Spring is here, and despite a cold snap over the weekend, the cherry trees around the DC area are fast approaching full bloom.
The Yoshino cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin are still on track with the National Park Service predicting they will reach their peak of bloom, meaning 70% of the blossoms will be open, between Wednesday and Saturday ( March 22-25).
Consequently, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is already underway, though the official opening ceremony isn’t until next Saturday.
Since its launch in the 1920s, the annual festival has expanded beyond DC’s borders, including Fairfax County. For those who’d rather not put up with the downtown crowds and traffic, there are plenty of events to see closer to home when you’re not out gazing at local viewing spots like Meadowlark Botanical Gardens.
celebration in the laboratory
The Children’s Science Center has “transformed” its lab at Fair Oaks Mall into a scavenger hunt with various experiments to teach children about the history and science of cherry blossoms.
Tickets are available for two-hour slots in the lab between 10 am and noon, and 2 to 4 pm from Saturday (March 25) through April 8. They are $15 each, but there is a $2 discount for registering online.
Art flourishes at Mosaic
The Mosaic District in Merrifield has partnered again with the DC festival for a two-day celebration of its own that will feature live music on two different stages, craft and farmer’s markets, and activities for the whole family, including a game corner and a “glamour”. ” carp with braided hairstyles and face paint.
We’re brimming with excitement for Art Blooms on April 1 and 2, with:
🛍️ A handmade and vintage vendor’s market from URBN Market
🧺 Fresh produce from local vendors brought to you by Fresh Farm VA
🎯 Vienna Singing Princesses fun activities
🎼 Live music on two stages pic.twitter.com/UAf3KxYxDl— Mosaic (@mosaicdistrict) March 1, 2023
For adults, some neighborhood restaurants allow alcoholic beverages outside. A full list of Sip and Stroll entrants and the festival’s schedule of performances can be found on the Mosaic District website.
A courtesy shuttle will be provided from the Dunn Loring Metro Station to the festival, which takes place from 11 am to 6 pm on April 1 and 2.
In the woods at Frying Pan Farm Park
The Fairfax County Parks Authority’s free event on April 1 is already sold out. Those who managed to snag a spot will be able to build a fairy house, help count birds and look for critters at stations along the Herndon Park Nature Trail.
flower festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival will incorporate Springfield Town Center for the first time with the inaugural Blossom Fest, taking place outside the mall’s main entrance near the Yard House and Maggiano’s from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 1.
Perhaps the most notable elements are the planting and dedication of a cherry tree at 11:30am, and a build-your-own cherry blossom station hosted by the Lego Discovery Center. Flowers made by participants from Legos will be added to a tree that will be on display when the center opens this summer.
Other activities include ballet and jazz performances, a selfie booth with an enchanted teapot, food trucks and other vendors, face painting, and balloon twisting.
Pedal With Petals
Tysons Corner Center will host this inaugural family bike ride from 8-11 am on April 2.
We have partnered with the @CherryBlossFest to bring part of the festival to Tysons! The inaugural Pedal with Petals Family Bike Ride will take place at @tiendatysons on April 2 from 8 to 11 am
For more information and to register, go to: https://t.co/llvsMuelC0 pic.twitter.com/5SoVVuznoE
— Tysons Community Alliance (@tysons_va) March 10, 2023
Registration is now open for the free ride, which will start in front of Tysons Tower and Vita Tysons Corner (7902 Tysons One Place) and circle around the mall. The Plaza will have a bike decorating station, free bike repairs, face painting, snacks, a DJ and more.
Helmets are mandatory for all cyclists. Event parking will be available, but participants are encouraged to ride the Metro to the Tysons Station.
The Tysons Community Alliance and Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling, which organized the ride, hope it will become an annual staple of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
“The Festival and Tysons Community Alliance brands are a natural match with their emphasis on community,” said TCA Interim Executive Director Rich Bradley. “A family bike ride serves to connect the community with the mobility aspirations of our urban center. We anticipate that the length of the ride will expand annually as we become aware of the future growth of the trail network planned for Tysons.”
