Events DC Cherry Blast!, a premier event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, is a Japanese-inspired festival with food tastings, interactive art exhibits and music playing throughout the night. Join us on Friday, April 14 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. as we transform Dock 5 at Union Market into a busy Tokyo streetscape featuring a night market with tastings curated by Chef Erik Bruner-Yang of Maketto, interactive exhibits including sumo, graffiti artists, Esports and origami while DJs spin throughout the night.

Experiences include:

Japanese Food Tastings: Acclaimed DC chefs prepare an authentic menu including...

• Yakitori (skewered chicken) by Chef Erik Bruner-Yang (Spoken English, Maketto, Paper Horse)
• Ramen noodles by Chef Erik Bruner-Yang (Spoken English, Maketto, Paper Horse)
• Karage (fried chicken) by Chef Katsuya Fukushima (Daikaya, Bantam King, Haikan)
• Doroyaki (red bean pancake) by Chef Tim Ma (Kyirisan)
• Kushikatsu (deep fried meat & vegetables) by Chef Seng Luangrath (Thip Khao, Bangkok Golden)
• Okonomiyaki (savory pancake made with/without meat) by Chef Hiro Mitsui (Conbini Cafe)
• Curry Rice by Chef Huy Nguyen (Pho Wheels)

• Otakon Interactive Art displays a variety of art inspired by Japanese culture.
• Sumo wrestling demonstration with audience participation
• Origami powered by DC Fray
• Video game lounge featuring 10 different stations of Nintendo and Sony classics
• Live shirt screen printing designed by Soul & Ink
• Live artists

• Japanese spirits sampled in the night market.
• Hibiki Japanese Whisky
• Suntory Whisky Toki
• Kirin beer
• Sake

• Music soundstage,headlined by internationally recognized DJ Mel, features entertainers performing throughout the night.

• VIP tea room is an exclusive, private lounge featuring a special menu from Erik Bruner Yang, hand crafted cocktails by Gina Chersevani, lounge seating and exclusive restrooms (VIP ticket is required).

This is a 21+ event, no exceptions.