The annual Cherry Blossom Festival is finally here, the National Park Services has predicted this year’s peak bloom: April 8 through April 12. 

This year’s festival will be featuring dozens of events. Her Campus American has selected the ones that are wallet-friendly and fun, which would be perfect for you and your friends to attend. But you can always view the full events calendar here. Here are the ones that are the signature events, which means…you MUST go. 

Tidal Basin Paddle Boats

Time:  March 20 through April 13 10 AM – 5 PM

Location: Tidal Basin Boathouse – 1501 Maine Avenue, SW Cost: $14 per hour for 2-passenger boats$22 per hour for 4-passenger boats

Blossom Kite Festival

Time: March 29 10 AM – 4:30 PM

Location: Washington Monument groundsCost: FREE

Cherry Blossom Yoga

Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival

Time: April 5 1 PM – 9 PM (Fireworks start at 8:30 PM) RAIN OR SHINE

Location: Southwest Waterfront – 600-900 Water Street, SW

Cost: FREE

This is a must-go event, you will be able to enjoy eight hours of free music and beautiful view. Four different places on the waterfront will feature live bands, family-involved activities and vendors. Click here for detail schedule.

Firework starts at 8:30 PM

Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival

Time: April 12 10:30 AM – 6 PMLocation: 12th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Cost: $10, $8 for a limited time when purchased here.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade presented by Events DC

Time: 10 AM – 12 PMLocation: Constitution Avenue – From 7th to 17th Streets, NW Cost: Starting at $20 for grandstand seating. Standing along the parade route from Constitution Avenue between 9th and 15th streets, NW is FREE and open to the public. Arrive early for the best views.Tickets: Purchase Grandstand seats here.

Photo Credits:

http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/ and United States Department of Agriculture