DCDC Cherry Blossomscherry blossomsNational Cherry Blossom Festival

Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom Changed: Blossoms Expected April 3-6

New Dates For Peak Bloom
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USA, Washington DC, Cherry tree in blossom with Jefferson Memorial in background

WASHINGTON -- If cherry blossom season is your favorite time of year, be sure to update your calendar. The National Park Service today pushed back its projected peak bloom to April 3-6.

The new dates are in line with the Capital Weather Gang's forecast of April 5. Previously, NPS predicted peak bloom March 26-30.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival officially begins tomorrow with the Pink Tie Party, where more than 30 area restaurants will present cherry blossom-themed food and drinks.

We rounded up 10 of the best National Cherry Blossom Festival events last week.

Cherry blossoms aren't the only great thing about D.C. during spring. Here are 9 other reasons to look forward to warmer weather in Washington:

Spring In D.C.
Cherry Blossoms(01 of10)
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D.C. bursts into spring each year with bright pink and white cherry blossoms. Between the month-long National Cherry Blossom Festival and off-the-beaten-path spots to see the trees, we never get tired of enjoying one of Washington's most iconic sights. (credit:AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Farmers' Markets(02 of10)
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We're spoiled by farmers' markets in Dupont Circle and Eastern Market that stay open year-round. But during the spring, more markets pop up around town as flowers and fresh produce take center-stage. (Check out chef Ris Lacoste's farmers' market shopping trip.) (credit:Alamy)
Rooftop Dining(03 of10)
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Dining al fresco is one thing; dining on a rooftop with fantastic views of the city is even better. We love open-air eateries like El Centro D.F., P.O.V. Lounge, Local 16 and Perry's. (credit:<a href="http://www.richardsandoval.com/elcentrodf/gallery.php" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="richardsandoval.com" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5be469ece4b0564518c387c8" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.richardsandoval.com/elcentrodf/gallery.php" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="19" data-vars-position-in-unit="26">richardsandoval.com</a>)
Festival Season(04 of10)
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D.C. is the festival capital of America, hosting more events than any other city. There's truly something for everyone, from the White House Easter Egg Roll and Passport D.C. to the Washington National Cathedral Flower Mart and the Dragon Boat Festival. (credit:AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Hiking(05 of10)
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We're lucky to have an abundance of hiking trails within a short distance of downtown. Go enjoy Rock Creek Park and Great Falls close to home, or venture a little farther with hikes at Old Rag and Catoctin Mountain Park. (credit:National Park Service)
Truckeroo(06 of10)
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More than 20 food trucks. Live music. Friendly atmosphere. Truckeroo is the place to be once a month to sample the best food trucks from around the region. (credit:Flickr: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/danspix/7309443216/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="danspix" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5be469ece4b0564518c387c8" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/danspix/7309443216/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="5" data-vars-position-in-unit="12">danspix</a>)
Washington Nationals Are Back(07 of10)
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After 33 years without a baseball team, Washington loves its Nationals. This year's Nationals home opener is April 1 versus the Miami Marlins. (credit:AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Outdoor Movies(08 of10)
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Beginning in late May, outdoor film festivals begin popping up around town. From NoMa to National Harbor, we love lazy evenings on a blanket under the stars. (credit:JOYCE NALTCHAYAN/AFP/Getty Images)
Beer Gardens(09 of10)
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After work, it's nice to not head back inside for happy hour. For something different, grab an outdoor brew at lively beer gardens like Biergartenhaus, Standard and Marvin. (credit:standarddc.com)
Biking(10 of10)
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Why travel by underground Metro when much of D.C. is easily accessible on foot or by bike? It can be the best way to get from point A to point B -- without sitting in rush hour traffic or paying WMATA's ever-increasing fares. (credit:Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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