This year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival attracted a record number of visitors to D.C., according to new data from festival organizers and Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office on August 7. The figures reveal that 1.6 million people flocked to the District and its surrounding areas for the spring celebration, surpassing the pre-pandemic attendance of 1.5 million in 2019.
Among attendees, 56% were visitors and 44% were local residents. Of the visitors, 83% hailed from the United States, while 17% came from international locations. Additionally, nearly half of the attendees utilized the Metro for transportation to Festival events.
Visitor spending in D.C. alone reached $202 million, with an average stay of 3.9 days. Notably, 58% of visitors were from outside the D.C. area, and 77% of those who stayed overnight chose hotels in the city.
Mayor Bowser emphasized the Festival’s success and its significant economic and tourism contributions to Washington, D.C., and the surrounding regions. “Washington, D.C. takes pride in hosting the National Cherry Blossom Festival each spring, as it not only drives economic growth for our residents and businesses but also allows us to present our city to visitors from across the nation and the globe,” stated Mayor Bowser. “Last year, we achieved a new tourism record thanks to exceptional events like the National Cherry Blossom Festival.”
Diana Mayhew, president and CEO of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, emphasized the team’s dedication to delivering a world-class celebration that not only marks a key event on D.C.’s tourism calendar but also serves as a vital economic catalyst for the region. “We take pride in being one of the world’s premier spring celebrations, enhancing D.C.’s reputation as the nation’s springtime destination,” she remarked.
The Festival conducts a visitor information study every three to four years, utilizing data from an intercept survey by Alexander Babbage and attendance estimates from Placer, provided by the Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District. Destination DC contributed insights on average visitor spending.
The 2025 Festival will commemorate 25 years since its evolution from a volunteer-run event to a professionally managed organization. Originally a week-long celebration, it has expanded into a four-week experience, spreading the joy of cherry blossoms throughout D.C. and beyond. The 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled for March 20 to April 13.
