Spring is the season for cherry blossoms throughout New York, Washington D.C., Boston and Philadelphia. By planning carefully, you can take a hanabi, or cherry blossom tour.
Stops on the Cherry Blossom Tour
Brooklyn Botanical Gardens
A lot of us Brooklyn folks go several times each year to see the cherry blossoms at “the garden”. You can check the cherry progress on this great cherry tracker. They actually have 26 species of flowering cherry all over the garden, not just the promenade.
But there is an actual festival day as well. Sakura Matsuri is April 28th and 29th from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. This year even members need a ticket (although they are free), so reserve yours right away.
Other New York Festivals
This year the Randall’s Island Park Cherry Blossom Festival is early: April 13th from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
There is also a free Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival at the Astral Fountain in Queens on April 20th from 11:00am to 1:00pm. This event features live drum performances (Taiko), a traditional Japanese chorus, a Japanese folk dance, and a tea ceremony.
Central Park offers two different cherry blossom tours on April 13th and April 18th.
The Cherry Blossom Festival Parade and Bloom Watch in Washington D.C.
Bloom Watch is the time to visit Washington D.C. to see the peak beauty of the cherry blossoms. The season started on March 20th and continued until April 14, but is currently (as of April 7th) in PEAK BLOOM. While the season is in full swing for 2018, the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade is April 13th in Washington D.C. Enjoy the parade with loved ones and bring the children for an exciting event that is appropriate for the entire family.
Philadelphia’s Festival
The Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia is on April 14th this year. In addition to all the traditional Japanese events, there will be a Prettiest Pet in Pink Parade.
Boston’s Cherry Blossom Festivals
Finish off the cherry blossom tour by visiting Boston for the Brookline Cherry Blossom Festival. The festival takes place on May 18th in the Brookline High School quad from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. It features live entertainment and family-friendly music. Proceeds from the event are donated to the high school’s Japan Exchange Program Scholarship Fund.
There is also the Japan Festival (free) on April 27 (sat) & April 28 (sun), 2019, 11am – 5pm on the Boston Common. The main draw here is a the dozens of food booths.
Of course, you can also always walk down the Charles River Esplanade.