If 2020 was the year of canceled plans, 2021 is the year that we’re figuring out how to keep them — any way we can. So, even though life has yet to return to normal as we know it, there are still some glimmers of hope for fun this year. From the reimagined Cherry Blossom Festival to new libraries and more, here are the things we’re most looking forward to this year.

#1: The Cherry Blossom Festival & 10-mile Run

Cherry blossoms are an annual spring tradition in DC and, sadly last year, the festival was put on hold due to COVID-19 shutdowns. This year, event organizers are adjusting in style by designing a hybrid setup that includes safe social distancing, as well as virtual events, including the Pink Tie Party, which usually takes place on The National Mall. Those who plan to venture out to the Tidal Basin and National Mall should also plan for distanced and masked in-person gatherings. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, which runs from March 20 to April 11, includes a distanced kite-flying celebration and “Petal Procession” parades, which will take place in every ward of the city. Meanwhile, the Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Run is still on, even if it’s delayed well past peak bloom. Runners should mark June 1 on their calendar for the competitive online lottery.

#2: Opening Day at Nationals Park

Opening Day is a staple of spring in DC that was significantly impacted last year due to Covid. This year, so far, it appears to be all systems go for a new Nationals season to kick off on April 1. 2021 ticket plans (as low as $18 per game) are on sale now and include access to the Opening Day pre-sale. Even if the ballpark does end up being closed to fans, there are plenty of bars and restaurants on or near Half Street to celebrate a win against the New York Mets. A few standbys like Walters Sports Bar, Mission, and The Bullpen remain open with streeteries, and they join newcomers like craft beer favorites Atlas Brew Works and Gatsby, a swank American eatery with plans to open by April.

#3: Honoring MLK at a new DC library

This year marks the DC Public Library’s 125th birthday, and as part of the celebration, it’s breaking in its brand new central library, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, which underwent a $211 million renovation last year. The space has been designed for all ages, including kids, who can slide down from a children’s reading room instead of taking the stairs. There’s also a recording, dance, and recital studio, a rooftop garden with sweeping views of Gallery Place-Chinatown, and an opulent lobby featuring an iconic mural of Martin Luther King, Jr. created by artist Don Miller in 1986. The library maintains limited curbside services to pick up and return materials, as well as check out books from the grab-and-go selection.

#4: Visiting the new Planet Word and Franklin Square

2021 will only add to the grand scale of museums that Washington has to offer with Planet Word, an immersive language experience located at the historic Franklin School. While the museum opened briefly last year, it was put on hiatus this fall due to COVID-19. But there is hope that the museum will reopen this year with voice-activated exhibits, the first in the world, plus interactive galleries bringing words and language to life in all sorts of fun ways.

Those who want to admire the building from the outside can cross the street to enjoy a prime picnic and food truck spot in Franklin Square. The park is closing out an $18-million renovation and will open this spring with a cafe, promenade, as well as plenty of grassy patches to peacefully escape the hustle and bustle of downtown DC.