NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL PARADE® RETURNS APRIL 11 TO WELCOME SPRING

NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL PARADE® RETURNS APRIL 11 TO WELCOME SPRING 

Parade features nationally renowned entertainers, high school marching bands, vibrant floats and giant helium balloons


The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s Parade® presented by Events DC, returns to Constitution Ave. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with a lineup of vibrant floats, giant helium balloons and lively performances.

The Parade, one of DC’s largest spectator events, runs along the iconic Constitution Ave. between 7th and 17th Streets, spanning a little over one mile. This signature event of the Festival is free to view along the route on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited Grandstand tickets for individuals are available for purchase.

The Parade will feature performances from David Archuleta, chart-topping pop vocalist; Raheem DeVaughn, Grammy Award-winning artist; the cast of “The Wiz” from Broadway at the National; Club Nouveau, award-winning R&B vocal group, who will perform their hit single “Lean on Me”; Anastacia McCleskey, Broadway and gospel recording artist; the National Children’s Chorus; Sarah Potenza, “The Voice” finalist; Gabby Samone, “American Idol” finalist; The Spinners, legendary Motown recording artists; Betty Maxell, Miss America 2016; and Anita Ward, chart-topping vocalist.


In addition, giant helium balloons, both new and fan favorites, will soar above the parade route. They include The Lorax, Daniel Tiger, Peppa Pig, and Ray from “Good Morning America.” The Parade will also feature several floats, including one featuring the 2026 Official Artwork created by Tim Yanke; a float featuring murals created by students across DC as part of the Student Art Showcase, presented by Amazon; and a float from Presenting Sponsor, Events DC celebrating the city’s global connections. This year’s Grand Marshal is the 2026 Official Artist, Tim Yanke, an artist with Park West Gallery, one of the world’s largest art dealers.

“Events DC is honored to sponsor the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, a highlight of spring celebrations across the nation,” said Angie M. Gates, President and CEO of Events DC. “Events DC’s parade float celebrates Passport DC, our month-long initiative providing residents and visitors with a glimpse into the District's vibrant international community. Together, the parade and Passport DC showcase Washington, D.C. as a world-class, family-friendly destination for everyone.”

In addition, performers, dancers, and marching bands from across the country will march to bring color, joy, and music down Constitution Avenue.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® will be televised in Washington, D.C., with a one-hour broadcast on 7News-WJLA at 11 a.m. on April 11. Live coverage from the Parade route will be provided by Hanna Battah and Sophie Flay of ABC’s World News Now alongside Adrianna Hopkins and Adam Longo of 7News, with Emmy Award-winning TV personality Carson Kressley and 7News’ Megan Clarke for on-the-street commentary. At the west end of the Parade route, announcers Toby and Chilli of WASH-FM will keep the party going.

Viewers can also watch the Parade live on the Festival’s YouTube page and WJLA.com. The parade will be televised in Washington, DC, and will be able to be viewed nationally from April 18 to June 30, 2026. Watch the local one-hour broadcasts on Saturday, April 18, on 7News-WJLA from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and on Sunday, April 19, on WJLA 24/7 from 6 – 7 p.m. Viewers in other areas can check local listings for showings of the Parade.

Events DC serves as the Presenting Sponsor of the Parade, with Segment Sponsors: ANA, All Nippon Airways; Reagan National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport;

Sponsors: Amazon, Daughters of the American Revolution, Dunkin’, Park West Gallery, Marriott Bonvoy, Clyde’s Restaurant Group, Lexus, Daiichi Sankyo, DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID), M&T Bank, Giant Food, University of the District of Columbia, CSI Printing & Graphics, and El Tiempo Latino; Media Sponsors: iHeart Media, Washingtonian, The Washington Informer; Official TV Partner: 7News & 24/7 News WJLA.

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