National Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, DC. As the Festival’s signature event, the ceremony celebrates the historic 1912 gift of cherry blossom trees from Tokyo to Washington, DC, honoring the enduring friendship between Japan and the United States. This one-time-only performance will feature acclaimed artists with ties to both countries, highlighting the beauty and diversity of Japanese arts. The evening includes traditional sword dances by Futago Onikenbai, pop music by award-winning singer Ayaka Hirahara, and contemporary dance choreographed by Takehiro Ueyama. The Opening Ceremony is co-presented with The Japan Foundation, with The Daughters of the American Revolution serving as Host Sponsor and additional support from sponsors including Daiichi Sankyo, JCAW, Japan National Tourism Organization, Toyota Motor North America, MUFG Bank, and others, with media partnership from 7News & 24/7 News WJLA. Click HERE to grab your tickets.