The 2021 National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC, will feature a combination of virtual and outdoor activities March 20-April 11. The new format “honors the tradition of the Festival, while prioritizing the health and safety of participants amidst the coronavirus pandemic,” according to a statement on the festival’s website.

This year’s festival starts Saturday, March 20, with a virtual ceremony of performances from Japan and Washington, DC. Art in Bloom starts the same day in the city. Search for the 25 giant cherry blossom sculptures by local and national artists and interact with them for a chance to win prizes.

Starting Monday, March 22, watch virtual kite demos and take kite-making classes. Build your own kite. Then fly it in your backyard on Saturday and Sunday, March 27 and 28, and share photos or videos of the fun on social media.

On Saturday, March 27, dress up for the virtual Pink Tie Party, the festival’s annual fundraiser. And don’t miss the National Cherry Blossom Festival Celebration Show, which debuts online Friday, April 10. This one-hour “love letter” to blossoms features music and dance designed for the entire family to enjoy.

DC residents can join the celebration in the Petal Porch Parade. Decorate your yard, window, and/or porch in a cherry blossom, pink, or spring theme. Register by March 15 to have your home included in the Petal Porch procession on Saturday-Sunday, April 10-11.

A virtual map of all of the homes registered for the Petal Porch Parade will be posted to the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s website for the public to tour the neighborhoods throughout the festival.

Local business will also decorate their windows.

Get views of the trees from the Blossom Cam, take virtual tours of the Tidal Basin, and look for other virtual tours that will highlight the blooming trees.

Details of all of the activities are still being finalized. Check for updates at nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/event-updates.