Ever since Japan gifted over 3,000 cherry trees to DC in 1912 as a gesture of friendship, the DMV area has been known for the fluffy, fleeting, pink and white blooms. Now, more than a century later, well over a million people enjoy the blossoms each year at the area’s many cherry blossom festivals. And if you’re a pet owner with a pooch who loves to be included on family outings, you might be wondering, “what are the top dog-friendly cherry blossom events in DC?” You’re in luck – you’re about to read about five of the best that the area has to offer!
DC is a city that loves its dogs, so dog-friendly cherry blossom events are plentiful. Just follow the requirements and recommendations to keep your dog on leash, bring plenty of water and snacks, and make sure your dog is well-socialized, and you’re about to have an unforgettable springtime experience!
National Cherry Blossom Festival
Spanning mid-March to mid-April each spring, the National Cherry Blossom Festival draws in huge crowds to enjoy the fluffy pink and white blossoms blanketing Washington, DC. And good news for dog lovers – the festival is officially pet-friendly! Each year, they partner with Mars Petcare to offer pet amenities like shade, water, and waste bags throughout the festival.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the world’s largest spring festivals, welcoming an average of 1.6 million visitors each year. It’s a busy place, so for that reason, it’s important to make sure that your pup is prepared for lots of people, sights, sounds, and smells. Canines who are comfortable with other people and dogs usually enjoy the experience the most, and all dogs are required to remain on a leash at all times.
In 2025, the festival runs March 20-April 13. There’s a huge number of events that happen throughout the city, including blossom-centric experiences such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade; Japanese cultural sharing like the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival, Sakura Taiko Fest, and The Art of Kimono; art and music like Mosaic District Art Blooms or Jazz and Blossoms; and plenty of food and drink, including Afternoon Tea in the Park and the Spring Sake Festival. Dogs are welcome at most outdoor festival events, and most of the events are free!
Blossom Kite Festival
Held in conjunction with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the Blossom Kite Festival is a fun, unique way to welcome in spring with your pup! Dogs are invited to join their people as they take in the sight of thousands of brightly-colored kites soaring overhead at the Washington Monument Grounds. Well-stocked pet comfort stations and lots to look at and do makes this one of the best dog-friendly cherry blossom events in DC!
The Blossom Kite Festival draws kite makers and fliers from across the country, who come to participate in flying and crafting competitions. Attendees can watch these skilled fliers duke it out in the skies, do eye-popping aerial tricks, and craft impressive flying machines. The festival is divided into a Competition and Demonstration Field that hosts the adult battles and competitions, and a Family Field Stage where live music and kids’ activities are offered. Although furry family members are welcome, they’re requested to stay on a leash to avoid the temptation of chasing down those high-flying kites!
The 2025 Blossom Kite Festival will be held on Saturday, March 29. Since parking is limited near the monuments, especially during the Cherry Blossom Festival, you may want to consider parking further away and either walking or taking the metro. Keep in mind, however, that dogs must be inside a secure container to ride the train (service dogs are exempt).
Petalpalooza
The banks of the Anacostia River is where you’ll find Petalpalooza, the annual dog-friendly and family-friendly springtime event celebrating the season in Navy Yard! Your canine companion is welcome to join you as you explore this day-long event, and it even features an on-site pet comfort station where your doggo can rest, rehydrate, and relax in the shade.
You’ll find events for all ages at Petalpalooza, including live music, cocktail bars and beer gardens, interactive art, and food and beverages. Plus, there’s a Petal Walk with an Insta-worthy photo frame, a silent disco and yard games, and the day ends with the official National Cherry Blossom Festival fireworks, set to musical accompaniment. Everywhere you look, you’ll find the rosy hues of the season and plenty for you and your pup to see, explore, and do.
Come down to Navy Yard on Saturday, April 5, for the 2025 Petalpalooza. Since parking is limited, plan ahead by reserving a spot on the Petalpalooza SpotHero page, or consider riding the metro. This is one of the best dog-friendly cherry blossom activities in Navy Yard, and you won’t want to miss it!
Spring Cherry Blossom Pet Portraits
To make memories (and mementos!) that will last a lifetime, check out the Spring Cherry Blossom Pet Portraits at Congressional Cemetery. This dog-friendly cherry blossom event is specifically for our furry friends, and provides professional portraits of your pooch taken against the gorgeous backdrop of spring cherry blossoms.
Immediately following the Cherry Blossom 5k, this very special portrait session is organized to help you preserve lasting memories of your pooch. Choose between family-style or solo dog portraits, and be sure to come dressed in your spring finery! All friendly, well-socialized dogs are welcome to attend, and are simply requested to stay on a leash.
The 2025 Spring Cherry Blossom Pet Portraits will be held Sunday, April 13, 12-5 pm, and tickets can be purchased here. If you’re local to the area, you could also consider joining Congressional Cemetery’s K9 Corps, which allows dog owners to walk their pups off-leash in this beautiful, 35-acre cemetery. K9 Corps members play a vital role at the cemetery, providing assistance with spring and fall cleanup efforts, offering de facto cemetery patrol, and enjoying annual dog events, including the Cherry Blossom Pet Portraits.
Bloomaroo
Southwest DC just can’t get enough of the spring cherry blossoms, so if you can’t make it to Navy Yard’s Petalpalooza, check out the Wharf’s Bloomaroo! If you’re looking for a dog-friendly, kid-friendly cherry blossom event in DC, you’re in the right place. Dogs are allowed in outdoor spaces throughout the festival, and you’ll find plenty of outdoor activities to keep the whole family busy, human and canine alike.
Listen to live music at any of the three stages, interact with the arts by getting your face painted, doing kids’ blossom-themed crafts, or watching cherry blossom-themed dance performances, and experience the culture of Japan at the haiku station. You can also sample cherry blossom drinks and bites from the restaurants lining The Wharf, and then finish out the day by enjoying blossom-themed fireworks at dusk (if your pup is feeling it!).
In 2025, Bloomaroo will be held 4-8 pm on Saturday, March 29. Parking is limited and attendees are recommended to utilize the metro. However, if you need to drive, on- and off-site parking garages are available and you can check their capacities and locations here and here.
