March 20, 2026
Dear Washingtonians,
Happy first official day of spring! Our city is beautiful all year, but especially in the spring. Of course, a big part of what makes spring in DC so special are the cherry blossoms, and this weekend also brings the official start of the Cherry Blossom Festival, which means fun, family-friendly events happening across all eight wards.
As of today, many Cherry Blossom Festival events are already underway, and celebrations will continue at tomorrow's Opening Ceremony and throughout the weekend. Next weekend, just ahead of predicted peak bloom, will bring some of the most popular cherry blossom events of the season, including the Kite Festival on the National Mall, BloomFest at the Tidal Basin, and the Pinknic and Kite Fly at Oxon Run Park. And I always like to remind people that while the Tidal Basin is the most popular cherry blossom attraction, and where you can see the 250 new trees gifted from Japan, we also have beautiful trees blooming across all eight wards.
And the cherry blossoms aren’t the only fun to look forward to this spring – the Department of Parks and Recreation also has a full lineup of spring events scheduled. From their Monday night kickball league to a Spring Fling, and a Spring Jam for kids and families and a Kickback Easter Jam for seniors, as always, DPR has something for everyone.
Let’s have a safe and fun first weekend of spring in the most beautiful city in the world.
Sincerely,
Mayor Bowser, the DC Office of Planning (OP), and the RFK Project Management Office are inviting residents to participate in developing a master plan for the new RFK campus. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of upcoming community engagement opportunities to share input on the plan and help shape the transformation of 180 acres of land on the banks of the Anacostia River.
The RFK project is set to deliver a brand-new roofed stadium, which will bring the Washington Commanders back home to the District and allow DC to host even more big-ticket sporting events and concerts. The project will also include a mixed-use development featuring housing, hotels and restaurants, retail and entertainment, parks and recreation areas, a sportsplex for District youth, and more.
Residents are invited to join the master plan discussion through the following opportunities:
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When: Tuesday, March 24, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
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Where: Department of Employment Services, 4058 Minnesota Avenue NE (Closest Metro: Minnesota Avenue)
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When: Saturday, March 28, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
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Where: St. Coletta of Greater Washington, 1901 Independence Avenue SE (Closest Metro: Stadium-Armory)
ASL interpretation will be provided. Learn more about the community open houses at ourrfk.dc.gov.
The Department of General Services’ Percent for Art Program is commissioning 45 new works of art to fill newly renovated spaces across DC, including schools, shelters, rec centers, and more! The program works to bring sculptures, installations, murals, and more into DGS projects in all eight wards.
With more than $1 million in opportunities available, artists working in all disciplines are welcome to apply. Applications are due by Tuesday, March 31 at 2:00 p.m.
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The Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP) is gearing up for its final certification event of 2026.
Each year, MBSYEP connects thousands of young people to meaningful work experiences that help them earn income while building critical skills, exploring career paths, and developing strong workplace habits. Last year alone, nearly 13,000 youth participated across 730 employers throughout the District, earning more than $14 million.
Participants can complete their certification by uploading their documents into the or at the “March Madness” final in-person certification event:
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When: Saturday, March 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
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Where: Walter E. Washington Convention Center (801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW)
If you are interested in hosting MBSYEP youth as an employer host site, register at summerjobs.dc.gov.
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