Cherry Blossom Festival Parking in DC 2020

Last Updated on: February 19th, 2020
Parking Tips
cherry blossom festival parking, washington dc parking

Nothing says the beginning of spring like The National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC! This spring celebration all came about thanks to a generous gift from the mayor of Tokyo, when he gifted the city of Washington, DC with 3,000 cherry trees in 1912. The National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates this gift and the lasting friendship between the United States and Japan. Each year, the Cherry Blossom Festival draws well over a million people to Washington, DC. Here’s what you need to know heading into this year’s celebrations and how you can plan ahead with Cherry Blossom Festival parking.

DC Cherry Blossom Forecast 2020

The National Park Service anticipates peak bloom in the last week of March or first week of April depending on the weather. Right now, it’s too early to tell, as peak bloom is almost impossible to forecast more than 10 days in advance. “Peak bloom” refers to the point when 70% of the cherry blossoms surrounding the Tidal Basin bloom. You can find more information the peak bloom forecast on the official website of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

If you’re driving or parking at the National Cherry Blossom Festival, you’ll definitely want to plan ahead and reserve parking in advance. Here are your best bets for parking near top viewing spots and Cherry Blossom Festival events:

Tidal Basin Parking

The Tidal Basin is the main viewing area for cherry blossoms, with over 1,700 cherry trees surrounding the basin. Given how popular this spot is, parking can be a challenge, especially during peak bloom days. Be sure to plan ahead and reserve your spot today. Here are our top recommendations for Tidal Basin parking (adjust to your preferred date and time):

Tip: Save money by going on a weekday!

You can search and book other parking options near the Tidal Basin here.

National Mall Parking

The National Mall is another popular viewing spot for cherry blossoms. Parking near the National Mall is a bit easier than the Tidal Basin during this busy time, but we’d still recommend planning ahead to reserve your parking spot. Here are our top recommendations for National Mall parking (adjust to your preferred date and time):

You can find more options for National Mall parking here.

2020 Cherry Blossom Festival Parking

If you’re heading to any of the festival events, find all of the details below, including our recommendations for Cherry Blossom Festival parking.

Pink Tie Party

About: The annual Pink Tie Party is a fundraiser benefiting the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Date & Time: March 20, 2020, 7 pm-11 pm

Location: Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave.

Cost: $225 general admission; $100 budding partygoer (ages 21-30) – Purchase tickets here

Parking: Reserve Pink Tie Party parking here

Opening Ceremony Parking

About: Kick-off the 2020 National Cherry Blossom Festival and watch world-renowned performers in this celebration of the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States. For a full line-up of performers, check out the official Cherry Blossoms Festival page.

Date & Time: March 21, 2020, 5 pm-6:30 pm

Location: Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW

Cost: Free – advance ticketing required. There will be a $5.15 registration fee when tickets are claimed – reserve tickets here

Parking: Reserve Opening Ceremony parking here

Blossom Kite Festival Parking

About: The annual Blossom Kite Festival features a variety of competitions and demonstrations from kite makers and fliers from across the US and other countries, plus Rokkaku Battles and the Hot Tricks Showdown. Bring your own kite or make a kite at an activity station (while supplies last) to fly on the Public Field.

Date & Time: March 28, 2020, 10 am-4:30 pm

Location: Grounds of the Washington Monument near Near 15th St and Constitution Ave, NW

Cost: Free

Parking: Reserve parking near the Blossom Kite Festival here

Petalpalooza Parking

About: This year’s Petalpoalooza is held at the Yards Park in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood and transforms into a one-day-only springtime spectacle. Enjoy a full day of live music, a beer garden, fireworks, and fun activities for the whole family.

Date & Time: April 11, 2020, 1 pm-9 pm

Location: The Yards Park, 355 Water St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Cost: Free

Parking: Reserve parking near the Yards Park

Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run & 5K Run-Walk Parking

About: The Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run and 5K Run-Walk are premier road races for runners kicking off the spring running season. Proceeds from the event support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Click here for more information on the race.

Date & Time: April 5, 2020 at 7:30 am (10-miler) and 9 am (5K Run-Walk)

Location: Washington Monument Grounds

You can find the 10-mile course map here and the 5K course map here.

Entry: $48 10-mile entry; $38 5K entry; free to spectators

Parking: Reserve parking near the start line here

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade Parking

About: The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade is one of DC’s largest spectator events. From the National Archives to the Washington Monument, the 10-block long parade features giant colorful helium balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country, and celebrity entertainers.

Date & Time: April 4, 2020, 10 am-12 pm

Location: Constitution Ave, from 7th to 17th streets, NW

Cost: Grandstand seating starts at $20 – purchase tickets here. Standing along the parade route is FREE, along Constitution Ave, between 9th and 15th streets, NW. Arrive early for the best views.

Parking: Reserve National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade parking here