Connect with us

Out & About

Peak bloom season imminent for cherry blossoms

Events galore planned for D.C.’s trademark buds

Published

10 years ago

on

cherry blossoms, spring, gay news, Washington Blade

(Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

The Cherry Blossom Festival brings a flurry of activities that have something for everyone in the coming weeks.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival opening ceremony is at the Warner Theatre (513 13th St., N.W.) on Saturday, March 26 from 5-6:30 p.m. Enjoy traditional and contemporary performances that celebrate the beauty of the cherry blossoms. Performers include Japanese soprano singer Asako Tamura, comedy troupe Gamarjobat, jazz conductor Miho Hazara, the 6821 Quintet and musical duo Dois Hazuki. Admission is free but advance ticketing is required.

The National Building Museum (401 F St., N.W.) hosts a Family Day on Saturday, March 26 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Activities will include folding origami masterpieces, designing a memorial for the National Mall, building a tatebanko diorama and trying on traditional Japanese clothing. Admission is free.

The Blossom Kite Festival is located on the grounds of the Washington Monument near 17th St., N.W. and Constitution Ave. on Saturday, April 2 from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Watch kite fliers from across the country and the world give kite demonstrations and compete. Bring your own kite or make your own at the activity station. Admission is free.

The Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival is at the Southwest Waterfront (600 Water St., S.W.) on Saturday, April 9 from 1-9 p.m. Fireworks begin at 8:30 p.m. There will be a beer and cider garden, calligraphy, sailboat making, a food truck rally, face painting, T-shirt making and much more. Entry is free.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade begins on Constitution Avenue from 7th Street to 17th Street on Saturday, April 17 from 10 a.m.-noon. Performers include cast members from the musical “Jersey Boys,” R&B singer Raheem DeVaughn, “The Voice” contestant Sisaundra Lewis and pop singer Tiffany. Grandstand seating tickets are $20. Standing on the street is free.

Following the parade, the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival will be on M Street and New Jersey Ave. S.E. from 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Various performances celebrating Japanese culture will be on four stages. Admission is $8 in advance for adults and $10 afterwards and at the gate. Children 12 and under are free.

The Cherry Blast party at Carnegie Library is on Saturday, April 16 from 6 p.m.-2 a.m. There will be a dance party, sushi and saki workshops, a cosplay competition, Tokyo street food, manga vendors, anime fashion show, gaming competition and more. Certain events have separate admission prices. Tickets range from $20-25 for single events or are $75 for all. VIP admission is $125. For more information on all of the National Cherry Blossom events, visit nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

Outdoor goods store Filson (1534 14th St., N.W.) will be giving away complimentary cherry blossom seeds with every purchase through April 17. For more details, visit filson.com.

Related Topics:
Advertisement
FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM
SIGN UP FOR E-BLAST

Calendar

Calendar: July 24-30

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

4 hours ago

on

July 24, 2026

By

Friday, July 24

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts Trans Discussion Group from 7-9 p.m. via Zoom. The Trans Discussion Group is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website. 

Saturday, July 25

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host Black Lesbian Support Group at 11 a,.m. Join the DC Center and the Beta Kappa Chapter of the Beta Phi Omega Sorority for a peer-led support group devoted to the joys and challenges of being a Black Lesbian. For more details, visit the Center’s website.

Sunday, July 26

“Nellie’s DC Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Nellie’s Sports Bar. Come get served like a queen by a queen. Join Sapphire Blue, Deja Diamond and their team of amazing drag performers for the most fun you’ll have all weekend. Tickets are $58.51 and are available on Eventbrite. 

Monday, July 27

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host Queer Book Club at 6:30 p.m. This month’s selection is “Uncomfortable Labels” by Laura Kate Dale. The meeting will be held via Zoom.Email [email protected]  for details.

Tuesday, July 28

Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as bi individuals in a private setting. Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.

Wednesday, July 29

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Thursday, July 30

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245. 

Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.  

Continue Reading

Out & About

Whitman-Walker to host legal services workshop

Event held virtually and in-person at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center

Published

1 week ago

on

July 17, 2026

By

(Photo by fizkes/Bigstock)

Whitman Walker Health Center will host a legal services workshop on Tuesday, July 21 at 3 p.m. virtually and in-person at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. 

Attorneys from WWH will give an overview of the free legal services they offer and discuss recent challenges. WWH meets clients where they are to address the issues they are facing, such as:

  • Immigration relief based on LGBTQ+/HIV status
  • Public benefits, including Social Security Disability denials
  • Appealing health insurance denials of Gender Affirming Care
  • Name changes and ID Document update

Register online to attend virtually. To attend in person, no registration is required.

Continue Reading

Calendar

Calendar: July 17-23

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

1 week ago

on

July 17, 2026

By

Friday, July 17

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite. 

Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website. 

Saturday, July 18

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host “Sunday Supper on Saturday” at 2 p.m. It’s an opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and invest in something meaningful, and enjoy delicious food, genuine laughter, and conversations that spark connection and inspiration. For more details, visit the Center’s website.

LGBTQ People of Color will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ people of color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There will be all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.

Sunday, July 19

“Nellie’s DC Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Nellie’s Sports Bar. Come get served like a queen by a queen. Join Sapphire Blue, Deja Diamond and their team of amazing drag performers for the most fun you’ll have all weekend. Tickets are $58.51 and are available on Eventbrite. 

Monday, July 20

“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).

Tuesday, July 21

Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as bi individuals in a private setting. Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.

Wednesday, July 22

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Asexual and Aromantic Group will meet at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a space where people who are questioning this aspect of their identity or those who identify as asexual and/or aromantic can come together, share stories and experiences, and discuss various topics. For more details, email [email protected]. 

Thursday, July 23

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245. 

Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.  

Continue Reading

Popular