Via the Post, we see that the National Park Service has issued its official guess at when the cherry blossoms will reach their peak. The verdict: March 27 – April 1, a range of dates that’s conveniently in the middle of this year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival.

This year’s festival will include events ranging from soccer tournaments to kite flying to two different kimono exhibitions. You can find a list of all the events here. But of course the main attractions are the lovely flowers themselves. That, and the thrill of nearly getting blown into the tidal basin and crushed by throngs of fellow flower fans.

Still, despite the event’s huge popularity we’re often surprised at how many acquaintances have never been to see the cherry blossoms. Trust us when we say it’d worth it to set aside some time on April’s first weekend.

Image posted to DCist Photos by Flickr user Jess J