Beyond MoCo: National Harbor Celebrates Cherry Blossom Season with a Festival from March 20 to April 16

National Harbor has become a prime location for its cherry tree celebration each year. This year’s festivities take place from March 20 to April 16 with National Harbor also serving as an official participant of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. In addition to National Harbor’s waterfront views, this year’s celebration will be filled with entertainment, food and drink specials, classes and more. The annual Sakura Sunday festival, an official participating event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, will be held on Sunday, April 2 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will feature free cultural activities including Japanese inspired art, music, dance, culinary delights, and a Japanese market.

Per the press release: On April 8, in the Capital Canopy at National Harbor, Katsucon Entertainment, Inc., a Japanese entertainment and educational organization will provide an authentic Japanese tabletop experience. Games include Riichi Mahjong; Karuta card game flash cards to help teach Japanese to children ages five and older; Hanabi, a collaborative game where players have to give each other hints on the cards in order to make a firework display together (ages 10-15.) Games will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on April 8. Register Here. Also on April 8, National Harbor, the Embassy of Japan will host a film day Lu Over the Wall and MIRAI.The films will be shown on National Harbor’s waterfront screen (150 National Plaza) starting at 2 p.m.

Restaurants throughout National Harbor will celebrate with food specials and will join National Harbor hotels and retailers in having a variety of special offers and displays. MGM National Harbor has its beautiful conservatory installation that includes cherry blossoms.

National Harbor also celebrates National Cocktail Day and cherry blossoms on March 24 with a special CocktailPro Competition. Top bartenders/mixologists from National Harbor restaurants, bars and hotels will compete for a $1000 prize and attendees will decide the winner. Tickets are $75 per person and include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Change4Good. To purchase tickets, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-harbor-cocktailpro-competition-tickets-565654877967. Attendees must be at least 21 years of age.

One noteworthy seasonal package is Spring it On at the Gaylord National Resort. The package includes overnight accommodations, a springtime cookie decorating kit for two and one Spring-A-Long Scavenger Hunt book. Bookings start at $339.

During the month, National Harbor will light up every night as The Capital Wheel and lights throughout the property turn pink in honor of the celebration. A special Tickled Pinkpackage includes two tickets to The Capital Wheel and two beverages, plus a photo—all for $40. For more information on National Harbor and cherry blossom activities and offerings, go to: https://www.nationalharbor.com/cherryblossom/. Events and activities will be added to the schedule as they’re confirmed.