Cherry blossom-themed events planned over the next month in Alexandria

Peak cherry blossom season is scheduled to hit later this month, but locals don’t need to go to D.C. to see them.

Visit Alexandria compiled a list of several events planned this month around Alexandria celebrating both cherry blossoms themselves and some of the cultural context around the beautiful pink trees.

There are multiple ways to see the cherry blossoms along the Potomac River, from the Water Taxi and City Cruises to a bike rental package at Unlimited Biking (421 King Street) in Alexandria.

The Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe and Wine Bar (109 S. Alfred Street) is hosting a “Purry Blossom Weekend” with cherry blossom-themed merchandise and drinks on April 13 and 14. Admission to the cat cafe is $20 for adults or $15 for children, or $40 for a day pass. All proceeds go to helping cats find a new home.

Some events planned in Alexandria include:

Pink Torpedoes: Cherry Blossom Art in An Old Munitions Factory, March 23 to April 14, — 105 N Union Street:

Explore all three floors of Torpedo Factory Art Center, home to the nation’s largest collection of working artists’ open studios under one roof, to view a building-wide exhibition of art inspired by the iconic cherry blossoms. Participating artists will exhibit one or more unique artworks in their studio or gallery. Each artist will explore their interpretations of the cherry blossoms—culturally, colorfully and viscerally—and visitors will discover new ways of thinking about the region’s seasonal pink event. Visitors will receive a “Pink Torpedoes” building map with locations of the artwork to discover. Each studio artist in the Art Center is selected by art experts and rank among the best in the region. Artists work in front of the visitor and discuss their work on view. Visitors may shop for one-of-a-kind art inspired by the cherry blossoms, plus more.

Workshop: Cherry Blossom Candle-Making with The Burning Wic at Shop Made in VA, March 24, from 3 to 5 p.m. — 1121 King Street:

Immerse yourself in the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms during our enchanting class with The Burning Wic. Craft your own candle in a stunning Rose Gold Mercury Tumbler, infusing it with the soft allure of cherry blossoms, and the candle will captivate during the day and radiate warmth at night. This unique class not only includes an 11 oz. candle but also a car diffuser, ensuring you can carry the essence of cherry blossoms wherever you go. Come for a magical experience, creating a shimmering masterpiece that adds a touch of spring inspired by the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms to both your space and travels.

Admission: $45 per person

Special Gallery: “Japanese Inspiration” at The Athenaeum, April 4 to May 12 — The Athenaeum, 201 Prince Street

To complement Washington’s festivities celebrating the Japanese cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin, the Athenaeum Gallery is featuring the work of three local contemporary artists whose work is influenced and guided by traditional Japanese art. Sean Doonan is an illustrator whose fanciful posters are inspired by Japanese mythology, anime, video games and pop culture. David Gootnick creates lacy and delicate designs out of wood using an ancient Japanese artform called Kumiko. And Yoshiko Ratliff’s paintings are bold, but intricately detailed, representations of Japanese characters and kimonos.

Exclusive Tour: All Lit Up Like a Japanese Lantern: The Japanese Aesthetic in Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House, April 6 — Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House, 9000 Richmond Hwy

By 1941, the year Pope-Leighey House was completed, Frank Lloyd Wright had studied Japan for almost a half-century. He had become a serious collector of woodblock prints–even writing a book on the subject–and had won acclaim for his design of the Tokyo Imperial Hotel, one of the few buildings to survive the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. On this special tour, visitors will discover how the famous American architect incorporated his love of Japanese art, architecture, and philosophy into Usonian homes, and how this East Asian influence shines in Wright’s Pope-Leighey House.

Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for students.