Philadelphia's cherry blossoms are on track to reach peak bloom from April 5-8. Why it matters: Cue weekend crowds in Fairmount Park vying for the best selfie content and picnic spots among flowering trees.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of Washington’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing more than 1.5 million visitors for three weeks of street parties, concerts, family activities and days to go fly a kite.

Spurred by D.C.’s recent sunny, mild weather, the Tidal Basin cherry blossoms reached the first stage of development Tuesday. The cycle could accelerate soon.

The cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. are a global event. Each year, over 1.5 million visitors flood the city to enjoy the days of peak bloom. Crowds swarm the Tidal Basin and it gets almost impossible to snap a peaceful photo.

Saturday’s free, family friendly event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. launches 17 days of Yozakura -style nighttime viewings of cherry trees illuminated with traditional Japanese lanterns at the State Capitol State Park on the Capitol Mall across Court Street from the Capitol Building.

Spring's pink pageant is unfolding at the University of Washington, where the Quad's iconic Yoshino cherry trees are nearing peak bloom, an annual tradition that draws thousands of visitors to campus.

Visitors can monitor the blooms in real time on the University of Washington's website. Peak bloom means 70% of the buds have emerged. SEATTLE - The University of Washington cherry blossoms on the Seattle campus are a sign that spring is knocking on the door.