Bloom, baby bloom! It's BACK: The annual National Cherry Blossom Festival is a beloved annual tradition in Washington, D.C. to commemorate the gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Tokyo to the United States in 1912. However, the festival's fun has expanded beyond the National Mall to be celebrated throughout the entire DC metropolitan region - including in Fairfax County, Virginia. Each year, locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy a wide range of activities, including cultural performances, food vendors, educational programming, and stunning blossom displays. Here's how to experience the beauty of the blooms in all their glory right here in Fairfax County.
Photo Courtesy Children's Science Center via Facebook
Join the Children’s Science Center Lab to explore the chemistry at work behind the petal and witness how capillary action can help flowers become acid-base indicators. Other activities include creating flower origami and learning the science and history of cherry blossoms while embarking on a scavenger hunt throughout the entire Lab.
Photo credit: Katie Dance
Welcome spring with a weekend of fun-filled family activities! In partnership with URBNmarket and FRESHFARM, the Art Blooms festival at Mosaic District hosts over 90+ handmade and vintage vendors, special performances, selfie stations, and more. The event is free to attend and a complimentary shuttle service is available from the Dunn Loring Metro Station.
Hot Tip: If you love supporting small businesses and shopping with local vendors, be sure to visit Mosaic District every Sunday from 10am - 2pm (Jan-March) or 9am - 2pm (April-Dec) for the FRESHFARM Farmers Market.
Experience the stunning transformations of spring on the nature trails at Frying Pan Farm Park during their Into the Woods event. Visit stations peppered throughout the trail to build a fairy house, help tally migratory and year-round resident birds, and search for critters in the soil and water. Also, enjoy traditional Japanese teas at the historic Frying Pan Meeting House.
Join Springfield Town Center for their inaugural Blossom Fest on Saturday, April 8 from 11 AM – 5 PM in the parking lot outside of the Main Entrance near Restaurant Row (Near Yard House & Maggiano's). This family-friendly event allows you to stroll through the dozens of fun exhibitors outdoors at your leisure while enjoying various spring activities including a Build-Your-Own-Blossom with LEGO Discovery Center (opening this summer!), live music, entertainment, and kid’s activities.
Spring has sprung, and the Spring Garden Market at Historic River Farm is in full bloom! With row after row of colorful flowers, fragrant herbs, and freshly-picked produce, this market is a gardener's paradise. From dainty daffodils to veggie seedlings, there's something for everyone's green thumb. Plus, you'll find garden-themed art, books, tools, and accessories. So put on your sun hat, grab a basket, and head on down to the Spring Garden Market for a day of fun in the sun! Who knows, you might just leave with a new addition to your garden.
If you're looking for more National Cherry Blossom Festival events in and around Fairfax County, be sure to check out our official guide which has more events in the region. Happy petal peeping!
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7p8TVmmWcp51kr627xminqKukZLK3sc2tqmacpae2r7OMrZ%2BeZZOdsrO%2B2GaZpaejqLyuecWeqq2hppa5cA%3D%3D