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Events Calender
Stay up-to-date with all upcoming NCSS and Cherry Blossom Festival events! Our interactive calendar features dates, locations, and details for celebrations, ceremonies, and community gatherings throughout the year. Easily find event information, RSVP, and add your favorite events to your personal calendar. Don’t miss out on any of the excitement, check back often for the latest updates!
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April 2026
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Grow Your Vision
Signature Cherry Blossom Events
NCSS is celebrating the 78th Annual Cherry Blossom program this year. We are delighted to invite you to attend the public events that we are hosting. For information please see the details below.
O Museum Reception
Saturday April 4th at 5:30pm
Open to the Public - Tickets Required
Enjoy a tour of the museum and meet the NCSS Cherry Blossom delegates for 2026. Ticket are required and may be purchased online for $50.00 per person.
Royal Buds of Promise
Saturday April 4th at 9:00am
Our Cherry Blossom Royal Buds will participate in the Cherry Queen’s Storytime & Royal Cherry Blossom Tea Party, be individually introduced, and receive a crown from the U.S. and Japan Cherry Blossom Queens. They will also participate in a cultural activity and have the opportunity to take a photo with our Queens.
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We encourage our Buds of Promise to attend the Lantern Lighting and NCSS Celebration Gala (ticket not included) as well where they will be recognized. State and Territorial Societies can have more than one part, it is not limited, and applications are accepted on a first come - first serve basis.
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Junior Princess Tea
Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 12:00pm​
​The Junior Cherry Blossom Princess Program is a cultural program and celebration for young girls ages 5 to 15 years old held each year in Washington, DC during the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Other events for Jr. Princesses include the Japanese Stone Lantern Lighting and NCSS Cherry Blossom Gala.
Stone Lantern Lighting
Sunday April 5th at 2:30pm
Join NCSS and the National Park Service for the traditional lighting of the Japanese Stone Lantern, located amidst the cherry blossom trees (map located here). Lantern is approximately 375 years old and weighs over 4,000 lbs and given as a gift by Japan in 1954. Musical Prelude starts at 2:30 PM with ceremony beginning at 3 PM until 4:30 PM. Free to the public.
NCSS Cherry Blossom Gala
Friday April 10th at 8:00pm at Capital Hilton
Black Tie Optional - Tickets Required
Join NCSS to celebrate the 2026 Cherry Blossom Delegates and to crown the 2026 US Cherry Blossom Queen with the famous Mikimoto Crown. The evening will include appetizers, open bar and dancing.
NCSS Congressional Reception
Wednesday April 15th
Private Event for NCSS Members Only
Each year NCSS celebrates its ties to Congress through our annual Congressional Reception. Delegates are introduced by their respective Congress members and celebrate all the US States and Territories along with the Japanese Embassy and our Sponsors. For more information please reach out to your State/Territory Society.
Saturday, April 12, 2025
​National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade - The newly-crowned US Cherry Blossom Queen and her Japanese counterpart make their first public appearance during the National Cherry Blossom Parade presented by Events DC.
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​​​​Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival - The Japan-America Society of Washington DC presents the annual Japanese Street Festival, a vibrant afternoon featuring Japanese food, merchandise, arts and culture.
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