April 4, 2026: Petalpalooza at the Capitol Riverfront from 1pm - 9pm. Official National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks show set to music starting at 8:30pm. This celebration is an all-day event that brings art, music, and play to multiple outdoor stages, interactive art installations, a cashless beverage garden, family-friendly hands-on activities, entertainers roaming about, and much more. This event is FREE and fun for all ages.
April 11, 2026: The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in Washington, DC is held from 11am - 1:30pm. This annual parade celebrates the blooming of the cherry blossom trees and features floats, marching bands, and cultural performances. This event is a highlight of the festival, drawing thousands of spectators and participants from around the world.
April 11-12, 2026: The National Cherry Blossom Festival's Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival will take place at the Washington, DC's Penn Quarter from 10am - 6pm. This festival features traditional Japanese performances, food vendors, cultural demonstrations, and family-friendly activities.
April 17-19, 2026: The Bay Bridge Boat Show at Safe Harbor Narrows Point is set to return April 17 to 19, for its second year at the Kent Narrows location. Bringing expanded exhibits, on-water experiences, and waterfront attractions, the show marks the start of the Chesapeake boating season.
April 24-26, 2026: The Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show returns April 24-26 to City Dock, featuring over 30 sailboats in the water, including both monohulls and multihulls. The lineup represents the second largest annual in-water display of sailboats in the country, surpassing the number of sailboats exhibited at the Miami show earlier this year.
June 14-16: Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Clipper 2025-26 Race Stopover at The Wharf DC which will once again be a host port.
June 25 - July 10: Great American State Fair The Great American State Fair on the National Mall will be one of the most boldest and biggest situated on the National Mall with pavilions representing all 50 states and US territories.
July 4: Salute to America: The Nation’s 250th Birthday Fireworks Celebration The pinnacle of Freedom 250’s year-long festivities is a massive Independence Day event on the National Mall in Washington, DC. This celebration is expected to feature live performances from top artists, a grand fireworks display, and a reenactment of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.