Reserve Your Tickets Now For This Weekend’s Cherry Blossom Festival

The Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom and right on time.

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival — “New York City’s rite of spring” — is happening this weekend. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the festival, called Sakura Matsuri, where over 60 events and performances will celebrate the gorgeous blossoms, and both traditional and contemporary Japanese culture.

All of the Garden’s Cherry Trees are now in “peak bloom.” Don’t miss seeing them.

BBG is expecting record attendance at the Festival this year, and they are urging attendees to buy their tickets in advance.

NOTE: Children under 12 are free but there are no reciprocal admissions, or IDNYC membership processing, on festival days. Tickets are $25 for adults; and $20 for seniors and children 12 and over.

A tip for visitors — think about coming on the early or late side to avoid the peak crowds. The Festival will be running from 10am to 6pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

Check out the full schedules on Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1.

We’ve listed just some of the great activities — besides enjoying the blossoms — that will be happening this weekend. Enjoy!

Main Stage at Cherry Esplanade on Saturday
Noon–12:45 p.m.
Soh Daiko
Thunderous taiko drumming

1:30–2:15 p.m.
Dancejapan with Sachiyo Ito
Elegant and colorful Kabuki Buyo dance

2:30–3:15 p.m.
Samurai Sword Soul
Action-packed drama by martial arts masters

3:30–4:15 p.m.
The Asterplace
Hi-octane J-rock meets anime themes

4:30–5 p.m.
BBG Parasol Society Fashion Show
Featuring live music by the Hanami Ensemble
A prim and proper pageant of grand proportions.

5:15–6 p.m.
Yuzu’s Dream: An Urban Folk Odyssey
Straight outta Nyūzen, J-pop phenomenon Yuzu is joined by choreographer and hip-hop artist Akim Funk Buddha and his Origami Dance Crew.

Main Stage at Cherry Esplanade on Sunday
Noon–12:45 p.m.
Cobu
Taiko and tap with an urban twist

1–1:45 p.m.
Dancejapan with Sachiyo Ito
Elegant and colorful Kabuki Buyo dance

2–2:45 p.m.
Samurai Sword Soul
Action-packed drama by martial arts masters

3–3:45 p.m.
Japanese Folk Dance Institute of NY
Vibrant traditional Minbu dances

4–4:15 p.m.
NY Suwa Taiko Kids All Stars
The next generation of taiko talent

4:15–5 p.m.
Taiko Masala
Traditional taiko drumming and martial arts, Brooklyn-style

5:15–6 p.m.
The Seventh Annual Sakura Matsuri Cosplay Fashion Show
Original Music by Taiko Masala
The East Coast’s premier outdoor showcase of cosplay’s finest