Jazz & Blossoms Returns to Franklin Park for a Free Spring Celebration
Festival in Downtown DC brings live music, art experiences, and family-friendly activities to the heart of the city during cherry blossom season
Washington, DC (March 31, 2026) - Spring in the nation’s capital comes alive with the return of Jazz & Blossoms, an all-day celebration of music, art, and culture set for Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Franklin Park in Downtown Washington, DC. The free, family-friendly event will run from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., bringing together live performances, interactive art experiences, local vendors, and community activities in one of the city’s most vibrant public spaces.
Presented by the DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) and Words Beats & Life, Jazz & Blossoms is a premier event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Transforming Franklin Park into an immersive cultural playground where attendees can engage with art, music, and community throughout the day. Headlining performances for the 2026 event will include Tweet, the chart-topping R&B artist known for her hit records; Oddisee, the nationally recognized DMV-born hip-hop artist and producer; and Nabaté Isles presenting a special tribute in celebration of the enduring legacy of Miles Davis. Additional performers will take the stage throughout the afternoon and evening, with a dynamic lineup spanning soul, hip-hop, and jazz - reflecting the vibrant cultural energy of the District.
Designed to welcome visitors of all ages, this festival features a wide variety of family-friendly activities and interactive zones that encourage movement, creativity, and connection. Guests are invited to bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the park while exploring oversized lawn games, video games, face painting, caricature drawings, and a podcast recording station. Festivalgoers can also participate in activities such as giant chess, Jenga and Uno, Double Dutch, an open dance floor, and an African drum circle, creating a lively and engaging environment for families, friends, and community members alike.
In honor of the cherry blossom season, Jazz & Blossoms will also highlight Japanese cultural experiences designed for guests of all ages. Activities will include origami workshops, a haiku writing station, Japanese lawn games, and hands-on creative stations such as bonsai and cherry blossom LEGO® building, along with live mural painting by Japanese artists.
“Spring in downtown Washington, DC brings a renewed sense of energy and connection, and Jazz & Blossoms is a reflection of that spirit. It’s an opportunity for our community to come together to celebrate the season, experience the arts, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere that makes Downtown so special,” said Gerren Price, President and CEO of the DowntownDC BID.
Located in the heart of Downtown DC, the festival is easily accessible via McPherson Square Station, making it convenient for residents and visitors alike to join the celebration. Jazz & Blossoms is an official event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival and offers a vibrant way to continue the celebration of spring in the heart of Downtown DC. Guests can also enjoy cherry blossom–inspired cocktails and food offerings while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the park.
Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to register HERE in advance to receive updates and more information. To arrange media interviews with the DowntownDC BID please contact Shelby at downtowndcbid@lindarothpr.com and all high-res media images can be found HERE.
About the DowntownDC BID
Downtown DC is the most diverse and exciting neighborhood in one of the most important cities in the world. Here, locals and visitors find all the most thrilling experiences of DC in 140 walkable and transit-rich blocks: business, education, and government; shopping and dining; parks, art, music, sports, theater, history - adding up to a bright future. The DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) was founded in 1997 as the city’s first private nonprofit place management organization where property owners agree to tax themselves to fund services that enhance people’s experiences in the neighborhood. The BID’s area includes 530 properties and is defined by Massachusetts Avenue on the north, including the Walter E. Washington Convention Center at Mount Vernon Square, to Constitution Avenue on the south, and from Louisiana Avenue on the east to 16th Street on the west.
About Words Beats & Life
We are unapologetic advocates for the transformative power of hip-hop culture in all its forms, empowering artists to relentlessly create and refine systems that demonstrate positive change through our individual and collective brilliance. We embrace the sacred nature of our work and our roles as keepers and innovators of our culture. We create arts-based educational experiences that equip youth, arts managers, teaching artists, and scholars to move from theory to practice. We harness the power of the imagination to reshape the lives and communities we serve. For more information, visit wblinc.org/
ABOUT THE NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the world’s great celebrations of spring. The 2026 Festival takes place March 20–April 12 and includes five weekends of events featuring diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty, and community spirit. The Leadership Circle Sponsors for the 2026 National Cherry Blossom Festival are Events DC and ANA, All Nippon Airways. The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s Official Communications Partner is LINK Strategic Partners. Mark your calendars! Save the dates for the 2026 Festival signature events. Visit NationalCherryBlossomFestival.org or call 877.44.BLOOM for more information. Follow the Festival on social media: Facebook (@CherryBlossomFestival), Instagram (@CherryBlossFest), Twitter (@CherryBlossFest) and YouTube (@CherryBlossFest). View all events on the website.
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