A True Seattle Celebration Nearly 90 Years in the Making!

Each year thousands of people from around the region and beyond flock to the University of Washington (UW) campus to see the blooming of the cherry trees on the UW Quad. The historic cherry trees were a gift from Japan and are nearly 90 years old. Originally planted in a grove at the Washington Park Arboretum, they were moved to the UW campus in 1964 where they continue to bloom today. To honor this tradition and the beginning of spring in Seattle, local businesses have come together to present a special U District menu featuring a variety of cherry and cherry blossom-themed food, drink and retail specials available from Friday, March 24 through Sunday, April 2.

The U District Cherry Blossom Festival is organized by The U District Partnership.

For details about viewing the cherry blossoms and what to expect, visit the

UW Cherry Blossoms Site

Traveling to the U District

However you make your way to the U District, you’re sure to have a great time when you arrive! The annual cherry blossom viewing attracts tens of thousands of visitors daily, with increased visitors on the popular peak bloom weekends.

As always, we recommend you consider public transportation to help reduce traffic and maximize your time enjoying the neighborhood and the bloom.

Plan your bus trip!
Wondering which bus to take? Use the handy King County Metro’s Trip Planner or Google Maps.

Travel by Link Light Rail
With the U District Link Light Rail Station centrally located in the neighborhood, getting to the U District has never been easier. Hop a light rail train and exit into the heart of the neighborhood on Brooklyn Ave NE and NE 43rd!

Take the Burke Gilman Trail
Get in a few extra steps and take the Burke Gilman Trail! The Burke-Gilman Trail is a popular recreational trail for walkers, runners, cyclists, skaters and commuters. Take the road exit at University Way NE and travel north to NE 41st for the south entrance to Street Fair!

Beside the Burke Gilman, here are a few resources to help plan your trip, Google Map Biking Directions,  SDOT’s Online Biking Guide Map, or download the Seattle Biking Map.

Traveling by Car

Plan ahead for some congestion on the high-traffic peak bloom dates! The U District is regularly accessible by car with easy access to I-5. We highly recommend that individual drivers visit the University of Washington’s dedicated cherry blossom page for details on parking, accessibility, and street closures.

SR 520 Traffic Advisory: Please note, Westbound SR 520 off-ramps to Montlake Boulevard East and 24th Avenue East will be closed March 31 to April 3, 2023.

Media Inquiries

For all media inquiries, please contact Pollyanna Yokokawa at [email protected].