Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival Begins

 It's finally here!

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Sakura Matsuri festival runs this weekend.

Not only will you see the garden’s collection of 220 trees, the bulk of which will be in peak bloom (see for yourself on the Garden's  “CherryWatch” map, scroll down), but there will also be more than 60 events over two days including contemporary and traditional Japanese music and dance, taiko drumming, ikebana flower arranging, Japanese DJs, presentations on the art of manga, tea ceremonies, and workshops for kids and adults.

According to the Botanic Garden, Sakura Matsuri is the nation’s largest event in a public garden, with tens of thousands of visitors each year.

Festival hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 30; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 1. Events are free with garden admission, which is $5 higher on those two days: $15  for adults and $10 for senior citizens and students. Children under 12 and garden members are free. Members also get to bypass the admission line, which can be long.