Out & About
Peak bloom season imminent for cherry blossoms
Events galore planned for D.C.’s trademark buds

(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.
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.
Out & About
Plan your wedding the LGBTQ way
Washington D.C. LGBTQ+ Wedding Expo scheduled for Sunday
Rainbow Wedding Network will host “Washington D.C. LGBTQ+ Wedding Expo” on Sunday, March 1 at 12:30 p.m.
Guests can meet and mingle with a curated selection of LGBTQ-welcoming wedding professionals from across the region, each ready to help bring your vision to life, and spend a beautiful afternoon exploring everything they need to create a celebration that reflects them.
There will be a relaxed, self-guided look at the Watergate’s spaces and amenities, savor signature cocktails and delicious tasting samples, and connect with other couples who are on the same journey.
Visit Eventbrite to reserve a spot.
Friday, February 27
Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga and Drag Bingo will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour Meetup” at 7 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant. 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 Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This 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, email [email protected].
Saturday, February 28
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 Center for the LGBT Community will host “Sunday Supper on Saturday” at 2 p.m. It’s more than just an event; 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.
Black Lesbian Support Group will be at 1 p.m. on Zoom. This is a peer-led support group devoted to the joys and challenges of being a Black lesbian. You do not need to be a member of the Beta Kappa Chapter or the Beta Phi Omega Sorority in order to join, but they do ask that you either identify as a lesbian or are questioning that aspect of your identity.Send an email to [email protected] to receive the zoom link.
Sunday, March 1
LGBTQ+ Community Coffee and Conversation will be at 12 p.m. at As You Are. This event is for people looking to make more friends and meaningful connections in the LGBTQ community. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, March 2
“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, March 3
Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, March 4
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 www.thedccenter.org/careers.
Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. There will be discussion, activities, and a chance for guests to share what they want future events to include. For more information, email [email protected].
Thursday, March 5
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. 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, breathwork 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.
Sweat DC is officially expanding to Shaw, opening a new location at 1818 7th St., N.W., on Saturday, March 28 — and they’re kicking things off with a high-energy, community-first launch event.
To celebrate, Sweat DC is hosting Sweat Fest, a free community workout and social on Saturday, March 14, at 10 a.m. at the historic Howard Theatre. The event features a group fitness class, live DJ, local food and wellness partners, and a mission-driven partnership with the Open Goal Project, which works to expand access to youth soccer for players from marginalized communities.
For more details, visit Sweat DC’s website and reserve a spot on Eventbrite.
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