Centennial Cherry Blossom Festival Offers Myriad Of Activity

The 100th anniversary of the National Cherry Blossom Festival will bring many special activities to its home, Washington, D.C., and other places across the United States.

Here is a round-up of some of the best events, many of them free:

•A kick-off “Pink Tie Party” will raise funds for the festival, a not-for-profit organization. This will be the evening of Tuesday, March 20, at the Mayflower Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel, and be hosted by renowned chefs Jose Andres and Roy Yamaguchi; tickets are $200.

•The National Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony will take place March 25 at 5 p.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, with entertainment by Grammy-nominated performer Sara Bareilles, Japanese R&B recording artist MISIA, mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves-Montgomery, the Washington Ballet and others. The free event requires advanced ticketing; although all available tickets have been reserved, there could be returns.

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