The National Cherry Blossom Festival

Spring is here and the famed DC cherry blossoms are in full bloom. If you've never flocked to the city to appreciate their beauty, this weekend is a great time to do so. With so many events culminating in the celebration of the cherry blossom tradition, there will be beauty, romance and magic in the air:

• Friday, April 8, noon to 8 p.m.: Woodrow Wilson Plaza at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center will be full of vibrant musical performances. Featured performers include Chuck Brown, Llyod Dobbler Effect and Christylez Bacon. 
• Friday, April 8, at 7:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.: Monuments by Moonlight River Cruises will depart the Washington Marina and cruise the Potomac River, where you will see the monuments and landmarks of Washington, DC, cast in a new light--moonlight. Tickets: www.dc-cruises.com
• Saturday, April 9, 10 a.m. to noon: The highly anticipated National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade runs along Constitution Avenue. Floats, balloons, marching bands and performers put on a show that only comes around once a year. For grandstand seating tickets: www.ticketmaster.com. Standing room is free along parade route.
• Saturday, April 9, noon to 6 p.m.: Sakura Matsuri, Japanese Street Festival at 12th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. This Japanese Festival, which is the largest in the United States, features food, arts and culture, merchandise and live performances include music and martial arts.

For more information on weekend Cherry Blossom Festival events visit www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.com. 

[Editor's Note: A federal government shutdown, if one occurs, could impact events, so check the festival Web site before heading out.]