Join us this Saturday, April 11 for DC’s most beloved National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® from 11 AM – 1:30 PM.
Presented by Events DC, experience the high-energy spectacle featuring giant balloons, show-stopping floats, marching bands, and can’t-miss performances!
Here are just a few reasons to immerse yourself in the experience:
• Whimsical helium balloons and dazzling floats will take over the route, with debut appearances from The Lorax, Daniel Tiger, and others, paired with iconic Festival favorites.
• A star-studded lineup of live performances will bring the energy, featuring Club Nouveau, David Archuleta, Gabby Samone, Betty Maxwell, Sarah Potenza, Anastacia McCleskey, The Spinners, Anita Ward, and more.
• Top marching bands from across the country will fill every block with rhythm, movement, and unmistakable Parade-day energy.
• Unforgettable street performances and surprises (lots of them) will unfold throughout the route, delighting you with moments you’ll want to brag about.
Purchase Grandstand tickets for seating near the Archives or the Ellipse, or you can stand along the route and watch for FREE between 9th and 15th Streets on Constitution Avenue.
How to Get to the Parade
Book convenient and affordable parking in advance through SpotHero, the nation’s leading parking reservations app. To reserve your parking spot for the National Cherry Blossom Parade, visit the National Cherry Blossom Parade SpotHero Parking Page.
Lime is the micromobility partner of the Festival. Attendees can skip traffic by finding a Lime vehicle throughout the DC area and ride using the Lime app.
The closest Metro stations include Archives-Navy Memorial, Federal Triangle, Metro Center, Smithsonian, and L’Enfant Plaza. Plan your trip online.
Good to Know
There will be street closures around the Parade route for both the Parade and Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival. Please add extra travel time in case of unexpected delays and/or closures.
Merchandise tents are located at 9th, 12th and 15th Streets at Constitution to purchase your 2026 Festival collectibles.
Food and beverage options are limited near the Parade area, so you may wish to pack snacks and drinks.
If You Can’t Join In Person
Watch the livestream on the Festival’s YouTube channel. You can also watch the broadcast on 7 News on Saturday, April 19 at 11:30 AM or Sunday, April 20 at 6:00 PM on WJLA 24/7.
Visit NationalCherryBlossomFestival.org for more information.
