Last Admission at 5:30 p.m. Sakura Matsuri, the Garden's annual cherry blossom festival, celebrates Japanese culture with a rich program of events. Tickets required for all! Members enter free with ticket.
How to Have a Great Festival: Tips & Rules
Sakura Matsuri days are the Garden’s busiest. Be prepared.
- Skip the box office line! Become a member or purchase an advance ticket. Members can use the members' lane at any entrance. Advance ticket holders must select a specific entrance (see map).
- During Sakura Matsuri no tickets will be sold at the Eastern Parkway entrance. A limited number of tickets will be sold on event days at the 455 Flatbush Avenue and 990 Washington Avenue entrances. To comply with safety regulations we may have to halt ticket sales if we reach maximum capacity. Purchase tickets in advance to ensure entry.
- Travel light. All bags and packages will be searched by Security. Be prepared to wait in line for bag check.
- Take public transportation. Parking nearby is very limited and gridlock is likely. Travel directions ›
- Avoid peak attendance. Come early in the day or later in the afternoon.
- No outside food or beverages. Exceptions are bottled water and baby bottles only. A substantial menu of food and drink will be available at stations throughout the Garden.
- Help protect our plant collections. During the festival, some areas of the Garden are closed. Please do not pick flowers, climb trees, or walk in the planted beds. Folding chairs are not permitted.
- Cosplayers take note: Real or realistic weapons, oversized props, or props made of hard materials (e.g., wood, Plexiglas, metal) will not be allowed inside the Garden. Security reserves the right to refuse admission of any potentially hazardous props.
- Leave the wheels at home. Scooters and bikes are not permitted in the Garden, and bike racks located at each entrance fill up early. Due to festival crowds, avoid bringing a stroller.
- Drones, tripods, and commercial photography are not allowed. Photos for personal use and social sharing encouraged! See policy at bbg.org/photography.
Sunday, April 28 | Schedule
Cherry Esplanade Stage
- Noon–12:45 p.m.
Taiko Masala
Traditional taiko drumming and martial arts, Brooklyn-style- 1–1:45 p.m.
Dancejapan with Sachiyo Ito
Elegant and colorful Kabuki Buyo- 2–2:45 p.m.
Samurai Sword Soul
Action-packed drama by martial arts masters- 3–3:45 p.m.
J-Music Ensemble
High-octane jazz inspired by anime and video game themes- 4–4:45 p.m.
Twisty Bonbon
Japanese producer Twisty’s techno-infused music project- 5–5:45 p.m.
Lust
Trippy, edgy Japanese rock from NYC-based trio
J-Lounge Stage in the Plant Family Collection
- Noon–12:45 p.m.
Rich Kameda
Classic magical illusions with Japanese flair- 1–1:45 p.m.
Naruto Dance Party: Kohei & TiA
Kohei teams up with anime-theme songstress TiA- 2–2:45 p.m.
Shihori
Emotional lyrics and video-game inspired songs- 3–3:30 p.m.
Neko or Usagi: Anime Quiz Battleground
A fun-filled game show from cosplay curator extraordinaire Charles Battersby- 3:45–4:30 p.m.
Ka-Na
Acoustic ballads from award-winning songwriter- 5:15–6 p.m.
DJ Sashimi & Robby Takac
Edo-era melodies meet tasty beats, featuring Goo Goo Dolls bassist Robby Takac on the Shamisen
Auditorium Stage
- 1:30–2:15 p.m.
Sohenryu Tea Ceremony for Families
Kids learn about the art of tea with tea masters Soumi Shimizu and Sōkyo Shimizu.- 2:45–3:30 p.m.
Sohenryu Tea Ceremony
Tea masters Soumi Shimizu and Sōkyo Shimizu share this ancient traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Repeats at 4 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.- 4–4:45 p.m.
Sohenryu Tea Ceremony
- 5:15–6 p.m.
Sohenryu Tea Ceremony
Artist Village
- 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Plant Family Collection
Hideyo Okamura
Japanese abstract visual artRumi Hara
Ink illustrations and comic art by a Kyoto nativeJed Henry
Illustrations blending video game characters with Edo-era art traditionsTogei Kyoshitshu Ceramics
Functional and elegant potteryCommunity Bookstore
An exciting array of Japanese readsCosplayNYC
Meet the community of zine creators.
Japanese Marketplace
- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Plant Family Collection
J-Fashion Accessories
Handcrafted kawaii adornments by Un-Re DesignsKokeshi Dolls
Handcrafted wooden dolls presented by Kyoohoo of northern JapanMinamoto Kitchoan Wagashi
Seasonal Japanese confections and treatsRaaka Chocolate
Small-batch chocolates inspired by Japanese culinary traditionsRoyce’ Chocolate
Chocolate and matcha from Hokkaido, JapanSushi Pillows
Whimsical plush creations by Sushi Designs New YorkTenugui Wraps
Decorative cotton cloths by Wuhao Tenugui ArtVintage Kimonos
Fashions straight from Japan by YokoDana Kimono
Garden Pop-ups
- 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Sakura Eats
Enjoy tasty Japanese-inspired food and beverage throughout the Garden.- 10 a.m.–Noon
Japanese Garden Stroll
A guided tour of BBG’s cloud-pruned trees, torii gate, and koi
Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden- 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Koto Corner
Pop-up concerts throughout the day, curated by Miyabi Koto Shamisen Ensemble
Alfred T. White Memorial
Children’s Garden Pavilion- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Mikoshi: Portable Shinto Shrine
See how mikoshi are traditionally used in Japan with the Association of Shinto Shrines.
Steinhardt Conservatory- 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Fan-Decorating Workshop for Kids
Decorate a Japanese fan with natural beet dye (ages 4 and up).
Discovery Garden- 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Demo Zone
Demonstrations highlighting Japanese culture throughout the day, including Aikido of South Brooklyn and Koka Calligraphy
Water Garden- 3:30–4:15 p.m.
Japanese Folk Dance Institute of NY
Traditional flower-hat dance procession starts at J-Lounge Stage and travels throughout the Garden
Hobbies & Pastimes
- 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Breathtaking Bonsai
Steinhardt ConservatoryBonsai Basics
Consult aficionados from the Friends of Bonsai club.C.V. Starr Bonsai Museum
Enjoy the Garden’s world-class collection of teeny trees.Friends of Bonsai’s Living Sculpture Exhibit
A display of Brooklyn’s own bonsai club- 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Origami Arts
Taro’s Origami Atelier
An evocative array of paper animals and flowers
Rotunda- Noon–4 p.m.
Colossal Creatures: Giant Origami
An exceptional demonstration of paper-folding
Rotunda- 1–5 p.m.
Vaudeville Origami
Fold along with Jeremy Aaron Horland in this one-of-a-kind workshop.
Fragrance Garden- 1–5 p.m.
Game Stop
School Lunch AreaThe Game of Go
Challenge the pros from the Brooklyn Go Club.Karuta
Explore this exciting card game with experts from NYC Karuta Club.Shogi Chess
Learn this ancient game from the masters of New York Shogi Club.
Kid Stuff
- 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Fan-Decorating Workshop for Kids
Decorate a Japanese fan with natural beet dye (ages 4 and up).
Discovery Garden- 1–1:45 p.m.
Taiko Drumming for Families
A master class for kids with Taiko Masala
J-Lounge Stage in the Plant Family Collection- 1–5 p.m.
Vaudeville Origami
Fold along with Jeremy Aaron Horland in this one-of-a-kind workshop.
Fragrance Garden- 1:30–2:15 p.m.
Sohenryu Tea Ceremony for Families
Kids learn about the art of tea with tea masters Soumi Shimizu and Sōkyo Shimizu.
Auditorium- 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Samurai Selfie
You Look Radishing!
Pose in your favorite warrior cutouts or as a daikon radish.
Cherry Esplanade
Tickets required for all! Members enter free with ticket.
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