Spring Blossoms Here: 2020 National Cherry Blossom Festival Looks Ahead to Spring

At the launch event, the 2020 official artwork was unveiled (pictured belowt). The artwork was created by Matt Long, a Frederick, MD-based artist and graphic designer. The 2020 Commemorative Poster featuring the artwork is now available for purchase.

“The broad range of cherry blossom colors, the radiant energy among spectators, and the fragile beauty in these little flowers are a few of the experiences that inspired this piece,” Long said. “It was important to me to capture the essence of spring, but in a different light and energy.”

Organizers announced the Capitol Riverfront as the new location for Petalpalooza, held during the final weekend of the Festival on April 11. The free event will bring three stages of live music, a beer garden, and a fireworks show to its new home in Southeast DC’s The Yards.

The Festival highlighted its expanded roster of sports programming, including the return of the Blossoms and Baseball game with the Washington Nationals, a Blossom Night with DC United, and a new partnership with the Washington Wizards.

National Cherry Blossom Festival 2020 signature events include:

• Friday, March 20: Pink Tie Party fundraiser presented by ANA at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (early-bird tickets available now)
• Saturday, March 21: Opening Ceremony at the Warner Theatre
• Saturday, March 28: Blossom Kite Festival presented by Otsuka on the Washington Monument grounds
• Saturday, April 4: National Cherry Blossom Festival Paradeâ presented by Events DC (grandstand tickets on sale now)
• Saturday, April 13: Petalpalooza at Capitol Riverfront presented by CHASE
• Dates TBD: Tidal Basin Welcome Area and ANA Performance Stage

Working in close collaboration with Festival partners, 2020 Premier Events include:

• Saturday, March 21: SAAM Cherry Blossom Celebration produced by Smithsonian American Art Museum
• Saturday, April 4: Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival, produced by the Japan-America Society of Washington DC
• Sunday, April 5: Anacostia River Festival produced by the 11th Street Bridge Park

Recently, the Festival won 11 top industry awards from the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA). The Festival came in first place (Gold) in five categories, and third place (Bronze) in the esteemed Grand Pinnacle Award category, considered a top industry honor.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the world’s great celebrations of spring. The 2020 Festival, March 20 – April 14, includes four weeks of events featuring diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty, and community spirit. Visit nationalcherryblossomfestival.org or call 877.44.BLOOM for more information, or check out Facebook (CherryBlossomFestival), Twitter (@CherryBlossFest), and Instagram (@CherryBlossFest).

ABOUT MATT LONG, OFFICIAL 2020 ARTIST

Using acrylic paints and Sharpie markers, artist Matt Long creates fluid forms with bright colors and an engaging sense of movement. While he draws inspiration from a diverse array of sources, many of Long’s works are a manifestation of his love for nature, surf, sun and music. His organic style matches his free-spirited approach to life, as he lets inspiration take him where it may without getting wrapped up in tradition.

A graduate of Shepherd University where he pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in Graphic Design, this multimedia artist and outdoor enthusiast currently lives in Frederick, Maryland where he works as a graphic designer. Throughout the day, he contributes his creative efforts into marketing, digital media design, and apparel production. Throughout the night, his heart and artistic sensibility are never far from his seaside summers in Cape May, New Jersey and his more personal creative pursuits which have included collaborations with small businesses and charitable fundraising efforts for a handful of non-profit and humanitarian aid organizations.

To view more of Matt Long’s work, visit @artistmattlong or  artistmattlong.com.