New England has leaf peepers in the fall, but D.C. has blossom peepers in the spring.
But this year, many of the events surrounding the National Cherry Blossom Festival have been canceled.
Due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, D.C. has declared a state of emergency and a public health emergency on Wednesday, March 11. The D.C. Health Department also recommended the postponement or cancellation of non-essential large gatherings happening through March 31.
In the wake of the city’s announcement, the National Cherry Blossom Festival announced several changes to its schedule.
The cherry blossom parade, set for April 11, has been canceled.
The festival’s opening ceremony on Saturday, March 21 will not take place at the Warner Theatre as planned. Organizers are looking at options, including livestreaming.
The Blossom Kite Festival, which was scheduled to take place on the National Mall on March 28 has been canceled.
The Sakura Matsuri-Japanese Street festival has been postponed.
The Anacostia River Festival, set for April 5, has been rescheduled for Aug. 9. You can take out a canoe, ride a bike in the bike parade, play lawn games and do other fun things. The free event takes place at Anacostia Park on Anacostia Drive and Good Hope Road SE.
Petalpalooza on Saturday, April 11 has been canceled.
