winter. Period,” he recalled saying.

The tradition spread to other waterfront towns, and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore joined in last year, according to WBAL.

“What’s great about today is that it’s tradition, it’s history, it’s bringing the community together. But what’s also great about it is that it’s not just a celebration of the past, it’s also a celebration of our future. So, the energy out here is so beautiful, and I needed to get rid of those socks anyway,” he said.

Maybe it’s because we’re already dressed up to get a petal-filled picture, or we want to warm up after a cool spring day of hanami (the Japanese word for cherry blossom viewing). The delicate flowers certainly remind us of the adorable finger-food treats you find at a high tea. Also, they’re both the perfect excuse to pull out your fanciest fascinator.

Cherry blossom joy is coming into hotels and tea rooms around D.C. Here are some of the prettiest cherry blossom teas to enjoy this spring.

• Sign up for The Weekend Scene newsletter for cherry blossom joy all season long.

The St. Regis Washington, D.C.
923 Black Lives Matter Plaza NW, Washington, D.C..

Plucking desserts from an artistic cherry tree statue is the centerpiece of the five-star hotel’s cherry blossom tea. Savory bites sit at the base of the tree, and you can complete the experience with a custom seasonal blend from Dammann Frères. The tea is available from 1-5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and costs $109 per person. Reservations are open into June.

Lady Camellia
229 Strand St., Alexandria, Virginia

With a view of the Old Town Waterfront, Lady Camellia is a pretty place for tea any time of day throughout the year. But the pink decor and floral dishes fit right in with cherry blossom season.

You can choose from a range of menus and seatings, including weekday afternoons and weekend evenings. Teas cost $30 to $65 per person, plus you have the option to add mimosas or wine. Make your reservations on OpenTable.

Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown
2401 M Street, NW

Cherry blossom afternoon tea at Fairmont includes a three-tiered display with scones, savory bites and cherry-filled desserts, plus a selection of Lott 35 loose-leaf teas. It costs $95 per person (before tax and tip) and comes with a glass of G.H. Mumm Champagne. It will be available on Saturdays and Sundays through April 14, excluding Easter Sunday. Make a reservation by emailing wdc.holidaysorders.dl@fairmont.com. 

Pendry Hotel Washington, DC – The Wharf
655 Water Street SW, Washington, D.C.

Bar Pendry’s boozy tea menu includes a tea sampler featuring dirty chai with vodka and two cold options, plus savory and sweet eats. It’s $65 per person before tax and tip. Located inside Bar Pendry on The Wharf, this tea is just a 1-mile walk from the blooms on the Tidal Basin.

Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens
4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 

Within the estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post, once one of the richest women in the U.S., Merriweather Cafe offers a seasonal tea menu of classic tea savory treats and sweets with cherry blossom twists, including a white chocolate raspberry scone and a sakura cherry profiterole.

It’s $40 per person, including tax and tip, but four people are required. Cherry blossom afternoon tea is available Thursdays through Sundays through April 14. You can book on Resy.

Hillwood is also currently running an exhibit of the heiress’ luxury fashion and jewelry brought from France.

Peacock Alley at the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Cherry blossom decor is blooming across the Waldorf Astoria’s grand atrium, and you can sit for a perfectly petaled tea through June 30. The menu features sandwiches, including vegan options, scones, sweets and a cherry blossom blend on its list of eight teas.

Seatings are Thursday through Sunday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Reservations are recommended!

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At Fleet of the Future Expo, visitors can walk inside a mock-up rail car to experience their future ride on an 8,000-series rail car.

The display is not full-size, and it won’t be a replica of the real deal. However, walk inside and you’ll get a feel for the trains of the future – and you can give Metro feedback on their designs.

Some of the features of the 8,000-series rail cars will include:

• Increased seating along the walls, facing toward the middle of the train
• Increased standing room
• Marked spaces for mobility devices like bikes, strollers, and luggage
• ‘Energy-efficient radiated heated floors’

Bus riders won’t be left out at the expo! You can tour Metro’s new generation of 60-foot electric buses that were designed for better air quality and quieter commutes.

While visiting the expo, visitors of all ages can check out a train-themed photobooth, a cutout of their Baby Bus mascot, plenty of historical pictures and a Metro history quiz.

The expo will be located at 12th Street and Madison Drive NW near the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and National Museum of Natural History.

The last time Metro showed off its newest trains like this was in 1968 when President Lyndon B. Johnson toured the 1000-series car on the White House lawn.

Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke said the designs were inspired by the best practices across the world.

“We are proud of all the improvements we were able to pack into this new fleet and welcome everyone to come out and see the future of America’s transit system,” Clarke said in a press release.

Up to 800 of the new 8,000-series rail cars will be assembled in Hagerstown, Maryland. They will replace the oldest trains that date back to the 1980s, dubbed the 2000s and 3000s series.

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Megan Thee Stallion, Gunna, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Kaytranada, Victoria Monét, Key Glock, Sexxy Red and more artists are set to perform on July 27 and 28 at Audi Field, Navy Yard’s 20,000-seat soccer stadium.

It’s Broccoli City Fest’s first time at Audi Field, so things will look a little different.

Among the biggest changes: The Audi Field fest will primarily be a seated one.

This year, most festivalgoers will buy a ticket for a reserved seat (Field access is reserved for VIP reserved seated pass holders. Those tickets start at $845). But the changes may be welcome after organizers issued refunds last year following problems with heat, storms and long lines.

Broccoli City Fest co-founder Brandon McEachern said the lineup and move reflect the festival’s eclectic tastes and vibrant spirit.

“It’s the perfect time to take another step in our evolution and offer consumers a nontraditional, inclusive, and innovative festival experience where people from all walks of life can come together to celebrate music and culture.” McEachern first brought the festival to D.C. in 2013, bringing people together for music and a focus on socially conscious, sustainable living.

How to get Broccoli City tickets

Presale tickets went live on Monday.

“General admission and VIP Tickets go on sale Friday, March 22, at 10 am ET., with various options available to suit every budget and preference,” Audi Field said in a press release.

General admission tickets started at $225, but prices are subject to increase.

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At least 70% of the cherry trees along the Tidal Basin have blossomed on St. Patrick’s Day, meaning it’s time to take in their pink perfection.

“The blossoms are opening & putting on a splendid spring spectacle. See you soon,” the National Park Service tweeted on Sunday.

Peak bloom came early this year thanks to D.C. reaching the 70s several days in the beginning of March. The National Park Service had projected the cherry blossoms would reach their final stage between March 23 to 26.

Reaching peak bloom on St. Patrick’s Day makes it the second earliest peak bloom on record, Storm Team4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell said. It’s tied with peak bloom in 2000 and two days behind peak bloom on March 15, 1990.

People have already been flocking to see the trees, backing up traffic around the Tidal Basin.

"We live two hours away, but it's worth the drive right now to come down," one woman said.

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It's been just over two weeks since blossom watch began with the first stage on Saturday, March 2, when green buds appeared on the cherry trees along the Tidal Basin.

"What! I actually got to be here? Oh, I was telling him, 'If we don't go out today, I might miss it!' I'm so glad I did," another excited visitor said.

If weather conditions are good, peak bloom can last as long as 10 days, so it's time to get your bloom-filled day going! Maybe you're eager to see the splendor of the Tidal Basin trees, or maybe you'd rather avoid those crowds by visiting another cherry tree enclave.

Whatever you decide, there are spots to see the flowers in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Remember to tag @nbcwashington on social media or email isee@nbcwashington.com for a chance to be featured!

This is a developing story. Refresh for updates.

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Washington, D.C.’s, most famous cherry trees along the Tidal Basin are approaching peak bloom, and you can see beautiful cherry blossoms throughout D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.

So, it’s time to start planning your perfect bloom-filled day! Maybe you’re eager to see the splendor of the Tidal Basin trees, or maybe you’d rather avoid those crowds by visiting another cherry tree enclave.

Here are spots to see the cherry blossom trees in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Remember to tag @nbcwashington on social media or email isee@nbcwashington.com for a chance to be featured!

• Sign up for The Weekend Scene newsletter — we’ll deliver things to do, free picks and cherry blossom joy every Wednesday.

Best places to see cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C.

Tidal Basin
South of the National Mall

The epicenter of cherry blossom spring fever is the Tidal Basin. Peak bloom is when 70% of the Yoshino trees in this area have flowers — it’s a spectacular sight to see, but expect thick crowds. Your best bet is to take public transit, bikes or scooters, then walk along the Tidal Basin Loop Trail.

Here’s our guide to visiting the Tidal Basin.

From the Water

The pedal boats returned to the Tidal Basin on March 15. Rentals are available 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Each boat can hold up to four people (with a weight limit of 805 pounds). A one-hour rental costs $38 on weekdays and $40 on weekends. During cherry blossom season, rentals are walk-up only; there are no prepaid reservations.

Or, add a boozy twist to your paddling experience with the Sea Suite Cruises’ line of boat tours.

New this year, you can even climb aboard a popular D.C. bar’s outpost on the Potomac. Whitlow’s on Water is decked out in tiki bar style and ready to set sail for private sightseeing charters or public guided tours, which start at $24 per person. The boat cruises past trees lining the Potomac and provides a glimpse of the Tidal Basin while you sip drinks from the bar.

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Potomac Paddle Club’s pontoon pedal boat – described as a “cycle boat tour meets booze cruise” – has BYOB options.

Would you rather row your own boat? Cherry blossom tours from Thompson Boat Center in Georgetown and The Wharf Boathouse begin March 29.

The Cherry Blossom Water Taxi offers audio tours on its Georgetown-Alexandria Sightseeing Route and Georgetown-Wharf Sightseeing Route if you download the app. Of course, you can also sit back and simply savor the views!

American University
4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.

The American University campus in Northwest D.C. is a designated arboretum with over 3,000 trees of all types — including collections of cherry trees.

Congressional Cemetery
1801 E St. SE, Washington, D.C.

This dog-friendly cemetery has both Okame (Taiwan) cherry trees, which bloom on the early side, and Kwanzan cherry trees which typically bloom about two weeks after the famed Yoshino ones at the National Mall.

Oxon Run Park
1200 Mississippi Ave. SE, Washington, D.C.

This park could give the Tidal Basin a serious challenge: More than 200 cherry blossom trees have been planted there.

The Wharf
760 Maine Ave. SW, Washington, D.C.

Stroll down The Wharf or sit down on a restaurant patio, then look out across the Washington Channel for some cherry blossom views. You could also rent a kayak or canoe or board the Cherry Blossom Water Taxi. Bonus: Visit on March 23 for Bloomaroo, a family-friendly festival with live music, art and fireworks.

Hains Point (East Potomac Park)
1100 Ohio Dr. SW, Washington, D.C.

The Hains Point Loop Trail is one of the most bike-friendly places to see cherry blossoms. The 4-mile loop offers views of the Anacostia River, Potomac River, Washington Channel and The Wharf. Bike this tree-lined trail and see several different kinds of cherry trees including Okame, Takesimensis and Kwanzan.

Stanton Park
226 4th St NE, Washington, D.C.

This family-friendly park in the Capitol Hill neighborhood is filled with cherry blossom trees. Plus, it has a playground, a statue of Nathanael Greene and is within walking distance of the Supreme Court and the U.S. Capitol.

U.S. National Arboretum
3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

The Arboretum has its own collection of cherry trees alongside numerous other plants. You can find a self-guided tour here.

Your Neighborhood

Check out this map to find cherry blossom trees throughout the District.

All the Neighborhood Cherry Blossom Trees in the District

Cherry trees on non-federal land in D.C., color-coded by type of tree and sized according to the tree’s diameter. Click on the magnifying glass at the bottom of the map to search for your address.

Source: D.C. Department of Transportation (DDOT) Street Spatial Database (SSD)
Credit: Anisa Holmes / NBC Washington

Maryland cherry blossoms

Brookside Gardens and other Montgomery County Parks
Various locations

Twenty-five of Montgomery County’s public parks have cherry trees — here’s how to use their interactive map to find one. You can even look for a specific species!

Brookside Gardens is a standout spot because it has 26 Yoshino and weeping cherry trees that are particularly impressive — look in the Gude Garden.

South Germantown Recreational Park and its HeartSmart Trail are another option.

Centennial Park (Howard County)
1000 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, Maryland

Cherry trees have been planted in three spots in Centennial Park in Howard County. View some from your car, or walk the Lake Loop. Here’s a map.

National Harbor
Oxon Hill, Maryland

National Harbor, in Oxon Hill, Maryland, boasts 200 cherry trees of their own. Try a kayak or paddleboard rental for some extra adventure.

Fort McHenry
2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, Maryland

The grounds of Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland, host cherry blossom trees.

Kenwood Neighborhood
Bethesda

Stroll through this Montgomery County neighborhood filled with cherry trees. Kennedy Drive, Dorset Avenue and Kenwood Avenue have some of the best views. The Kenwood trees often bloom three to four days after the Tidal Basin trees, according to Bethesda Magazine.

Virginia cherry blossoms

Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, Virginia

More than 400 cherry trees grow throughout the Arlington National Cemetery. Most are Yoshino trees, but weeping Higan cherry trees, Kwanzan trees and more bloom annually.

Founder’s Park
351 N Union St, Alexandria, Virginia

At Founder’s Park in Alexandria, you can take in the fresh air, look out at the water and bask in cherry blossoms galore.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, Virginia

A wide array of plants grow in the 100-acre grounds of Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Fairfax Station, Virginia, but in the springtime, it becomes a haven of cherry blossom joy.

Old Town Alexandria

The 100 block of Wolfe Street, near the waterfront and Roberdeau Park, is a good place for a selfie, according to Visit Alexandria. With cherry blossom-themed food and drink, art installations, special tours, shopping events and more, Old Town is a cherry blossom destination.

Van Gogh Bridge on Lake Anne
The Green Trail, Reston, Virginia

This spot is for the photographers: The few cherry trees around the bridge make a gorgeous photo backdrop. To get there, follow Reston’s Green Trail over Lake Anne.

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The cherry trees at the tidal basin have reached their puffy white stage.

“The blossoms are out, now we’re just waiting for them to open,” the National Park Service said Friday.

You can see the cherry blossoms on the Trust for the National Mall’s Bloom Cam.

It’s been just under two weeks since blossom watch began with the first stage on Saturday, March 2, when green buds appeared.

Warm temperatures helped push the cherry blossoms from their peduncle elongation stage to puffy white in about three days.

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Peak bloom is declared when 70% of the blossoms on the Tidal Basin’s cherry trees are open. If weather conditions are good, peak bloom can last as long as 10 days.

Peak bloom usually comes two to five days after puffy white begins, according to National Park Service data.

This weekend’s cooldown could slow down peak bloom – just like it did last year. But Storm Team4 Meteorologist Amelia Draper says it’s not supposed to get cold enough to harm many of the flowers.

Most blossoms can withstand temperatures as low as 27°, Draper said.

When will the cherry blossoms reach peak bloom?

Weather will determine the timeline for peak bloom.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Doug Kammerer projected peak bloom will begin on March 24.

The National Park Service estimated projected peak bloom dates are March 23 to 26.

“Determining the dates for peak bloom is one of the great puzzles in the nation’s capital,” said Jeff Reinbold, the NPS’ superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. “Emerging from the warmest January on record, this has been a particularly puzzling year to read the trees and establish a projected date for peak bloom.”

Due to the warmer-than-average temperatures, the trees never went fully dormant, which is what the NPS uses to calculate peak bloom. In addition, the NPS’ designated “indicator tree” has been showing several different bloom phases, reflecting the wide range of temperatures we’ve been getting.

“We’re seeing the effects of both warmer and highly variable temperatures on the trees,” Reinbold said.

The cherry trees that Japan gave to the United States more than 100 years ago draw visitors from around the world.

How does Storm Team4 predict peak bloom?

The cherry trees have to complete a long journey before peak bloom, and weather plays a huge role in how quickly the flowers grow.

Cherry blossoms bloom in stages: green bud, florets visible, extension of florets, peduncle elongation and puffy white all come before the full bloom.

Last year, D.C.’s famed trees had green buds as of Feb. 23, and peak bloom was declared on March 23.

While we were running a little behind schedule, warm temperatures helped the blossoms grow.

Last year, we reached peak bloom on March 23, which is still on the early side.

The most common time for peak bloom is between the last week of March and the first week of April, according to the NPS.

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This year’s May-like temps in March are quickly pushing the Tidal Basin trees towards peak bloom. The trees reached the first phase of their blooming cycle on the first weekend of March.

The cherry blossoms go through six phases on the way to peak bloom or when 70% of the Yoshino blossoms are flowering. Storm Team4’s predicts the trees will reach peak bloom between March 21 and 26. Last year, peak bloom was March 23. 

The National Park Service is already working to address rising water and flooding. They recently announced that 159 cherry trees on the Tidal Basin and West Potomac Park will be cut down for seawall repairs.  

Here’s more on how climate change will impact peak bloom in the future:

Is the changing climate impacting peak bloom?

Yes, the changing climate is making D.C.’s cherry blossoms reach peak bloom earlier.

When did the cherry blossoms used to reach peak bloom?

From 1931 to 1960, the average peak bloom was around April 6. From 1981 to 2010, the average peak bloom was five days sooner around April 1. 

How does the changing climate impact peak bloom?

Storm Team4 looked at peak bloom dates over the last twenty years to reveal recent trends. According to historical data, peak bloom favors the last week of March. It fell on this date eight of the 20 years. 

Peak bloom has occurred even earlier in the third week of March in four of the last twenty years. 

How often has peak bloom been in April?

In the last 20 years, several peak blooms have occurred in April. The cherry blossoms reached peak bloom in the first week of April four times and the second week of April four times.

With the area warming, when will peak bloom occur in the future? 

Climate Central projects that by 2070 peak bloom could be as early as the first week of March. 

Things to Do DC Mar 14

13 key dates and can't-miss events for the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC

Cherry Blossoms Mar 12

Cherry blossom watch: DC's cherry trees reach blooming phase 4 of 6

Even though peak bloom lasted just a short time in March, the festival will bring floral fun throughout March and April.

Check out these key dates and can’t-miss events for the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

• Sign up for The Weekend Scene newsletter — we’ll deliver cherry blossom joy and fun plans for your weekend every Wednesday.

Best days to visit the cherry blossoms: peak bloom

Peak bloom is when 70% of the Yoshino cherry trees along the Tidal Basin are flowering. The National Park Service announced peak bloom on Sunday, March 17, and the blooms were starting to fade more than a week later, the National Park Service said.

Is the Tidal Basin worth visiting outside of peak bloom? Absolutely!

The National Cherry Blossom Festival has debuted the Tidal Basin Welcome Area & ANA Stage. You’ll find live performances, merchandise shopping, refreshments, kids’ activities, a pet comfort station and more.

The welcome area will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Saturday, March 23 to Sunday, April 7, the National Cherry Blossom Festival said. Performances are scheduled from noon to 6 p.m. daily. Here’s the schedule.

Cherry Blossoms Mar 13

Goodbye, Stumpy: DC's favorite little cherry tree to be removed from Tidal Basin

Things to Do DC Mar 24

Cherry blossom cocktails and bites to try this spring

Cherry Night — March 29

Put your pink on and party the night away at venues throwing cherry blossom-themed parties across D.C. Venues and party details are TBA, but most events are typically free to attend.

Bloomaroo — rescheduled to March 30

While it’s not an official Cherry Blossom Festival event, Bloomaroo is still worth checking out. The spring festival at the Wharf will feature live music and an abundance of activities including matcha tea sampling, koi kite decorating, haiku creation, flower trucks, karaoke and a balloon artist. Attendees can also look forward to cherry blossom-themed cocktails.

There are activities suited for all ages, and most of the family-friendly events will be concentrated towards the Southeastern side of the Wharf.

The festival will take place from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. — with fireworks at 8:30 p.m. — and is free to attend.

Bloomaroo was originally scheduled for March 23, but was postponed due to rain.

Blossom Kite Festival — March 30

One of the festival’s most eye-catching and fun events brings hundreds of kite flyers to the Washington Monument grounds. All are welcome, no matter the experience level or age.

The day will feature performances, activities and even kitemaking competitions for both adults and youth.

There will also be demonstrations from nationally and internationally recognized kite fliers, including Mikio Toki, a master of the traditional Edo-style kite who will be coming from Japan to showcase his work.

Attendance at the Kite Festival is free. It’s scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The rain date is March 31.

Pink in the Park — postponed

This festival in Arlington will feature music, food, art vendors and live art activations.

Artists will be creating a temporary cherry blossom and pink-themed mural park by painting sculptural walls in Met Park. The murals will stay up until April 14.

The festival was postponed and will no longer happen on March 23 due to rain. Organizers say they’re looking for a new date. Here are more details.

Petalpalooza — April 6

Enjoy a full day of live music, art and activities for free along the banks of the Anacostia River. At the Capitol Riverfront around The Yards and Navy Yard Metro, roam interactive art installations, grab a drink from a cashless beverage garden and participate in hands-on family-friendly activities. Finish off the evening at 8:30 with the Official National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks Show, which will be visible from the festival and Anacostia Park.

Credit Union Cherry Blossom 5K & 10 Mile — April 6 and 7

This event features four races: a 5K, a 10 miler, a kids run and a virtual run. Proceeds from this event will go to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. While registration is now closed for the 5K and 10 mile runs, you can still register for the kids run and the virtual run.

On Friday and Saturday, you can also stop by the Race Expo Presented by Wegmans at the National Building Museum.

Mosaic District Art Blooms — April 6 and 7

In partnership with URBNmarket and FRESHFARM, this two-day outdoor festival in Mosaic District will have fun for all ages, including 90+ vintage and handmade vendors, cherry blossom-themed arts and crafts, a farmers market and live entertainment and performances.

The festival will take place each day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade — April 13

This parade showcases floats, helium balloons, marching bands and, of course, D.C.’s cherry blossoms. Individual tickets to enter the grandstands start at $25 and East End seating starts at $40. It’s free to watch along Constitution Avenue between 9th and 15th streets.

Sakura Matsuri, Japanese Street Festival – April 13 and 14

Billed as the largest celebration of Japanese culture in the U.S., Sakura Matsuri is set to feature more than 24 hours of Japanese cultural performances ranging from J-pop, traditional music to martial arts. Highlights include Japanese food and beverages, vendors of traditional and contemporary Japanese goods and showcases of Japanese technology.

Early birds can get a one-day ticket for $10 or two-day tickets for $15 through March 31. Then, ticket prices will increase to $20-$25. Children under 12 can enter for free.

Pro tip: Get there early and be ready for lines, especially for food and drinks.

Anacostia River Festival — May 4

Celebrate the tenth annual Anacostia River Festival. The event is family-friendly and will have plenty of food, local performances and outdoor activities, including a free fishing workshop.

Past Events

Opening Ceremony — March 23

To commemorate the mayor of Tokyo giving D.C. 3,000 cherry trees in 1912, The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s signature opening ceremony will feature acclaimed artists with Japanese-American ties including singer and songwriter Naotaro Moriyama, composer and instrumentalist Kaoru Wantanabe and dancer and choreographer Jo Kanamori.

Kanamori is directing and choreographing a piece that will debut at the ceremony and be performed by the Washington Ballet.

While tickets are already sold out, the event will be livestreamed.

Sakura Sunday – March 24

Celebrate all things Japanese culture at National Harbor’s festival. Sword training, dance, storytelling and live music are just some of the performances scheduled for the main stage.

Visitors can also shop for Japanese crafts, goods and treats at the marketplace.

The festival will go from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Here are more details.

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As the National Park Service said: “It’s the #BloomWatch community’s favorite announcement: we have Peduncle Elongation – the 4th of 6 stages on the path to peak bloom.”

This means the blossoms are now two-thirds of the way toward peak bloom, just 10 days after they entered phase 1 on Saturday, March 2.

The next — and decidedly non-scientific-sounding — phase is called puffy white.

When will the cherry blossoms reach peak bloom?

Weather patterns give us clues about when the cherry blossoms will burst forth.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Doug Kammerer projected peak bloom will begin on March 24.

The National Park Service estimated projected peak bloom dates are March 23 to 26.

However, we can’t help but notice that things are going VERY fast this year.

“Determining the dates for peak bloom is one of the great puzzles in the nation’s capital,” said Jeff Reinbold, the NPS’ superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. “Emerging from the warmest January on record, this has been a particularly puzzling year to read the trees and establish a projected date for peak bloom.”

Due to the warmer-than-average temperatures, the trees never went fully dormant, which is what the NPS uses to calculate peak bloom. In addition, the NPS’ designated “indicator tree” has been showing several different bloom phases, reflecting the wide range of temperatures we’ve been getting.

Cherry Blossoms Mar 8

Warm weather pushes cherry blossoms to stage 3

Things to Do DC Mar 6

7 cherry blossom activities to try while we wait for flowers to pop

“We’re seeing the effects of both warmer and highly variable temperatures on the trees,” Reinbold said.

Peak bloom is declared when 70% of the blossoms on the Tidal Basin’s cherry trees are out. If weather conditions are good, peak bloom can last as long as 10 days.

The cherry trees that Japan gave to the United States more than 100 years ago draw visitors from around the world.

How does Storm Team4 predict peak bloom?

The cherry trees have to complete a long journey before peak bloom, and weather plays a huge role in how quickly the flowers grow.

Cherry blossoms bloom in stages: green bud, florets visible, extension of florets, peduncle elongation and puffy white all come before the full bloom.

Last year, D.C.’s famed trees had green buds as of Feb. 23, and peak bloom was declared on March 23.

While we were running a little behind schedule, Kammerer said, overall, expect a similar trend to last year.

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A post shared by NBC4 Washington (@nbcwashington)

“We’re going to be very warm in early March,” Kammerer said at the end of February. “So, we’ll get to the bud stage, and then we’ll get to the next stage fairly quickly.”

But a cooldown in mid-March could slow down peak bloom – just like it did last year. Keep an eye out for warm weather, too, which could rapidly push the blossoms into the next stage.

Last year, we reached peak bloom on March 23, which is still on the early side.

The most common time for peak bloom is between the last week of March and the first week of April, according to the NPS.

Sign up for The Weekend Scene newsletter for cherry blossom joy, fun things to do and D.C.-area culture every week.

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St. Patrick’s Day is on Sunday, March 17, 2024, meaning a weekend packed with music, green beer and Irish-style fun.

In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day is a chance to celebrate the patron saint of the Emerald Isle along with Irish pride. But St. Patrick’s Day has a long history in the United States as well. In fact, the first-ever St. Patrick’s Day parade wasn’t held in Ireland — but in Boston in 1737, according to Ireland.com.

In the Washington, D.C., area, there’s a celebration for every shade of green – including family-friendly options like Ireland at The Wharf; VA Irish Fest in Ashburn, Virginia, and a festival at Baby Cat Brewery in Kensington, Maryland.

And if you need a safe ride home, visit the SoberRide page at 11 a.m. Sunday for a $15 discount code you can use on Lyft.

Whatever shenanigans you get up to, be safe and have a great time saying “sláinte” (cheers)!

St. Patrick’s Day events in D.C.

Ireland at The Wharf
Sat., March 16, noon to 6 p.m., Southwest D.C., free entry
🔗 Details

Live music, dance performances, rugby on a big screen and, of course, A Guinness Beer Garden: The Wharf has all the ingredients for a classic St. Patrick’s Day.

The festival welcomes kids and pets. Little ones can enjoy performances, learn to play Gaelic football or try curling.

Starting at noon, you can watch Six Nations Rugby on the big screen at the Transit Pier.

Beers, wines and whiskey will be available on the District and Transit piers.

Whitlow’s DC
901 U St NW, free entry
🔗 Details

St. Patrick’s often ends up with a little Guinness on your face, but what about getting your face on a Guinness? 

Starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Whitlow’s DC is breaking out a malt printer to put your photo right on the beer’s foam. Don’t forget to take a picture before throwing back your pint!

Turtle Recall will take the stage at 9 p.m. to perform covers to get the crowd in the mood for a jig; DJ Killabeats24 will start the dance party on the rooftop.

Live music picks back up at 4 p.m. Sunday with Timmie Metz and Erich Wildeman. You’ll also find bagpipers, free raffle prizes and an Irish whiskey ice luge. The kitchen will be serving traditional Irish food until 10 p.m.

Metro (WMATA) Mar 12

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Things to Do DC Mar 14

The Weekend Scene: Basketball, beer and blooms in the DC area

Boundary Stone
Northwest D.C., free entry
🔗 Details

The Bloomingdale pub will open at 10 a.m. for St. Patrick’s Day brunch, but food specials including a full Irish breakfast will be available starting Friday. Update (Wednesday, March 13): Live music has been canceled.

Dacha
Shaw and Navy Yard, free entry

Both of the beer garden’s locations will be turning up for St. Paddy’s. Join a scavenger hunt at Dacha Navy Yard on Saturday, or get your fill of green beer at the Shaw location on Sunday.

DC Vegan
1633 P St NW, Washington, D.C.
🔗 Details

DC Vegan is putting its plant-based spin even on the most meat-heavy Irish dishes, including corned beef hash, shepherd’s pie and a classic rueben. Wash it all down with Guinness and cocktail specials. You’ll also find live music 4-6 p.m. Friday and 3-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Hank’s Oyster Bar Dupont
1624 Q Street, NW, Washington, D.C.
🔗 Details

Dixie Crystal and her friends will take the stage from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. Sunday for The Drag Brunch: St. Patrick’s Day Edition. Afterward, you can try a naughty cookie decorating station. Tickets to the drag show cost $20; the brunch menu will be available during the show. 

McClellan’s Retreat
2031 Florida Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
🔗 Details

Impress your friends with your whiskey knowledge after the Dupont bar’s Irish whiskey tasting, which costs $75. Make reservations by emailing info@mcclellansretreat.com.

metrobar
640 Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, D.C.
🔗 Details

The Wings and Whiskey Day Party with Howard University’s MOVEMAKERS on Saturday will have chicken, drinks, games and music. The party continues Sunday with a DJ, themed cocktails, beer and more. Entry to both events is free.

But metrobar has families covered, too. Their family fun party from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday will have live music and face painting. It costs $5 per family.

St. Patrick’s Day events in Maryland

Guinness Open Gate Brewery
Throughout March, Baltimore, Maryland
🔗 Details

Guinness’ Baltimore outpost is transporting you straight to Dublin all month long.

Live music every Friday, tours and special food and drink experiences make the Guinness Open Gate Brewery a fun St. Patrick’s Day-themed day trip.

The Irish Village will be coming back with themed food stalls, live entertainment and more from March 8-10 and 15-17.

Pro tip: This brewery is Guinness’ experimental arm, so try a new brew when you go.

Baby Cat Brewery
Kensington, Maryland
🔗 Details

The Kensington brewery known for its live music has a weekend of fun in store.

Kick things off with the O’McPub Band on Friday from 6-9 p.m.

On Saturday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., the brewery is throwing a family-friendly festival with live music. Kids can touch a firetruck from noon to 3 p.m., or do crafts all day.

Wind down with a Maddie Birch performance on Sunday from 3-6 p.m.

St. Patrick’s Day at Le Fantome
Sun., March 17, Riverdale, Maryland
🔗 Details

All day on Sunday, you can throw back $5 Guinesses, green beer, Irish car bombs and more at this food hall.

Quincy’s Potomac Bar and Grille
1093 Seven Locks Rd, Potomac, Maryland
🔗 Details

The bar in Potomac Woods Shopping Center has something unique on tap each day: karaoke on Friday, a sing-off on Saturday and the We Love to Paddy party on Sunday.

Specials will include $7 Guinness, $5 Jameson shots, $10 pitchers and Jell-O shots and syringes.

Basketball fans can even celebrate St. Patrick’s Day while watching Selection Sunday on more than 40 TVs, including some on a heated patio.

St. Patrick’s Day events in Virginia

VA Irish Fest
Sat., 1-8 p.m., One Loudoun in Ashburn, Virginia
🔗 Details

Promising seven hours of Irish shenanigans, One Loudoun’s festival will keep you busy with bands, DJs, a silent disco and carnival rides. Adult tickets start at $25. Kids 12 and under can go for free.

Ireland’s Four Courts
2051 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, Virginia
🔗 Details

The classic Irish bar has a week of celebrations planned including karaoke, Guinness pint “engraving” and live music.

Early risers can get into Ireland’s Four Courts starting at 8:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. You’ll find live music in the main room and a tent starting in the afternoon and lasting until the wee hours of the morning.

Clarendon Ballroom
Sat., 3 p.m. to late, 3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Virginia, free entry
🔗 Details

For a clubby, all-day, all-night Saturday party, look no further than Clarendon Ballroom. Green beer, Jell-O shots, Irish food specials, games and live performances are on tap. 

The Official Clarendon St. Patrick’s Bar Crawl
Sat, 3-10 p.m., $9-$20
🔗 Details

A ticket to this bar crawl will get you into several Clarendon bars plus drink specials including $3 domestic beer, $4 shamrock shots, $5 Guinness, $5 mixed drinks and $8 car bombs. Registration will run from 3-6 p.m. at B Live.

Murphey’s Grand Irish Pub
713 King St, Alexandria, Virginia
🔗 Details

The Old Town pub will open its doors at 9 a.m. Sunday for a day of brunch and live music. You can get your St. Paddy’s party started early with events all week.

Ned’s Irish Gastropub
2465 Centreville Road, Herndon, Virginia
🔗 Details

You can’t celebrate St. Patrick’s Day all day if you don’t start in the morning, and Ned’s will be open at 9 a.m. Sunday to fufilll your dreams of kegs and eggs. Irish dancers and live music from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. will keep you on your feet.

Bar Louie
Ashburn. Gainesville, Woodbridge
🔗 Details

Indulge in $3 drafts of green beer, $4 Jameson sidecars and $5 Guinness from Friday to Sunday at all locations.

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D.C.’s cherry trees along the Tidal Basin have reached florets extended, the NPS said Friday afternoon — the third of six stages as they move toward peak bloom later this month.

“Oh, we’re halfway there!” the NPS said in a statement on social media. “The cherry blossoms have reached florets extended, the 3rd of 6 stages.”

The blossoms reached stage one, green bud, less than a week ago on Saturday, March 2, and hit stage two, florets visible, on Tuesday.

The next stage is everyone’s favorite when it comes to joke material — peduncle elongation.

When will the cherry blossoms reach peak bloom?

Weather patterns give us clues about when the cherry blossoms will burst forth.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Doug Kammerer projects peak bloom will begin on March 24.

The National Park Service says the projected peak bloom dates are March 23 to 26.

“Determining the dates for peak bloom is one of the great puzzles in the nation’s capital,” said Jeff Reinbold, the NPS’ superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. “Emerging from the warmest January on record, this has been a particularly puzzling year to read the trees and establish a projected date for peak bloom.”

Due to the warmer-than-average temperatures, the trees never went fully dormant, which is what the NPS uses to calculate peak bloom. In addition, the NPS’ designated “indicator tree” has been showing several different bloom phases, reflecting the wide range of temperatures we’ve been getting.

Cherry Blossoms Mar 8

Warm weather pushes cherry blossoms to stage 3

Things to Do DC Mar 6

7 cherry blossom activities to try while we wait for flowers to pop

“We’re seeing the effects of both warmer and highly variable temperatures on the trees,” Reinbold said.

Peak bloom is declared when 70% of the blossoms on the Tidal Basin’s cherry trees are out. If weather conditions are good, peak bloom can last as long as 10 days.

The cherry trees that Japan gave to the United States more than 100 years ago draw visitors from around the world.

How does Storm Team4 predict peak bloom?

The cherry trees have to complete a long journey before peak bloom, and weather plays a huge role in how quickly the flowers grow.

Cherry blossoms bloom in stages: green bud, florets visible, extension of florets, peduncle elongation and puffy white all come before the full bloom.

Last year, D.C.’s famed trees had green buds as of Feb. 23, and peak bloom was called on March 23.

While we’re running a little behind schedule, Kammerer says, overall, expect a similar trend to last year.

“We’re going to be very warm in early March,” Kammerer said. “So, we’ll get to the bud stage, and then we’ll get to the next stage fairly quickly.”

But a cool-down in mid-March could slow down peak bloom – just like it did last year. Keep an eye out for warm weather, too, which could rapidly push the blossoms into the next stage.

Last year, we reached peak bloom on March 23, which is still on the early side.

The most common time for peak bloom is between the last week of March and the first week of April, according to the NPS.

Sign up for The Weekend Scene newsletter for cherry blossom joy, fun things to do and D.C.-area culture every week.

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A sprawling, seven-week arts festival featuring hundreds of artists will take over 300,000 square feet of empty office space in D.C. as the District works to draw people back downtown.

Artomatic will run from March 8 to April 28. The exhibition will feature a range of art, workshops, talks and live music. Here’s the full special events schedule. 

Local artists will be setting up their work in exhibit rooms. Kaisa Lily Art, Jen Pape Designs, Finding My Joi and Troy Paolantonio are just a few of the artists you can visit.

The festival will open and close with Risers Fest from March 9-10 and April 26-28. On opening weekend, catch dreamy pop from D.C.’s Ari Voxx, absurdist punk from The Falsies and more than a dozen other artists.

You can explore everything 2100 M Street NW has to offer for free. Hours are:

• Wednesday and Thursday: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday: noon to midnight
• Sunday: Noon to 9 p.m.
• Monday and Tuesday: Closed

Artomatic is making a comeback to the District after 15 years, according to the release.

“More and more, we are taking existing Golden Triangle spaces and finding ways to make them shine in new ways that draw people downtown,” said Leona Agouridis, president of the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District.

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

Yes, we’re still waiting for the main event – the National Cherry Blossom Festival begins on March 20 and peak bloom isn’t expected until days later – there are some ways you can begin celebrating early. 

Check on early bloomers

Okame cherry trees often produce bright pink flowers early in the season. National Harbor showed off some early buds in late February! Here’s more on their plans for cherry blossom season.

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A post shared by Brad Herson (@bcherson)

Cherry Tree Varieties, by Bloom

Source: Getty Images, Flicker
Credit: Anisa Holmes / NBC Washington

Congressional Cemetery in Southeast is known for its impressive collection of okame trees.

Another hot spot for these trees is Long Bridge Park in Alexandria, Virginia.

Casey Trees also has a map showing many of D.C.’s cherry trees — it’s color-coded by the type of tree!

LEGO Discovery Center Washington, D.C.

Hundreds of LEGO cherry trees have sprouted up around the D.C. monuments depicted in brick form at the LEGO attraction in Springfield, Virginia.

Master Model Builder Andrew Litterst used more than 9,800 LEGO bricks to build and plant the “trees” over 32 hours.

Library of Congress’ book display

For the bookworms hoping to learn more about the blossom traditions, a Library of Congress display will feature a collection of books about the cherry blossoms. The “Sakura: Icon of Spring” display will be located on the second floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, SE, Washington, D.C. The display will open on March 1 and more information can be found here.

ARTECHOUSE

The immersive art museum specializes in larger-than-life projections and interactives. On Saturday, March 9, the Southwest D.C. space debuted “ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds,” a cherry blossom-themed experience inspired by manga and anime. Timed tickets are available now; they start at $27 for adults.

Cherry blossom promenade

CityCenterDC’s Palmer Alley is decked out for cherry blossom season. Head over to snap a pic under a canopy of pink lanterns and cherry blossom decals. 

Decorate your space

The National Cherry Blossom Festival invites everyone to decorate their porch, yard, window or something else to bloom joy throughout the D.C. area. Register your decor to put your home on the Petal Porches map.

A chance to win a flight to Tokyo

The National Cherry Blossom Festival and Nippon Airways have opened sweepstakes for a chance to win a pair of round-trip tickets to Tokyo. The sweepstakes are open until March 29. For every 100 entries, the airline will plant a new cherry blossom in D.C. For more information, visit NationalCherryBlossomFestival.org.

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

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The theme of International Women’s Day 2024 is Inspire Inclusion, according to internationalwomensday.com.

“To truly include women means to openly embrace their diversity of race, age, ability, faith, body image, and how they identify,” the website says.

It’s a time to celebrate trailblazers and uplift women working for their communities. Here are some ways to do that in the D.C. area.

National Museum of Women in the Arts

The museum in Chinatown is celebrating its first International Women’s Day since it debuted a big renovation in October.

On Friday, March 8, visit for a keynote talk from art historian and artist Ferren Gipson, yoga, flash tattoos and special conversations. Some programs require registration.

The museum is generally open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult tickets are $16, but there are discounts available for D.C. residents, and entry for people under 21 is free. Wednesday, March 13 is a free community day.

Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Paris

Heiress and executive Marjorie Merriweather Post crossed the Atlantic via luxury liner to shop in Paris starting in the 1900s.

Known as one of the wealthiest women in the United States, Post’s high fashion and jewelry are now on display in her Northwest D.C. mansion-turned-museum.

The exhibit “Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Paris” includes a Cartier backgammon board, a Van Cleef & Arpels pin covered in rubies, an eye-shaped Hermès magnifying glass, an amethyst and diamond Cartier necklace and a handbag covered in pearls.

“She filled trunks and trunks with treasures from France for us to appreciate today,” said Megan Martinelli, who curated the exhibit at Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens. We went inside the exhibit. 

National Portrait Gallery

Anytime you go, make sure to visit the museum’s newest portraits of Oprah, Beyoncé, Ruth Bader Ginsberg and others.

On Saturday, March 9, the National Portrait Gallery is celebrating Women’s History Month at a free event for all ages. The Kogod Courtyard will host art activities, talks, story time, plus performances and workshops from The Washington Ballet.

Stick around for a conversation with Opal Lee, “the grandmother of Juneteenth,” and the artist who painted her portrait, Sedrick Huckaby at 3:30 p.m. It’s free, but registration is recommended.

• Go here for a full rundown of the Smithsonian’s Women’s History Month events.

“Dorothea Lange: Seeing People” at the National Gallery of Art

“During her long, prolific, and groundbreaking career, the American photographer Dorothea Lange made some of the most iconic portraits of the 20th century,” the National Gallery of Art says.

You likely are familiar with Lange’s “Migrant Mother” photo, showing a worried-looking woman with two small children in 1936.

You’ll want to see this exhibit before it ends on March 31. Free exhibition tours are offered several times a week.

Regarding Her Women’s History Month Festival

Elevating and celebrating women-owned food and drink businesses, this monthlong festival is all about connections.

You can meet some accomplished chefs and learn from them at talks, demos and classes. Every Sunday, Hank’s Oyster Bar in Alexandria will offer cooking classes covering topics from oyster shucking to drink pairing.

Regarding Her also brings together the women behind some of your favorite D.C.-area restaurants for mouthwatering collaborations.

• Take Pizzeria Paradiso and Ben’s Chili Bowl. Chef Ruth Gresser is firing up a pizza topped with all the best parts of D.C.’s most famous half-smoke.
• Preservation Biscuit Company, based in Falls Church, is partnering with a new business every week for their specials.

For more events celebrating women in food, check out Le Diplomat’s series highlighting women sommeliers and Moon Rabbit’s afternoon tea featuring acclaimed pastry chef and Jessie Sheehan, host of the popular podcast “She’s My Cherry Pie.”

Harriet Tubman Memorial Byway

The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway is a 125-mile, self-guided driving tour through the beautiful landscape Harriet Tubman once called home.

Harriet Tubman Tours offers a variety of options, or you can DIY a tour with a free map and audio guide. The News4 I-Team visited many of the historic sites, which are under threat from rising sea levels.

We highlighted some top spots in a 2017 interactive.

Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality Monument

A building that housed the National Woman’s Party for 90 years is now a monument to the fight for equality. Wednesday through Sunday during March, you can take free guided tours of the monument.

#FITDC HerStory 5K Run/Walk
Sat., registration begins 9 a.m., Freedom Plaza, free
Details

Lace up your sneakers and get moving this Saturday. If you don’t feel like running, simply walk and stroll the route that goes along Pennsylvania Avenue and across the National Mall. There’s also a kids’ dash at 9:30 a.m. The run/walk is open to anyone.

Afterward, visit the post-race festival with music, giveaways and vendors.

Black Girls Rock! Fest
Through March 9, the Kennedy Center, free
🔗 Details

As Black Girls Rock! Fest wraps up, check out Dumfries’ own Nia Dinero as she merges hip-hop and R&B on the Millennium Stage on Saturday at 6 p.m.; it’s a free show.

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Hosken is participating in The Great Cut 2024, a mass hair donation event that benefits the nonprofit Children With Hair Loss. Her donated locks will be turned into a wig and given to a child experiencing medical hair loss. 

“I love that it is going to help somebody. That it can make somebody feel better and special is amazing,” Hosken said. 

Her hair will help a child like Bella Clopton. She received a wig free of charge from Children With Hair Loss. 

“People mocking and making fun of me and also like just pointing and staring,” Clopton said about losing her hair. “It was honestly a really hard feeling to get past.”

It’s stories like Clopton’s that inspired Lindsay Barto and Chris Healy to come up with The Great Cut. An event that typically collects hundreds of pounds of hair for children’s wigs. 

“Bringing together thousands of like-minded people willing to give up something for a cause greater than themselves,” Barto said. 

Barto and Healy are also behind The Longhairs, a men’s grooming company. Their 2019 event set the Guinness world record for the largest donation of hair in 24 hours. They hope to break that record again in 2024.

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“I’m going to buzz my hair entirely. We’ve got every bit of 26 inches here,” Healy said about his long hair. 

The two host an in-person haircut in San Diego on March 16. But, people around the U.S. can cut their hair and mail it in, just like Hosken did. 

D.C. celebrity hair stylist Peggy Ioakim cut Hosken’s hair, giving her a new shoulder-length layered style.  

“I feel like she’s the celebrity here. She’s doing amazing things for special children,” Ioakim said. 

To participate, mail your hair by March 16 to The Great Cut 2024. Go here for more information. 

D.C.’s cherry trees along the Tidal Basin have reached florets visible, the National Park Service said Tuesday morning. This means the beloved trees have reached the second of six stages as they move toward peak bloom this month.

“The cherry blossoms have progressed to florets visible, the 2nd of 6 stages. Depending on the weather, peak bloom should be around 3 weeks away!” the Park Service said in a social media post.

The blossoms reached stage one, green bud, on Saturday, March 2.

When will the cherry blossoms reach peak bloom?

Weather patterns give us clues about when the cherry blossoms will burst forth.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Doug Kammerer projects peak bloom will begin on March 24.

The National Park Service says the projected peak bloom dates are March 23 to 26.

“Determining the dates for peak bloom is one of the great puzzles in the nation’s capital,” said Jeff Reinbold, the NPS’ superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. “Emerging from the warmest January on record, this has been a particularly puzzling year to read the trees and establish a projected date for peak bloom.”

Due to the warmer-than-average temperatures, the trees never went fully dormant, which is what the NPS uses to calculate peak bloom. In addition, the NPS’ designated “indicator tree” has been showing several different bloom phases, reflecting the wide range of temperatures we’ve been getting.

“We’re seeing the effects of both warmer and highly variable temperatures on the trees,” Reinbold said.

Peak bloom is declared when 70% of the blossoms on the Tidal Basin’s cherry trees are out. If weather conditions are good, peak bloom can last as long as 10 days.

The cherry trees that Japan gave to the United States more than 100 years ago draw visitors from around the world.

Cherry Blossoms Feb 29

When will DC's cherry blossoms reach peak bloom? Storm Team4 and National Park Service reveal predictions

National Cherry Blossom Festival Feb 29

Cherry blossom events to celebrate until peak bloom arrives

National Cherry Blossom Festival Feb 29

It's almost cherry blossom season. Will Stumpy bloom again this year?

How does Storm Team4 predict peak bloom?

The cherry trees have to complete a long journey before peak bloom, and weather plays a huge role in how quickly the flowers grow.

Cherry blossoms bloom in stages: green bud, florets visible, extension of florets, peduncle elongation and puffy white all come before the full bloom.

Last year, D.C.’s famed trees had green buds as of Feb. 23, and peak bloom was called on March 23.

While we’re running a little behind schedule, Kammerer says, overall, expect a similar trend to last year.

“We’re going to be very warm in early March,” Kammerer said. “So, we’ll get to the bud stage, and then we’ll get to the next stage fairly quickly.”

But a cool-down in mid-March could slow down peak bloom – just like it did last year. Keep an eye out for warm weather, too, which could rapidly push the blossoms into the next stage.

Last year, we reached peak bloom on March 23, which is still on the early side.

The most common time for peak bloom is between the last week of March and the first week of April, according to the NPS.

Sign up for The Weekend Scene newsletter for cherry blossom joy, fun things to do and D.C.-area culture every week.

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Known as one of the wealthiest women in the United States, Post’s high fashion and jewelry are now on display in her Northwest D.C. mansion-turned-museum.

The exhibit “Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Paris” includes a Cartier backgammon board, a Van Cleef & Arpels pin covered in rubies, an eye-shaped Hermès magnifying glass, an amethyst and diamond Cartier necklace and a handbag covered in pearls.

“She filled trunks and trunks with treasures from France for us to appreciate today,” said Megan Martinelli, who curated the exhibit at Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens.

“We looked for a way to transport our visitors to France … namely to Paris,” Martinelli said.

Post ordered almost 40 trunks from Louis Vuitton to hold her extensive wardrobe as she traveled, according to the estate.

Born in 1887, Post was the only child of the couple who founded the Post cereal empire. When her parents died in the 1910s, she became the company’s owner at just 27.

As a young woman, Post “was understanding not only [how] to manage her personal wealth but also manage the company,” Martinelli said.

Over the course of her life, Post was married four times, merged the cereal company with Kraft Foods, had three children and built the Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida that is now owned by ex-President Donald Trump.

Post is also known for her philanthropic initiatives. During the Great Depression, she financially supported a Salvation Army feeding station in New York. She also received the Legion of Honour from France for funding a Red Cross hospital during World War I, according to the estate.

Post died in 1973 and her D.C. estate opened to the public four years later.

Post’s favorite pieces in her collection

Post’s high-end designer goods are laid out in the Dacha, a navy blue and yellow log-style house that Post built on the property to resemble Russian architecture she admired, according to the estate.

The exhibit includes a map of Post’s favorite restaurants, hotels and shops in Paris. In her scrapbook, she wrote about some of the destinations and her purchases.

Post wrote about what is believed to be her first piece of French couture: a Gustave Beer gown purchased in 1904. The dress is included in the exhibit and is covered in silk, ribbon roses, tan-colored tulle and lace.

Visitors to the exhibit oohed and aahed at the gowns.

“Oh, I love the dresses. These are beautiful,” one visitor said as she looked at dresses from Paris made of glass beads, velvet and satin ribbons.

“This [exhibit] is also kind of a history lesson of the French couture establishments,” the visitor said.

Post’s hobbies included going to French art markets and collecting 18th-century French decorative arts and antiques to furnish her homes, Martinelli said.

Part of Post’s legacy is leaving the public with French couture, jewelry and antiques to enjoy forever, Martinelli said.

The exhibit will be open until June 16 at 4155 Linnean Ave. NW. Entrance is donation-based. Go here for more information.

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The Washington Nationals announced a discounted ticket deal exclusively for D.C. residents during the 2024 Major League Baseball season called “District Tickets.”

The tickets will be available starting at $5 for all home games at Nationals Park in D.C.’s Navy Yard neighborhood. The Nationals said the new program is a way of thanking the community for supporting the team.  

About 400 tickets are available for each home game in sections 401 & 402. The sections are located on the Gallery Level overlooking left field, according to the programs FAQ’s. 

The discounted tickets can be purchased in person at the National Park Center Field Gate box office with proof of D.C. residency. They can be bought before and on game days as available.

Baseball fans are limited to buying tickets for four games and four tickets per game.

The tickets will be available starting on Monday, March 4 at 11 a.m. The box office will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday in March.

At the end of February, the Nationals revealed a summer concert series featuring Flo Rida and Carly Rae Jepsen at select Friday baseball games. 

The team’s home opener is April 1 against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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D.C.’s cherry trees along the Tidal Basin have green buds, the National Park Service said Saturday morning. This means the beloved trees have reached the first of six stages as they move toward peak bloom this month.

“Small green buds are appearing on the Yoshino cherry trees, marking the 1st of 6 stages on the way to peak bloom,” the Park Service said in a social media post with a photo of raindrops on a branch.

When will the cherry blossoms reach peak bloom?

Weather patterns give us clues about when the cherry blossoms will burst forth.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Doug Kammerer projects peak bloom will begin on March 24.

The National Park Service says the projected peak bloom dates are March 23 to 26.

“Determining the dates for peak bloom is one of the great puzzles in the nation’s capital,” said Jeff Reinbold, the NPS’ superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. “Emerging from the warmest January on record, this has been a particularly puzzling year to read the trees and establish a projected date for peak bloom.”

Due to the warmer-than-average temperatures, the trees never went fully dormant, which is what the NPS uses to calculate peak bloom. In addition, the NPS’ designated “indicator tree” has been showing several different bloom phases, reflecting the wide range of temperatures we’ve been getting.

“We’re seeing the effects of both warmer and highly variable temperatures on the trees,” Reinbold said.

Peak bloom is declared when 70% of the blossoms on the Tidal Basin’s cherry trees are out. If weather conditions are good, peak bloom can last as long as 10 days.

The cherry trees that Japan gave to the United States more than 100 years ago draw visitors from around the world.

Cherry Blossoms Feb 29

When will DC's cherry blossoms reach peak bloom? Storm Team4 and National Park Service reveal predictions

National Cherry Blossom Festival Feb 29

Cherry blossom events to celebrate until peak bloom arrives

National Cherry Blossom Festival Feb 29

It's almost cherry blossom season. Will Stumpy bloom again this year?

How does Storm Team4 predict peak bloom?

The cherry trees have to complete a long journey before peak bloom, and weather plays a huge role in how quickly the flowers grow.

Cherry blossoms bloom in stages: green bud, florets visible, extension of florets, peduncle elongation and puffy white all come before the full bloom.

Last year, D.C.’s famed trees had green buds as of Feb. 23, and peak bloom was called on March 23.

While we’re running a little behind schedule, Kammerer says, overall, expect a similar trend to last year.

“We’re going to be very warm in early March,” Kammerer said. “So, we’ll get to the bud stage, and then we’ll get to the next stage fairly quickly.”

But a cool-down in mid-March could slow down peak bloom – just like it did last year. Keep an eye out for warm weather, too, which could rapidly push the blossoms into the next stage.

Last year, we reached peak bloom on March 23, which is still on the early side.

The most common time for peak bloom is between the last week of March and the first week of April, according to the NPS.

Sign up for The Weekend Scene newsletter for cherry blossom joy, fun things to do and D.C.-area culture every week.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has released the designs for their annual cherry blossom-themed trains, buses and commemorative SmarTrip cards.

The commemorative SmarTrip cards will feature illustrations of the Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument among the iconic cherry blossom trees.

The cards will become available March 15 and can only be purchased at select stations: Metro Center, Navy Yard, L’Enfant Plaza and Smithsonian.

WMATA said the decked-out trains and buses — which consist of illustrations of giant pink cherry blossoms against a blue background and a “bring on the blossoms” slogan — are expected to be put into service mid-March, according to the press release.

The design will be wrapped around one six-car train and three buses. Users can track the cherry blossom train and buses using WMATA’s tracker.

The National Park Service announced Thursday that it predicts peak bloom will be between March 23 and March 26.

Metro to pause track work for cherry blossom crowds

There will be no daytime or evening track from March 18 through April 19 to accommodate people traveling to see the cherry blossoms, according to a press release. On these days, construction wouldn’t start until after 10 p.m. These dates are planned around peak bloom but are subject to change if peak bloom ends up being early or late.

To help with crowd control during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, WMATA will be adding some additional trains and buses to key routes as well as additional staff.

“Cherry blossom season kicks off one of the busiest times of year for Metro,” said Metro Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer Brian Dwyer in the press release. “We are proud to be a part of the festivities and welcome all visitors to the nation’s capital to use Metro for their travels.”

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The National Park Service revealed its peak bloom prediction on Leap Day, Thursday, Feb. 29: The cherry trees will reach the ultimate phase between March 23 and March 26.

“Determining the dates for peak bloom is one of the great puzzles in the nation’s capital,” said Jeff Reinbold, the NPS’ superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is set to run from March 20 to April 14.

Storm Team4 forecasts peak bloom will occur March 24 — in the middle of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

The NPS uses long-term forecasts, historical records and the appearance of trees to predict peak bloom, Reinbold said.

“You heard it here first! We’re projecting #cherryblossom peak bloom to fall between March 23-26 this year. One of #WashingtonDC‘s most anticipated events, the gorgeous blossoming trees produce a short-lived scene of splendor,” @NationalMallNPS wrote on X.

What to Know About Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom

Peak bloom is when 70% of the Yoshino cherry trees around the Tidal Basin show open blossoms.

Weather plays a large role in determining when the cherry blossoms reach peak bloom — so keep an eye on the forecast to make your peak bloom plans!

Peak bloom typically lasts for several days.

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The cherry blossoms entered the first phase of their blooming cycle on the first weekend of March. Weather patterns give us clues about when flowers will burst forth.

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Doug Kammerer projects peak bloom will begin on March 24.

The National Park Service says the projected peak bloom dates are March 23 to 26.

“Determining the dates for peak bloom is one of the great puzzles in the nation’s capital,” said Jeff Reinbold, the NPS’ superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. “Emerging from the warmest January on record, this has been a particularly puzzling year to read the trees and establish a projected date for peak bloom.”

Due to the warmer-than-average temperatures, the trees never went fully dormant, which is what the NPS uses to calculate peak bloom. In addition, the NPS’ designated “indicator tree” has been showing several different bloom phases, reflecting the wide range of temperatures we’ve been getting.

“We’re seeing the effects of both warmer and highly variable temperatures on the trees,” Reinbold said.

Peak bloom is declared when 70% of the blossoms on the Tidal Basin’s cherry trees are out. If weather conditions are good, peak bloom can last as long as 10 days.

The cherry trees that Japan gave to the United States more than 100 years ago draw visitors from around the world.

How does Storm Team4 predict peak bloom?

The cherry trees have to complete a long journey before peak bloom, and weather plays a huge role in how quickly the flowers grow.

Cherry blossoms bloom in stages: green bud, florets visible, extension of florets, peduncle elongation and puffy white all come before the full bloom.

Last year, D.C.’s famed trees had green beds as of Feb. 23, and peak bloom was called on March 23. But we don’t have those green buds yet for 2024.

While we’re running a little behind schedule, Kammerer says, overall, expect a similar trend to last year.

“We’re going to be very warm in early March,” Kammerer said. “So, we’ll get to the bud stage, and then we’ll get to the next stage fairly quickly.”

But a cool-down in mid-March could slow down peak bloom – just like it did last year. Keep an eye out for warm weather, too, which could rapidly push the blossoms into the next stage.

Last year, we reached peak bloom on March 23, which is still on the early side.

The most common time for peak bloom is between the last week of March and the first week of April, according to the NPS.

Sign up for The Weekend Scene newsletter for cherry blossom joy, fun things to do and D.C.-area culture every week.

The stadium has been called FedExField since 1999, about two years after it was completed, according to the team. FedEx is pulling out of the naming rights agreement two years early; it wasn’t due to expire until 2026.

The Commanders have already started looking for a new partner to pay to put its name on the stadium.

“There is much to be excited about for the 2024 season, including a new naming rights partner,” a team spokesperson said in an email.

It’s another big change after years of upheaval for the Commanders, including the team’s own name change, new ownership and, more recently, the installation of a new head coach and general manager.

“We thank FedEx Corporation for its longstanding naming rights sponsorship and their work with our team and community and look forward to their continued partnership within the Commanders family,” the spokesperson said.

The news comes as lawmakers in the U.S. House prepare to vote on a bill that would give D.C. control of the old RFK Stadium site, where the commanders played for decades.

Mayor Muriel Bowser says the 99-year lease would allow the District to revamp the area and possibly lure the Commanders back to the nation’s capital. 

But the Commanders just announced a plan for major upgrades to the stadium in Prince George’s County. On Tuesday, the team detailed plans to invest $75 million in the fan experience, according to a press release.

“It’s the right thing to do,” team president Jason Wright said.

Stay with NBC Washington for more updates.

The Oceans Calling music festival released its lineup of performers for the music festival returning to the Maryland shore Sept. 27-29, 2024.

Check out the full Oceans Calling 2024 lineup here:

Rockville-born band O.A.R., who has partnered in the festival’s planning, is top-billed for Friday night — and they are scheduled to do a special set with friends. The waterfront festival ups the beachside vibes with lots of options for reggae-rock fans, including Sublime, 311 and Rebelution.

The Beach Boys, Mt. Joy, Boyz II Men, Cage the Elephant, Grouplove, Larkin Poe, The Revivalists and Barenaked Ladies are also on the lineup.

Oceans Calling is set to feature three stages of music, plus cooking demos by chefs Robert Irvine, Amanda Freitag and Marc Murphey, hosted by actor Jason Biggs.

Once festivalgoers’ music and food cravings are satisfied, they can find an adrenaline rush at the Jolly Roger at the Pier amusement park — which will be located within the festival grounds.

Tickets go on presale on Thursday, Feb. 29 at 10 a.m. General admission starts at $299.

The festival made its official debut in 2023, one year after the remnants of a hurricane forced the event to be canceled in 2022.

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The immersive, art-filled after-hours parties will be held during the second Thursdays of March, April and May in the Gallery’s East Building.

There will be light fare, gelato and beverages available for purchase at each event, according to the Gallery.

The Gallery encourages attendees to dress to impress and coordinate with the theme of the night, although there’s no official dress code.

How to get National Gallery Nights tickets

Because National Gallery Nights are so popular, you’ll have to enter a lottery to get tickets to the main event (Activities on the 4th Street Plaza during the April and May events will be open to all, the gallery said).

The lottery will open Monday the week before each event and close the following Thursday at noon. On the Friday before the event, all lottery entrants will be notified whether they won tickets or not.

You can request to reserve up to two passes.

A few in-person passes will also be up for grabs first come, first serve at 5:30 p.m. before each event.

National Gallery Nights schedule

Color Theory

Thursday, March 14
Ticket lottery opens Monday, March 4 at 10 a.m. and closes Thursday, March 7 at noon
Register online here

This multicolored celebration will pay homage to the colors of the rainbow with themed performances and activities. The night will feature Hot Club of Baltimore, DJ Lady Lavender and DJ Native Son.

Attendees can also peruse the colorful artwork in the Gallery’s “Mark Rothko: Paintings on Paper” exhibit and make their own art with the Washington Color School. Color-themed pop-up talks, a scavenger hunt and opportunities to learn about color theory round out the night.

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Flowers After Hours

Thursday, April 11
Ticket lottery opens Monday, April 1 at 10 a.m. and closes Thursday, April 4 at noon
Register online here

Celebrate the cherry blossoms with this after-hours floral extravaganza.

Attendees can see artist demonstrations and a dance performance on 4th Street Plaza, which is open to the public.

On the roof terrace, ticket winners can take in art, make wearable flower art with local artist Emily Paluska, listen to pop-up talks with emerging artists and go behind the scenes with staff of the National Gallery.

Attendees can also dance to music from DJ Rustam and take pictures with friends in front of a live flower wall.

Art Prom

Thursday, May 9
Ticket lottery opens Monday, April 29 at 10 a.m. and closes Thursday, May 2 at noon
Register online here

The Gallery encourages prom-goers to wear their “finest formal (or weird and wacky) attire,” according to their website.

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